Guest Blog: I am Batman.

You may have noticed that a certain someone keeps cropping up on my posts - a Mr @ultimatecoddy, my web designing, superhero obsessed, MMA fighting boyfriend. He has been very supportive over the past few months while I've put in some serious time blogging, and now he has agreed to give this a go himself and has written a guest blog post. So, without further ado, here is Daniel and his thoughts on the new XBox game Batman: Arkham City....

I AM BATMAN. 

OK, here is my attempt at a guest blog for the incredible LC Issue. As an avid follower (well @lindsaycowie is my girlfriend), I've noticed a heavy bias towards all things girly (shoes and such -  this comment may not make the final edit).

I know there are some who may appreciate a more masculine blog. So what to write about? Well my life over the past couple of weeks has been spent immersed in a world of digital justice. I'm talking video games of course, more specifically Batman: Arkham City.

Is it good? That depends if you enjoy showing evil-doers the error of their ways with a well placed boot or fist? I do ….. very much it turns out. This game sends you into the dark vision of DC Comics Universe in a totally captivating way. The landscapes and character designs are a far cry from early camp 60s television shows, dark and with the promise of danger round ever corner. The game play makes you feel like the Dark Knight himself. 

I hid in a cupboard for thirty minutes waiting for @lindsaycowie to come home, so I could see if it was possible to subdue her with a 'Baterang' I made from cardboard, then I realised she was at a Zumba class. After I got the feeling back in my limbs, I crawled over to my Xbox (game available on other consoles, I read you had to say this), to continue the fight. The controls are easy to master; within minutes you are dropping from conveniently placed gargoyles and sending criminals to sleep in a way which only a life time dedicated to martial arts training, after witnessing the murder of your parents and swearing revenge on every criminal everywhere, can.

Should you get this game? YES but warn your immediate family that they may become victim to some serious superhero vengeance, and be prepared to lose hours of our life in front of the TV.

So my first venture into blogging is complete; if this gets some views and maybe a comment (?!?!?), then maybe the great LC issue will allow me to write for them again, I promise it will be awesome!

Festive Finds 2011: The Wedge

I have found that, when it comes to wedges, people either love or hate them; I am most definitely a fan! I love the way they look and I find them more comfortable than some heels - ideal for those festive nights out! Currently, there are some absolutely fab wedges available in shops and online, and below I have listed just a few of my favourites...

Gem wedge ankle boot - Dark Purple
River island, £100

...and in Black

Birthday Suit - Black suede/jewelled
Office, £85

Nippy - Black microfibre/beaded
Office, £90

Suede snake platform wedge - Black
New Look, £29.99

...and in Red

Irregular Choice, Motherly Love -
ASOS, £85 (was £115)

Zafirs suede look wedge ankle boot - Grey
missguided, £35.99

...and in Nude.

Last Christmas...

Now the festive season is practically upon us, it has had me thinking about last year. It was my first Christmas where I didn't work in retail, and therefore I had more than just Christmas day off work, and it was my first holiday away from home (well,  I was in my little flat!), so it was definitely one to remember.

From the incredible snowfall,which led to the creation of one AMAZING snowman, to my first, very-own Christmas tree, here are just a couple of pictures from my Christmas, last year.

Mine and @ultimatecoddy's snowman - Dave...

... we built him in our work's car park one lunchtime!

My first, very-own Christmas tree

Festive candles - like this picture.

Festive Finds 2011: Another one for the playlist...

Ever since I first heard this on Wednesday, I have gotten even more excited about Christmas - if that's possible?!

Anyway, here is Lady Gaga's lovely rendition of the classic 'White Christmas'... with a little bit extra too.

P.S: You can see my other Festive playlist choices right here!

Festive Finds 2011: Everyday I'm Trufflin'!

It had to be done!

A couple of weeks ago now, the lovely Charlotte (Walton's Features Writer) mentioned this website and I have not been able to stop looking at it ever since - of course, I am talking about www.truffleshuffle.co.uk!

For those who aren't familiar with the Truffle Shuffle, you HAVE to be! It is one of the best moments in the amazing 80s film The Goonies (see the image above) - so truffleshuffle.co.uk is the ideal name for this 80s/90s based gift website. It is safe to say that I would like practically everything off this site; there are so many brilliant items that would make great Christmas gifts for any fan of classic, cult television programmes, films and characters, but here is just a few of my favourites...

Happy shopping!

One for the Gleeks: Kurt!

Kurt has got to be one of my favourite characters from Glee; he has his funny, chic moments but we've also seen him at his most vulnerable, getting his first boyfriend and almost losing his dad - he's definitely taken us through an emotional rollercoaster over the two-and-a-bit series!

But just like his fashion sense, his one-liners are just as sharp (see what I did there!), and now that he is in the running to becoming the Class President of William McKinley High School, I'm sure there are plenty more to come. But for now, here are some of Kurt's best quotes:

Kurt: I admit, I like a challenge as much as the next guy. But Rachel somehow manages to dress like a grandmother and a toddler at the same time.

Mercedes: Have you ever kissed anybody?
Kurt: Yes. If by somebody you mean the tender crook of my elbow.


Kurt: Blaine and I love football. Well, Blaine loves football. I love scarves.

Mercedes: So is that a... men’s sweater?  
Kurt: Fashion has no gender.

Kurt: You know what Jacob? It doesn't take much courage for people to park their cottage cheese behinds in their Barkaloungers and log onto the Internet and start tearing people down, does it. But you know what does take some courage? Standing up and singing about something. So here's a message for everyone that reads your blog. Next time, instead of posting an anonymous comment online, say what you have to say TO MY FACE!!
Football player: (throws slushie in Kurt's face) Welcome back, Lady!
Kurt (to Jacob): I don't suppose you could just cut out that last part, is there?

Kurt: You can't prove that there isn't a magic teapot floating around on the dark side of the moon with a dwarf inside that reads romance novels and shoots lightning out of its boobs, but it seems pretty unlikely, doesn't it?
Brittany: God's an evil dwarf?

Kurt: (At football try-outs) Hello. I'm Kurt Hummel and I'll be auditioning for the role of kicker.

Kurt: Mercedes is black, I’m gay. We make culture.

Kurt: Although I've been grouped with the boys, my allegiance remains with you ladies. They declined my offer to do their hair in cornrows, and all my artistic decisions have been derided as too costly because they involve several varieties of exotic bird feathers.

Finn: Are you sure we should free 300 live doves indoors? Won't that get messy?
Kurt: That's why we feed them glitter.

Kurt: (about Tina's Lady Gaga costume) You look like you should be in orbit.
Tina: My balls keep falling off.
Kurt: I've been there.

Kurt: Finn and Rachel’s 'The Kiss That Missed' already has 20,000 views on YouTube. And the comments section is just full of pithy banter, like 'Why is that T-Rex eating the Jew?'

Kurt: You smell homeless Brett, homeless.

And don't forget, you can also view the best quotes from Puck, Quinn, Mercedes, Rachel, Finn, Santana and Brittany - don't you just love Glee!     

Get Online!

This blog post is a little bit different to the usual; it is all about the wonderful @ultimatecoddy and his "Brilliant, Fantastic, Amazing" work as a Web Designer - and those are actual quotes from one of his customers!

Daniel has been Studio Manager of TCA Web Solutions for over a year now - his first job as a web designer - and has built a number of websites for Walton's Publications as well as a customer management system. However, the latest website which he created has received INCREDIBLE praise from the customer; she wrote a lovely testimonial to the MD basically saying how good Dan is at his job!

The website was made for Wrapped in Style, a gift-wrapping company based in Hull. Daniel created a modern, creative and innovative website that boasts great little animations that makes changing pages fun to watch. I have posted a few screen shots below, but you HAVE to go to the Wrapped in Style website to see the full-effect.

Now, I don't know a lot about the technical aspects of web design, and I know I'm biased because Dan is my boyfriend, but I really do think this is a brilliant website. The style is suited to the client, it is fun with animations that make you think 'What's this?' but still straight to the point and easy to navigate - just what a corporate website should be! And as I said, the customer couldn't give it enough praise and he definitely deserves it - Daniel is brilliant at what he does and, the best part is, he created everything from scratch! No templates allowed!

If you log onto the TCA Web Solutions site, then there are more examples of Dan's work, and if you'd like a personal or business website creating or redesigning, then get in touch! He gives good prices too!

P.S: Daniel also created my blog header and formatted the page so it looks like it does - good isn't he! I'm a very proud girlfriend!

Festive Finds 2011: Christmas Playlist!

So here it is, the first post in my 'Festive Finds 2011' feature! 

I thought, to get started, I would focus on Chrismas music; it plays a major part in feeling Christmassy and, no matter how old the songs are, they always do the trick. For me, Christmas REALLY starts when you decorate the home and put up the tree (getting myself excited now!), and I think that the best setting for this is with festive tunes playing in the background, which is why I have created my Christmas Playlist!

I was so excited to hear that Michael Buble would be bringing out a Christmas album - I love him! so of course this would feature heavily on the playlist. The album, named 'Christmas', has 15 classic songs and a special yuletide message (ahh!) and these include:

• 1. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
• 2. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
• 3. Jingle Bells - Feat. The Puppini Sisters
• 4. White Christmas - Duet With Shania Twain
• 5. All I Want For Christmas Is You
• 6. Have A Holly Jolly Christmas
• 7. Santa Buddy
• 8. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
• 9. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
• 10. Silent Night
• 11. Blue Christmas
• 12. Cold December Night
• 13. I'll Be Home For Christmas
• 14. Ava Maria
• 15. Mis Deseos / Feliz Navidad-Duet With Thalia 
• Plus the Christmas message...

I have yet to listen to 'Christmas' (I'm saving it for the decorating!), although I know I will LOVE it! But of course, there are some more modern songs which I have included in my playlist, just to mix it up a bit...

• Britney Spears - 'My Only Wish This Year' - it is very 'All I Want for Christmas'-esque, so if you like girly pop, you'll love it too.
• Mariah Carey - 'All I Want for Christmas' - definitely a classic! Micheal Buble did cover this on his album too so when I get round to listening to it, I will have to see how it compares...
• Destiny's Child - '8 Days of Christmas' has a great Christmassy feel - even if it is very modern and urban 
• Danity Kane - 'Home for Christmas' (remember those, Making the Band fans?!)
• Tom Jones and Cerys Matthews -  'Baby it's Cold Outside' - possibly one of my most favourite Christmas songs... 
• The Jackson 5 - 'Rocky Robin' - get your dancing shoes on!

However, I loved Blaine and Kurt's rendition of this on Glee, so a number of the cast's festive tunes from Glee: The Music: The Christmas Album Volumes One and Two are on my playlist also, including:

• 'The Most Wonderful Day of the Year' 
• 'Last Christmas' (although you can't beat a bit of Wham!) 
• 'Christmas Wrapping' 
• 'Do They Know It's Christmas'
• 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town'

I am sure that there are many more which I will remember and add to the playlist over the next few weeks, but for now, these are my festive favourites! If you have any more suggestions, then please let me know - let the countdown to Christmas begin!

Fancy a Fish Pedicure?

If you haven't heard of this treatment yet, then where have you been?! Having lots of tiny fish nibbling at your feet has become the latest pampering trend, and last weekend, I finally gave it a go!

Relaxing... ahh!

Over the past couple of years, 'fish pedicures' have become more common in beauty salons; the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has estimated that there are approximately 300 in existence in the UK. Originating in the Far East, the treatment consists of Garra Rufa fish (usually) - otherwise known as 'Doctor fish' - feeding off the dead, rough skin on your feet, leaving them feeling soft and revitalised once it has ended.

It is said that the fish excrete Dithranol, part of an enzyme which can be used to treat psoriosis, which is why your skin is left feeling smooth; it is also said that circulation is enhanced and the treatment can improve skin conditions such as eczema - sounds good?!

A couple of weeks a go, a number of news stories appeared in newspapers saying that this treatment can spread HIV and Aids, verrucas, athletes foot and other infections as well as increasing the risk of catching parasites and bacterial infections - if you are letting fish eat your feet, which have also eaten other people's dead skin , then of course there are risks involved, surely that's just common sense?

However, what was less publicised is that the risk of any of these is incredibly low, especially if the treatments are run properly; a good beautician will not let you have this done if you have an infection, any open wounds or are wearing any sort of chemical of your skin that may poison the fish, and will conduct a quick health survey before commencing. Also, they should offer you a cleansing wipe so you can cleanse your feet and the tanks should have a sterilisation and filtration system in place to ensure risks can be minimised as much as possible - if you are considering this treatment, then DEFINITELY do your homework into the establishment first!

I will admit, the only reason I had the treatment done was because it was free (I won two gift vouchers in a charity raffle); I wouldn't have considered paying for it because the thought of fish nibbling at my feet grossed me out! And, hearing the 'horror stories' above definitely did not ease my mind. But, after reading the enclosed leaflet about the treatment, and speaking with the beautician over the phone, I definitely felt a bit more comfortable about this - enough so that I would give it a go.

Myself and @ultimatecoddy went along to Karma Therapies at Electric Beach in Cleethorpes and was immediately impressed by the standards kept here. There was a booth set up with a fixed (comfy) bench which had a filtration system beneath it. The water was warm and SO clean; I definitely felt like the fish were looked after. We were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding our health conditions (after being told over the phone too - always best to be sure) and were given a couple of cleansing wipes before submerging our feet into the water...

Myself having a 'fish pedicure'...

... and Coddy, too!

This was the weirdest sensation; it felt like thousands of little bubbles popping against your feet, as if the water was carbonated, if you like! The fish have no teeth and therefore use their lips to feed on rough skin, so there is a very low chance of skin breaking. The treatment lasted 15 minutes and the fish continue to feed throughout; they do not get bored or full, so you definitely get your money's worth. And even though it tickles at first (especially when they're trying to get in between your toes!), you do get used to it. Karma Therapies say that the treatment "stimulates meridians and acupuncture points in the feet, leaving you feeling pampered, relaxed and refreshed." 

Once the 15 minutes were over, we were given a towel to dry our feet and were offered a pedicure lotion to complete the treatment. After returning home, some of the hard skin still existed BUT the skin really was so smooth, and we did feel more relaxed. Overall, I was very happy with the experience - especially knowing that Karma Therapies take great care in the cleanliness of the treatment and the welfare of the fish (as well as the customers!) Now I have tried this, I would definitely pay the £10 Karma Therapies charge and recommend them to any other potential customers.

My only advice to those considering this, if you haven't already had this done before, is to make sure the spa or salon has the same precautions in place to ensure your health is not put at risk. And for anybody who is worried about the living conditions of the fish, then Karma Therapies say that they closely monitor the tanks to ensure they are happy.

For more information, take a look at the NHS website and the HPA website and give it a go - you might just be pleasantly surprised, like me!

Holidays are coming...

... and I'm SO excited! I absolutely love Christmas and always have done, and I know it is still a few weeks away but after seeing the Coca-Cola Christmas advert on Saturday, I haven't been able to contain myself!

When I was a child I used to make myself sick with excitement on Christmas Eve (not intentionally, obviously!) There was a time a couple of years ago where I didn't feel so Christmassy, but I put this down to working in retail and not having enough time off to really feel the spirit of Christmas - but last year that all changed! I am fortunate to have a whole two weeks off from work and this year I have a few holiday days left to take so I have plenty of time to get myself prepared for the festive season.

I love buying presents for people, and I always try to find something special or something a bit different - a few years ago I bought my Dad an acre of land on the Moon! I still have all but one to buy so over the coming weeks I will be getting my shopping head on and hunting for perfect presents!

I'm also SO looking forward to buying the decorations for mine and Daniel's lovely home - I did have a tree in my flat last year but now I am sharing this year with someone we have to go all out! We've already decided on a real tree which we will probably get in a couple of weeks (how scary?!) but I am loving shopping around for all of those little extras, like the lights, pretty baubles (I have loads of the bog standard 20-in-a-pack types), garlands and wreaths - there really are so many choices out there!

So, from now up until Christmas, I am going to be posting all of my finds on here in a new feature called 'Festive Finds 2011' (original, I know!) - everything from decorations and gifts to foods, films, songs, outfits and those things which are a bit unique.

I can not wait to get this feature started so please keep an eye out for my seasonal posts - coming soon!

The Liebster Awards!

This is the Liebster Award! The word Liebster means 'Beloved' in German--and a show of love and support is what this award is all about. The idea is to bring attention to blogs with fewer than 200 followers.

The rules of winning this award are the following:
1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment at their blog.
3. Post the Award on your blog.
4. Enjoy the love of some of the most supportive people on the Internet!

Usually, I despise chain emails/letters/texts/facebook status'/etc. but I genuinely think that this is a lovely way to promote up-and-coming bloggers who work very hard to maintain their blogs, come up with new content, sometimes pour their hearts out and generally just deserve some recognition!

I hadn't previously heard of this award until the lovely Bexx from bexxoxo.com nominated me as one of her choices! She has a fab blog; it is lifestyle based focusing on health - food recipes, fitness, food and workout diaries for example (very motivating!) - and features make-up, clothing, whatever a girl needs basically! I am very grateful to her, not only for nominating me but for being so supportive as a fellow blogger - I wish her all the success with her blog!

So, now to my choices; as the rules state above, these are my top five picks for the Liebster Award!

Firstly, I am going to nominate the very inspirational Kat from Kat's Beauty Reviews, a genuinely nice freelance writer who blogs about all things beauty (as the name suggests!), from make-up and skincare to hair and fashion. Also, she has created the 'Positive Beauty Pledge', and incredible feature which allows bloggers to share their pledge in order to promote a positive beauty image - what's not to love?

Secondly is the lovely Laura from Laura Rose. A fashion and marketing student whose passion for her work is shown in her blog. She regularly features items she loves, posts on how to achieve the latest looks and some fab photos. Of course it doesn't just stop at clothing, she posts about hairstyles, make-up and celebs - a great read for girly girls (like me!)

Next up is the fab Danielle from stardustduck. I started following her blog after swapping several tweets and she has a wonderful lifestyle blog. It is great looking at all of her posts, especially the ones about her time in LA (which makes me so badly want to go back there!) and at all of her great photography. If you like celebrating and living life, then this blog is for you!

Charlotte, of charlywarr, has recently joined Walton's Publications as a Features Writer and she is proving to be a great addition to the team. Her blog features posts about issues that people have to deal with as well as thoughts on certain topics and updates on her life. For me, this is definitely a blog to look out for in the future...

And last, but definitely not least, in Raven Ebony Twigg; I have known this girl since she was born - literally! I've known her family since I was three years old (ish!) and watched her grow - ahh! This blog is basically her opinions, and she definitely has plenty of those! She focuses on issues that affects teenagers all over and has a writing style that makes you want to keep reading - another up and coming blogger heading for big things!

So, those are my five picks for the Liebster award - all have promising futures as bloggers and are definitely 'ones to watch'!