Inverted Backwards Camel, Anyone?

I love the Winter Olympics. As background noise to hot summer evenings, it seems almost as ridiculous as curling. But then, nothing is ridiculous as curling.

Thanks to Eddie McGuire's crush on Johnny Weir, figure skating is prevalent in Channel 9's coverage. That, and it's pretty cool. The sheer athleticism of the sequinned sveltes is amazing. But, when you're occupied with something else and only hear snippets of commentary, it's easy to get your inner teenager out and smirk at terminology such as "inverted backwards camel". Here's a list of others that I inner-Lol'd to, and hope nobody saw:


Besti Squat - not what your buddy does on a roadtrip across the country when there's no loo for 400km. It is "A spread eagle in a squatting position with the torso held upright. It is named for Natalia Bestemianova."


Broken Leg Sit Spin - because skating one one leg is trying. "A common variation of the sit spin is the broken leg sit spin. As its name implies, the skater’s free leg is bent and held to the side. This gives the leg a “broken” appearance in contrast to the straight extended free leg position achieved in ideal conventional sit spins. In the broken leg variant, the body generally leans toward the free side. This position resembles a fusion between a layback and a sit spin".  Helpfully, "Broken leg sit spins are rarely performed backward". Ha! you think? 

Flutz - see, iceskaters were into the whole Brangelina-style name blending before the rest of us. Despite sounding like a bad form of gas, it's actually "A portmanteau of "flip" and "Lutz", for an improperly executed lutz jump, where the outside take-off edge is mistakenly changed to an inside edge, making it a flip jump."


Ina Bauer - Jack Bauer's German mistress on 24? Or, "A two-footed move in which the skater skates with the legs parallel, with one foot on a forward edge and the other leg on a backward edge on a different but parallel edge (i.e., inside or outside)"?


Inverted Camel - Inverted. Camel. Not two words you see next to each other every day. "A more dramatic position than the layover, the inverted backward camel requires the skater to open her hips allowing her free foot to rotate such that the toe points up. Adding originality to a spin combination, a skater who has developed proficiency with the inverted back camel may adopt an interesting leg position by bending the leg rather than keeping it outstretched. The inverted camel is performed exclusively as a backward spin. "


Killian - rumoured to be favoured by the likes of Tonya Harding. in fact, merely "A dance hold used in ice dancing."


Rittberger - a rude Bavarain term for lady parts. More exciting than simply being another name for a loop jump ("An edge jump that takes off from the back outside edge"), no?


Russain Split - icecream, bananas, and nuts, generously dowsed in vodka. (A split jump in which the skater performs a straddle position with the legs and the body forming a "v" shape. Many also touch their toes. Damn).


Sheep Jump - popular n New Zealand. Oh come OOOONNNNNN! "A positional (as opposed to rotational) jump in which the skater jumps upwards and bends both legs backwards reminiscent of a sheep. The back is often arched."

Spread eagle - also handy for bribing judges. (ooh, snarky). "An element performed with both feet on the ice, the blades turned out with the heels pointing towards each other. It can be performed on inside edges or outside edges."


Twizzle  - it's street, yo, for "A quick multirotational turn on one foot while moving forwards or backwards."


Sources: Wikipedia (where else); Iceskatingintl (pic); SkateJournal

Food For Thought

One of my favourite daily reads, Girl With A Satchel, today posted a telling article by Dr Karen Brooks, which considers if the current wave of "retro chic" is regressive to the feminist movement previous generations fought so hard for.

Did Germaine Greer & co set modern women up for a fall? No, according to the article. Someting just got lost in translation. Germaine reckons she never told women to get a career, merely a life.

But we can't agree on what kind of life that should be. Career mums have to defend their choice (or lack thereof) and continually reassure that they are just as caring as stay-at-home mums. Stay-at-home mums have to justify to society why that's "all" they do, as well as avoiding admitting to inevitable feelings of insignificance and isolation. According to the article, the smaller percentage of women who appear to revel in being a domestic goddess find it hard to keep the fact to themselves, much to the chagrin of others. Despite fulfilling the nostalgic ideal society is pining for, is this because they still feel the need to reassure themselves and others that their choice is "correct"?

Can we ever get it right? No. Are we too hard on ourselves? Yes. Dr Brook's article espouses the common sense approach of respecting and supporting each other's choices and situations, regardless of the subersive putdowns a "femeny" might direct at you. Bitch.

Daggy Revelation: My Fave Ad

Some ads are clever, some are funny, some are thought-provoking. And some are just so damn catchy.

Whenever I've got my housewife-thang on, somewhere along the line the cleaning process no doubt involves rubber gloves and a bottle of Spray'n'Wipe. And of course, as I, well, spray and wipe, that song goes round and round in my head. But it makes me smile. And continue to buy the bloody thing, depsite increasing misgivings about overloading the cleaning cupboard with chemicals.

Apparently, other people like it too. So much so, that Colgate Palmolive are renewing the classic ad series, first screened in 1988. Whether it's because it worked so well the first time around, or because they're clean out of ideas, I can't say I'm disappointed. Might even buy a cleaning apron to go with my gloves.

More is not neccessarily More

In terms of flashing skin, that is. Today was a local public holiday due to the Cup (don't worry, your parcels still went out...local public holidays don't apply to us, particularly when they are for a 'yobbos get drunk and stumble around in pointy shoes' event). The ladies and I, being too mature/intent on saving/in the midst of detoxes gave it a miss in favour of a gossip over an (iced) coffee. Of course, this meant venturing into the CBD where it was a visual feast of frocks, fascinators and fails as we watched the spray-tanned hordes on their way trackside to eat, drink and be merry. Oh and watch a horse race or two. If they remember.

Now, unless you're into equestrian-related activites, local Cups are simply for frocking up and enjoying a bottle of wine or twenty. It's rare that they are a classy affair, even before the whole heels-in-hands stumble home. Most people aren't drunk before they dress themselves, which means there's even less of an excuse for the following fashion faux pas:

1). Hemlines that are too short - your Nanna will tell you the basic rule - the shorter the hemline, the more you cover up on top. A strapless dress with a hem that brushes your bum cheeks is not a good look, regardless of how tall and thin you may be. And especially if you've become good friends with Mr Cellulite. 

2). Heels that you can't walk in - you're not going to wear clunky sensibles from Colorado, but it's still worth investing in shoes that have a heel that won't sink into the grass, won't rub on your toes and make you walk like you're constipated, and don't make you look like you charge $5 an hour. Especially true if point 1 is relevant.

3). Fascinators - really they're completely pointless, but lots of fun nonetheless. There is more to them, however, than simply stocking up on Spotlight netting and whacking it on the side of your head with a sparkly brooch from Diva. Heck, Diva will have already done that for you, for $12.99.

4). Florals - pretty and girly, and a springtime staple year in and year out. Note: currently, it's not spring. Note: most look horribly cheap when you attempt to dress them up. Note: your Nanna is probably wearing floral too. Note: the majority of women there, will probably safely stick with floral. Note: will look beautiful with a more casual outfit.

5). Mixing pointed shoes with sporty sunglasses and carefully mussed hair - guys, it screams yobbo. Or footballer. Or that you like to talk about utes. It's possible to dress nicely without looking like a confused cowboy. Shirt, tie, pants, shoes that look like they cover a natural foot shape.

So, how to look classy, or at least a bit less like a suburban hussy? It's probably warm out, so choose which bits you want to expose - and cover the rest. You're meant to dress up and have fun, so go with a cool hairpiece with it's own unique look. (Remember, there's a Diva in every city, so identicalfashion-crises are probable). You could try something like this:

Dress - strapless, but with a longer hemline, in classic shades of nude and black with beautiful draping:

100GBP, Asos not neccesarily budget friendly, but it's gorgeous enough that you'd be making an effort to wear it again. At least, tell the Mr that's your plan. Add the Featherhead Enigma Clip $39.95 for a subtle yet still fancy hair decoration, and slip into the Estee Heel by Tony Bianco ($149.95) - they're comfy, trust me.

Just so you know, last time I remember partying trackside, my shoes came off by 2pm and same with the hairclip. All class, all class.

Monday Street Style: Textured Coats

This week while you're sitting in front of the air con in the tiniest sundress possible, shut your eyes and imagine the cool breeze on your face is actually the crisp winter air, and the only reason you're warm is 'cos you have a luxe, fluffy coat to snuggle into:

FaceHunter

Garance Dore

StreetStyleLondon

StyleScout

Lookbook.Nu

Barbie, The Computer Engineer

What a woman. Fashion plate, doctor, cheerleader, fighter pilot, ballerina, yoga instructor, astronaut, President - and not a wrinkle in sight. Mattel recently asked consumers to vote on Barbie's 12th and 126th career moves, with Computer Engineer and TV Anchor winning the, uh, job.

She looks pretty darn nifty too. Check out the geek-chic binary tshirt! She's also got a pink (naturally) laptop, bluetooth headset, man-style watch and indie-looking glasses:

Fact: Barbie had the biggest Facebook fan page growth ever, with 80,000 fans joing her in six weeks!

(via womeninbusiness and pcworld )

Whip It, Whip It Good

Our resident movie wench Renee A has recently been busy with such unimportant life events as buying a house and getting married. Thankfully, she's now put such trivialities behind her and can get back to the important stuff, like watching movies and giving us a rundown on why you should or shouldn't fork over $15 to see it. Or $6 if it's straight-to-dvd.

Having just returned from a glorious honeymoon in New Zealand, and facing the inevitable return to work depression, I needed a movie that was going to make me feel good and Whip It seemed like just the thing. Directed by Drew Barrymore and starring adorable Juno actress Ellen Page, Whip It follows teenager Bliss Cavendar’s (Page) discovery of roller derby while trying to negotiate the usual teenage issues of boys, friends, parental expectations and deciding one’s future.
Sure, the plot for Whip It isn’t mind-blowingly original; it follows the usual sports movie formula (including the training montage and will they/won’t they win finale) but I’m at a complete loss to find anything negative to say about it. Page was great as Bliss, the quiet quirky girl trying to find her own identity, and she was surrounded by a talented supporting cast including Barrymore, Marcia Gay Harden and Alia Shawkat (Maeby from Arrested Development). The thing I loved most about this movie is that it’s full of positive female relationships. And it was great to watch a movie where the girls weren’t just sidelined as the girlfriend/wife/mother of the protagonist – they were all front and centre.

I made a pleasant discovery while watching this film too – ROLLER DERBY IS AWESOME. It’s a sport where girls get to be tough and sexy and have loads of fun while wearing rollerskates. Rollerskates, people! None of this inline skate crap. Oh no, this is old school. And they get to have silly names (my personal favourite was Smashley Simpson). In fact I was so inspired by this movie that I have since researched the roller derby scene in Tassie and have discovered that we have our very own league. I might even go and check it out (which is kind of a big deal for me – sports activities and me are like oil and water, or other such unmixy things)...

I give Whip It four out of five shiny retro rollerskates.

Sooki Baby AW10

I just love SOoki Baby, and was suitably sademoticonface when my daughter grew out of it (currently they only do up to size 2).

BUT next season, we'll be stocking the brand new Sooki...yep, for Little Frockers 3-7! Woop woop!

For now, however, here are some of the very cutest bits from the new season range. We're loving it 'cos it's suitably infant-like (re: cute) but still seriously stylish (re: cool):

It's Raining On Me Padded Reversible Jacket, $49.95 - a cute, vintage-sttyle print on one side and awesome red-and-white stripes on the other. Jack (or perhaps more Meg) White, eat your heart out.

Hide & Seek Ruffle Bum Leggings, $26.95 - basic black goes with absolutely everything, the ruffles make it exra adorable.

Nan's Wallpaper Dress, $32.95 - love the funky retro print contrasted with the cute baby pink base! Fresh and light for winter, go for a totally vintage inspired looks with some little mary-jane soft shoes and a pretty hair bow! Naw!

The King Hooded Reversible Jacket, $49.95 - one side is ubercool black, the other is funky lime green and grey marle stripes. The whole thing is downright rad!

Boot Camp Snapsuit, $32.95 - military style is always awesome. And in this case, practical as well.

Superhero tshirt, $24.95 - what little boy (or girl, for that matter) hasn't thrown a towel over their shoulders, donned some swimming goggles and slipped their undies on over their trousers? At least this way, they can indulge their inner superhero and you can avoid tring to navigate a decked-out superman through the shopping centre.

Lindsay Lohan Inspires Me

To clean out my wardrobe. I felt more than a bit nauseous after watching this, and not because she seems to have forgotten her pants:





Is it not vulgar consumerism at it's utmost?


(found via Sarah Wilson)

Monday Street Style: Shoes

Sometimes, when you look up, you see something unexpectedly uplifting, like a fluffy cloud or a beautiful old building (have you ever looked above the shop awnings?). Sometimes, when you look down, you see people's awesome shoes:

Stylesightings

Jak & Jil

The Style Scout

Esme and the Laneway

Chictopia

Lookbook.nu

Lilac Eyeshadow IS Wearable!

A few months ago, some gal pals and I threw a totally rad 80's party. I picked up a $4 tub of cheapie lilac shadow for the occassion, but it never crossed mymind to keep it for a fresh new season look. Well actually, I couldn't have, because I knocked it off the bathroom bench while trying to perfect a Scrunchie-d side ponytail.

This month's Marie Claire suggests a shade of purple across the lids to leave "eyes looking luminous", as seen at the likes of Christian Dior and Versace. There is something fresh and feminine about a wash of lilac (and that's not intended to sound like a bad ad for lady-bits hygiene wash).

But how to apply? BellaMumma reckons an eyeshadow sponge is the way to go - as well as keeping the rest of your look natural (unless you're game enough to add some raspberry red lips for extra va-va-voom!). A single wash of purple (dip a wet brush into a lavender shade to create a same-colour liner and thus, extra definition) right up to the brows seems to be the way to go, followed by a few coats of black mascara to finish off.

Products? I luurve MAC for eyecolour, so next time I'm passing by the counter I'll sample the lovely pots of colour for my shade. Something like Electric Iris would do the job nicely; as would Make Up Forever's Lilac89. Or, try brands like Rimmel or Australis where you'll be able to pick up some purple for less then $10!

We'll Miss You, Alexander McQueen

It's hard to find the right words when someone of such obscene talent leaves us in such tragic circumstances. We'll miss you, Alexander McQueen.

The window of McQueen's central London store (The Australian)

McQueen after his Spring 2010 Ready To Wear show (Style.com)

One Cubic Foot of Beauty

My daughter has just started to ponder how big the place she lives is, how big the country, the earth (the blue place, Mummy!), the moon...and it's impossible to explain. The universe is unfathomable, and you can't explain it's vastness simply by holding your arms apart as wide as they can possibly go.

At the other end of the scale, National Geographic's amazing One Cubic Foot project photographs detail just how many lifeforms exist within a space you can fit on your lap. Photographer David Liittschwager and a team of assistants and biologers placed a 12 inch cube in a range of environments, and detailed every living organism that passed through. Edward O. Wilson writes:

"When you thrust a shovel into the soil or tear off a piece of coral, you are, godlike, cutting through an entire world. You have crossed a hidden frontier known to very few. Immediately close at hand, around and beneath our feet, lies the least explored part of the planet's surface. It is also the most vital place on Earth for human existence.


In any habitat, on the ground, in the forest canopy, or in the water, your eye is first caught by the big animals—birds, mammals, fish, butterflies. But gradually the smaller inhabitants, far more nu­merous, begin to eclipse them. There are the insect myriads creeping and buzzing among the weeds, the worms and unnameable creatures that squirm or scuttle for cover when you turn garden soil for planting. There are those annoying ants that swarm out when their nest is accidentally cut open and the pesky beetle grubs exposed at yellowed grass roots. When you flip a rock over, there are even more: You see spiderlings and sundry pale unknowns of diverse form slinking through mats of fungus strands. Tiny beetles hide from the sudden light, and pill bugs curl their bodies into defensive balls. Centi­pedes and millipedes, the armored snakes of their size class, squeeze into the nearest crevices and wormholes."

The National Geographic website lets you examine the pictures in detail, and buy them too. Remarkable!

(via Hurricane Vanessa)

Rant: "Overnight" Does Not Mean "4 days Later"

It might be the heat or it might be the sheer incompetence of others, but bloody hell I nearly politely voiced my unfavourable thought train this afternoon in the post office. For two reasons.

1). I was home all morning, went to go out at lunchtime and there was one of those annoying red "attempted delivery" cards from Aus Post in the letterbox. I'll reiterate: I. Was. Home. All. Morning. I was in the shower at the other end of the house for about 15 mins early on, but the chances of them coming to deliver then are pretty slim. So, whilst annoying, one must take a deep, calm breath and prepare to face the tracksuited legions that inhabit the local shopping centre whence the nearest PO is located.

2). The smartarse delivery guy ticked "pick up after 4:30pm" on the card. I know full well they all knock off by 3pm (man on the inside, you see) so there is no way I was waiting til late afternoon to head back down again to collect it. Indeed, when we rocked up after a nice cold iced chocolate at about 2pm, outside the PO door with a box of carded parcels was a delivery man. Maybe not our delivery man, but a delivery man. Bewdy! I thought, the heat allowing such an improper colloquialism to creep into my inner speech bubble. All parcels must be in.

The old biddy behind the desk had other ideas. I handed her my form, and she disappeared 'out the back' for all of, oh, 3 seconds, before coming out and saying 'no it's not here, it says after 4:30pm." I screwed up my face in a most unbecoming manner and said, truthfully, "oh, but there is a man out there with all the parcels, I can hear them being scanned in." Apparently the thought of the walk of 2 metres to the storage area behind the service desk was particularly fatiguing to this perm-headed baby boomer, as she sighed impatiently and said, "yes, I looked there," before firmly handing my form back and shooing me on my way.

Outside, I phoned my man on the inside, who informed me who exactly it was who had carded this parcel AND the fact that this person had finished his shift an hour ago. Thus, my parcel must be at the post office. Steam came out of my ears and it wasn't from the heat.

Luckily there was no line when I got back into the PO or I may have had to lure some pensioners out with promises of back issues of Take 5 magazine. A different, more pleasant lady served us this time, and I held my tongue to see what would happen. I hadned over my slip, she disappeared out the back for, oh, about 3 seconds, and returned clutching my parcel. I signed, bade her a polite au revoir, and left.

IT WAS FUCKING THERE THE WHOLE TIME AND NEARLY COST ME TWO SWELTERING CAR TRIPS TO A SHITTY CAR PARK!

2). The actual parcel should've been here on Monday. The website I purchased the item from advertised "overnight delivery to most areas", but did not specify the exact service they used. As we are within Aus Post's Express network I assumed 'most areas' would cover us. After an email to the store (promptly but curtly replied to) yesterday, I was advised to 'wait a few more days'. Um? "Overnight delivery"?? Anyway the parcel turned up by regular (as oppsed to Express) post - not a whiff of Overnight about it. I would put it out there that the only place it would get to overnight would be Sydney and surrounds, where it originated from. Misleading information much? Not the first time it's happened either - a different website once charged me $8 'express' postage, but when I received it, they'd merely stuck two 55c stamps on the parcel- ie spent a whole $1.10 and pocketed a tidy $6.90. I emailed a couple of times with no reply then gave up and promptly spread the word - the site has since closed down but the shopfront may still be operating (boo! hiss!).

Not exactly world-changing, Neighbours-worthy drama but it's the small, simple aspects of customer service that really stand out - whether it's a tiny but unexpected nice touch, or a small but misleading (and ultimately frustrating) detail. Coupled with stinking hot summer weather does not a happy customer maketh!

Facebook Truths Wot Suck

In a shameless ripoff from The Oatmeal , here are some unfortunate truths about using Facebook. Yes, you know you have at least one of these people in your "friend's" list...

Monday Street Style

AC/DC are touring and the word on the street for AW'10 is definitely Back in Black. (Ok, words. Sheesh).

 

Facehunter

StreetStyleLondon

And don't forget a touch of red:

Stylesightings

Givenchy HC Spring/Summer 2020 via Jak&Jil

Lady Melbourne

Jak&Jil

Frock! AW '10 New Stuff!

I'm ending my week by not doing the dishes and curling up on the couch with the new issue of ShopTilYouDrop (out Monday). I've read 46 pages so far and added 3 "must-have pieces" for the new season to my list, and, disregarding the fact that I won't be able to wear them for a few months, have that tingly feeling of anticipation like when you peel open a new notebook and promise yourself to fill the pages with gorgeous, meaningful, life-changing scribbles.

If you're over the heat they way you're over your gladiator sandals, plan to spend some part of the weekend indoors, preferably near the air-con, getting excited about your new season wardrobe. We've had a couple of A/W shoots so far, and are loving the socks off all the new pieces coming in. The fashion gods even smiled on us this week and went all wintery, sending us some rain to complement this season's pieces:

Ebony's lovely assistant Ella and our gorgeous model Ariella

And what pieces are they? I hear you ask. Well, you can check out the What's New page every day for new arrivals (new season Motel will be in next week for all you obsessives out there!), and you can also have a quick squiz below:

Mimosa Admiral Jacket, $229.95 This is one of the pricier items of the season (and yet it'll still hardly put a dent in your budget, particularly if you calculate a cost-per-wear-basis...) and damn it's cool. Structured, chic, but with that model-off-duty effortless cool which will look gosh darn fabulous any which way you style it.

Living Doll Heavy Metal Top, $59.95 sure it's a catwalk-copy but it's one of the coolest versions out there and definitely the best value! A simple shape means the amazing beading gets cebtre stage - feel all egyptian-princess meets-modern-rock-chic, and try to avoid contact with other people's bling. Or you might be attached to them all night.

Deer Ruby Leather Charm Bracelets, $19.95 ea You know how Nicole Richie always has layers of bohemian-style bracelets but always manages to look so chic? Well, she doesn't wear these bracelets exactly but that's only 'cos Deer Ruby is a new label. If she knew about it, she'd wear it. Look out for loads of mag editorial in the next few months and get in ahead of the fashion pack.

Sunny Girl Puff Sleeve Printed Dress $49.95 The best thing about summer is that you can throw on a dress and be dressed. the best thing about this dress, is that all you need to add is some opaques and boots. Oh, and it's on page 46 of the March issue of STYD, as part of the 'The Season's Key Looks' spread. Must-buy.

My Lunchbox Is Better Than Your Lunchbox

So today I enrolled Charlotte in her first proper playgroup, where she'll stay for 3 hours once a week and glue bits of pasta to cardboard while I lock myself in my office and actually get stuff done. We stopped off at the centre to have a nosey around, had a chat to the teachers and came away insanely preoccupied with what to pack for her lunch.

While I think nutrition is a hugely important part of raising kids, I was a bit astounded that the teacher actually gave me a verbal list of things the kids should have - "a sandwich, yoghurt or fruit, maybe a little treat but not every week and they all have to eat their sandwiches and yoghurt first." Fair enough, but uh...I am quite aware of how to feed my child, thanks! I know many kids eat (and are packed) way too many pre-packaged, sweet, and nutritionally-deficient 'foods',and I do applaud schools for encouraging healthy eating. I had just never assumed it was such a big deal - but then I thought of recent articles and other blog posts I've read, and realised that it's a bloody big deal at this time of year.

Tania McCartney posted on AustralianWomenOnline about the cyber-nastiness surrounding her suggestion that offering kids healthy, fresh and varied diets wasn't so hard. Feeding is yet another raw nerve that jars very easily amongst parents - whether you're talking breast or bottle; nutella or vegemite; carrot sticks or My Little Pony biscuits. McCartney was called "smug" because she offered her kids blue cheese and they happily ate it.

No freakin' wonder the majority of the population is overweight and unhealthy. We have some of the freshest and best produce on the planet, yet we pick at each other's decisions and operate in such a highly-strung environment that we just relent and let our kids eat Roll-Ups.

Reading the comments on Mia Freedman's School Lunch post freaked me out even more. I may have been given a rundown on What Not To Eat, but I wasn't told to avoid all nut-based products or those which may contain traces of nuts or other possible-allergy inducing foods. One reader comments that she got a talking to for packing wholegrain bread! It must be extraordinarily shithouse to have a severe food allergy, or even a minor one, and nobody want to accidentally trigger some horrible reaction. But really how far should we be controlled?

I've got no problems packing a sandwich, some fruit and a yoghurt. It's exactly what I had for lunch all through school (with the addition of a choccie bikky or something similar for sanity's sake). It just makes me wonder as to why parents need to be told that this is what constitutes a healthy lunch for kids. It's not because of a lack of information - the internet, magazines, newspapers and telly are all brimming with loads of lunchbox ideas which don't neccessitate a trip to the snacks aisle. Some are slightly unrealistic (exotic sounding dips and pita/wrap fillings which require marinating?) but you can't argue the ideas aren't there. Is it because we're so scared of being judged on our parenting skills by what we pack into lunchboxes that we've driven ourselves into a corner waiting for somebody to tell us what to do? If we can't even firmly decide for ourselves what our kids have for lunch, what sort of example are we setting to them? "Never think for yourself dear, it's dangerous. Just consult the list." Sounds scarily Orwellian. But if this was the year 1984 as we knew it, there'd be somewhat less of judgement and control, and rather alot more freedom.

Make Your Valentine's Day Sparkle! I mean, Glow.

In the dark. Your bra and knickers, that is.

Luminoglow is "the original glow in the dark lace lingerie". I haven't got much to say as I'm quite speechless. Is it sexy? Is it weird? (via That's Noice)

If you're going to have V-Day in the dark, you might also want to grab some of these glow in the dark coasters to make sure you don't accidentally place your wine on the back of the dog.

Or maybe some glow in the dark bubble bath to complete your romantically luminous evening?

Spending the night with the girls? A glow in the dark 'Playful Sucker' will be hilarious after many (many) martinis...

 

(you drink out of it, apparently. Ahem.)