March 24, 2009

The Jade Effect…

Filed under: Thoughts — katie @ 11:20 pm

Well we haven’t made much here of the plight of Jade Goody, somewhat feeling that perhaps there has been more than enough front covers, interviews and general obsession in the last few months to last us all!

But we cannot deny that it has been a truly sad time for her and her family and especially those two young boys who will carry that legacy for the rest of their lives.  And we cannot say anything other than we admired the way she worked to the end to provide for those boys and I hope that everything she hoped and prayed for will be a reality for them.

But we also cannot deny that she has brought ovarian cancer to the forefront of every woman’s mind and that now every woman, however young or old, will perhaps pay that little bit more attention to themselves and get the regular checks that are so important. 

With the heightened awareness of cancer in the media at the moment, it is perhaps poignant that the CEW Cancer & Careers Directory of Services, launches at a time when it’s vital to get the message across that there is help out there.  Whether it’s Support & Information, Wellbeing, Post-Op lingerie, or Financial/Legal & Employment Matters; or where to find a wig and have it styled, all aspects of Living and Working with Cancer are covered in this new
publication.

This is an invaluable publication for any woman who has been diagnosed with cancer, and to know that the Directory is available free of charge from Cosmetic Executive Women (UK) - 020 7940 2900 or from the website www.cancerandcareersuk.org <http://www.cancerandcareersuk.org/>
from 30th March when it goes live.
The Directory is designed to slip into your handbag and is easy to navigate through its colour-coded sections; as is the website:
 

Support & Information – You are not alone.  Empower yourself with the wealth of knowledge, research and advice at your fingertips.  Share your feelings and fears with counsellors and support groups, where you can connect with fellow cancer sufferers.
 

Cancer Specific Charities – Whichever type of cancer you are diagnosed with, there are dedicated organisations to meet your individual needs. 
 

Holistic & Wellbeing Services – Explore the vast array of treatments, therapies and philosophies on offer to help you tackle stress and restore a sense of wellbeing.  Acupuncture, reflexology, reiki and homeopathy are some of the alternatives.
 

Beauty - Numerous companies, organisations and products exist to help you combat the effects of cancer and its treatment on your looks.  From wig and headwear suppliers and stylists, to specialist skincare, cosmetics and advice; give your appearance a boost.
 

One incredible example of this is the “My New Hair” programme by Trevor Sorbie, MBE, supported by L’Oreal.  Whereby a network of hairdressers offer their services in cutting and styling wigs that look natural, attractive and feminine; giving the wearer their confidence back to face the world again.
 

Clothing & Lingerie – These days, post-operative products, lingerie and swimwear is clever and comfortable and there is something to suit every taste.  Experienced and sympathetic experts can help ensure you get the perfect fit.
 

Financial, Legal and Employment Matters – Essential contacts to help you find out your rights at work, your entitlement to benefits, tax, housing and money matters, discretionary payments and grants.


 About Look Good … Feel Better UK
 

Look Good … Feel Better UK is the UK’s only national cancer charity dedicated to helping women manage the effects that cancer and its treatment have on their appearance.  The free workshops help women to look and feel a little more like themselves again, boosting confidence and morale. For more information visit www.lgfb.co.uk

You are not alone….contact them today and feel better already…

xx

March 22, 2009

And the winner is……

Filed under: Thoughts — katie @ 4:28 pm

Congratulations to Danielle Raine who wrote to us about her mum and we loved it!  Just goes to show that you are never too old to start something new!!  An inspiration to us all!  So Danielle, enjoy the £100 whether you keep it or give it to your mum!!  Here’s to you!!!

My mum is, literally, an inspiration.

This year, my mum turned sixty. After devoting her life to her family, she chose to celebrate her birthday like this…

Firstly, she hired a white stretch limo, took the whole family to the seaside and treated us all to fish & chips.

Secondly, instead retiring and taking it easy, she wrote a book and travelled to London to promote it. Then she opened her own shop to sell it!

My mum courageously entered the retail trade, a tough career choice at any time of life and she’s loving every minute of it!So this Mother’s Day I’d like to applaud my mum in her new venture and wish her continued success. (Perhaps it has something to do with the theme of her shop -Guardian Angels - but she appears to be bucking the economic trend and doing quite well!) I’m so happy and proud that my mum has found this new passion and she deserves her new-found freedom to pursue what makes her happy. I’ve never seen her so excited and enthusiastic and constantly bursting with new ideas. In fact, I have been so inspired by her example that I have taken a leaf out her book and begun writing my own.I would also like to thank my mum

however busy she is, she always finds time for her family. Although her shop is demanding (Mum gets up at 5am every morning!) if I ever need help with my own children, she is there even though she lives an hour away.My mum believes we each have our own guardian angels and I know she’s right. I’ve had one all my life. I even know the name of my angel….

Mum.

So good luck and thank-you Mum!

Happy Mother’s Day.

March 21, 2009

Your Mum is Best - the two runners up…..

Filed under: Thoughts — katie @ 5:05 pm

Well we want to say a BIG thankyou to everyone who wrote in to tell us about their mum!

Today we have put up the two runners up and the best one will go up tomorrow for Mother’s Day!!!

So here we go!!!

Best Mum : Jean Pyke 

Everyone’s mum is special and its difficult to explain all in just 300 words but here goes….  Jean Pyke has lived in Goring since the late 50’s and is the mother of 4. For over 40 years she could be seen about Goring, tearing around on her bike working as a Home Help and raising a family with Jim Middleton ( who sadly died in 1992 ). Jean re married to Les Pyke another lovely local man and they now live in South Stoke.  Throughout all the trials and tribulations of daily life Jean has always had a smile and cheerful outlook in the face of any adversity that has come her way. Now retired Jean has had to put up with numerous aches and pains; knee operations, back operations, eye operations to name a few, but nothing has got her down and is now back on her bike showing the same resolve and determination that she has shown all her life. Jean had a wonderful time at her surprise 70th Birthday party last year, surrounded by her family she danced the night away, and although she did admit to aching a bit the next day, she was an inspiration to us all.

Jean’s a wonderful woman, wife and mother and although her children live some distance away, we always feel that she is close at hand and our own kids can’t wait until the next time that Granny comes to call.

                                                                   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

I can think of so many reasons why my ‘Mum is best’.

My Mum’s name is Tracey, she is 51 years old and lives in Somerset. She married my Dad who was her childhood sweetheart, and they have been together for more than 33 years. They both have a fantastic sense of humour and family life has always been filled with jokes, smiles, loud laughter and silly pranks. Of course like so many Mothers she is there when I need her; a shoulder to cry on, a great friend and confidant, a chocolate connoisseur and a lover of fashion! She is an inspiration not only to my brother, sister and I but to everyone she meets. Having been diagnosed with cancer and undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy she has won the battle and remained strong. She is glamorous too, everyday she gets up and does her full hair and makeup, always looking like she has ‘just stepped out of a salon’. She has a fantastic sense of humour and even though I no longer live near my parents we speak everyday on the phone and visit each other as much as possible. Recently we have been spending a lot of time together. My father has just come out of hospital and has been recuperating at home after he almost died of ketoacidosis. We were travelling to and from the hospital in the recent snowstorms to visit him in intensive care - so not only did we have a very hard emotional time but difficulties in travel too. And yet, my Mum remained strong throughout the ordeal, even when we were exhausted she could still raise a smile and serve tea from her flask! My Father is recuperating at home now and making great progress which is fantastic but then last week our family dog Buffy had to be put to sleep because she had become seriously ill. It was a horrible decision to have to make and my Mum and the rest of the family are broken hearted and miss Buffy terribly. Especially my 15 year old baby sister. Mum has been a great support, all of the recent stresses and trials have put an awful strain on the family but have not defeated my Mum. She has really been through some terribly difficult things in her life and had a particularly traumatic month, she definitely deserves a treat. I think some presents from What a Girl Needs is exactly what My Mum Needs! I do hope that you feel the same.Best

Clee

 

 

March 16, 2009

Let Us Sew, Let us Sew, Let us Sew…

Filed under: Thoughts — katie @ 10:48 pm

Aahh things must be getting tough because when the Teenager came home today discussing the whys and wherefores of the edging on her pyjamas she is whipping up in DT today, I suddenly became nostalgic for the Vogue Sewing Pattern….

 image of V1044

Why not in the environment that we live in start making our own clothes again!  Listen, Vogue already champions More Dash than Cash now… (how very right on they are!) so it can only be a matter of time before there is some kind of Outfit of the Month or some such thing…actually I think that’s a great idea and if they don’t do it, then I think perhaps we will…. maybe that’s where Posh got her inspiration from!!

Now hurry everyone and kit yourself out with the latest Cath Kidston sewing basket, make a cup of tea, and try to remember how to thread the needle on the sewing machine… actually  not sure you have to do that any more… have you seen the latest machines…. they could launch NASA alone before you’ve even started on your tack…

I think we’re on to something here…xxx

March 10, 2009

Who let the Drog out…….

Filed under: Thoughts — katie @ 10:31 pm

Oh my - well we’re late with the blog today so what better way to make up for it than just to celebrate the Drogba!!

Remember the tears when the Special One left…. well that boy has picked himself up, brushed himself down and scoring like a good un….. we forgive all his tantums and tiaras and say Stay!! And if you Stay…. maybe the Special One will return….

But a small note of respect to Ranieri…. we had good times with you my friend too so don’t be disheartened….better to have loved Chelsea and lost than to have never loved at all… (well better to lose to us than Man U…..)

Now all we need to do is sort out Drogba’s hairdo….

Lots and lots of goals…xxx

March 9, 2009

It’s my birthday and I’ll ask for one of these ….

Filed under: Thoughts — katie @ 10:40 pm

Well it is on March 25th - feel free to send me birthday greetings accompanied by fabulous presents…. I am in good company too with SJP and Elton John and my gorgeous sister!!!

But cruising around the web today thinking about fabulous presents that I would like, I think these are rather nice -  Musical Birthday Biscuits in a Tin from Fortnum and Mason (www.fortnumandmason.com) that has a wind up mechanism that plays Happy Birthday!  How fab is that!!!  And relatively cheap at £11.95!!!! Teenager should be able to stretch to that….

These boxes of delicious chocolate pearl, lemon curd and butter shortbread - all just another of my one small weaknesses!!!

Only 14 days to go…. and no I am not telling….don’t you know it’s rude to ask….

x

 

March 8, 2009

In Honour of International Women’s Day….

Filed under: Thoughts — katie @ 4:58 pm

We thought we would salute some of our greatest women and say thankyou for trailblazing the way!

So in no particular order: (and some are frivolous but of equally huge importance in our life!!)

1.  Margaret Thatcher - for being the greatest woman primeminister and perhaps one of the greatest primeministers full stop!!

2.  Anna Wintour - for proving a point that keeping the same hairstyle can work!

3.  Dame Judi Dench - for being one of the most fabulous actresses we have today in this country

4.  Hilary Clinton - for however many times you knock her down, she bounces right back up again stronger and better…

5.  Tamara Mellon - for all our Jimmy Choos….

6.  Natalie Massenet - for Net-a-Porter

7.  Nicky Kinnaird - for giving us Space NK

8.  Sara Payne - for her tireless campaigning

9.  Rebecca Adlington - love her attitude and that drive all for a pair of Louboutins!!!

10.  Lastly but probably most importantly - My Mum!!!

Happy International Women’s Day!!

 xxxxxx

March 6, 2009

Mum is Best…..

Filed under: Thoughts — katie @ 11:01 pm

As if you need reminding that it’s Mother’s Day on March 22nd!!!

But rather than bombard you with fabulous ideas for gifts (although obviously we have lots of them!!!), we want to hear from you about Your Mum!!

Just write in no more than 300 words exactly why your “Mum is Best” and email it to us at info@whatagirlneeds.co.uk or leave it here on the Blog and we’ll give the best story writer a £100 gift voucher to spend at www.whatagirlneeds.co.uk

And the winning story along with the Top 10 Runners Up will feature on our Blog in the week running up to Mother’s Day with the winner featuring on the day!!!!

And if that wasn’t enough to tempt your creative juices to flow, then how about you tell all your friends to enter too and we’ll give them 15% off their first order when they sign up to www.whatagirlneeds.co.uk !!! Just tell them to type in THANKYOU1 in the discount box if they are ordering or we’ll send through the code for them to use next time!!

But obviously we don’t want you too miss on that either so please go ahead and use the code for your next order too!! 

So go on, tell your Mum she’s The Best!!!

Love The Girls xxxx

March 5, 2009

Back to School….

Filed under: Thoughts — katie @ 11:16 pm

Well that’s what my day felt like today!!! 

Today was spent at Fulham Town Hall at the Sheer Luxe E-Tail Conference - (sounds a little weird doesn’t it E-tail….???)  A fabulous day out coupled with a realisation of just how much work we need to do at What a Girl Needs!!  The list is endless and I know we can instantly make changes and some will take a little longer!  But I must say that Sheer Luxe organised a great bunch of speakers (Mr Moonpig.com was hilarious!!!) and I came away completely enthused and excited about things like database capture and customer aquisition!!!

So talking of customer acquisition, anyone reading this who wishes to sign up to www.whatagirlneeds.co.uk today or any day, please do and we will reward you with 15% discount coupon to spend on your next order!  And tell all your friends and they can have it too!!! 

Happy Shopping!!!

p.s  and take a look at www.sheerluxe.com too!!!! It’s fab!!!

March 1, 2009

Got on the bus…got off in a beige mac…

Filed under: Thoughts — katie @ 10:41 pm

Due to having a husband who doesn’t drive (except me mad…) and moving out to the country, my life has taken a new twist which I am not altogether happy about.  It’s called taking the bus when you can’t be bothered to drive and you don’t like minicabs…..

Now I always said the day I finally took the bus, I would get on it and come off wearing a beige mac and a blue rinse…. don’t mean to be ageist here but that is just what seems to happen..

So it was with trepidation that I decided not to drive to Oxford as I wanted to have a Bloody Mary in Browns (http://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/menu-oxford.php )and not worry about it (they are fab there….) and obviously it was necessary to do a spot of retail therapy whilst indulging in my one small weakness… and popped into Whistles and purchased, yes you guessed it…. a beige mac….

So in order to test my said fear, after possibly more than one Bloody Mary and a fine burger, the beige mac was put to the test on the 4.20 pm bus home….

Thank god for the Jimmy Choos and jeans….think we got away with it….then again maybe a blue rinse is what I actually need…..perhaps I could start a new trend….xxx