I’m currently having a li’l spiritual fill-up in my happy place, Glastonbury, and yesterday I did quite possibly THE best thing a girl can do to show herself some serious lovin’, I had a massage. Not just any massage, an aromatherapy massage with the ever-so-amazing Nadia at Butterfly Therapies. If you are ever in the Glasto, then you absolutely, positively have to book an appointment with her, she’s incredibly talented, she shifted some big emotional blocks in me as well as working on my writer-girl shoulders and arms – it was a total mind, body and spirit experience – in fact, I suggest you book a trip to Glasto JUST to be massaged by her, tell I sent you!

www.butterflytherapies.co.uk

Trueblood – Bill Compton, bite me, please? – is back on our screens here in the UK and to celebrate, Southern Comfort has created a dee-lish cocktail that promises to make the mouth of any mere mortal water.
 
The Southern Blood mixes Southern Comfort, a traditional taste of New Orleans, with the juice of half a blood orange – an established drink with a dark twist.
 
Ingredients
50ml Southern Comfort
½ blood orange
Ice

Mixing directions
Fill a glass halfway with ice and pour the Southern Comfort over. 
Squeeze the juice of half a blood orange and stir for a true taste of New Orleans, where Southern Comfort originates.
 
Why not have a True Blood gathering tonight to celebrate the long awaited the amazing series being back on our screen? Check out bigeasycocktails.co.uk for drink ideas to give you and your guests a fang-tastic time!

True Blood, Series Two is on FX on Fridays at 10pm.

I love my mumma, she’s practically perfect in every way but because I can’t be with her this M-day, I have bought her a tub of her fave Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (Phish food – isn’t that everyone’s?) and if you head over to the B&J website right now – www.benjerry.co.uk, you can customise your very own m-day tub of ice-cream lovin’ – how fabulous is that?!

AIMEE IS LOVIN’

THIS picture of Gerard Butler, dressed as a NY policeman, pressing up to an Agent Provocateur clad Jennifer Aniston in W magazine, which hits the stand on March 17th. The photo essay, shot by the amazing Steven Klein, is “where damsels aren’t always in distress and lawmen sometimes break the rules.”
In a tongue in cheek fashion, I am asking the question “Why are American mens uniforms so much better than British ones?”, and not “Why has Gerard Butler never read me my rights?”.

This weekend is not just mothers day, it is also the male version of Valentines Day, where steak and, uhm, dinner is served. Along with Lisa’s ‘Southern Blood’ cocktail, I’ll be serving the boy a nice bit of juicy sirloin in a Cupcake/Agent Provocateur combination. I recommend Gordon Ramsey’s version as below, it won’t let you down.

To cook the steak: place one large or two smaller non-stick frying pans over a high heat and leave until smoking hot.

You will need;
Two Sirloin steaks
Groundnut Oil
Salt N Pepper
Butter

1.) Place the steaks onto a large chopping board and if one needs to be cooked well done, roll it flatter with a rolling pin so that all the steaks can all go into the frying pan at the same time. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and black pepper and once the frying pans have reached temperature, add approximately two tablespoons of groundnut oil.

4.) Serve up!!

See the rest of the recipe idea or see how its done here

My mum might slap me, but as well as lovely flowers, chocolates and Sunday Lunch, I will be giving her a book called “Shmirshky” which is a witty take on one womans Menopause. Like a grown up version of “Are you there God, its me, Margeret” combined with “Womens Health”, it documents the feelings and symptons of a lady called E as she goes through her menopause. Which doesn’t sound very fun, admittedly, but with dashings of humour and things that we can all and, will, relate to as women, its a nifty guide that might help my mum on one of those days. Which is why I’ll give it to her on one of the best days, because I know it will make her laugh, if only for the sentiment.
Whats more, the lovely people at Schmirshky, are offering our readers a 20% off discount on the book. Just enter in SASSYMINX at the checkout!

Have a cheeky one, Girls! xxxx

If I’m honest, the only thing that could make me happier than a filled-to-the-brim bubble bath and a bar of Galaxy chocolate is sweet, sweet smelling prods from Jo Malone.

OHMYSTARS – I’m head over Westwood heels in heart with the new Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise fragrance – if you haven’t had the V&A nosebud experience yet, you HAVE to go find a beauty counter, pronto.

Inspired by the floral landscape of Madagascar, capturing the fleeting moment that the rare vanilla orchid blossoms. The cream and white flowers found on the vanilla vine are a precious discovery: only one or two appear in the morning and seemingly vanish by late afternoon.

Here’s the science bit: Vanilla & Anise blends notes of bergamot, neroli and star anise to create a touch of spice sparkling above transparent layers of delicate vanilla orchid and frangipani. The warmth of vetiver, white amber and the subtlest hint of clove complete this unexpected, modern story of vanilla.

Now, while all that sounds completely fabulous, all I know is that it smells deliciously dee-vine.
Fact.
Boykind will literally be walking into lamp posts because they’re too busy looking for the girl that is smelling so incredible when you’re wearing it. It’s decadent with a hint o’ spice and I simply can’t get enough of it…mmmmmm.

To enhance your fragrance ritual, in addition to the yummy-scrummy cologne – 30 ml, £32.00, choose from the new bath oil – 250 ml £38.00, body crème – 175 ml RRP £44.00 and home candle – 200g, £38.00.

So, it’s not smell o’ internet, but take my word for it, you WILL want to buy everything on this site: www.jomalone.co.uk  

I first introduced the fabulous Vanessa Fristedt here to you via one of her fabulous necklaces. Just like her design pieces, Vanessa is inspiring and unique – come meet her!

Vanessa, tell us more about yourself and what you do?
I’m born in Stockholm, Sweden. I came to London to do a foundation course and stayed here ever since.
I’m a freelance graphic designer. I specialise in branding but design all sorts of printed material and websites too.
Along with my partner, Karen Ashton, I run Pretty Taxing. We produce limited edition tax disc holders by top artists including Sir Peter Blake, Gary Hume, Sarah Lucas, Abigail Lane and Mat Collishaw. They are circular artworks which you display on the inside of your car’s windscreen.

I also make my “Old Broad Bean” jewellery (cufflinks and necklaces) which is based on Cockney Rhyming slang. Since I live in East London and have an obsession and admiration for Her Majesty The Queen (and The Queen Mother), I decided to put her onto a bean. In Cockney, Bean means Queen.
http://www.swedishblondedesign.com/

Who/what inspires you and why?
Art is important to me. I studied art before getting into commercial art, but both feed/need each other. Conceptual art and advertising are close together. But I also get inspiration by just sitting and watching people. When I start a new project and need to come up with ideas quickly, I usually go and sit outdoors at a café, drink tons of coffee and watch people and feel the buzz.

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
I am happy to be woman but what is tricky with being a woman in London, is that I find men are afraid of strong women. Beeing Swedish, I find British men still have an old fashioned way with communicating with us strong girls. Girls are not so afraid of failure and this in itself helps to push our boundaries.

Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..?
I love water and sea. I love going to Venice, especially for the Art Biennale. Amazing place where you get around by boat.
The archipelago of Stockholm has over 40 000 islands and is still untouched. It’s a paradise on earth.
New York is a brilliant place too.
And Rio de Janeiro – a mad vibrant place where people are wonderful!
I wish London based more things around the Thames. Where are all the cafes and bars on the Embankment? Tracey Emin had a brilliant idea about making a beach along the Thames where you could swim within an enclosed area. Boris: Wake up! I’d love to become the Mayor of London!

What has been your proudest moment so far?
Proud? God knows. When I dressed up as the Queen Mother walking around Trafalgar Square during the Old Broad Bean’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.

Which five tracks make Vanessa’s day?
“What’s going on” by Marvin Gaye
“Forever Young” + “The Liberty of Norton Folgate” by Madness
“Wild by the wind” by David Bowie
All songs by Barry White

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
Brogues, shorts, colourful knee-high socks, tartan, camomille hair spray, water proof mascara.
I am not so interested in fashion as such. My dress style hasn’t changed during the years. I prefer second hand shops and men’s clothing as I love brogues and suits.
A great shop for men is SirTom Baker’s shop on d’Arblay street. www.tombakerlondon.com

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Many things, but one that makes me jump of happines is driving Casanova, my Venetian taxi boat. She’s a beauty, all in wood. She takes the wawes perfectly and is a joy to drive.
I also love American cars and the sound from a loud V8 engines. When I go to car shows, I get over excited by the sound of a good rev.
And last, I truly jumped high up in the air when Ken the Cxxt Livingstone lost the last elections.

What is your life Motto?
Y E S.
(However, only if it’s a true yes. A sincere NO is better than a false YES.)

What is next for you creatively?
Apart from getting new design work, I want to make a book about old ladies and the way they dress. Ladies from the older generation. The ones with blue rinse hair, who have attitude and their own style. I have to hurry up before they’re gone. Does anyone know of any ladies who want to be photographed? Or grandmothers? Please contact me if you do. They have to look their best and bring their favorite object.

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Tom Baker, Hennes
Book: Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
Website/blog: www.culturelabel.com and http://www.myspace.com/therubbishmen
Hang-out: Shoreditch and Soho, and everything in between
City: Rio de Janeiro, Venice, London
Must-have beauty item: LdB (Swedish cream) and Benefit’s “ You Rebel” moisturiser
TV prog: Current Affairs, The Apprentice,
Food: A good English Breakfast, Swedish Crayfish, Fjällfil, Haggis

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you, Vanessa?
The first thing that comes to my mind is Pam Hogg. Sassy sounds sexy and Scottish and she’s definitely a Scottish Sassy Minx.

Miss Lisa and I are all for a cardigan or a hoodie over a dress, and frankly, you can’t get more rock ‘n’ roll right now, than Siren . Especially when their new collection is modelled by one of the coolest models in the land right now, Ben Grimes. With a hint of tattoo, a dash of embellishment and lashings of lace and leather mixed with unicorns, ruffles, skulls and leopard print, its a grown-up girl dream.

One of my personal favourites is the Chanelesque navy blue cardigan with the heart and butterfly embellishment-It is simply adorbz!

To help celebrate the new collection, Siren have invited all Sassy Minxes to their store with an exclusive discount code: SIRENSASSY which means you get 10% all of their wares until the 18th March. What’s not to love about that?!

Firstly, I want to give big props to Oscar winning girls Sandra Bullock – j’adore, Kathryn Bigelow director of The Hurt Locker and super-inspir-o Mo-nique – check out her acceptance speech, freakin’ love this woman.

I’ve posted this poem before, but I never get tired of reading it and it should absolutely be read and re-read on days like today… It’s Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou who I love x 10000.

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Actually, while I’m sharing the love for Maya Angelou, check out the gorgeous women herself reading And So I Rise. It gives me goosbumples…

Minxes, happy International Women’s Day – what members of girl-kind do YOU want to share the love for?

As a diva o’ destiny, I thought I’d give you marvelous minxes the heads up on what’s comin’ up in the next couple o’ weeks…

Has life been a li’l sucky and lack-lustre lately? blame that pesky Mars for being retrograde – grr. The good news is that on the 10th of March, he’s switching it up and finally going forward – hurrah! – which will have us all screaming ‘Why hello passion and drive, welcome back!’

That pesky Mars retrograde has brought some not-nice patterns from our past to the forefront to make us look at how we respond to things, especially the drama-rama. If we learn our lessons and change how we react, then there’s a good chance these icky patterns will be kicked to the kerb – bring on the 10th!

Yesterday, March 7, the planets provided us with a double dose of kick-ass energy and good stuff as Venus, the planet of love moved into Aries for the next three weeks. And as if that wasn’t enough, Venus also hooked up with the high-octane Mars which is currently rocking up in Leo.

Both Aries and Leo are fire signs – go getting, inspir-o and super confident. Add seductive Venus to the mix and you’ll be throwing yourself with passion and enthusiasm into everything – and everyone – that you dig.

On the flip side, a combo of too much Aries, Leo and Mars energy can sometimes be a li’l ‘all about me’. But never fear, because Venus will smooth out any rough edges and this super-charged energy combo will give you courage and sensitivity. This could be the moment to open up your heart and speak the truth!

Oh, and your psychic and intuitive skills should be on fire this month, but try to avoid it letting you become over sensitive ‘k?!

Get a Sassy Session! I combine coaching, tarot/oracle reading, astrology and healing to give you an insight into any questions you currently have, what’s happening with you and provide you with everything you need to channel your inner SASSY and discover the Spiritual And Sensual, Sensational You!

For more deets, check out the Sassy Sessions or if you’d like a tarot reading, take a look at Diva o’ Destiny.

“A lipstick is a symbol of strength and inner confidence. Cyndi and I want to help inspire our fans to be confident in the bedroom and during the condom negotiation, so women will be strong enough and secure enough to say, ‘I have safe sex or no sex at all’.” “Right now, women are at the highest rate of infection; and Cyndi and I represent two demographics, aged 17-24 and 39-60, which are particularly affected,”
- Lady Gaga.

I am Gaga about the Gaga and I am Gaga about MAC make-up too so I am loving that they have both hooked up with Queen Cyndi of the Lauper for Viva Glam, MAC’s Aids and HIV fund, which has so far raised 16 million for charity. Girls just wanna have fun in the safest possible way and I can’t wait to try the disco lipsticks which range from deep red to shocking pink.

From one dose of pink to the next, I am shamefully a little bit in love with this Pauls Boutique Barbie Bag. Pink embossed leather, a gold Barbie logo and a zebra-print inside, it was always gonna happen. I’ve never wanted to look like Barbie but I have always digged her wardrobe, and I’d quite like this number on my arm!

I’ve been feeling a little bit anxious this week, so to try and calm myself I’ve been thinking of my happy places – like Paris magic with Ms L, and Ibiza with my friends-and catching a glimpse of my favourite pictures such as this one by Doisneau, really makes me smile inside, and remember there is beauty and joy in the simplest things.

THIS WEEK LISA IS LOVIN’…

This Too Shall Pass is the best advice I’ve EVER been given, my nanna was a wise, wise lady and I’ve lost count of the amount of times it’s got me through some sticky and icky situations. Not only is it one of my all time favourite mantras, it’s also the title of OK GO’s new single. Check out this video – AMAZING. I met OK GO once at Edinbro airport, they were a little dirty and unwashed. Just the way I like ‘em.

Ohh, I’m so excited – I love nothing more than a little red carpet razzle-dazzle glam, and this weekend is the biggest red carpet event of them all – the Oscars. Now, for some crazy reason my invitation seems to have got lost in the post, but I WILL be watching it from home and I WILL be making sure I’m suitably attired with a sleek ‘do and wearing a lacquer of Rimmel 60 second nail colour in Portabello Pink – it’ll clash perfectly with my red rug in the lounge – now, where’s my leading man?

This week has been pretty awesome for me – I went to Parliament, yep that swanky place where all the big decisions are made, to discuss the need to make PSHE and body image classes in schools compulsory. I’ve never really been a politics kinda girl, ’til now that is. I have never felt so enthused and passionate about something in my entire life – I’ll write more about it next week, but ’til then, you absolutely, positively HAVE to read this blog post written by my gorgeous gal-pal Diane, I am so proud that she’s my friend. Read it, it’s AMAZING.

Ohhh, I’m sneaking in an extra love this week, because, well…just because I can.

I HAVE to tell you all to run, not walk to your local cinema and go see A Single Man. The most exquisitely beautiful film I have EVER seen. It’s quite clear this movie was made by a Virgo fashion-designing male because the attention to detail is quite, quite stunning. I cannot recommend this movie enough. Blown away. Want to see it again. Now.

Think happy thoughts and have a lovely weekend, minxes x

I was pretty delighted when I received a breakfast invite to meet with Lorraine Candy, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE magazine, to discuss the launch of fashion’s answer to the X-Factor-The Shopgirl to Stylist competition, which launches today!

Lorraine says: “This is a unique and exciting projects which heroes the men and women who literally style the nation. They deserve more credit for what they do, and we will give them that in the pages of ELLE”.

As part of ELLE magazine’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, the British style bible is on the hunt for super-talented shop girls and boys, who, if selected, will win a chance to style an ELLE shoot, plus a magazine internship and expert mentoring from ELLE’s internationally renowned fashion director, Anne-Marie Curtis who wants to give the winner, their big break, with a stylist’s profile and lots of contacts.

25 super shop stylists will appear on the website where readers can comment and list their favourites, and then ten will make the grade to head-to-head stylist challenges, where they get help from the ELLE team.

If you’re out shopping this weekend, why not let that helpful shopgirl with awe-inspiring shoes in H&M, know about it, or if you are one of those rocking shop girls that we love so much, apply – it’s allowed!

www.elleuk.com/shopgirltostylist

I managed to swing a last minute invite to Bernard Chandran’s Private Dinner party at the beginning of London Fashion Week last weekend. I was only supposed to be going to cover The Look Show for New Look, so it was a bit of luck that I was in the big smoke to blog about this for The Sassy Minx!
 
Bernard Chandran is Malaysia’s hottest designer – as well as being a television personality in Asia, being the chief designer on Project Runway Malaysia, he also has a stream of high-profile celebrity clients, such as Lady Gaga, Little Boots, Rhianna, Tori Amos and the royal families of Malaysia and Brunei.
 
So, it’s fair to say it was fairly intimidating meeting a man at the fabulous Awawa restaurant in Chelsea (just down the street from Louis Vuitton and Prada…), which is one of the country’s top restaurants, and co-operating with Malaysia Kitchen to promote Malaysian food in the UK.
 

 
However, he wasn’t intimidating at all – in actual fact, for such a hot designer he was incredibly down to earth and friendly. I write a blog about being a size 16, and he seemed really into this idea. “When I design for women, I do not think of their bodies – I love women’s imaginations and spirit more!” He sparkles, “My assistant for example can’t fit into any of my collection and that’s fine – I hired her for her personality!”

When I asked him about his collection, although his latest collection is the height of couture, with enlarged sleeves and skirts in many of the pieces, he describes his look as wearable. “It’s all about context,” he explained. “You wouldn’t wear one of these pieces to the beach, would you? But I love them all – I call them my babies, and I couldn’t pick a favourite!”

 
Amongst his celebrity friends present were Mr. Hudson, Beverley Knight (who when watching a playback of the show asked me “Couldn’t you just see me on TV in that?” I definitely had to agree – it was a beautiful sparkly purple bodycon dress), Sophie Anderton and Jimmy Choo – who FYI: was very sweet and polite – despite the fact I was wearing £35 heels from Next!
 
It was a wonderful, sparkling event – filled with people in the industry including designers, photographers, journalists and bloggers. I even got talking to Alexandra Burke’s family over a fantastic chicken dish and chocolate mousse. That’s Chelsea for you – you never know who you’re going to run into over dessert!
 

 
Many thanks to Sassy Minx Miss Lisa for letting me go in her place and get to tell you all about this! And be sure to follow my blog at http://messycarla.blogspot.com!

Who/what inspires you and why?
Inspiration comes from everywhere- websites tv programmes, magazines, books, shop windows, people on the street…I try and write ideas down, as I go along, but it doesn’t always work out. I’m my own harsh critic and discard allot when I read them back.

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
I’ve always enjoyed fashion and I guess women have more scope with that, than guys. I don’t mind getting older because I’m happy to swap wrinkle free skin for wisdom.. The world has changed a lot since I grew up in the 70s, and I think it is better for women now. The internet has definitely improved the global female network . I live in New Zealand which has a larger female population than male so macho attitudes have had to change as well and here we have had strong female role models- a female PM and Governor General in the last decade.

Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..
I have had a long relationship with the USA, – Got married in NYC in 1994, honeymooned in San Fran and I have travelled many times to LA.

Oaxaca Mexico where I spent a fabulous birthday. I’m a Halloween baby which coincides with the Day of the Dead celebrations. Tripping through a graveyard, drinking tequila, while mariachi bands and fireworks blasted away, was an experience I’ll never forget.

Melbourne Australia- great city, pretty architecture, fabulous food.

New Zealand’s South Island- beautiful scenic roads with no one on them!

Auckland city.I was born here and have lived here all my life so it is home.The city has grown up a lot in the last decade and is becoming more cosmopolitan which is a good thing.

What has been your proudest moment so far?
Giving birth twice- I have a son and daughter.

Which five tracks make Karen’s day?
I’m a Bowie fan and I love Starman
I have too many musical loves to say…

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
Eyeliner
Niki de Sainte Phalle eyeshadow kit- outrageous colours, hard to find
Red lipstick
Good moisturiser
I’m a fan of tinted moisturisers as I don’t like powder.

Niki de Sainte Phalle perfume- hard to find

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
A sense of achievement. Graduating from art school after 4 years. Its tough been a student for so long- going without money etc..

What is your life Motto?.
Don’t just talk about it, do it!!

What is next for Trixie Delicious, and what is your favourite ever piece?
I put together a set of Seven Deadly Sins out of old chipped plates and used different fonts on each. It hangs above my bed and I can’t part with them.
Trixie will just keep going the same way maybe I will develop my own online shop one of these days-see motto…now that I’ve said it I’ll have to do it!

Quick fire round: What’s your favourite?
Shop: Etsy
Book: Many but I like a good bio- Keith Richards by Victor Bockris- hilarious
Website/blog:Badder Homes and Gardens.com- they are wickedly funny naughty and gorgeous girls
Hang-out: Boatshed on the Kaipara harbour, 2 hrs north of Auckland
City: LA
Must-have beauty item:eyeliner – it’s an 80s hangover!
TV prog: Hung
Food: My husbands pasta dishes- he was Italian in a former life.

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you, Karen?
Confident, foxy and witty

We are crossing our fingers for that online shop, Karen! x

Find our more at www.trixiedelicious.com