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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title>A third of men marry someone they're not in love with</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/a-third-of-men-marry-someone-theyre-not-in-love-with/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/a-third-of-men-marry-someone-theyre-not-in-love-with/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/a-third-of-men-marry-someone-theyre-not-in-love-with/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a></p><div class="photo-block">
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		<img alt="A third of men marry someone they're not in love with" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/men-marry-not-in-love-590-3.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Getty</span></p>
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Would you ever <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/21/celebrity-marriage-secrets/" target="_self">marry</a> someone you weren't in love with? If you're a man, you're more likely to, apparently.<br />
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According to the new <a href="http://blog.match.com/singles-in-america/" target="_blank">Singles in America</a> survey by <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/14/silver-surfers-online-dating/" target="_self">dating website</a> Match.com, which surveyed 5,000 people, 31 per cent of <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/23/why-men-are-to-blame-for-the-worlds-problems/" target="_self">men</a> said they would marry someone they weren't in love with, provided she had "everything they were looking for in a partner." 23 per cent of women said they would do the same, reports the <em>Daily Beast</em>.<br />
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In addition to finding that men are not as commitment-phobic as stereotypes suggest, the survey revealed that 21 per cent of men admitted they would marry someone they weren't even sexually attracted to. Men were also found to have strong urges to settle down, especially in their twenties and forties.<br />
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"The idea of being alone in life can be so overwhelming," Thomas Fant told the <em>Daily Beast</em>. "Soul crushing for some. Men certainly aren't immune to it."
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	According to Tom Matlack, co-founder of The Good Men Project (which aims to debunk modern male stereotypes): "There's this transformation going on. It's kind of like feminism on its head: for years, women were trying to earn the right to get out of the house, and here are all these men dying to get back into [it]."
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			As for the percentage of men not marrying women they love? "We all marry our second or third or fourth best choice. It is just life," an anonymous middle-aged man told the website.</div>
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		In related news, the survey also found that Republicans have the highest frequency of orgasms - despite having the least sex.<br />
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		<strong>Would you marry even if you weren't in love - just to avoid being alone? Leave a comment and let us know.</strong><br />
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		Don't miss our gallery of simple seduction tips.<br />
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	Simple seduction tips&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Simple seduction tips</a></h2>
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<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Ever thought about a trip to Brazil? Whether you're a regular devotee of waxing or have never touched the hair down there, a change in scenery is one way to amp up the sex appeal - and give you an added confidence boost in bed.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-bikini-wax.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-bikini-wax.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Try a new look... down there</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Ever thought about a trip to Brazil? Whether you're a regular devotee of waxing or have never touched the hair down there, a change in scenery is one way to amp up the sex appeal - and give you an added confidence boost in bed.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Try a new look... down there" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-bikini-wax.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Lingerie brand Ultimo recently surveyed women on their top seduction techniques, and &lt;a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/09/is-a-killer-cleavage-the-best-way-to-attract-a-man/" target="_blank"&gt;flaunting their cleavage&lt;/a&gt; came out on top. According to Ultimo's Michelle Mone: &amp;quot;Having a full, sculpted cleavage boosts your confidence as well as your shape, and a well-fitting bra will also make your silhouette appear instantly slimmer.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-cleavage-boo.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-cleavage-boo.jpg" data-credit="www.ultimo.co.uk; www.next.co.uk">Expose some cleavage</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Lingerie brand Ultimo recently surveyed women on their top seduction techniques, and &lt;a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/09/is-a-killer-cleavage-the-best-way-to-attract-a-man/" target="_blank"&gt;flaunting their cleavage&lt;/a&gt; came out on top. According to Ultimo's Michelle Mone: &amp;quot;Having a full, sculpted cleavage boosts your confidence as well as your shape, and a well-fitting bra will also make your silhouette appear instantly slimmer.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Expose some cleavage" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-cleavage-boo.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Adding a pair of high heels to your look - whether it's your basic office outfit or some sexy new lingerie - helps elongate and slim legs. If the idea of walking in heels is torture for you, just slip a pair on and perch on the bed - they'll be off in no time.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-heels.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-heels.jpg" data-credit="PA">Slip on a pair of heels</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Adding a pair of high heels to your look - whether it's your basic office outfit or some sexy new lingerie - helps elongate and slim legs. If the idea of walking in heels is torture for you, just slip a pair on and perch on the bed - they'll be off in no time.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Slip on a pair of heels" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-heels.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	A woman in man's clothing is sexy because of the interplay between masculine and feminine (remember Julia Roberts wearing nothing but a tie and heels in &lt;em&gt;Pretty Woman&lt;/em&gt;?). Designer Stefano Gabbana told &lt;em&gt;The Telegraph&lt;/em&gt;: &amp;quot;You don't need to lose femininity by wearing a suit; the first thing I think is, 'Is she wearing lace underwear?'&amp;quot;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-masculine-wi.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-masculine-wi.jpg" data-credit="PA">Mix masculine with feminine</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	A woman in man's clothing is sexy because of the interplay between masculine and feminine (remember Julia Roberts wearing nothing but a tie and heels in &lt;em&gt;Pretty Woman&lt;/em&gt;?). Designer Stefano Gabbana told &lt;em&gt;The Telegraph&lt;/em&gt;: &amp;quot;You don't need to lose femininity by wearing a suit; the first thing I think is, 'Is she wearing lace underwear?'&amp;quot;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Mix masculine with feminine" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-masculine-wi.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	A glimpse of garter belt and stockings - under a prim pencil skirt or dress - on date night will have him fantasising about the night ahead. The bill, please!&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/simple-seduction-tips-1328770396.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/simple-seduction-tips-1328770396.jpg" data-credit="PA">Swap your tights for suspenders</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	A glimpse of garter belt and stockings - under a prim pencil skirt or dress - on date night will have him fantasising about the night ahead. The bill, please!&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Swap your tights for suspenders" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/simple-seduction-tips-1328770396.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Studies have found that both women and men are attracted to members of the opposite sex wearing the colour red. According to researchers at the University of Rochester, &amp;quot;red is hypothesized to serve as an aphrodisiac for men because it carries the meaning of sex and romance.&amp;quot;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-wear-res.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-wear-res.jpg" data-credit="PA">Wear red</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Studies have found that both women and men are attracted to members of the opposite sex wearing the colour red. According to researchers at the University of Rochester, &amp;quot;red is hypothesized to serve as an aphrodisiac for men because it carries the meaning of sex and romance.&amp;quot;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Wear red" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/seduction-tips-wear-res.jpg" /></li></ul>
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			<a href="http://www.facebook.com/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter! </a>| <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/newsletter-signup/" target="_blank">Sign up to our newsletter</a> <a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
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</div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>love</category><category>marriage</category><category>marry someone you dont love</category><category>match.com</category><category>men</category><category>relationships</category><category>weddings</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-23T07:55:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Celebrities with food struggles</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/celebrities-who-struggle-with-food/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/celebrities-who-struggle-with-food/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/celebrities-who-struggle-with-food/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/health-and-wellbeing/" rel="tag">Health &amp; wellbeing</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Celebrities with food struggles" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">EMPICS Entertainment/PA/FilmMagic</span></p>
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Many women try the occasional fad diet or embrace a crazy eating regime in the hopes of losing a quick few pounds, but some suffer more difficult relationships with food that develop into eating disorders like <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/24/kirsty-young-reveals-bulimia-battle/" target="_self">bulimia</a> and <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/17/kate-thornton-talks-about-anorexia-battle-on-this-morning/" target="_self">anorexia</a>.<br />
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Celebrities - constantly in the glare of the public eye - are no exception. Click through the gallery below to see which stars opened up about their <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/08/21/duchess-of-cambridge-becomes-a-role-model-on-pro-anorexia-websit/" target="_self">struggles with food</a>.<br />
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For information and advice about eating disorders visit the <a href="http://www.b-eat.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beat </a>website.<br />
<a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><br />
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	Celebrities who struggle with food&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Celebrities with food struggles</a></h2>
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	The 19-year-old Disney star recently came out of a stint in rehab for bulimia, drugs and alcohol.&amp;nbsp;From the age of 12, the star started to starve herself, before beginning the binge and purge cycle in her teens.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;At my worst, I was doing it five times a day. I threw up so hard and so much, it was just blood in the toilet,&amp;quot; she told &lt;em&gt;People &lt;/em&gt;magazine. Since leaving rehab, Lovato has been vocal about eating disorders, even lashing out at the Disney channel on Twitter for an eating disorder joke on one of its programmes.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-de.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-de.jpg" data-credit="FilmMagic">Demi Lovato</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 19-year-old Disney star recently came out of a stint in rehab for bulimia, drugs and alcohol.&amp;nbsp;From the age of 12, the star started to starve herself, before beginning the binge and purge cycle in her teens.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;At my worst, I was doing it five times a day. I threw up so hard and so much, it was just blood in the toilet,&amp;quot; she told &lt;em&gt;People &lt;/em&gt;magazine. Since leaving rehab, Lovato has been vocal about eating disorders, even lashing out at the Disney channel on Twitter for an eating disorder joke on one of its programmes.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Demi Lovato" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-de.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The exercise queen has had her share of eating and body image issues over the years. She told &lt;em&gt;Harper's Bazaar&lt;/em&gt;: &amp;quot;I wasn't very happy from, I would say, puberty to 50. It took me a long time. It was in my 40s, and if you suffer from bulimia, the older you get, the worse it gets. It takes longer to recover from a bout.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ja.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ja.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Jane Fonda</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The exercise queen has had her share of eating and body image issues over the years. She told &lt;em&gt;Harper's Bazaar&lt;/em&gt;: &amp;quot;I wasn't very happy from, I would say, puberty to 50. It took me a long time. It was in my 40s, and if you suffer from bulimia, the older you get, the worse it gets. It takes longer to recover from a bout.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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	The Desert Island Discs presenter told the &lt;em&gt;Radio Times&lt;/em&gt; she was working as an au pair in Switzerland when she began to suffer from bulimia.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I feel funny saying it because I'm now a different person Although it was horrible, I don't want to overplay it because people suffer for decades.&amp;nbsp;I was lucky. I talked myself out of it in six months.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ki.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ki.jpg" data-credit="PA">Kirsty Young</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The Desert Island Discs presenter told the &lt;em&gt;Radio Times&lt;/em&gt; she was working as an au pair in Switzerland when she began to suffer from bulimia.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I feel funny saying it because I'm now a different person Although it was horrible, I don't want to overplay it because people suffer for decades.&amp;nbsp;I was lucky. I talked myself out of it in six months.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Kirsty Young" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ki.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	In her autobiography, the 65-year-old opened up about her bulimia, which &amp;quot;outshone the power of my desire for Woody. Pathetic, but true.&amp;quot; She used to binge on large quantities of food, eating&amp;nbsp;a dozen buttered corn muffins, three fried eggs with bacon, pancakes and four glasses of chocolate milk just for breakfast. She revealed she got the idea for throwing up because she overheard another actress talking about it.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-di.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-di.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images">Diane Keaton</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	In her autobiography, the 65-year-old opened up about her bulimia, which &amp;quot;outshone the power of my desire for Woody. Pathetic, but true.&amp;quot; She used to binge on large quantities of food, eating&amp;nbsp;a dozen buttered corn muffins, three fried eggs with bacon, pancakes and four glasses of chocolate milk just for breakfast. She revealed she got the idea for throwing up because she overheard another actress talking about it.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Diane Keaton" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-di.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The former &lt;em&gt;Loose Women&lt;/em&gt; presenter revealed on &lt;em&gt;This Morning&lt;/em&gt; that she became anorexic from the ages of 11 to 15 after suffering bullying at school. She is currently working on a documentary about the condition. &amp;quot;There was a 20-year distance between me and my recovery. And I have to say I completely misjudged it. I found it really hard. It is the hardest thing I have ever done.&amp;nbsp;I can't watch it. I was looking away then when that clip was on. It is undignified, it's embarrassing, but it's happening all around us.&amp;nbsp;It is a deceptive illness, a lonely illness and still one that's really difficult to fathom.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ka.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ka.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Kate Thornton</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The former &lt;em&gt;Loose Women&lt;/em&gt; presenter revealed on &lt;em&gt;This Morning&lt;/em&gt; that she became anorexic from the ages of 11 to 15 after suffering bullying at school. She is currently working on a documentary about the condition. &amp;quot;There was a 20-year distance between me and my recovery. And I have to say I completely misjudged it. I found it really hard. It is the hardest thing I have ever done.&amp;nbsp;I can't watch it. I was looking away then when that clip was on. It is undignified, it's embarrassing, but it's happening all around us.&amp;nbsp;It is a deceptive illness, a lonely illness and still one that's really difficult to fathom.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Kate Thornton" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ka.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The singer became bulimic as a reaction to the fame she experienced in the Spice Girls. &amp;quot;I felt like I wasn't in control of my life, I was public property and I was fixated on my body image. Controlling my food was my way of fighting back and not feeling powerless,&amp;quot; she told &lt;em&gt;She &lt;/em&gt;magazine. She credits having her baby, Scarlet, with changing her relationship with her body into a positive one.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;Having Scarlet hasn't just changed my life, she's saved it.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-me.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-me.jpg" data-credit="PA">Mel C</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The singer became bulimic as a reaction to the fame she experienced in the Spice Girls. &amp;quot;I felt like I wasn't in control of my life, I was public property and I was fixated on my body image. Controlling my food was my way of fighting back and not feeling powerless,&amp;quot; she told &lt;em&gt;She &lt;/em&gt;magazine. She credits having her baby, Scarlet, with changing her relationship with her body into a positive one.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;Having Scarlet hasn't just changed my life, she's saved it.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Mel C" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-me.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Morissette revealed she suffered from anorexia and bulimia as a teenager. In her blog on iVillage.com, she wrote: &amp;quot;We of the Hollywood standard-affected variety (read: sadly, the world) work tooth, nail and treadmill to adhere to this number (measuring tape, scale and otherwise) that hovers directly below any that would allow for a cupcake here and there... I remember being at my most thin one day, feeling like I could barely drag my lethargic body around, only to be met with the most compliments I had ever received.&amp;nbsp;There are often traumas and abuses/neglect that are begging to be healed... I often find anxiety, fear, boredom, disappointment, loneliness, excitement and grief to be the top feelings food can attempt to prevent. My fraught relationship with food and fat has always been a cloaked invitation into a more profound kindness to myself (one I have so often ignored).&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-al.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-al.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images">Alanis Morissette</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Morissette revealed she suffered from anorexia and bulimia as a teenager. In her blog on iVillage.com, she wrote: &amp;quot;We of the Hollywood standard-affected variety (read: sadly, the world) work tooth, nail and treadmill to adhere to this number (measuring tape, scale and otherwise) that hovers directly below any that would allow for a cupcake here and there... I remember being at my most thin one day, feeling like I could barely drag my lethargic body around, only to be met with the most compliments I had ever received.&amp;nbsp;There are often traumas and abuses/neglect that are begging to be healed... I often find anxiety, fear, boredom, disappointment, loneliness, excitement and grief to be the top feelings food can attempt to prevent. My fraught relationship with food and fat has always been a cloaked invitation into a more profound kindness to myself (one I have so often ignored).&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Alanis Morissette" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-al.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The Pan Am actress suffered from an eating disorder in her younger days, and body image issues that caused her to cover up all the mirrors in her house. She has blamed her disorder on family life rather than Tinsel Town, but Hollywood did contribute - in its own strange way. &amp;quot;At the time that I was starting to diet and stuff, I saw this TV movie, and I thought, 'Ooh - anorexia. I could probably do that,'&amp;quot; Ricci told &lt;em&gt;The Guardian&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ch.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ch.jpg" data-credit="PA">Christina Ricci</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The Pan Am actress suffered from an eating disorder in her younger days, and body image issues that caused her to cover up all the mirrors in her house. She has blamed her disorder on family life rather than Tinsel Town, but Hollywood did contribute - in its own strange way. &amp;quot;At the time that I was starting to diet and stuff, I saw this TV movie, and I thought, 'Ooh - anorexia. I could probably do that,'&amp;quot; Ricci told &lt;em&gt;The Guardian&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Christina Ricci" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ch.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The singer-turned-retailer/designer admitted that she fell victim to the pressures of the spotlight, and began to suffer from bulimia. &amp;quot;It is not something I am proud of. But I tell you what, a lot of people used to come up to me and tell me how great I looked. And I was on the cover of every magazine with them saying, &amp;lsquo;Lily is looking amazing &amp;ndash; look how much weight she has lost&amp;rsquo;. I thought I looked good.&amp;nbsp;It was great to try on clothes and walk out of the shop feeling a million dollars. When you have been a victim of people saying the complete opposite, you want more of it. But I wasn&amp;rsquo;t happy, I really wasn&amp;rsquo;t. I would like to be the skinniest, mini-est person in the world, but I know I can&amp;rsquo;t do that without being unhappy. I like my food.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-li.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-li.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Lily Allen</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The singer-turned-retailer/designer admitted that she fell victim to the pressures of the spotlight, and began to suffer from bulimia. &amp;quot;It is not something I am proud of. But I tell you what, a lot of people used to come up to me and tell me how great I looked. And I was on the cover of every magazine with them saying, &amp;lsquo;Lily is looking amazing &amp;ndash; look how much weight she has lost&amp;rsquo;. I thought I looked good.&amp;nbsp;It was great to try on clothes and walk out of the shop feeling a million dollars. When you have been a victim of people saying the complete opposite, you want more of it. But I wasn&amp;rsquo;t happy, I really wasn&amp;rsquo;t. I would like to be the skinniest, mini-est person in the world, but I know I can&amp;rsquo;t do that without being unhappy. I like my food.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Lily Allen" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-li.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Portia De Rossi's struggles with eating began as early as age 12, but she hit her lowest point when she began working on the show &lt;em&gt;Ally McBeal&lt;/em&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I weighed 5st 12lb when I collapsed on a film set in early 2000,&amp;quot; she says. &amp;quot;I had osteoporosis and signs of cirrhosis of the liver. My potassium and electrolyte balance were at critical levels, threatening my organ function. I had to accept that I'd chosen the wrong road - one that led to sickness and death,&amp;quot; she revealed in her autobiography. After she started eating again, she developed bulimia and her weight ballooned, and the star credits her wife, Elle DeGeneres, with helping her come to terms with her body. &amp;quot;We first met in 2001 when I weighed 168lb, but she says she never saw me as heavy - only the person inside.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-po.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-po.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images for PCA">Portia De Rossi</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Portia De Rossi's struggles with eating began as early as age 12, but she hit her lowest point when she began working on the show &lt;em&gt;Ally McBeal&lt;/em&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I weighed 5st 12lb when I collapsed on a film set in early 2000,&amp;quot; she says. &amp;quot;I had osteoporosis and signs of cirrhosis of the liver. My potassium and electrolyte balance were at critical levels, threatening my organ function. I had to accept that I'd chosen the wrong road - one that led to sickness and death,&amp;quot; she revealed in her autobiography. After she started eating again, she developed bulimia and her weight ballooned, and the star credits her wife, Elle DeGeneres, with helping her come to terms with her body. &amp;quot;We first met in 2001 when I weighed 168lb, but she says she never saw me as heavy - only the person inside.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Portia De Rossi" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-po.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	In 1995, Diana admitted in a television interview that she had suffered from bulimia. &amp;quot;I had bulimia for a number of years. And that's like a secret disease. You inflict it upon yourself because your self-esteem is at a low ebb, and you don't think you're worthy or valuable.&amp;quot;&amp;nbsp;Once the news was revealed, there was an increase in the number of bulimia diagnoses, as many people felt more comfortable admitting their problem. This became known as the &amp;quot;Diana Effect.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-pr.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-pr.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Princess Diana</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	In 1995, Diana admitted in a television interview that she had suffered from bulimia. &amp;quot;I had bulimia for a number of years. And that's like a secret disease. You inflict it upon yourself because your self-esteem is at a low ebb, and you don't think you're worthy or valuable.&amp;quot;&amp;nbsp;Once the news was revealed, there was an increase in the number of bulimia diagnoses, as many people felt more comfortable admitting their problem. This became known as the &amp;quot;Diana Effect.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Princess Diana" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-pr.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The singer recently opened up to a group of schoolchildren about her body image issues as a teen. &amp;quot;I used to throw up all the time in high school. So I'm not that confident. And maybe it's easier for me to talk about it now because I don't do it anymore,&amp;quot; she said.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I wanted to be a skinny little ballerina but I was a voluptuous little Italian girl whose dad had meatballs on the table every night.&amp;quot; She revealed she became bulimic, and it was singing that finally prompted her to stop - the acid was damaging her vocal chords.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ga.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ga.jpg" data-credit="PA">Lady Gaga</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The singer recently opened up to a group of schoolchildren about her body image issues as a teen. &amp;quot;I used to throw up all the time in high school. So I'm not that confident. And maybe it's easier for me to talk about it now because I don't do it anymore,&amp;quot; she said.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I wanted to be a skinny little ballerina but I was a voluptuous little Italian girl whose dad had meatballs on the table every night.&amp;quot; She revealed she became bulimic, and it was singing that finally prompted her to stop - the acid was damaging her vocal chords.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Lady Gaga" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ga.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>anorexia</category><category>bulimia</category><category>celebrity</category><category>celebrity diets</category><category>celebrity food struggles</category><category>eating disorder</category><category>eating disorders</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-23T07:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Raquel Welch shows she's still a sex symbol at 71 in gold metallic dress</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/raquel-welch-sex-symbol-at-71/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/raquel-welch-sex-symbol-at-71/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/raquel-welch-sex-symbol-at-71/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/celebrity/" rel="tag">Celebrity</a></p><p>
</p>
<div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Raquel Welch shows she's still a sex symbol at 71 in gold metallic dress" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/raquel-welch-sex-symbol-71-.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Getty Images for Vanity Fair</span></p>
</div>
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/02/17/was-mae-west-a-man-raquel-welch-myra-breckinridge_n_1283981.html" target="_blank">Raquel Welch</a> proved last night that her sex symbol status has withstood the test of time.<br />
<br />
The 71-year-old looked ravishing as she stepped out at the Vanity Fair Montblanc party in Los Angeles. The sex symbol flaunted her iconic frame - immortalised in a fur bikini in the film <em>One Million Years B.C. - </em>in a gold metallic fitted dress with sheer sleeves, with giant hoop earrings and a bouffant hairstyle framing her wrinkle-free face.<br />
<br />
Welch cemented her screen siren appeal in 1970s films like <em>Bedazzled</em>, <em>100 Rifles</em> and <em>Myra Breckenridge</em>, but the pin-up was initially rejected for modelling gigs.<br />
<br />
"When I tried to do some modelling after I first came to LA - just to get a job - they hated my body. Everything was wrong," she told Oprah Winfrey.<br />
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The star also joked to the <em>New York Post</em>: "Every time I have a birthday, every disc jockey in Hollywood starts yahooing it all over the place. But if you can't have fun as an ageing sex symbol when you hit 60, I don't know what will become of you."<br />
<br />
Welch's tips on ageing gracefully? "One of the reasons I look so good is that it takes me about three hours to get ready," she told Winfrey.<br />
<br />
<strong>What do you think of Welch's sexpot over-70 style? Leave a comment and let us know.</strong><br />
<br />
And don't miss our gallery of fabulous over-60s celebrities.<br />
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<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="celebrities-in-their-sixties-sexy-sassy-and-sensational">
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<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="" href="javascript:;">Celebrities in their sixties – sexy, sassy and sensational!</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;The good thing about getting older is that when they do cast you it's often something interesting and you're no longer asked to be the beautiful leading lady,&amp;quot; says Streep. &amp;quot;You're allowed to do different things. I've had some very interesting parts over the past few years in films that examine all the idiosyncrasies people have.&amp;quot; While we're pleased to hear it, Meryl Streep is still beautiful to us!&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/meryl-streep-441a-012111.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/meryl-streep-441a-012111.jpg" data-credit="PA">Meryl Streep, 61</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;The good thing about getting older is that when they do cast you it's often something interesting and you're no longer asked to be the beautiful leading lady,&amp;quot; says Streep. &amp;quot;You're allowed to do different things. I've had some very interesting parts over the past few years in films that examine all the idiosyncrasies people have.&amp;quot; While we're pleased to hear it, Meryl Streep is still beautiful to us!&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Meryl Streep, 61" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/meryl-streep-441a-012111.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	She was one of THE iconic faces of the '60s and Twiggy is very much in fashion today.&lt;br /&gt;
	A regular for M&amp;amp;S, the model is rarely off our TV screens and has even appeared as a guest judge on America's Next Top Model. Now in her 60s, Twiggy is going from strength to strength, having recently launched her own fashion label.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/twiggy-441a-012111.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/twiggy-441a-012111.jpg" data-credit="PA">Twiggy, 61</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	She was one of THE iconic faces of the '60s and Twiggy is very much in fashion today.&lt;br /&gt;
	A regular for M&amp;amp;S, the model is rarely off our TV screens and has even appeared as a guest judge on America's Next Top Model. Now in her 60s, Twiggy is going from strength to strength, having recently launched her own fashion label.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Twiggy, 61" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/twiggy-441a-012111.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	She has a figure and face many women half her age would envy but perhaps we shouldn't be surprised. After all, Olivia Newton-John convincingly played the part of 18-year-old student Sandy in Grease despite being 30 at the time. And we hear she can still fit into her pink jog-suit from the '80s 'Let's get physical' video. Now that is impressive.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/olivia-newton-john-441a-012111.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/olivia-newton-john-441a-012111.jpg">Olivia Newton-John, 62</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	She has a figure and face many women half her age would envy but perhaps we shouldn't be surprised. After all, Olivia Newton-John convincingly played the part of 18-year-old student Sandy in Grease despite being 30 at the time. And we hear she can still fit into her pink jog-suit from the '80s 'Let's get physical' video. Now that is impressive.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Olivia Newton-John, 62" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/olivia-newton-john-441a-012111.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Whether you know the actress from The Rocky Horror Picture Show or Thelma and Louse, Damn-it Janet - Susan Sarandon is still hot! A well known activist and campaigner, Sarandon has more important things to worry about than ageing. &amp;quot;I wouldn't want to be 20 now,&amp;quot; she says. &amp;quot;I know so much more, and I'm much more comfortable in my skin, saggy as it is.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/susan-sarandon-441a-012111.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/susan-sarandon-441a-012111.jpg" data-credit="PA">Susan Sarandon, 64</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Whether you know the actress from The Rocky Horror Picture Show or Thelma and Louse, Damn-it Janet - Susan Sarandon is still hot! A well known activist and campaigner, Sarandon has more important things to worry about than ageing. &amp;quot;I wouldn't want to be 20 now,&amp;quot; she says. &amp;quot;I know so much more, and I'm much more comfortable in my skin, saggy as it is.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Susan Sarandon, 64" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/susan-sarandon-441a-012111.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	At 64 Joanna is looking absolutely fabulous and her husky voice just gets better with age, regularly topping sexiest voice polls. While many of us would be looking forward to retirement, the former model and Bond girl has been busy in recent years and fighting hard for the Gurkha Justice Campaign as well as taking on various film and TV roles.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/joanna-lumley-441a-012111.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/joanna-lumley-441a-012111.jpg" data-credit="PA">Joanna Lumley, 64</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	At 64 Joanna is looking absolutely fabulous and her husky voice just gets better with age, regularly topping sexiest voice polls. While many of us would be looking forward to retirement, the former model and Bond girl has been busy in recent years and fighting hard for the Gurkha Justice Campaign as well as taking on various film and TV roles.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Joanna Lumley, 64" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/joanna-lumley-441a-012111.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Debbie looks far younger than her 65 years. Of course, the face lift may have helped. She has said: &amp;quot;Yeah, I had a facelift years ago. Why not? It gives you all the things you need to be part of the action. I don't feel like hiding myself away. All sorts of horrific things happen in life - why make it worse by worrying about getting older? Do some charity work, or learn a new skill instead.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/debbie-harry-441a-012111.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/debbie-harry-441a-012111.jpg" data-credit="PA">Debbie Harry, 65</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Debbie looks far younger than her 65 years. Of course, the face lift may have helped. She has said: &amp;quot;Yeah, I had a facelift years ago. Why not? It gives you all the things you need to be part of the action. I don't feel like hiding myself away. All sorts of horrific things happen in life - why make it worse by worrying about getting older? Do some charity work, or learn a new skill instead.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Debbie Harry, 65" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/debbie-harry-441a-012111.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Acting royalty and 'thinking man's crumpet' Helen Mirren continues to ooze sex appeal at the grand old age of 65. Not many women would be confident enough to be photographed in a red bikini at the age of 63, or pose topless in the bath for New York Magazine for that matter. Maybe it's playing hours of WiiFit that keeps her so trim!&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/helen-mirren-441a-012111.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/helen-mirren-441a-012111.jpg" data-credit="PA">Helen mirren, 65</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Acting royalty and 'thinking man's crumpet' Helen Mirren continues to ooze sex appeal at the grand old age of 65. Not many women would be confident enough to be photographed in a red bikini at the age of 63, or pose topless in the bath for New York Magazine for that matter. Maybe it's playing hours of WiiFit that keeps her so trim!&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Helen mirren, 65" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/helen-mirren-441a-012111.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	While she may not consider herself beautiful, Goldie Hawn (who recently celebrated 25 years of &amp;quot;not being married&amp;quot; to long-term partner, actor Kurt Russell), looks pretty good to us. The actress has said: &amp;quot;I like that I got an ugly girl's personality. In other words, a homely girl always has to develop that muscle. And I did. But the good news is that I never considered myself beautiful at all. And I still don't.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/goldie-hawn-441a-012111.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/goldie-hawn-441a-012111.jpg" data-credit="PA">Goldie Hawn, 65</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	While she may not consider herself beautiful, Goldie Hawn (who recently celebrated 25 years of &amp;quot;not being married&amp;quot; to long-term partner, actor Kurt Russell), looks pretty good to us. The actress has said: &amp;quot;I like that I got an ugly girl's personality. In other words, a homely girl always has to develop that muscle. And I did. But the good news is that I never considered myself beautiful at all. And I still don't.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Goldie Hawn, 65" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/goldie-hawn-441a-012111.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The former singer and Blind Date presenter, instantly recognisable by her flame-red hair, has been entertaining the British public since the 60s with her own inimitable brand of cheeky Scouse humour. What's more she never looks any older.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/cilla-black-441a-012111.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/cilla-black-441a-012111.jpg"></a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The former singer and Blind Date presenter, instantly recognisable by her flame-red hair, has been entertaining the British public since the 60s with her own inimitable brand of cheeky Scouse humour. What's more she never looks any older.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/cilla-black-441a-012111.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The legendary French film icon looked stunning at the Venice Film Festival last year. So how does she do it? &amp;quot;If you want an explanation,&amp;quot; Deneuve, 67, said in a recent interview, &amp;quot;you would have to meet my mother. She is 98. It's genetic. I think [surgery] is dangerous. It is obvious Botox is dangerous because I've seen people with foreheads that are white and don't move.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/catherine-deneuve-441a-012111.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/catherine-deneuve-441a-012111.jpg" data-credit="PA">Catherine Deneuve, 67</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The legendary French film icon looked stunning at the Venice Film Festival last year. So how does she do it? &amp;quot;If you want an explanation,&amp;quot; Deneuve, 67, said in a recent interview, &amp;quot;you would have to meet my mother. She is 98. It's genetic. I think [surgery] is dangerous. It is obvious Botox is dangerous because I've seen people with foreheads that are white and don't move.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Catherine Deneuve, 67" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop.co.uk/media/2011/04/catherine-deneuve-441a-012111.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
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	Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter!</a> | <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/newsletter-signup/" target="_blank">Sign up to our newsletter</a></p>
<a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>celebrities over 70</category><category>over 60s</category><category>over 70</category><category>Raquel Welch</category><category>sex symbol</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-23T06:31:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Do migraines put you at risk for depression?</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/migraines-put-you-at-risk-for-depression/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/migraines-put-you-at-risk-for-depression/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/migraines-put-you-at-risk-for-depression/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/health-and-wellbeing/" rel="tag">Health &amp; wellbeing</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Do migraines put you at risk for depression?" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/migraine-depression-increas.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Getty</span></p>
</div>
New research has found that migraine sufferers may be in for more of a headache: they have a higher risk of developing <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/could-your-computer-diagnose-and-treat-depression/" target="_self">depression</a>.<br />
<br />
A study of 36,000 women at the University of California, Los Angeles, has found that long-term migraine sufferers, or those who used to have migraines in the past, had a 36 per cent higher chance of developing depression over 14 years, reports the <em>Telegraph</em>.<br />
<br />
While nobody in the study had been diagnosed with depression previously, the 6,500 migraine sufferers (current and past) were at a higher risk for developing the condition. <div>
<br />
Sufferers of migraines with aura were even more predisposed to depression with 43 per cent (compared to 29 per cent of those who had migraine without aura) developing the mental illness.<br />
<br />
Since the study only looked at women, the research didn't draw any conclusions as to why migraines and depression appear to be linked, but researcher Dr. Tobias Kurth of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said: "We hope our findings will encourage doctors to speak to their migraine patients about the risk of depression and potential ways to prevent depression."
<div>
	<br />
	Just last week, it was reported that <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/16/migraine-sufferers-could-be-eligible-for-botox-injections-on-the/" target="_self">migraine sufferers may be eligible for Botox injections on the NHS</a>.</div>
<br />
<strong>Do you suffer from migraines? Leave a comment and let us know.</strong><br />
And don't miss our gallery of mood-boosting foods.<br />
<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="5-mood-boosting-foods">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	5 Mood-Boosting Foods&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">5 Mood-Boosting Foods</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Oily fish (including sardines, salmon, trout and mackerel),&amp;nbsp;is a great mood booster, according to O'Byrne. &amp;quot;Oily fish is full of the essential fats, EPA and DHA, found to greatly enhance state of mind. Studies have even shown they can ease depression.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-oily-fish-1327479330.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-oily-fish-1327479330.jpg" data-credit="PA">Salmon</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Oily fish (including sardines, salmon, trout and mackerel),&amp;nbsp;is a great mood booster, according to O'Byrne. &amp;quot;Oily fish is full of the essential fats, EPA and DHA, found to greatly enhance state of mind. Studies have even shown they can ease depression.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Salmon" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-oily-fish-1327479330.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	If you're not a fan of dark green leafy veg (kale, collard greens, spinach), then the prospect of eating them might seem depressing, but believe it or not, they can actually help cheer you up. According to O'Byrne, these veggies &amp;quot;are full of B vitamins, which can increase energy and ease depression.&amp;quot; She recommends adding a large portion of green leaves to a lean protein source (like turkey or chicken) for a balanced dinner.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-green-leafy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-green-leafy.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Dark green leafy vegetables</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	If you're not a fan of dark green leafy veg (kale, collard greens, spinach), then the prospect of eating them might seem depressing, but believe it or not, they can actually help cheer you up. According to O'Byrne, these veggies &amp;quot;are full of B vitamins, which can increase energy and ease depression.&amp;quot; She recommends adding a large portion of green leaves to a lean protein source (like turkey or chicken) for a balanced dinner.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Dark green leafy vegetables" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-green-leafy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Nuts are another good source of tryptophan and essential fatty acids, which aid the nervous system and will help you feel energised. Another mood- and energy-booster O'Byrne recommends snacking on? Sunflower seeds.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-nuts.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-nuts.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Nuts</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Nuts are another good source of tryptophan and essential fatty acids, which aid the nervous system and will help you feel energised. Another mood- and energy-booster O'Byrne recommends snacking on? Sunflower seeds.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Nuts" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-nuts.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Turkey also contains tryptophan, which increases &amp;lsquo;feel good&amp;rsquo; hormone serotinin, according to O'Byrne. &amp;quot;Plus it&amp;rsquo;s packed with protein, which keeps you fuller for longer.&amp;quot; She suggests adding it to a large mixed salad for a nutrient and fibre-packed meal. &amp;quot;And include 1/3 sliced avocado for added fibre and healthy fats,&amp;quot; O'Byrne adds. &amp;quot;Combining complex carbs, such as salad with turkey, will help the tryptophan to be more readily absorbed.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-turkey.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-turkey.jpg" data-credit="PA">Turkey</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Turkey also contains tryptophan, which increases &amp;lsquo;feel good&amp;rsquo; hormone serotinin, according to O'Byrne. &amp;quot;Plus it&amp;rsquo;s packed with protein, which keeps you fuller for longer.&amp;quot; She suggests adding it to a large mixed salad for a nutrient and fibre-packed meal. &amp;quot;And include 1/3 sliced avocado for added fibre and healthy fats,&amp;quot; O'Byrne adds. &amp;quot;Combining complex carbs, such as salad with turkey, will help the tryptophan to be more readily absorbed.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Turkey" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-turkey.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Need some extra motivation? Add an avocado to your salad. According to Atkins nutritionist Linda O'Byrne, avocados are &amp;quot;high in both tryptophan (an amino acid which increases serotonin)&amp;nbsp;and essential fatty acids, which help the nervous system to work properly. Eating foods like this will also fill you up so you&amp;rsquo;re less likely to crave sweets as a comfort measure - a sure-fire way of leaving you feeling miserable and bloated.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-avocado.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-avocado.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Avocados</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Need some extra motivation? Add an avocado to your salad. According to Atkins nutritionist Linda O'Byrne, avocados are &amp;quot;high in both tryptophan (an amino acid which increases serotonin)&amp;nbsp;and essential fatty acids, which help the nervous system to work properly. Eating foods like this will also fill you up so you&amp;rsquo;re less likely to crave sweets as a comfort measure - a sure-fire way of leaving you feeling miserable and bloated.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Avocados" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/mood-boosting-avocado.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
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	<a href="http://www.facebook.com/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook </a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter!</a> | <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/newsletter-signup/" target="_blank">Sign up to our newsletter</a></div>
<a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>depression</category><category>depression risk</category><category>headaches</category><category>migraines</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-23T06:22:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Skin cancer pill found to almost double survival rates</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/skin-cancer-pill-almost-doubles-survival-rates/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/skin-cancer-pill-almost-doubles-survival-rates/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/23/skin-cancer-pill-almost-doubles-survival-rates/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/health-and-wellbeing/" rel="tag">Health &amp; wellbeing</a></p><p>
</p>
<div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="New skin cancer pill found to almost double survival rates" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/skin-cancer-pill-590-393.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">PA</span></p>
</div>
Researchers have uncovered a drug that will help patients with <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/10/skin-cancer-drug-could-cure-alzheimers/" target="_self">malignant melanoma</a> prolong their lives.<br />
<br />
The research, published in the <em>New England Journal of Medicine</em>, found that in a trial of 132 skin <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/09/could-fasting-help-to-cure-cancer/" target="_self">cancer</a> sufferers with metastatic melanoma, life spans were increased by an average of 16 months on the drug, vemurafenib, reports the <em>Telegraph</em>. 58 per cent of those who took the drug lived for over 12 months.
<div>
	<br />
	<p>
		Usually, patients whose cancers have metasasized to other organs live an average of six to 10 months post-diagnosis, according to the report.</p>
	<div>
		<br />
		Vemurafenib only works on about half of melanoma patients, those with a mutation of BRAF gene called V600. Side effects in a quarter of the patients include developing secondary skin cancers, as well as fatigue, alopecia and photosensitivity.<br />
		<br />
		The drug is being marketed as Zelboraf by Roche, and is awaiting approval by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence.
		<p>
		</p>
		<br />
		"We knew this drug would make the melanomas shrink in a large proportion of patients and that it worked better than chemotherapy. We did not know that patients taking Zelboraf were living longer until now," said professor of haematology and oncology, Dr. Antoni Ribas, of the University of California, Los Angeles.<br />
		<br />
		According to Cancer Research UK, <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/17/british-models-banned-from-using-sunbeds/" target="_self">first time use of a sun bed before the age of 35</a> increases the risk of malignant melanoma by 75 per cent. Almost 12,000 people a year are diagnosed with the disease in Britain.<br />
		<br />
		<strong>How do you protect yourself from skin cancer? Leave a comment and let us know below.</strong><br />
		<br />
		And don't miss our gallery on foods for better skin.<br />
		<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="foods-for-better-skin">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	Foods for better skin&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Foods for better skin</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	At breakfast, lunch or dinner, integrate an egg into your meal. A rich source of vitamin A, eggs are one of the purest forms of protein. &amp;quot;Skin is made up of protein and amino acids, which are used to repair skin tissue,&amp;quot; O'Byrne explains.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;Eggs contain&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/20/mushroom-omelette-could-cut-your-risk-of-pancreatic-cancer/" target="_blank"&gt;selenium&lt;/a&gt;, a great antioxidant which has been linked to a lowered incidence of skin cancer.&amp;quot; Selenium also boosts the immune system, which improves the appearance of skin, leaving it looking healthy and radiant. There's more: eggs also contain copper, which aids skin tissue regeneration and boosts elastin, a compound that keeps your skin strong and firm.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-egg.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-egg.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Eggs</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	At breakfast, lunch or dinner, integrate an egg into your meal. A rich source of vitamin A, eggs are one of the purest forms of protein. &amp;quot;Skin is made up of protein and amino acids, which are used to repair skin tissue,&amp;quot; O'Byrne explains.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;Eggs contain&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/20/mushroom-omelette-could-cut-your-risk-of-pancreatic-cancer/" target="_blank"&gt;selenium&lt;/a&gt;, a great antioxidant which has been linked to a lowered incidence of skin cancer.&amp;quot; Selenium also boosts the immune system, which improves the appearance of skin, leaving it looking healthy and radiant. There's more: eggs also contain copper, which aids skin tissue regeneration and boosts elastin, a compound that keeps your skin strong and firm.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Eggs" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-egg.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;For glowing skin, aim to eat two to three servings of oily fish, including at least one serving of salmon, each week,&amp;quot; O'Byrne recommends. Salmon is the king of all fatty fish, containing a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and obtain moisture from within, warding off fine lines and wrinkles and decreasing the chance of getting blocked pores, which cause spots and blackheads.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
	&lt;br /&gt;
	The reason salmon's so beneficial? &amp;quot;One omega-3 fat in particular, called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), has been shown to preserve collagen, so skin stays firmer and younger-looking,&amp;quot; explains O'Byrne. Salmon also contains vitamin A, an antioxidant which may slow down the ageing process by helping with skin rejuvenation.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-salmon.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-salmon.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Salmon</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;For glowing skin, aim to eat two to three servings of oily fish, including at least one serving of salmon, each week,&amp;quot; O'Byrne recommends. Salmon is the king of all fatty fish, containing a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and obtain moisture from within, warding off fine lines and wrinkles and decreasing the chance of getting blocked pores, which cause spots and blackheads.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
	&lt;br /&gt;
	The reason salmon's so beneficial? &amp;quot;One omega-3 fat in particular, called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), has been shown to preserve collagen, so skin stays firmer and younger-looking,&amp;quot; explains O'Byrne. Salmon also contains vitamin A, an antioxidant which may slow down the ageing process by helping with skin rejuvenation.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Salmon" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-salmon.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;The top food for healthy skin is always the avocado,&amp;quot; explains O'Byrne. &amp;quot;This fruit is packed with healthy fats and fibre and has a good dose of the potent anti-ageing vitamin E.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Mixing avocado with certain veggies may increase their nutritional power as well. The carotenoid antioxidants lycopene and beta-carotene, which prevent premature ageing and are found in tomatoes, romaine, spinach and carrots, increase significantly when eaten with this super-food. Mix some avocados into your favourite salad or mash them up - they'll double as a great DIY moisturising face masque, advises O'Byrne. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-1328289802.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-1328289802.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images">Avocado</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;The top food for healthy skin is always the avocado,&amp;quot; explains O'Byrne. &amp;quot;This fruit is packed with healthy fats and fibre and has a good dose of the potent anti-ageing vitamin E.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Mixing avocado with certain veggies may increase their nutritional power as well. The carotenoid antioxidants lycopene and beta-carotene, which prevent premature ageing and are found in tomatoes, romaine, spinach and carrots, increase significantly when eaten with this super-food. Mix some avocados into your favourite salad or mash them up - they'll double as a great DIY moisturising face masque, advises O'Byrne. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Avocado" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-1328289802.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Turkey isn't just for festive season. O'Byrne recommends swapping your chicken for turkey breast slices - they're a healthier (and lower-fat) addition to meals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Turkey contains a high concentration of zinc, which maintains the collagen and elastin fibres that firm the skin and decreases the chances of developing fine lines,&amp;quot; says O'Byrne. It&amp;nbsp;also contains arginine, known to improve blood circulation which in turn increases the reproduction of cells and improves the appearance of skin.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-turkey.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-turkey.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Turkey</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Turkey isn't just for festive season. O'Byrne recommends swapping your chicken for turkey breast slices - they're a healthier (and lower-fat) addition to meals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Turkey contains a high concentration of zinc, which maintains the collagen and elastin fibres that firm the skin and decreases the chances of developing fine lines,&amp;quot; says O'Byrne. It&amp;nbsp;also contains arginine, known to improve blood circulation which in turn increases the reproduction of cells and improves the appearance of skin.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Turkey" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-turkey.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Broccoli is packed full of antioxidants, vitamin C and B complex, vitamin E, A and K - just to name a few! O'Byrne advises picking the darker florets, as they contain more potent vitamins and provide more power to fight off those crows&amp;rsquo; feet. Broccoli also has cleansing properties and stimulates liver function, aiding the detoxification process in the body.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-broccoli.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-broccoli.jpg" data-credit="PA">Broccoli</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Broccoli is packed full of antioxidants, vitamin C and B complex, vitamin E, A and K - just to name a few! O'Byrne advises picking the darker florets, as they contain more potent vitamins and provide more power to fight off those crows&amp;rsquo; feet. Broccoli also has cleansing properties and stimulates liver function, aiding the detoxification process in the body.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Broccoli" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-broccoli.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	According to Atkins nutritionist &lt;a href="http://www.atkins.com" target="_blank"&gt;Linda O'Byrne&lt;/a&gt;, snacking like Popeye could be seriously beneficial for more than just our muscles.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse for skin as it contains lutein, a carotenoid that protects your skin from UV damage,&amp;quot; O'Byrne explains.&amp;nbsp;It also contains antioxidant vitamins C and E, and good levels of vitamin K, which promote skin elasticity and may help to protect against premature ageing and the development of wrinkles.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-spinach.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-spinach.jpg" data-credit="PA">Spinach</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	According to Atkins nutritionist &lt;a href="http://www.atkins.com" target="_blank"&gt;Linda O'Byrne&lt;/a&gt;, snacking like Popeye could be seriously beneficial for more than just our muscles.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse for skin as it contains lutein, a carotenoid that protects your skin from UV damage,&amp;quot; O'Byrne explains.&amp;nbsp;It also contains antioxidant vitamins C and E, and good levels of vitamin K, which promote skin elasticity and may help to protect against premature ageing and the development of wrinkles.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Spinach" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/better-skin-foods-spinach.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
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</div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>melanoma</category><category>skin cancer</category><category>skin cancer pill</category><category>skin safety</category><category>sun care</category><category>vemurafenib</category><category>Zelboraf</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-23T05:44:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Could your computer diagnose and treat depression?</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/could-your-computer-diagnose-and-treat-depression/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/could-your-computer-diagnose-and-treat-depression/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/could-your-computer-diagnose-and-treat-depression/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/in-the-news/" rel="tag">In the news</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Could your computer diagnose and treat depression?" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/computerpa.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">PA</span></p>
</div>
<br />
Doctors have now started to use computers to both diagnose and treat depression. <br />
<br />
Writing in <a href="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/health/dr-mark-porter/article3325996.ece">The Times</a>, Dr Mark Porter explains that the diagnosis of depression has always been very subjective, but a new computer-based screening test promises to change that. <br />
<br />
The online questionnaire, called the PHQ-9, asks nine questions about how someone has felt over the previous two weeks, how they've been sleeping and whether they have thought about self-harming. Each answer gives a score, which can be added up to determine if a patient is suffering from depression and, if so, how severe it is. <br />
<br />
Patients can them access an online cognitive behavioural therapy programme called Beating the Blues, which can be as helpful as antidepressants when used to treat mild to moderate depression. <br />
<br />
The programme was developed by the Institute of Psychiatry and is the only computer-based programme approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). It consists of eight 50-minute sessions, along with telephone support from trained counsellors. <br />
<br />
There's also a free smartphone app called STAT Depression Screener, which can calculate the results for you, but these are not intended to be a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with your GP. <br />
<br />
Technology can be used to monitor other conditions, too.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2104476/Apps-Dont-visit-GP-use-mobile-phone-check-instead-.html">Daily Mail</a> reports that patients may soon be advised to use apps to monitor their health rather than going for check-ups with a doctor or nurse. <br />
<br />
Cancer patients, pregnant women and those with diabetes, lung problems and heart disease will be encouraged to take daily measurements and text them to a central computer system. A few minutes later they will be sent a text telling them what type of treatment they need and will be told to contact their doctor if any of the readings are abnormal. <br />
<br />
The scheme is being rolled out by the Department of Health and is already being used by 15,000 NHS patients. It is based on the idea that patients health is less likely to suddenly deteriorate if they are monitoring their condition. <br />
<br />
However some doctors are concerned about the scheme and worry that some patients may struggle with the technology involved, especially the elderly. <br />
<br />
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "So many people use apps every day to keep up with their friends, with the news, find out when the next bus will turn up or which train to catch. <br />
<br />
"I want to make using apps to track blood pressure, to find the nearest source of support when you need it and to get the practical help in staying healthy the norm. <br />
<br />
"Innovation and technology can revolutionise the health service, and we are looking at how the NHS can use these apps for the benefit of patients, including how GPs could offer them for free."<br />
<br />
<strong>Would you feel confident about using an NHS app? Let us know below...</strong><br />
<br />
Click on the image below to find out how to boost your mood...<br />
<br />
<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="ten-quick-ways-to-get-happy">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="" href="javascript:;">Ten quick ways to get happy</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The last thing you feel like doing when you're down is smiling. However studies show the mere act of drawing your lips up at the corners releases endorphins, which help you feel happier. Go on - try it!&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-smile-mirror-rex-590mt010711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-smile-mirror-rex-590mt010711.jpg" data-credit="Rex">Look in the mirror and smile</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The last thing you feel like doing when you're down is smiling. However studies show the mere act of drawing your lips up at the corners releases endorphins, which help you feel happier. Go on - try it!&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Look in the mirror and smile" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-smile-mirror-rex-590mt010711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Paint a picture, write a poem, compose a song or learn to knit - try something new to focus your attention on something outside yourself. You'll have something to show for it if you get stuck in, so don't stagnate, create!&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-get-creative-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-get-creative-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Get creative</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Paint a picture, write a poem, compose a song or learn to knit - try something new to focus your attention on something outside yourself. You'll have something to show for it if you get stuck in, so don't stagnate, create!&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Get creative" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-get-creative-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Being around small children is great for your mood. It gets the focus off your own problems and you can let your hair down and be really silly, as they'll love you for it!&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Babysit</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Being around small children is great for your mood. It gets the focus off your own problems and you can let your hair down and be really silly, as they'll love you for it!&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Babysit" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	If you're buried under a mountain of clutter it's very hard to make plans or feel on top of things. Spend an hour sorting out your space and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment afterwards.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-clear-space-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-clear-space-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Clear your space</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	If you're buried under a mountain of clutter it's very hard to make plans or feel on top of things. Spend an hour sorting out your space and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment afterwards.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Clear your space" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-clear-space-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Whether cats, dogs, hamsters or tortoises float your boat, spending a little time with a pet can brighten your mood. Studies show stroking a cat or dog can help lower blood pressure, so it's good for your physical health too!&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-cuddle-pet-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-cuddle-pet-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Hug a pet</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Whether cats, dogs, hamsters or tortoises float your boat, spending a little time with a pet can brighten your mood. Studies show stroking a cat or dog can help lower blood pressure, so it's good for your physical health too!&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Hug a pet" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-cuddle-pet-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Reach out to someone you care about or a person you haven't talked to in a long time. A good natter will perk you up and you can use the time to make some cheerful plans to do something in the future together.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-phone-friend-rex-590mt010711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-phone-friend-rex-590mt010711.jpg" data-credit="Rex">Phone a friend</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Reach out to someone you care about or a person you haven't talked to in a long time. A good natter will perk you up and you can use the time to make some cheerful plans to do something in the future together.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Phone a friend" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-phone-friend-rex-590mt010711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Grab some peppermint shampoo and head to the shower if moping about has left you feeling grungy. Show yourself some attention by washing your hair, painting your nails or soaking in a bath - whatever makes you feel a bit pampered.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-wash-hair-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-wash-hair-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Wash your hair</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Grab some peppermint shampoo and head to the shower if moping about has left you feeling grungy. Show yourself some attention by washing your hair, painting your nails or soaking in a bath - whatever makes you feel a bit pampered.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Wash your hair" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-wash-hair-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Join a team and you're on the road to feeling more positive. Whether it's darts, football or a pub quiz, getting on side can really help you get over a bad mood.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-team-sports-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-team-sports-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Take one for the team</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Join a team and you're on the road to feeling more positive. Whether it's darts, football or a pub quiz, getting on side can really help you get over a bad mood.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Take one for the team" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-team-sports-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Indulge in a little of what you fancy. If you're on a strict diet, make sure you occasionally include your favourite foods, otherwise life can be a bit grey. Sometimes the only solution really is a nice slice of cake.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-eat-cake-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-eat-cake-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Eat cake!</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Indulge in a little of what you fancy. If you're on a strict diet, make sure you occasionally include your favourite foods, otherwise life can be a bit grey. Sometimes the only solution really is a nice slice of cake.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Eat cake!" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-eat-cake-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Turn on the radio or put on some music and sing as loud as you can. It doesn't matter if you're any good - it's the action that counts. Think 'Twist and Shout' by the Beatles (complete with dance moves) rather than Joy Division.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-sing-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-sing-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Sing!</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Turn on the radio or put on some music and sing as loud as you can. It doesn't matter if you're any good - it's the action that counts. Think 'Twist and Shout' by the Beatles (complete with dance moves) rather than Joy Division.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Sing!" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-top-ten-happy-tips-sing-alamy-590mt010711.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
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<img border="1" hspace="4"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerwhite.jpg" vspace="4" /><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>apps</category><category>depression</category><category>health</category><dc:creator>Ceri Roberts</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-22T07:45:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Plastic surgery can make you look nine years younger</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/plastic-surgery-can-make-you-look-nine-years-younger/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/plastic-surgery-can-make-you-look-nine-years-younger/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/plastic-surgery-can-make-you-look-nine-years-younger/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/in-the-news/" rel="tag">In the news</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Plastic surgery can make you look nine years younger" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/facegetty.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Getty</span></p>
</div>
<br />
If you've been considering having a nip or a tuck, you might be interested to learn that cosmetic surgery can make you look up to nine years younger - provided that you have three different procedures. <br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2104478/How-plastic-surgery-shave-years-appearance--thats-procedures.html">Daily Mail</a> reports that a new study from the University of Toronto, published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, found that people who have had a single cosmetic procedure looked more than five years younger than those who hadn't bothered. <br />
<br />
Researchers showed before-and-after photographs of 60-year-olds to a group of 40 medical students. They were asked to estimate the ages of the 53 women and seven men before they had had surgery, and again after. <br />
<br />
The patients had all had various facial lifts, and had undergone between one and three different surgeries: 22 had a face and neck lift, 17 had a face and neck lift as well as an eyelid lift and a further 22 had a face, neck, eyelid and forehead lift. <br />
<br />
Those who had had one surgery looked an average of 5.7 years younger, those who had had two operations looked 7.5 years younger and those who had had three procedures looked 8.4 years younger. <br />
<br />
Although the study proves that cosmetic surgery really does work, it also indicates a need for patients to be realistic about results - and not expect to shave 20 or 30 years off their appearance. <br />
<br />
<strong>Would you have three surgeries if you could look nine years younger as a result? Let us know below...</strong><br />
<br />
Click on the image below to find out which are the most popular cosmetic procedures...<br />
<br />
<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="popular-plastic-surgery-procedures">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	Popular plastic surgery procedures&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Popular plastic surgery procedures</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery to remove puffiness or sagging skin) went up 4.8% in 2011, with 6,057 procedures performed by BAAPS physicians.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-eyelid.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-eyelid.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Blepharoplasty</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery to remove puffiness or sagging skin) went up 4.8% in 2011, with 6,057 procedures performed by BAAPS physicians.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Blepharoplasty" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-eyelid.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	5,291 breast reductions were performed in 2011 - 6.7% more than the year prior.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-breast-redu.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-breast-redu.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Breast reduction</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	5,291 breast reductions were performed in 2011 - 6.7% more than the year prior.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Breast reduction" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-breast-redu.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Popular anti-ageing procedures like face and neck lifts went up 4.5%. 4,968 surgeries were performed in the last year.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-face-lift.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-face-lift.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Face/neck lift</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Popular anti-ageing procedures like face and neck lifts went up 4.5%. 4,968 surgeries were performed in the last year.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Face/neck lift" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-face-lift.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Rhinoplasty (more commonly known as a nose job), is also on the rise, with 4,518 people undergoing the op in 2011 (a 7.4% increase from the year before).&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-nose-job.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-nose-job.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Rhinoplasty</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Rhinoplasty (more commonly known as a nose job), is also on the rise, with 4,518 people undergoing the op in 2011 (a 7.4% increase from the year before).&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Rhinoplasty" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-nose-job.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Looks like people are still turning to liposuction to lose the excess pounds. Up 6.3%, 3,581 fat-sucking procedures were performed in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-lipo.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-lipo.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Liposuction</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Looks like people are still turning to liposuction to lose the excess pounds. Up 6.3%, 3,581 fat-sucking procedures were performed in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Liposuction" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-lipo.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Up 7.2% for men and women, tummy tuck procedures became extremely popular among men in 2011 (demand increased by a whopping 15%). 3,375 tummy tucks were performed by BAAPS doctors in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-tummy-tuck.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-tummy-tuck.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Abdominoplasty</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Up 7.2% for men and women, tummy tuck procedures became extremely popular among men in 2011 (demand increased by a whopping 15%). 3,375 tummy tucks were performed by BAAPS doctors in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Abdominoplasty" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-tummy-tuck.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Up 5%, 2,551 fat transfer procedures (where fat is taken from one part of the body and injected elsewhere, usually the face) were performed in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-fat-transfe.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-fat-transfe.jpg" data-credit="PA">Fat transfer</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Up 5%, 2,551 fat transfer procedures (where fat is taken from one part of the body and injected elsewhere, usually the face) were performed in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Fat transfer" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-fat-transfe.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	This rejuvenating procedure was up by 2% in 2011, with 1,543 surgeries performed.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-brow-lift.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-brow-lift.jpg" data-credit="PA">Brow lift</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	This rejuvenating procedure was up by 2% in 2011, with 1,543 surgeries performed.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Brow lift" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-brow-lift.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Otoplasty (ear correction) rounds out the top 10 most popular plastic surgery procedures and was up 5% in 2011, with 1,170 surgeries performed.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-ears-pinned.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-ears-pinned.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Otoplasty</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Otoplasty (ear correction) rounds out the top 10 most popular plastic surgery procedures and was up 5% in 2011, with 1,170 surgeries performed.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Otoplasty" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-ears-pinned.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	What PIP scandal? According to figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the most popular procedure in the UK in 2011 (for both men and women) is still breast augmentation. 10,015 procedures were performed last year (up 6.2% from 2010).&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-implant.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-implant.jpg" data-credit="PA">Breast augmentation</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	What PIP scandal? According to figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the most popular procedure in the UK in 2011 (for both men and women) is still breast augmentation. 10,015 procedures were performed last year (up 6.2% from 2010).&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Breast augmentation" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-implant.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
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<img border="1" hspace="4"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>anti ageing</category><category>cosmetic surgery</category><category>eye lift</category><category>face lift</category><dc:creator>Ceri Roberts</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-22T07:25:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Do you take a teddy to bed?</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/do-you-take-a-teddy-to-bed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/do-you-take-a-teddy-to-bed/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/do-you-take-a-teddy-to-bed/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/in-the-news/" rel="tag">In the news</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Do you take a teddy to bed?" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/teddygetty.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Getty</span></p>
</div>
<br />
We've all got our favourite ways to de-stress, but new research reveals that more than a third of adults soothe their troubles away by snuggling up with a teddy every night. <br />
<br />
Hotel chain Travelodge commissioned the research after trying to reunite more than 75,000 bears left behind in its 452 hotels with their owners. Surprisingly, they found that many weren't owned by children - so they surveyed 6,000 Britons to get to the bottom of our love for teddies. <br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2104641/Travelodge-survey-reveals-35-cent-British-adults-teddy-bed-them.html">Daily Mail</a> reports that 35 per cent of adults admitted that they still sleep with a teddy bear - and 25 per cent of men admitted to taking a bear with them on business trips because it reminds them of home and helps them get to sleep. <br />
<br />
Unsurprisingly, 14 per cent of married men said that they hid their teddy when friends or family visit, and one in ten single men admitted to banishing their bears when their girlfriend spends the night. <br />
<br />
Despite their secretive behaviour, more than a quarter of men said that it was perfectly acceptable to have a bear no matter how old you are, and 15 per cent of men and 10 per cent of women said that they share their intimate secrets with their furry friend. <br />
<br />
<strong>How would you feel if your man took a bear to bed? Let us know below...</strong><br />
<br />
Click on the image below to find out who to get better sleep...<br />
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<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="how-to-sleep-25-simple-tricks">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="" href="javascript:;">How to sleep: 20 simple tricks</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	According to research by mattress and pillow brand, Tempur, getting seven hours sleep is the key to getting a pay rise. The study revealed that the chances of getting a salary increase rose according to the number of hours' sleep achieved, with the perfect night's kip for getting a bonus being seven hours. However, heavy sleepers were less likely to get a pay rise. Those who got seven hours sleep each night took home a total cash boost of &amp;pound;3,960 per person last year.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-office-rex.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-office-rex.jpg" data-credit="Rex features">Sleep your way to a pay rise</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	According to research by mattress and pillow brand, Tempur, getting seven hours sleep is the key to getting a pay rise. The study revealed that the chances of getting a salary increase rose according to the number of hours' sleep achieved, with the perfect night's kip for getting a bonus being seven hours. However, heavy sleepers were less likely to get a pay rise. Those who got seven hours sleep each night took home a total cash boost of &amp;pound;3,960 per person last year.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Sleep your way to a pay rise" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-office-rex.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Dr Ramlakahn suggests sleeping aids should only be used as a last resort when other avenues have been exhausted and then only occasionally. &amp;quot;Valerian (tablets, tincture or tea bags) is sometimes called nature's Valium and can aid sleep for most people. Passionflower and hops also have mild sedative effects.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-herbal-remedies-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-herbal-remedies-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Take a herbal nightcap... in emergencies only</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Dr Ramlakahn suggests sleeping aids should only be used as a last resort when other avenues have been exhausted and then only occasionally. &amp;quot;Valerian (tablets, tincture or tea bags) is sometimes called nature's Valium and can aid sleep for most people. Passionflower and hops also have mild sedative effects.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Take a herbal nightcap... in emergencies only" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-herbal-remedies-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Research has shown that background music can help ease the symptoms of insomnia and tinnitus so invest in an alarm clock with a docking station and make a soothing playlist. Or take things one step further with a blanket, pillow or even headboard with built-in speakers from sleep aid specialists, &lt;a href="http://www.soundasleeppillow.co.uk/"&gt;Sound Asleep&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-music-alamy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-music-alamy.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Sound asleep</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Research has shown that background music can help ease the symptoms of insomnia and tinnitus so invest in an alarm clock with a docking station and make a soothing playlist. Or take things one step further with a blanket, pillow or even headboard with built-in speakers from sleep aid specialists, &lt;a href="http://www.soundasleeppillow.co.uk/"&gt;Sound Asleep&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Sound asleep" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-music-alamy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Talking about your work when you get home can be a good thing and a positive way of gaining support from family and friends,&amp;quot; says Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;However, try not to let the work talk spill over into your whole evening and bedtime. If necessary, set some rules about when you stop talking about work and allow your mind to wind down and switch off.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-work-life-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-work-life-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Separate the work/home boundaries</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Talking about your work when you get home can be a good thing and a positive way of gaining support from family and friends,&amp;quot; says Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;However, try not to let the work talk spill over into your whole evening and bedtime. If necessary, set some rules about when you stop talking about work and allow your mind to wind down and switch off.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Separate the work/home boundaries" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-work-life-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Following a 20-year study of insomnia, &lt;a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sleep-Like-Log-Mckenna-Paul/dp/1900148110"&gt;Paul McKenna&lt;/a&gt; has written a book that shows how easy exercises and simple changes in your thinking and behaviour can have a significant impact on your sleep. The accompanying hypnosis CD aims to re-set your body's natural sleep mechanism so that you will automatically find it easier to get deep restful sleep and increased energy.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-hypnosis-rex.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-hypnosis-rex.jpg" data-credit="Rex features">Look into my eyezzzzzzzzz...</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Following a 20-year study of insomnia, &lt;a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sleep-Like-Log-Mckenna-Paul/dp/1900148110"&gt;Paul McKenna&lt;/a&gt; has written a book that shows how easy exercises and simple changes in your thinking and behaviour can have a significant impact on your sleep. The accompanying hypnosis CD aims to re-set your body's natural sleep mechanism so that you will automatically find it easier to get deep restful sleep and increased energy.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Look into my eyezzzzzzzzz..." class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-hypnosis-rex.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Research suggests that after sun damage, one of the biggest causes of skin ageing comes from sleeping on traditional cotton, linen or polyester pillowcases. These fabrics absorb moisture, leaving the skin dehydrated. Silk pillows are said to minimise dehydration, which means they'll leave your hair smoother and glossier, too! Try &lt;a href="http://www.silkperfect.com/"&gt;SilkPerfect Luxury 100% Pure Silk Pillowcases&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-silk-pillow-alamy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-silk-pillow-alamy.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Get your beauty sleep</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Research suggests that after sun damage, one of the biggest causes of skin ageing comes from sleeping on traditional cotton, linen or polyester pillowcases. These fabrics absorb moisture, leaving the skin dehydrated. Silk pillows are said to minimise dehydration, which means they'll leave your hair smoother and glossier, too! Try &lt;a href="http://www.silkperfect.com/"&gt;SilkPerfect Luxury 100% Pure Silk Pillowcases&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Get your beauty sleep" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-silk-pillow-alamy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The &lt;a href="http://www.neurosky.com/People/WhatWeDo.aspx"&gt;NeuroSky Mindwave headset&lt;/a&gt; reads your own brain activity and transmits it to your laptop so you can visibly measure your levels of activity, which helps your mind to relax. Is this the future of controlling your own sleep patterns?&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-brainwaves-rex.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-brainwaves-rex.jpg" data-credit="NeuroSky">Have a brainwave</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The &lt;a href="http://www.neurosky.com/People/WhatWeDo.aspx"&gt;NeuroSky Mindwave headset&lt;/a&gt; reads your own brain activity and transmits it to your laptop so you can visibly measure your levels of activity, which helps your mind to relax. Is this the future of controlling your own sleep patterns?&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Have a brainwave" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-brainwaves-rex.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways of reducing stress hormone levels (mainly adrenaline) thus enabling you to sleep more deeply. The American College of Sports Medicine guidelines recommend three or four sessions of aerobic exercise (swimming, cycling, jogging, fast walking) for 20-30min per week,&amp;quot; says Dr Ramlakahn. But beware of battling out on the tennis court before bed: &amp;quot;Competitive exercise can cause the production of stimulating hormones (eg endorphins) making it more difficult to get to sleep so it might be worth delaying sleep by 45mins or so to wind down properly before getting in to bed.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-exercise-getty.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-exercise-getty.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Exercise!</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways of reducing stress hormone levels (mainly adrenaline) thus enabling you to sleep more deeply. The American College of Sports Medicine guidelines recommend three or four sessions of aerobic exercise (swimming, cycling, jogging, fast walking) for 20-30min per week,&amp;quot; says Dr Ramlakahn. But beware of battling out on the tennis court before bed: &amp;quot;Competitive exercise can cause the production of stimulating hormones (eg endorphins) making it more difficult to get to sleep so it might be worth delaying sleep by 45mins or so to wind down properly before getting in to bed.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Exercise!" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-exercise-getty.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	In a recent survey conducted by OnePoll, on behalf of &lt;a href="http://climsom.com/eng/ClimsomIndex.php"&gt;Climsom&lt;/a&gt;, it was revealed that 83% of people in relationships argue over sleeping habits. The majority noted their partners sleeping habits as the main contributor to a bad night's sleep. Why not take a tip from the Scandinavians where couples each have their own duvet and would never dream of sharing. Alternatively, try a duvet from &lt;a href="http://www.theduvetstore.co.uk/"&gt;The Duvet Store &lt;/a&gt;that has each side custom-filled separately to cater to your own needs.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-duvets-alamy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-duvets-alamy.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Avoid bedtime battles</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	In a recent survey conducted by OnePoll, on behalf of &lt;a href="http://climsom.com/eng/ClimsomIndex.php"&gt;Climsom&lt;/a&gt;, it was revealed that 83% of people in relationships argue over sleeping habits. The majority noted their partners sleeping habits as the main contributor to a bad night's sleep. Why not take a tip from the Scandinavians where couples each have their own duvet and would never dream of sharing. Alternatively, try a duvet from &lt;a href="http://www.theduvetstore.co.uk/"&gt;The Duvet Store &lt;/a&gt;that has each side custom-filled separately to cater to your own needs.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Avoid bedtime battles" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-duvets-alamy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Caffeine has a direct impact on reducing sleep quality. The half-life of caffeine is approximately five hours. This means that it can take up to 10 hours to completely remove all of the caffeine from your body if you drink a cup of tea or coffee,&amp;quot; explains Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;If you are having problems sleeping or are waking up, feeling tired no matter how much sleep you get, minimise caffeine and increase your fluid intake by drinking more water, herbal teas and dilute fruit juices. Remember, alcohol can also impair deep sleep quality so you are likely to wake up feeling tired and fuzzy-headed if you have overindulged the night before.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-coffee-alamy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-coffee-alamy.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Break the morning coffee/evening wine cycle</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Caffeine has a direct impact on reducing sleep quality. The half-life of caffeine is approximately five hours. This means that it can take up to 10 hours to completely remove all of the caffeine from your body if you drink a cup of tea or coffee,&amp;quot; explains Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;If you are having problems sleeping or are waking up, feeling tired no matter how much sleep you get, minimise caffeine and increase your fluid intake by drinking more water, herbal teas and dilute fruit juices. Remember, alcohol can also impair deep sleep quality so you are likely to wake up feeling tired and fuzzy-headed if you have overindulged the night before.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Break the morning coffee/evening wine cycle" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-coffee-alamy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	When we sleep our body temperature drops and if the environment doesn't correspond to this, the body struggles to achieve its desired temperature for a comfortable sleep. Like air-con for your bed, &lt;a href="http://climsom.com/eng/ClimsomIndex.php"&gt;Climson&lt;/a&gt; cooling and warming mattress toppers&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-hot.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-hot.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Cool down, chill out</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	When we sleep our body temperature drops and if the environment doesn't correspond to this, the body struggles to achieve its desired temperature for a comfortable sleep. Like air-con for your bed, &lt;a href="http://climsom.com/eng/ClimsomIndex.php"&gt;Climson&lt;/a&gt; cooling and warming mattress toppers&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Cool down, chill out" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-hot.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Write your to-do list before leaving work instead of at the beginning of the day,&amp;quot; suggests Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;This stops you worrying about work in the evening and you are less likely to wake up during the night thinking about tasks that have to be done the next day. If you are planning to take work home, make a commitment about whether you are really going to do it or whether it is just going to sit in your briefcase all evening creating guilt and anxiety. Ensure weekend work is done first thing on Saturday morning so that the rest of the weekend is available for rest and relaxation.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-calendar-alamy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-calendar-alamy.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Manage your time</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Write your to-do list before leaving work instead of at the beginning of the day,&amp;quot; suggests Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;This stops you worrying about work in the evening and you are less likely to wake up during the night thinking about tasks that have to be done the next day. If you are planning to take work home, make a commitment about whether you are really going to do it or whether it is just going to sit in your briefcase all evening creating guilt and anxiety. Ensure weekend work is done first thing on Saturday morning so that the rest of the weekend is available for rest and relaxation.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Manage your time" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-calendar-alamy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;To sleep well we almost need to let go of wanting to sleep well. In other words, the more pressure we put on ourselves to sleep, the less likely we are to actually fall asleep,&amp;quot; explains Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;This may particularly be the case before big events (eg getting up early to catch a plane, the night before an important meeting or presentation). In these situations it might be helpful to dispel with using the word 'sleep' and to use the word 'rest'. So tell yourself the night before any big event 'it doesn't matter if I don't sleep tonight, I'm just going to use the time to rest'. It's a bit of trickery but you'll be surprised how quickly you then get to sleep &amp;ndash; particularly if you use the technique regularly.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-insomnia-rest-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-insomnia-rest-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Good rest vs. poor sleep</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;To sleep well we almost need to let go of wanting to sleep well. In other words, the more pressure we put on ourselves to sleep, the less likely we are to actually fall asleep,&amp;quot; explains Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;This may particularly be the case before big events (eg getting up early to catch a plane, the night before an important meeting or presentation). In these situations it might be helpful to dispel with using the word 'sleep' and to use the word 'rest'. So tell yourself the night before any big event 'it doesn't matter if I don't sleep tonight, I'm just going to use the time to rest'. It's a bit of trickery but you'll be surprised how quickly you then get to sleep &amp;ndash; particularly if you use the technique regularly.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Good rest vs. poor sleep" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-insomnia-rest-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Light is one of the most important external factors that affects sleep. If traditional black-out blinds don't fit with your aesthetic vision, &lt;a href="http://www.velux.co.uk/"&gt;Velux&lt;/a&gt; has teamed up with Karim Rashid to create these funky designs.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-black-out-blinds-velux.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-black-out-blinds-velux.jpg" data-credit="Velux">Get some funky black-out blinds</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Light is one of the most important external factors that affects sleep. If traditional black-out blinds don't fit with your aesthetic vision, &lt;a href="http://www.velux.co.uk/"&gt;Velux&lt;/a&gt; has teamed up with Karim Rashid to create these funky designs.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Get some funky black-out blinds" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-black-out-blinds-velux.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;If you wake up during the night, try to avoid looking at your clock and registering the time. Otherwise, you are more likely to start worrying about how little sleep you will get if you don't fall asleep again,&amp;quot; warns Dr ramlakahn. &amp;quot;This then reduces your chances of getting back to sleep even further! Instead, lie on your back and try to consciously relax each part of your body starting from your toes and working up to your head and face. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm and tell yourself that it doesn't matter if you don't fall asleep and that you will just use the time to rest and relax.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-waking-alamy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-waking-alamy.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">How to get back to sleep</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;If you wake up during the night, try to avoid looking at your clock and registering the time. Otherwise, you are more likely to start worrying about how little sleep you will get if you don't fall asleep again,&amp;quot; warns Dr ramlakahn. &amp;quot;This then reduces your chances of getting back to sleep even further! Instead, lie on your back and try to consciously relax each part of your body starting from your toes and working up to your head and face. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm and tell yourself that it doesn't matter if you don't fall asleep and that you will just use the time to rest and relax.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="How to get back to sleep" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-waking-alamy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Short naps of five to 15 mins duration have been proven to be very effective at promoting energy renewal and increasing cognitive function,&amp;quot; explains Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;A nap involves sitting or lying comfortably in a well-ventilated room, progressively relaxing muscles and breathing deeply from the stomach. You will approach a near sleep state without actually falling asleep and will be conscious of their surroundings during this time. The more adept the individual becomes at practising this technique, the more readily they are able to rapidly achieve a state of relaxation and rejuvenation. Incorporating visualisation techniques into your power nap &amp;ndash; e.g. relaxing scenes &amp;ndash; can make it even more effective.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-15-power-nap-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-15-power-nap-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Take a power nap</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Short naps of five to 15 mins duration have been proven to be very effective at promoting energy renewal and increasing cognitive function,&amp;quot; explains Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;A nap involves sitting or lying comfortably in a well-ventilated room, progressively relaxing muscles and breathing deeply from the stomach. You will approach a near sleep state without actually falling asleep and will be conscious of their surroundings during this time. The more adept the individual becomes at practising this technique, the more readily they are able to rapidly achieve a state of relaxation and rejuvenation. Incorporating visualisation techniques into your power nap &amp;ndash; e.g. relaxing scenes &amp;ndash; can make it even more effective.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Take a power nap" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-15-power-nap-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Regularly seeking rest and recovery throughout the day is one of the most effective ways of improving sleep quality,&amp;quot; says Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;Even a three to five minute break can be sufficient to enable the body to renew energy physically and mentally,&amp;quot; she recommends. &amp;quot;Use the time to go for a walk, stretch, change channels mentally, drink a glass of water or eat a piece of fruit. Also, try to take a lunch break of at least 20 to 30 minutes every day. Use the time to recharge mentally and physically and avoid checking emails or surfing the Internet during this time.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-16-work-breaks-alamy-350mt050711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-16-work-breaks-alamy-350mt050711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Take regular breaks during the day</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Regularly seeking rest and recovery throughout the day is one of the most effective ways of improving sleep quality,&amp;quot; says Dr Ramlakahn. &amp;quot;Even a three to five minute break can be sufficient to enable the body to renew energy physically and mentally,&amp;quot; she recommends. &amp;quot;Use the time to go for a walk, stretch, change channels mentally, drink a glass of water or eat a piece of fruit. Also, try to take a lunch break of at least 20 to 30 minutes every day. Use the time to recharge mentally and physically and avoid checking emails or surfing the Internet during this time.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Take regular breaks during the day" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-16-work-breaks-alamy-350mt050711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	It's a miracle of modern technology that we're now able to communicate pretty much anywhere, 24/7. But this doesn't help when it comes to switching off. To disconnect from external pressures, unplug your phone and laptop and keep them well away from your bedside.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-blackberry-unplug-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-blackberry-unplug-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Unplug and recharge</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	It's a miracle of modern technology that we're now able to communicate pretty much anywhere, 24/7. But this doesn't help when it comes to switching off. To disconnect from external pressures, unplug your phone and laptop and keep them well away from your bedside.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Unplug and recharge" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/lifestyle-huffpost-sleep-blackberry-unplug-alamy-590mt050711.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Get into the habit of winding down before going to sleep. Read a book, listen to relaxing music, have a bath and use some relaxing essential oils such as lavender to help promote sleepiness,&amp;quot; Dr Ramlakahn suggests. &amp;quot;Delay going to bed if necessary - you are more likely to be able to access efficient deep sleep if you have allowed the mind and body to relax than if you rush to bed feeling anxious about trying to get good sleep. You are more likely to feel rejuvenated if you have had five or six hours of efficient sleep than seven or eight hours of shallow, restless sleep.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-bath-relax-alamy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-bath-relax-alamy.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Delay bedtime until you've relaxed</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;Get into the habit of winding down before going to sleep. Read a book, listen to relaxing music, have a bath and use some relaxing essential oils such as lavender to help promote sleepiness,&amp;quot; Dr Ramlakahn suggests. &amp;quot;Delay going to bed if necessary - you are more likely to be able to access efficient deep sleep if you have allowed the mind and body to relax than if you rush to bed feeling anxious about trying to get good sleep. You are more likely to feel rejuvenated if you have had five or six hours of efficient sleep than seven or eight hours of shallow, restless sleep.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Delay bedtime until you've relaxed" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-bath-relax-alamy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;In order to get good sleep, we need a good balance of the hormones serotonin and melatonin in our system,&amp;quot; explains Dr Nerina Ramlakahn, Sleep and Energy Coach at Capio Nightingale Mental Health Hospital in London. &amp;quot;Adequate amounts of vitamin B6 and tryptophan are needed to boost these hormone levels and they are found in chicken, cheese, tofu, tuna, eggs, nuts, seeds and milk. So drinking a glass of milk before going to bed can help to induce sleep. Other sleep-inducing foods are oats and lettuce.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-milk.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-milk.jpg" data-credit="Alamy">Feed your sleep</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&amp;quot;In order to get good sleep, we need a good balance of the hormones serotonin and melatonin in our system,&amp;quot; explains Dr Nerina Ramlakahn, Sleep and Energy Coach at Capio Nightingale Mental Health Hospital in London. &amp;quot;Adequate amounts of vitamin B6 and tryptophan are needed to boost these hormone levels and they are found in chicken, cheese, tofu, tuna, eggs, nuts, seeds and milk. So drinking a glass of milk before going to bed can help to induce sleep. Other sleep-inducing foods are oats and lettuce.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Feed your sleep" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/sleep-milk.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
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<img border="1" hspace="4"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerwhite.jpg" vspace="4" /><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>bed</category><category>hotel</category><category>sleep</category><category>teddy bear</category><dc:creator>Ceri Roberts</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-22T07:08:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Women more likely than men to suffer fatal heart attacks</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/women-more-likely-than-men-to-suffer-fatal-heart-attacks/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/women-more-likely-than-men-to-suffer-fatal-heart-attacks/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/women-more-likely-than-men-to-suffer-fatal-heart-attacks/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/in-the-news/" rel="tag">In the news</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Women more likely than men to suffer fatal heart attacks" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/heartgetty.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Getty</span></p>
</div>
<br />
New research shows that women aged under 65 are 60 per cent more likely to die of a heart attack than men of the same age. <br />
<br />
US research shows that this is because women - especially young women - tend to have different symptoms than men, and sometimes don't even experience chest pain. <br />
<br />
This means that they are unlikely to get the treatment they need and are have a higher risk of death as a result. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9096600/Women-more-likely-to-have-deadly-silent-heart-attacks.html">The Telegraph</a> reports that although men under 65 are almost three times more likely to have a heart attack than women of the same age, they have a better chance of survival. <br />
<br />
When they looked at more than 400,000 middle-aged heart attack patients, researchers found that 4.2 per cent of 292,000 mean died in hospital, along with 6.8 per cent of 108,000 women.<br />
<br />
Writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, they said that among female patients under 65, only 3.7 per cent who experienced chest pain died in hospital, but the mortality rate for those that experienced no chest pain was much higher at 16.1 per cent. For men under 65, the figures were 2.4 per cent and 12.5 per cent. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17116820">The BBC</a> reports that, overall, 42 per cent of women did not experience chest pain compared with 30 per cent of men. <br />
<br />
Heart attacks are rare in young women, and the average age for hospital admission is 74, compared to 67 for men. <br />
<br />
Symptoms vary, but can include some or all of the following: a dull pain, ache or heavy feeling in the chest, a mild discomfort in the chest that makes you feel unwell, pain that spreads to the back, arm or stomach, pain that feels like severe indigestion and chest pain accompanied by dizziness. <br />
<br />
Cathy Ross, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, told the BBC: "Symptoms vary; for some the pain is severe and yet others may feel nothing more than a mild discomfort or heaviness. The most important thing to remember is if you think you're having a heart attack, call 999. <br />
<br />
"Younger women may need to heed that advice more than most because they appear to be less likely to have chest pains. <br />
<br />
"Their symptoms can be overlooked by inexperienced medical staff because heart attacks in young women are rare."<br />
<br />
<strong>When did you last have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked? Let us know below...</strong><br />
<br />
Click on the image below for some foods that aren't as healthy as they look...<br />
<br />
<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="not-so-healthy-healthy-foods">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	Not-so-healthy 'healthy' foods&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Not-so-healthy 'healthy' foods</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Putting the word 'salad' at the end of a food description doesn't make it healthy, unfortunately. So watch out for high-fat dressings, mayo and add-ons like cheese and croutons. Your best bet is to make your own; short of that, opt for a salad with vegetables and a protein and top off with a balsamic vinaigrette.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/not-so-healthy-health-food--1325751877.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/not-so-healthy-health-food--1325751877.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Ready-made salads</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Putting the word 'salad' at the end of a food description doesn't make it healthy, unfortunately. So watch out for high-fat dressings, mayo and add-ons like cheese and croutons. Your best bet is to make your own; short of that, opt for a salad with vegetables and a protein and top off with a balsamic vinaigrette.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Ready-made salads" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/not-so-healthy-health-food--1325751877.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	While cereals are vitamin-fortified, they may not be the best start to your day since many are still packed with sugar (a recent report from the U.S. found that several have more sugar per serving than a handful of chocolate chip cookies). If you love starting your morning off with a bowlful, then choose a cereal with high fibre content and under 10g (ideally under 5g) of sugar per serving.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/cereal-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/cereal-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Cereal</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	While cereals are vitamin-fortified, they may not be the best start to your day since many are still packed with sugar (a recent report from the U.S. found that several have more sugar per serving than a handful of chocolate chip cookies). If you love starting your morning off with a bowlful, then choose a cereal with high fibre content and under 10g (ideally under 5g) of sugar per serving.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Cereal" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/cereal-not-so-healthy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	If you're trying to stave off calories with a meal replacement energy bar, you may be consuming more than you bargained for. Many are filled with added sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and saturated fats, not to mention loads of calories. Be sure to read the nutrition label - some energy bars have more in common with candy bars than you'd like.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/energy-bar-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/energy-bar-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-credit="PA">Energy bars</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	If you're trying to stave off calories with a meal replacement energy bar, you may be consuming more than you bargained for. Many are filled with added sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and saturated fats, not to mention loads of calories. Be sure to read the nutrition label - some energy bars have more in common with candy bars than you'd like.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Energy bars" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/energy-bar-not-so-healthy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	If you think ditching red meat from your diet and replacing that hamburger with a 'lean' turkey burger is a healthy option, think again. Depending on the type of turkey used, the meal can be just as high in fat and calories as its beef alternative.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/turkey-burger-not-so-health.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/turkey-burger-not-so-health.jpg" data-credit="PA">Turkey burger</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	If you think ditching red meat from your diet and replacing that hamburger with a 'lean' turkey burger is a healthy option, think again. Depending on the type of turkey used, the meal can be just as high in fat and calories as its beef alternative.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Turkey burger" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/turkey-burger-not-so-health.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	If you've conned yourself into thinking that muffins are healthy (they have blueberries! and bran!) it's time for a reality check. They are high in calories, fat and sugar - it's like eating cake for breakfast.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/muffins-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/muffins-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Muffins</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	If you've conned yourself into thinking that muffins are healthy (they have blueberries! and bran!) it's time for a reality check. They are high in calories, fat and sugar - it's like eating cake for breakfast.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Muffins" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/muffins-not-so-healthy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Sure, they give you an energy boost, but consuming too many sports and energy drinks can also leave you jittery from caffeine and can wear down tooth enamel from all of the acidity, sugars and additives.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/sports-drink-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/sports-drink-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Sport">Sports drinks</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Sure, they give you an energy boost, but consuming too many sports and energy drinks can also leave you jittery from caffeine and can wear down tooth enamel from all of the acidity, sugars and additives.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Sports drinks" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/sports-drink-not-so-healthy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	While dried fruit might seem like a healthy snack alternative, watch the quantity you consume - since there's no water in it to fill you up, it's easy to guzzle handfuls at once which piles on the calories. It also has a high concentration of sugar.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/dried-fruit-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/dried-fruit-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-credit="PA">Dried fruit</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	While dried fruit might seem like a healthy snack alternative, watch the quantity you consume - since there's no water in it to fill you up, it's easy to guzzle handfuls at once which piles on the calories. It also has a high concentration of sugar.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Dried fruit" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/dried-fruit-not-so-healthy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	While 'fat-free' and reduced-fat foods may sound like a blissful invention, they can actually lead you to consume more (since they seem 'healthier'). The fat is often replaced with other undesirable alternatives like added sugar and salt.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/fat-free-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/fat-free-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-credit="PA">Reduced fat and fat-free foods</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	While 'fat-free' and reduced-fat foods may sound like a blissful invention, they can actually lead you to consume more (since they seem 'healthier'). The fat is often replaced with other undesirable alternatives like added sugar and salt.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Reduced fat and fat-free foods" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/fat-free-not-so-healthy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Smoothies shouldn't be a fruit replacement - they have lots of sugar and are high in calories (a large size can give you over 500 in one go). Also, if you're ordering the drink in a shop, it could get blended with ice cream - delicious, yes, but not ideal for a weight-loss regimen.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/smoothie-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/smoothie-not-so-healthy.jpg" data-credit="PA">Smoothies</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Smoothies shouldn't be a fruit replacement - they have lots of sugar and are high in calories (a large size can give you over 500 in one go). Also, if you're ordering the drink in a shop, it could get blended with ice cream - delicious, yes, but not ideal for a weight-loss regimen.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Smoothies" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/smoothie-not-so-healthy.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/LifestyleAOL">Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook </a>| <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/LifestyleAOL">Follow us on Twitter!</a> | <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/newsletter-signup" target="_blank">Sign up to our newsletter</a><br />
<img border="1" hspace="4"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>heart attack</category><category>heart health</category><dc:creator>Ceri Roberts</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-22T06:39:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Mouth bacteria could kill, say scientists</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/mouth-bacteria-could-kill-say-scientists/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/mouth-bacteria-could-kill-say-scientists/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/mouth-bacteria-could-kill-say-scientists/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/in-the-news/" rel="tag">In the news</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Mouth bacteria could kill, say scientists" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/mouthpa.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">PA</span></p>
</div>
<br />
A type of bacteria found in the mouth has the potential to cause serious illness - even death - if it enters the bloodstream through bleeding gums or mouth ulcers. <br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2104625/Lethal-bug-lurking-inside-mouth-kill-enters-bloodstream-say-scientists.html">Daily Mail</a> reports that scientists have recently identified the bacteria, called Streptococcus tigurinus, and are now trying to establish how common it is and how much of a risk it poses to public health. <br />
<br />
Researchers from the University of Zurich in Switzerland isolated the bacterium from the blood of patients suffering from serious conditions including inflammation of the heart (endocarditis), meningitis and inflammation of the spine (spondylodiscitis). <br />
<br />
They have found that it is similar to other strains of Streptococcus that are found in the mouth and they are now trying to discover how it spreads.<br />
<br />
Dr Andrea Zbinden, who led the study, said that the discovery of the new bacterium is no cause for alarm, but it's important that doctors are aware of it and know how to treat and limit its spread. <br />
<br />
She said: "This bacterium seems to have a natural potential to cause severe disease and so it's important that clinicians and microbiologists are aware of it. <br />
<br />
"The next step is to work out exactly how common this bacterium is in the oral cavity and what risk it poses. <br />
<br />
"Immunosuppression, abnormal heart valves, dental surgeries or chronic diseases are common predisposing factors for blood infections by this group of bacteria. However, the specific risk factors for S. tigurinus remain to be determined."<br />
<br />
<strong>Do you suffer from bleeding gums? Let us know below...</strong><br />
<br />
Click on the image below for some tips for healthy teeth...<br />
<br />
<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="tips-for-healthy-teeth">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	Tips for healthy teeth&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Tips for healthy teeth</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	You might not like it, but flossing is an essential part of your tooth care regime - at least once a day. Flossing as part of your AM routine (as soon as you wake up, before breakfast) is particularly helpful since plaque and bacteria build up overnight.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-floss.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-floss.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Get flossing</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	You might not like it, but flossing is an essential part of your tooth care regime - at least once a day. Flossing as part of your AM routine (as soon as you wake up, before breakfast) is particularly helpful since plaque and bacteria build up overnight.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Get flossing" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-floss.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Even though fruit is a healthy snack, if you want to do what's best for your teeth, &lt;a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/11/17/things-that-can-ruin-your-smile/" target="_self"&gt;then eat it with meals instead of grazing on it all day&lt;/a&gt;. Avoid fizzy drinks whenever possible and wait 30 minutes before brushing after eating - you don't want to wear away your tooth enamel now, do you?&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-apple.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-apple.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Watch the sugar</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Even though fruit is a healthy snack, if you want to do what's best for your teeth, &lt;a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/11/17/things-that-can-ruin-your-smile/" target="_self"&gt;then eat it with meals instead of grazing on it all day&lt;/a&gt;. Avoid fizzy drinks whenever possible and wait 30 minutes before brushing after eating - you don't want to wear away your tooth enamel now, do you?&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Watch the sugar" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-apple.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	An electric toothbrush is a useful purchase for those with conditions that interfere with effective brushing (i.e. arthritis), but also for the rest of us. A study found that rotating toothbrushes reduce more plaque than manual ones as well as helping relieve gum problems like gingivitis. The best ones for your teeth have soft-to-medium bristles and a small head for hard-to-reach spots.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-electric-.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-electric-.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Invest in an electric toothbrush</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	An electric toothbrush is a useful purchase for those with conditions that interfere with effective brushing (i.e. arthritis), but also for the rest of us. A study found that rotating toothbrushes reduce more plaque than manual ones as well as helping relieve gum problems like gingivitis. The best ones for your teeth have soft-to-medium bristles and a small head for hard-to-reach spots.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Invest in an electric toothbrush" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-electric-.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Since brushing after meals is a bad idea, you can chew some sugar-free gum instead to help neutralise the effects of your food (some gum contains ingredients that will destroy bacteria, too). Keep the chewing to under 10 minutes to avoid wearing down your tooth enamel.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-gum.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-gum.jpg" data-credit="PA">Start chewing</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Since brushing after meals is a bad idea, you can chew some sugar-free gum instead to help neutralise the effects of your food (some gum contains ingredients that will destroy bacteria, too). Keep the chewing to under 10 minutes to avoid wearing down your tooth enamel.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Start chewing" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-gum.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	How long do you brush for? Probably less than a minute. Up that to two-to-three minutes and your smile will thank you. If you find brushing tedious, make it more enjoyable by switching on the telly.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-brushing.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-brushing.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Brush for long enough</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	How long do you brush for? Probably less than a minute. Up that to two-to-three minutes and your smile will thank you. If you find brushing tedious, make it more enjoyable by switching on the telly.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Brush for long enough" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/better-teeth-tips-brushing.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/LifestyleAOL">Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook </a>| <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/LifestyleAOL">Follow us on Twitter!</a> | <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/newsletter-signup" target="_blank">Sign up to our newsletter</a><br />
<img border="1" hspace="4"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>bacteria</category><category>health</category><category>mouth</category><dc:creator>Ceri Roberts</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-22T06:16:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Decorating dilemmas: How to use colour and pattern</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/how-to-use-colour-and-pattern/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/how-to-use-colour-and-pattern/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/22/how-to-use-colour-and-pattern/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/home/" rel="tag">Home</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Decorating dilemmas: How to use colour and pattern" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/how-to-use-colour-in-the-ho.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">The Egrets/Ikeda wallpapers at Signature Prints</span></p>
</div>
When it comes to <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/tag/decorating+dilemmas/" target="_self">redecorating your house</a> it is easy to get daunted about just where to begin. What colour, textures, patterns and paints work well together? Should you choose something high-fashion or opt for a neutral backdrop that will stand the test of time?
<div>
	<br />
	Showing that anything can be a catalyst for a great interior scheme, Helen Lennie of the iconic Australian <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/06/02/the-best-botanical-wallpaper-ideas/" target="_self">wallpaper</a> and textiles company, <a href="http://www.signatureprints.com.au/" target="_blank">Signature Prints</a>, shares her tips on how to use pattern and paint to exciting effect.</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
	<strong>Making scale work</strong></div>
It's important to know and understand three important factors. Firstly, what is the size of the room? Secondly, what is the height of the ceiling and finally, what is the room to be used for? Based on these considerations, you can begin to choose the design you want to work, live or play in. Remember, pattern is simply a carrier of <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/07/24/top-10-home-accessories-candy-colours/" target="_self">colour</a>: the larger the scale of the room, the more dominant you can be. Go for bold print in small doses, to avoid any risk of overwhelming the room.<br />
<div>
	<br />
	Retro leaf wallpaper, &pound;13.99, from <a href="http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10151&amp;catalogId=1500001201&amp;langId=110&amp;searchTerms=retro+leaf+wallpaper&amp;authToken=" target="_blank">Homebase</a>; Hit wallpaper, &pound;50 per roll from <a href="http://www.trestintas.com/en/collections/wallcovering-wallpaper/all" target="_blank">Tres Tintas</a></div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
	<strong>How to get away from the feature wall</strong></div>
Feature walls are trendy but can be a wrong move. If they aren't carefully thought through, rather than adding interest to a room, they can simply make the space seem smaller than it is. They are best avoided if the room already has a dominant feature, such as a strong coloured settee or carpet. Visually, you would be creating two elements that are fighting for attention.<div>
	<br />
	<strong>Spring and summer trends</strong></div>
<div>
	For this summer, we have two main themes. The first is black and cream. By choosing monochrome it is easy to throw colour into the mix with accents of bright, even acidic shades. In terms of colour trends, pair acid brights with ice-cream pastels.
	<div>
		<br />
		Our second theme is much softer and feminine. Think antique gold and cream mixed with a pink. We feel it is nearly time for strong textural designs to reappear as well.</div>
	<br />
	<div>
	</div>
	<div>
		These are our key SS12 designs (all available from <a href="http://www.signatureprints.com.au/" target="_blank">Signature Prints</a>):</div>
	<br />
	<div>
		<a href="http://www.signatureprints.com.au/products/fabrics/borderline-collection/ikeda-fbf-bl46/" target="_blank">Ikeda </a>- a small Asian-inspired motif of a fan.</div>
	<div>
		<a href="http://www.signatureprints.com.au/products/wallpaper/blueprints-collection/egrets-fbw-b082/" target="_blank">The Egrets</a> - a largescale but intricate design using birds as the main feature.</div>
	<div>
		<a href="http://www.signatureprints.com.au/products/wallpaper/brooklyn-brownstone-collection/japanese-floral-fbw-bb05/" target="_blank">Japanese floral</a> - one of the most iconic Florence Broadhurst designs, which for SS12 is heavily featured as part of the Kate Spade New York collaboration.</div>
	<div>
		<a href="http://www.signatureprints.com.au/products/wallpaper/brooklyn-brownstone-collection/fingers-fbw-bb02/" target="_blank">Fingers</a> - an eye catching geometric pattern with lots of movement.</div>
	<div>
	</div>
	<br />
	<div>
		<strong>Where to begin</strong></div>
	<div>
		1. Trust your judgement - listen to your wants and desires.</div>
	<div>
		2. List all components that make up the room/scheme, i.e. existing furniture, fabrics, lighting etc.</div>
	<div>
		3. Decide which piece of furniture or pattern is strongest and then work everything else around it.</div>
	<div>
		4. Enjoy!</div>
	<br />
	<div>
	</div>
	<div>
		Personally, I like to layer. Because I like a lot of pattern I will often pick one key colour and take that through the entire house. With colour remaining a constant, this acts as an anchor and allows me to add different patterns without worrying too much.</div>
	<br />
	<div>
	</div>
	<div>
		My advice for the pattern-wary is to pick their favourite <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/10/25/decorating-dilemma-of-the-week-how-do-i-make-florals-work-this/" target="_self">wallpaper </a>to be the start of the scheme and then to work around that. We have recently added hundreds of ideas of "How to get the Florence Broadhurst look" to <a href="http://www.signatureprints.com.au" target="_blank">Signature Prints</a>. We encourage you to research away, pick your favourites and then add your own personality by collecting what you love. If you choose what you love, how can it be wrong?</div>
	<br />
	<div>
	</div>
	<div>
	</div>
	<br />
	<a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>colour and pattern</category><category>decorating dilemmas</category><category>home decorating</category><category>home decorating tips</category><category>how to use colour</category><category>signature prints</category><category>wallpaper</category><dc:creator>Claire Bingham</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-22T05:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Gentle exercise can help protect brain in old age</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/gentle-exercise-can-help-protect-brain-in-old-age/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/gentle-exercise-can-help-protect-brain-in-old-age/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/gentle-exercise-can-help-protect-brain-in-old-age/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/health-and-wellbeing/" rel="tag">Health &amp; wellbeing</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Gentle exercise can help protect brain in old age" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/mild-exercise-protects-brai.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Corbis</span></p>
</div>
You've heard it before - <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/22/10-minute-workouts/" target="_self">exercise</a> is good for your mood, your waistline and your overall well-being. Well, it may also be beneficial - even in its mildest form - in protecting us from memory loss <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/14/silver-surfers-online-dating/" target="_self">as we age</a> and combat infections or injuries.<br />
<br />
New research from the University of Colorado, published in the <em>Journal of Neuroscience</em>, studied the effects of running on a group of elderly rats who were recovering from an E. coli infection and found that despite being slower runners than their younger counterparts, they performed better in memory tests than rats who only ran on a locked wheel, reports the <em>Daily Mail</em>.<br />
<br />
Exercise seemed to be responsible for stopping changes in the hippocampus (which deals with memory) and preventing memory loss that normally follows an infection like E. coli.<br />
<br />
<div>
	According to lead researcher Dr. Ruth Barrientos: "This is the first study to show that exercise reduces susceptibility to the cognitive impairments that follow infection in ageing animals, and the changes taking place in the brain thought to underlie these impairments."<br />
	<br />
	Previous studies had shown that older rats had experienced memory loss following the E. coli infection, which the younger rats hadn't.</div>
<br />
<div>
	<div>
		In the study, the old rats only ran an average of 0.43 miles per week, 50 times less distance than the young rats, but the positive effects on their memory meant they performed as well as rats that were not exposed to E. coli at all.<br />
		<br />
		<br />
		<strong>What's your favourite form of exercise? Leave a comment and let us know.</strong></div>
	<div>
	</div>
</div>
Don't miss our gallery of winter workout ideas.<br />
<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="winter-exercise-ideas">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	Winter exercise ideas&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Winter exercise ideas</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Cold-weather running is great exercise provided you're dressed for the occasion. Allow yourself enough time for a proper indoor warm-up, make sure your trainers are completely waterproof, dress in layers to avoid overheating (a pair of gloves will come in handy) and remember to stay hydrated and well-fuelled.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-running.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-running.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Running</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Cold-weather running is great exercise provided you're dressed for the occasion. Allow yourself enough time for a proper indoor warm-up, make sure your trainers are completely waterproof, dress in layers to avoid overheating (a pair of gloves will come in handy) and remember to stay hydrated and well-fuelled.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Running" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-running.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Strap on those skis and head out for an hour of cross-country skiing - you can burn 550+ calories per hour (just make sure you have all the right gear). This form of exercise involves both your upper and lower body and is a great cardio workout. If there's no snow, get a similar (but not quite as body-beneficial) experience on the elliptical machine.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-cross-count.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-cross-count.jpg" data-credit="AFP/Getty">Cross-country skiing</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Strap on those skis and head out for an hour of cross-country skiing - you can burn 550+ calories per hour (just make sure you have all the right gear). This form of exercise involves both your upper and lower body and is a great cardio workout. If there's no snow, get a similar (but not quite as body-beneficial) experience on the elliptical machine.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Cross-country skiing" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-cross-count.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Instead of buying all of your presents online this year, head out to the shops. Walking at a brisk pace burns around 300 calories an hour with the bonus of encouraging window shopping while you're at it.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-mall-walkin.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-mall-walkin.jpg" data-credit="AP">Mall-walking</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Instead of buying all of your presents online this year, head out to the shops. Walking at a brisk pace burns around 300 calories an hour with the bonus of encouraging window shopping while you're at it.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Mall-walking" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-mall-walkin.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	It may not be your favourite thing to do in the world, but shovelling snow is a great workout that can burn around 400 calories an hour. Try to keep feet and shoulders facing the shovel to avoid the risk of back injury.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-shovelling-.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-shovelling-.jpg" data-credit="AFP/Getty">Shovelling snow</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	It may not be your favourite thing to do in the world, but shovelling snow is a great workout that can burn around 400 calories an hour. Try to keep feet and shoulders facing the shovel to avoid the risk of back injury.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Shovelling snow" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-shovelling-.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	A great activity for the whole family, sledding is also good exercise - you are walking up a hill repeatedly, carrying a heavy sled, after all. But you'll be so busy having fun you won't even notice how much your muscles are working.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-sledding.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-sledding.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Sledding</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	A great activity for the whole family, sledding is also good exercise - you are walking up a hill repeatedly, carrying a heavy sled, after all. But you'll be so busy having fun you won't even notice how much your muscles are working.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Sledding" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-sledding.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Feeling like a bit of a daredevil this season? Snowboarding is one way to channel your energy, and can burn a whopping 450 calories an hour. You'll burn even more cals - and feel even better on the slopes - if you do some advance strength and core training in the weeks beforehand.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-snowboardin.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-snowboardin.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Snowboarding</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Feeling like a bit of a daredevil this season? Snowboarding is one way to channel your energy, and can burn a whopping 450 calories an hour. You'll burn even more cals - and feel even better on the slopes - if you do some advance strength and core training in the weeks beforehand.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Snowboarding" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-snowboardin.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Instead of lamenting the snow outside, use it to your advantage and go snowshoeing. This fun outdoor activity burns up to eight cals a minute while helping tone your legs, arms and abs. Plus, there's nothing quite so peaceful as walking through quiet country trails.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-snowshoeing.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-snowshoeing.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Snowshoeing</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Instead of lamenting the snow outside, use it to your advantage and go snowshoeing. This fun outdoor activity burns up to eight cals a minute while helping tone your legs, arms and abs. Plus, there's nothing quite so peaceful as walking through quiet country trails.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Snowshoeing" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-snowshoeing.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Ice skating is one of our favourite winter pastimes, whether we're hanging out with friends or lacing up for a romantic date. It's also good for our waistlines - an average person can burn up to 500 calories an hour if skating continuously. Hitting the ice helps to tone legs and strengthen abs, too.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-skating.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-skating.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Ice skating</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Ice skating is one of our favourite winter pastimes, whether we're hanging out with friends or lacing up for a romantic date. It's also good for our waistlines - an average person can burn up to 500 calories an hour if skating continuously. Hitting the ice helps to tone legs and strengthen abs, too.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Ice skating" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/winter-exercise-skating.jpg" /></li></ul>
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<a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>brain</category><category>exercise</category><category>mild exercise</category><category>old age</category><category>protects brain</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-21T11:42:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>M&amp;S unveils new 'Secret Slimming' shapewear range</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/marks-and-spencer-secret-slimming-shapewear-range/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/marks-and-spencer-secret-slimming-shapewear-range/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/marks-and-spencer-secret-slimming-shapewear-range/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:233px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="M&amp;S unveils new 'Secret Slimming' shapewear range" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/ms-slimming-range-1329828160.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">M&amp;S</span></p>
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/10/12/five-figure-fixing-wardrobe-essentials/" target="_self">Figure-fixing shapewear</a> is a woman's best friend, hiding a multitude of sins underneath that work-to-weekend wardrobe. So it's no surprise sales of shapewear at M&amp;S have jumped 12 per cent in the past two years, according to the <em>Daily Mail</em>.<br />
<br />
While figure-fixing shapewear used to be something that needed to be concealed at all costs, <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Lingerie-Underwear-Womens/b/43233030" target="_blank">M&amp;S's new "Secret Slimming" shapewear range</a>, made of lightweight microfibre, looks as sexy as it makes women feel.
<div>
	<br />
	<p>
		M&amp;S's head of innovation and quality for lingerie and beauty, Paschal Little, told the <em>Mail</em>: "When Bridget Jones was wearing <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/07/21/gok-wan-designs-figure-fixing-dresses-for-sainsburys/" target="_self">big control pants</a> ten years ago, women tended to buy them only for a special occasion.</p>
	<div>
		<br />
		"Perhaps a woman had bought a new figure-hugging dress and wanted to make sure she looked her best in it and was prepared to sacrifice pretty underwear in the process.<br />
		<div class="photo-block">
			<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
				<img alt="M&amp;S unveils new 'Secret Slimming' shapewear range" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/marks-spencer-slimming-rang.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">M&amp;S</span></p>
		</div>
	</div>
	<br />
	<div>
		"But since then things have changed. Garments have become less functional, no longer just for special occasions, and instead have evolved into smoother, flattering shapewear that women can feel attractive wearing. They smooth out those lumps and bumps, giving women a little helping hand and confidence, yet are so comfortable women can wear them every day."<br />
		<br />
		According to Little, Kate Middleton's style of softly draped dresses and feminine blouses has fuelled women's sartorial preferences and created more of an everyday need for control pants and shapewear.</div>
	<br />
	<div>
		Other stores like Debenhams have also seen a rise in <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/02/new-year-shapewear-saviours/" target="_self">slimming shapewear</a>, with a 211 per cent increase in sales of their nude high-leg brief - which claims to take off an inch from waists and thighs - since last January.</div>
	<br />
	<strong>Do you swear by shapewear? Leave a comment and let us know.</strong><br />
	Don't miss our gallery of lingerie for every body type.<br />
	<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="lingerie-for-your-body-shape">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	Lingerie for your body shape&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Lingerie for your body shape</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Support an apple's ample bust with a balcony (or balconette)-style bra, which offers full coverage but is cut low so you can wear lower-cut tops. We love this 60s-inspired style from Ultimo, and the high-waist knickers provide extra &amp;nbsp;slimming and contouring support around the tum and bum area.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Ultimo Spy Balcony Bra, &amp;pound;28-&amp;pound;31, and Brief, &amp;pound;14.50, &lt;a href="http://www.ultimo.co.uk/shop/spy-balcony-bra-dd-g-1252?clid=1572&amp;amp;from=/shop/quick-shop?sale=1" target="_blank"&gt;Ultimo&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-curvy.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-curvy.jpg" data-credit="Ultimo">Full-coverage balcony bra and contouring high-waisted brief - Apple</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Support an apple's ample bust with a balcony (or balconette)-style bra, which offers full coverage but is cut low so you can wear lower-cut tops. We love this 60s-inspired style from Ultimo, and the high-waist knickers provide extra &amp;nbsp;slimming and contouring support around the tum and bum area.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Ultimo Spy Balcony Bra, &amp;pound;28-&amp;pound;31, and Brief, &amp;pound;14.50, &lt;a href="http://www.ultimo.co.uk/shop/spy-balcony-bra-dd-g-1252?clid=1572&amp;amp;from=/shop/quick-shop?sale=1" target="_blank"&gt;Ultimo&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Full-coverage balcony bra and contouring high-waisted brief - Apple" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-curvy.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Soften an athletic frame with a delicate lace bra and brief. A triangle-shape is particularly flattering on smaller busts, and the skimpy lace and silk design on this Stella McCartney set draws attention to a toned physique while adding a feminine touch.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Stella McCartney Selma Dancing Bra, &amp;pound;96 and Brief, &amp;pound;48, &lt;a href="http://www.foxandrose.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Fox &amp;amp; Rose&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-athleric.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-athleric.jpg" data-credit="Fox &amp; Rose">Lace triangle underwire bra and brief - Athletic</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Soften an athletic frame with a delicate lace bra and brief. A triangle-shape is particularly flattering on smaller busts, and the skimpy lace and silk design on this Stella McCartney set draws attention to a toned physique while adding a feminine touch.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Stella McCartney Selma Dancing Bra, &amp;pound;96 and Brief, &amp;pound;48, &lt;a href="http://www.foxandrose.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Fox &amp;amp; Rose&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Lace triangle underwire bra and brief - Athletic" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-athleric.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Flaunt your curves in a lightly padded underwire bra and high-cut thong knickers to play up your bum and hip area. This playful floral print with lace trim is very nice... and just a little bit naughty.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	George &lt;a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/lingerie/bras/satin-floral-bra/GEM119183,default,pd.html" target="_blank"&gt;Satin Floral Bra&lt;/a&gt;, &amp;pound;6, and &lt;a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/lingerie/knickers/satin-floral-thing/GEM119191,default,pd.html" target="_blank"&gt;Satin Floral Thong&lt;/a&gt;, &amp;pound;3.50, ASDA&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-hourglass.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-hourglass.jpg" data-credit="George at ASDA">Underwire bra and high-rise thong - Hourglass</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Flaunt your curves in a lightly padded underwire bra and high-cut thong knickers to play up your bum and hip area. This playful floral print with lace trim is very nice... and just a little bit naughty.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	George &lt;a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/lingerie/bras/satin-floral-bra/GEM119183,default,pd.html" target="_blank"&gt;Satin Floral Bra&lt;/a&gt;, &amp;pound;6, and &lt;a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/lingerie/knickers/satin-floral-thing/GEM119191,default,pd.html" target="_blank"&gt;Satin Floral Thong&lt;/a&gt;, &amp;pound;3.50, ASDA&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Underwire bra and high-rise thong - Hourglass" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-hourglass.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Frilly additions like lace and floral patterns help add curves to smaller frames. The high-rise detail on these red hot knicker shorts from Simone Perele gives the illusion of creating a longer leg line, while the lace embellishment on the bottom will help shape the bum. Perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Divin half-cup bra, &amp;pound;74, and shorty, &amp;pound;45, &lt;a href="http://www.simone-perele.com/fr/language/shop" target="_blank"&gt;Simone Perele&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-curves.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-curves.jpg" data-credit="Simone Perele">Lace-detail bra and lace boy short - Petite/Slim</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Frilly additions like lace and floral patterns help add curves to smaller frames. The high-rise detail on these red hot knicker shorts from Simone Perele gives the illusion of creating a longer leg line, while the lace embellishment on the bottom will help shape the bum. Perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Divin half-cup bra, &amp;pound;74, and shorty, &amp;pound;45, &lt;a href="http://www.simone-perele.com/fr/language/shop" target="_blank"&gt;Simone Perele&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Lace-detail bra and lace boy short - Petite/Slim" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-curves.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Gok Wan's new Wall of Fame shapewear range for Simply Yours is sexy and silhouette-enhancing - this slip provides all the support a larger-busted woman needs, cinches in any wobbly bits and is a versatile piece that can be worn under all of your frocks (the straps are removable), while the suspenders take it into sultry evening territory...&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Sassy slip, &amp;pound;55, &lt;a href="http://www.simplyyours.co.uk/shop/" target="_blank"&gt;Gok Wan for Simply Yours&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;(available from 1 March)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; " target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-shape-bigger-.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-shape-bigger-.jpg" data-credit="Gok Wan for Simply Yours">Shapewear slip - For all-over coverage</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Gok Wan's new Wall of Fame shapewear range for Simply Yours is sexy and silhouette-enhancing - this slip provides all the support a larger-busted woman needs, cinches in any wobbly bits and is a versatile piece that can be worn under all of your frocks (the straps are removable), while the suspenders take it into sultry evening territory...&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Sassy slip, &amp;pound;55, &lt;a href="http://www.simplyyours.co.uk/shop/" target="_blank"&gt;Gok Wan for Simply Yours&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;(available from 1 March)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; " target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Shapewear slip - For all-over coverage" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-shape-bigger-.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The worst mistake someone with a small chest can make is overcompensating with too much padding. Work your assets in this adorable heart print soft-cup bra from Playful Promises; the heart design and bow detail are a subtle way to add some curves.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Heart Noir Bra, &amp;pound;19, &lt;a href="http://www.playfulpromises.com/shop/product/617/heart-noir-black-and-white-heart-bra" target="_blank"&gt;Playful Promises&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-shape-small-b.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-shape-small-b.jpg" data-credit="Playful Promises">Soft cup bra - Small bust</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The worst mistake someone with a small chest can make is overcompensating with too much padding. Work your assets in this adorable heart print soft-cup bra from Playful Promises; the heart design and bow detail are a subtle way to add some curves.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Heart Noir Bra, &amp;pound;19, &lt;a href="http://www.playfulpromises.com/shop/product/617/heart-noir-black-and-white-heart-bra" target="_blank"&gt;Playful Promises&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Soft cup bra - Small bust" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-shape-small-b.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; "&gt;A pear shape with a smaller bust and bigger hips will look great in a push-up bra and bikini brief cut high up on the legs - to elongate and slim the leg and hip line. The lace detail on this Triumph bra will also divert the eye up towards a pear's slim upper body - and help it look more in proportion with bigger hips.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Triumph Lovely Dots bra, &amp;pound;36, and string bikini, &amp;pound;14.50, &lt;a href="http://uk.triumph.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Triumph&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; "&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;
		&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-shape-pear.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-shape-pear.jpg" data-credit="Triumph">Push-up bra and high-cut brief - Pear</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; "&gt;A pear shape with a smaller bust and bigger hips will look great in a push-up bra and bikini brief cut high up on the legs - to elongate and slim the leg and hip line. The lace detail on this Triumph bra will also divert the eye up towards a pear's slim upper body - and help it look more in proportion with bigger hips.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Triumph Lovely Dots bra, &amp;pound;36, and string bikini, &amp;pound;14.50, &lt;a href="http://uk.triumph.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Triumph&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; "&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;
		&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Push-up bra and high-cut brief - Pear" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-shape-pear.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Cinch in your waist and camouflage problem areas with this silk and lace high-waist brief and corset bra set, which offer all of the sex appeal of skimpy lingerie but will keep you feeling body-confident thanks to the fuller coverage. This set from M&amp;amp;S is ready to jet off on your honeymoon, but works just as well for day-to-day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	M&amp;amp;S Autograph bra, &amp;pound;32.50 and waist-nipper brief, &amp;pound;19.50, &lt;a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Lingerie-Underwear-Womens/b/43233030?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;ie=UTF8?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;intid=gnav_Lingerie&amp;amp;pf_rd_r=1ZYGDGHYANVHR8W382Q8&amp;amp;pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&amp;amp;pf_rd_t=101&amp;amp;pf_rd_i=42966030&amp;amp;pf_rd_p=257503947&amp;amp;pf_rd_s=global-top-8" target="_blank"&gt;Marks &amp;amp; Spencer&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-skim-hip.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-skim-hip.jpg" data-credit="M&amp;S">Corset top and tummy shaper - To hide a bigger tum</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Cinch in your waist and camouflage problem areas with this silk and lace high-waist brief and corset bra set, which offer all of the sex appeal of skimpy lingerie but will keep you feeling body-confident thanks to the fuller coverage. This set from M&amp;amp;S is ready to jet off on your honeymoon, but works just as well for day-to-day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	M&amp;amp;S Autograph bra, &amp;pound;32.50 and waist-nipper brief, &amp;pound;19.50, &lt;a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Lingerie-Underwear-Womens/b/43233030?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;ie=UTF8?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;intid=gnav_Lingerie&amp;amp;pf_rd_r=1ZYGDGHYANVHR8W382Q8&amp;amp;pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&amp;amp;pf_rd_t=101&amp;amp;pf_rd_i=42966030&amp;amp;pf_rd_p=257503947&amp;amp;pf_rd_s=global-top-8" target="_blank"&gt;Marks &amp;amp; Spencer&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Corset top and tummy shaper - To hide a bigger tum" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-skim-hip.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	This retro-style, high-waisted polka dot playsuit is a playful and useful item that will suit a variety of shapes. The ruffle detail at the hem can add curves to slim or athletic frames, and draw the eyeline away from bigger shoulders on an inverted triangle shape. The vintage 50s shape also suits curvy body types like the hourglass or bigger-bosomed, and the belt can help add definition to the waist of apple shapes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Mimi Holliday Polka Dot playsuit, &amp;pound;86, &lt;a href="http://www.foxandrose.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Fox &amp;amp; Rose&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-add-curv.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-add-curv.jpg" data-credit="Fox &amp; Rose">Playsuit - Universal</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	This retro-style, high-waisted polka dot playsuit is a playful and useful item that will suit a variety of shapes. The ruffle detail at the hem can add curves to slim or athletic frames, and draw the eyeline away from bigger shoulders on an inverted triangle shape. The vintage 50s shape also suits curvy body types like the hourglass or bigger-bosomed, and the belt can help add definition to the waist of apple shapes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Mimi Holliday Polka Dot playsuit, &amp;pound;86, &lt;a href="http://www.foxandrose.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Fox &amp;amp; Rose&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Playsuit - Universal" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-add-curv.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Divert attention downwards and away from broader shoulders with this sexy corset and high-waisted suspender brief set, which will give the illusion of curves on slimmer hips. To further elongate your line, add stockings and heels for a special night in.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Olympia bra, &amp;pound;26, and high-waisted brief, &amp;pound;18, &lt;a href="http://www.annsummers.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Ann Summers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-inverted.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-inverted.jpg" data-credit="Ann Summers">High-waisted suspender brief and corset bra - Inverted triangle</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Divert attention downwards and away from broader shoulders with this sexy corset and high-waisted suspender brief set, which will give the illusion of curves on slimmer hips. To further elongate your line, add stockings and heels for a special night in.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Olympia bra, &amp;pound;26, and high-waisted brief, &amp;pound;18, &lt;a href="http://www.annsummers.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Ann Summers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop lingerie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="High-waisted suspender brief and corset bra - Inverted triangle" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/lingerie-body-type-inverted.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<div style="text-align: center; ">
		<a href="http://www.facebook.com/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter!</a> | <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/newsletter-signup/" target="_blank">Sign up to our newsletter</a> <a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
</div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>figure-fixing fashion</category><category>marks and spencer</category><category>ms</category><category>new slimming shapewear</category><category>secret slimming</category><category>shapewear</category><category>slimming</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-21T07:55:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Plus-sized mannequins are back in fashion</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/demand-for-plus-sized-mannequins-increases/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/demand-for-plus-sized-mannequins-increases/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/demand-for-plus-sized-mannequins-increases/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Plus-sized mannequins are back in fashion" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plus-sized-mannequin-pa.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">PA</span></p>
</div>
We may be in the midst of skinny season, aka London Fashion Week, but the forecast is all curves ahead.<br />
<br />
According to the <em>Telegraph</em>, one of the UK's largest shop mannequin companies, Displaysense, has recently seen a surge in orders from <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/15/new-website-reveals-what-size-you-are-in-every-store/" target="_self">retailers</a> for dummies sized 12 and up, with a 16 per cent increase in sales of "<a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/31/why-bigger-is-beautiful-for-the-new-brazilian-bikini-babes/" target="_self">plus-sized</a>" window dummies. <br />
<br />
Demand is so popular, in fact, that a company spokesperson told the paper that at one point the company struggled to meet orders and sold out of larger mannequin models.<br />
<br />
<div>
	Displaysense executive Jim Moody says he believes the trend for curves is partly to do with spring's retro silhouettes. "Curves are back and set to stay this spring-summer. We believe the trend is partly due to vintage fashions being back in style, particularly from the 40s and 50s, which suit the hourglass figure," he told the <em>Telegraph</em>.<br />
	<br />
	The plus-size women's clothing market has almost doubled in value in the past five years, while mainstream women's wear has only seen 15 per cent growth.<br />
	<br />
	It's not just in the shop windows that we're seeing curves embraced: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/12/size-16-model-chosen-to-front-ann-summers-lingerie-campaign/" target="_self">the newest face of Ann Summers is size 16 model Lucy Moore</a>.<br />
	<br />
	<strong>Do you think we're really going to see the return of curves? Leave a comment and let us know.</strong><br />
	<br />
	And get inspired for spring with our fabulous guide to skirts by body shape.<br />
	<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="skirts-for-your-body-shape">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	Skirts for your body shape&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Skirts for your body shape</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The most flattering way to encase those hourglass curves is in a high-waisted pencil skirt - just look to Joan Holloway on &lt;em&gt;Mad Men&lt;/em&gt; for inspiration and team with fitted cardis and colourful blouses. This navy skirt from Jaeger is perfect for office - and the subtle-yet-sexy splits ensure it can work the night shift, too.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Double split hem pencil skirt, &amp;pound;160, &lt;a href="http://www.jaeger.co.uk/Product_Detail?productid=750050C" target="_blank"&gt;Jaeger&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-jaeger.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-jaeger.jpg" data-credit="Jaeger">Fitted pencil skirt with splits - Hourglass</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The most flattering way to encase those hourglass curves is in a high-waisted pencil skirt - just look to Joan Holloway on &lt;em&gt;Mad Men&lt;/em&gt; for inspiration and team with fitted cardis and colourful blouses. This navy skirt from Jaeger is perfect for office - and the subtle-yet-sexy splits ensure it can work the night shift, too.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Double split hem pencil skirt, &amp;pound;160, &lt;a href="http://www.jaeger.co.uk/Product_Detail?productid=750050C" target="_blank"&gt;Jaeger&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Fitted pencil skirt with splits - Hourglass" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-jaeger.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Add curves to an athletic frame with frills, pleats and embellishments. This maxi will brighten up any look and can be teamed with peasant tops and voluminous blouses to soften an athletic physique.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Butterfly by Matthew Williamson pleated maxi-skirt, &amp;pound;40, &lt;a href="http://www.debenhams.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Debenhams&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	- &lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-debenh.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-debenh.jpg" data-credit="Debenhams">Pleated skirt - Athletic</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Add curves to an athletic frame with frills, pleats and embellishments. This maxi will brighten up any look and can be teamed with peasant tops and voluminous blouses to soften an athletic physique.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Butterfly by Matthew Williamson pleated maxi-skirt, &amp;pound;40, &lt;a href="http://www.debenhams.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Debenhams&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	- &lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Pleated skirt - Athletic" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-debenh.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The playful peplum detail on this bright lace skirt from ASOS adds width to the hips to help balance out broader shoulders on an inverted triangle body shape. Play with texture and colour to add volume to your narrower bottom half.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	ASOS Midi with lace peplum, &amp;pound;35, &lt;a href="http://www.asos.com/?hrd=1" target="_blank"&gt;ASOS&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-asos.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-asos.jpg" data-credit="ASOS">Peplum skirt - Inverted triangle</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The playful peplum detail on this bright lace skirt from ASOS adds width to the hips to help balance out broader shoulders on an inverted triangle body shape. Play with texture and colour to add volume to your narrower bottom half.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	ASOS Midi with lace peplum, &amp;pound;35, &lt;a href="http://www.asos.com/?hrd=1" target="_blank"&gt;ASOS&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Peplum skirt - Inverted triangle" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-asos.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Lengthen a petite frame by showing off your legs in an A-line above-the-knee skirt in a darker hue. The ruffle detail on this mini from Comptoir des Cotonniers is a subtle way to add some curves to smaller frames. Team with a light-coloured blouse or jumper to draw the gaze upwards and give the illusion of longer lines.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Melba skirt, &amp;pound;105, &lt;a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/eng/home_EN.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;Comptoir des Cotonniers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-compto.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-compto.jpg" data-credit="Comptoir des Cotonniers">Above-the-knee - Petite</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Lengthen a petite frame by showing off your legs in an A-line above-the-knee skirt in a darker hue. The ruffle detail on this mini from Comptoir des Cotonniers is a subtle way to add some curves to smaller frames. Team with a light-coloured blouse or jumper to draw the gaze upwards and give the illusion of longer lines.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Melba skirt, &amp;pound;105, &lt;a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/eng/home_EN.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;Comptoir des Cotonniers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Above-the-knee - Petite" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-compto.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Tall silhouettes should make the most of their long frames in dramatic maxi styles. A printed skirt, like East's crinkly vintage floral version, draws the eyeline across the body instead of up and down.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Floral maxi skirt, &amp;pound;72, &lt;a href="http://www.east.co.uk/" target="_blank"&gt;East&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-east.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-east.jpg" data-credit="East">Printed maxi skirt - Tall</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Tall silhouettes should make the most of their long frames in dramatic maxi styles. A printed skirt, like East's crinkly vintage floral version, draws the eyeline across the body instead of up and down.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Floral maxi skirt, &amp;pound;72, &lt;a href="http://www.east.co.uk/" target="_blank"&gt;East&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Printed maxi skirt - Tall" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-east.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	This tailored wool skirt from Boden is a great workwear item that suits a variety of body shapes. It hugs curvy hourglass and pear silhouettes (but has a wider hemline than normal pencil skirts to flatter bigger hips), is elongating on petite shapes and also works on taller women - just add a brightly hued top and belt to break up your lines.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Flippy wool skirt, &amp;pound;79, &lt;a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Skirts/Knee-Length-Skirts/BQ011/Womens-Flippy-Wool-Skirt.html?strShortKey=LNU1&amp;amp;cm_mmc=PriceGrabber-_-Women's%20Clothes-_-Women's%20Knee%20Length%20Skirts-_-BQ011%20Navy%20Pinstripe%20Flippy%20Wool%20Skirt" target="_blank"&gt;Boden via AOL Shopping&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-boden.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-boden.jpg" data-credit="Boden">Pencil skirt with flippy hemline - Tall/petite/hourglass/pear</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	This tailored wool skirt from Boden is a great workwear item that suits a variety of body shapes. It hugs curvy hourglass and pear silhouettes (but has a wider hemline than normal pencil skirts to flatter bigger hips), is elongating on petite shapes and also works on taller women - just add a brightly hued top and belt to break up your lines.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Flippy wool skirt, &amp;pound;79, &lt;a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Skirts/Knee-Length-Skirts/BQ011/Womens-Flippy-Wool-Skirt.html?strShortKey=LNU1&amp;amp;cm_mmc=PriceGrabber-_-Women's%20Clothes-_-Women's%20Knee%20Length%20Skirts-_-BQ011%20Navy%20Pinstripe%20Flippy%20Wool%20Skirt" target="_blank"&gt;Boden via AOL Shopping&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Pencil skirt with flippy hemline - Tall/petite/hourglass/pear" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-boden.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Knee-length A-line skirt shapes are especially flattering on pear figures. We love this colourful, striped version by Hobbs since it includes pleats and a belt to highlight a tiny waist, while skimming over bigger hips and bums.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Paige skirt, &amp;pound;119, &lt;a href="http://www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1017&amp;amp;productid=0112-7635-3487L00&amp;amp;productvarid=0112-7635-3487L00-BLACK%20MULTI-14&amp;amp;refpage=1199" target="_blank"&gt;Hobbs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-hobbs.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-hobbs.jpg" data-credit="Hobbs">Belted knee-length A-line skirt - Pear</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Knee-length A-line skirt shapes are especially flattering on pear figures. We love this colourful, striped version by Hobbs since it includes pleats and a belt to highlight a tiny waist, while skimming over bigger hips and bums.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Paige skirt, &amp;pound;119, &lt;a href="http://www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1017&amp;amp;productid=0112-7635-3487L00&amp;amp;productvarid=0112-7635-3487L00-BLACK%20MULTI-14&amp;amp;refpage=1199" target="_blank"&gt;Hobbs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Belted knee-length A-line skirt - Pear" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-hobbs.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Slim girls should look for skirts with volume and texture - tulip shapes and anything with ruffles and embellishments are particularly flattering. This tiered frill skirt from Jigsaw will add curves to a slim frame and highlight slender legs.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Twig print frill tiered skirt, &amp;pound;110, &lt;a href="http://www.jigsaw-online.com/fashion/1001450/J15204/womens/skirts/twig-print-frill-tiered-skirt" target="_blank"&gt;Jigsaw&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-jigsaw.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-jigsaw.jpg" data-credit="Jigsaw">Frill skirt - Slender</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Slim girls should look for skirts with volume and texture - tulip shapes and anything with ruffles and embellishments are particularly flattering. This tiered frill skirt from Jigsaw will add curves to a slim frame and highlight slender legs.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Twig print frill tiered skirt, &amp;pound;110, &lt;a href="http://www.jigsaw-online.com/fashion/1001450/J15204/womens/skirts/twig-print-frill-tiered-skirt" target="_blank"&gt;Jigsaw&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Frill skirt - Slender" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-jigsaw.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	A pencil skirt is a classic wardrobe staple for a reason - it can work with a variety of tops and in a variety of settings, from office to evening out. This metallic leather version by Mary Portas has a reflective surface that will make slimmer frames appear curvier, so slender, athletic and petite shapes can try the silhouette (prevalent this season as it's part of the catwalk craze for all things fetish-inspired). This skirt would also suit hourglasses looking to enhance their naturally voluptuous shape.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Leather pencil skirt, &amp;pound;199, &lt;a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Mary+Portas+Leather+pencil+skirt/160421592,default,pd.html" target="_blank"&gt;House of Fraser&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-portas.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-portas.jpg" data-credit="House of Fraser">Textured pencil skirt - To add curves</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	A pencil skirt is a classic wardrobe staple for a reason - it can work with a variety of tops and in a variety of settings, from office to evening out. This metallic leather version by Mary Portas has a reflective surface that will make slimmer frames appear curvier, so slender, athletic and petite shapes can try the silhouette (prevalent this season as it's part of the catwalk craze for all things fetish-inspired). This skirt would also suit hourglasses looking to enhance their naturally voluptuous shape.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	Leather pencil skirt, &amp;pound;199, &lt;a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Mary+Portas+Leather+pencil+skirt/160421592,default,pd.html" target="_blank"&gt;House of Fraser&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Textured pencil skirt - To add curves" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-portas.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	An A-line skirt that goes out at the knees is perfect for balancing an apple shape and keeps your waist looking slim. Opt for a boldly printed version which will draw the gaze to your slimmer lower half.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	High fly skirt, &amp;pound;45, &lt;a href="http://www.whitestuff.com/high-fly-skirt-prod337940_graphite_b/" target="_blank"&gt;White Stuff&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-white-.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-white-.jpg" data-credit="White Stuff">Bold print A-line skirt - Apple shape</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	An A-line skirt that goes out at the knees is perfect for balancing an apple shape and keeps your waist looking slim. Opt for a boldly printed version which will draw the gaze to your slimmer lower half.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	High fly skirt, &amp;pound;45, &lt;a href="http://www.whitestuff.com/high-fly-skirt-prod337940_graphite_b/" target="_blank"&gt;White Stuff&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
	&lt;a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank"&gt;- Shop skirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Bold print A-line skirt - Apple shape" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/01/skirts-by-body-shape-white-.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center; ">
	<a href="http://www.facebook.com/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter!</a> | <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/newsletter-signup/" target="_blank">Sign up to our newsletter</a> <a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>fashion</category><category>mannequin</category><category>plus-sized mannequin</category><category>plus-sized women</category><category>retailers</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-21T07:30:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Carol Vorderman's unkempt 'Loose Women' appearance causes Twitter frenzy</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/carol-vorderman-loose-women-twitter-attacks/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/carol-vorderman-loose-women-twitter-attacks/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/carol-vorderman-loose-women-twitter-attacks/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/in-the-news/" rel="tag">In the news</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Carol Vorderman's unkempt 'Loose Women' appearance causes Twitter frenzy" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/carol-loose-women-rex.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Rex Features</span></p>
</div>
<a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/09/28/carole-vorderman-im-single-for-the-first-time-in-my-life/" target="_self">Carol Vorderman</a> is usually lauded for her glowing appearance - and never misses an opportunity to show off her fabulous-over-50 curves in a <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/26/carol-vorderman-digs-out-bust-boosting-gown-she-wore-in-2010-for/" target="_self">skintight dress</a> or <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/10/05/carol-vorderman-ordered-to-tone-down-her-sexy-pride-of-britain-o/" target="_self">two</a>.<br />
<br />
But her new hair and makeup look on yesterday's episode of <em>Loose Women</em> had the crowds jeering - not cheering.<br />
<br />
Vorderman deviated from her usual neat and groomed on-air beauty look yesterday with an unkempt hairdo and heavy eye makeup, which sparked a Twitter storm of criticism from viewers.<br />
<br />
Disappointed fans tweeted that Vorderman looked like she'd come straight "from a night out," resembled someone who had "been dragged through a bush backwards," and "gone from a walk of shame straight on set," with some critics even alleging Vorderman had been drinking.<br />
<br />
A spokesman for the show told the <em>Sun</em>: "Carol is a complete professional. She was trying out a new haircut."<br />
<br />
<strong>What do you think of Carol's new hair and beauty look? Fashion yes or fashion mess? Leave a comment and let us know.</strong><br />
<br />
For more celebrity hair ideas over 50, click our gallery below.<br />
<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="celebrity-hair-for-women-over-50">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	Celebrity hairstyles for women over 50&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Celebrity hair over 50</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 65-year-old actress keeps her short and straight layered cut interesting with some face-framing highlights.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/diane-keaton-ap.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/diane-keaton-ap.jpg" data-credit="AP">Diane Keaton</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 65-year-old actress keeps her short and straight layered cut interesting with some face-framing highlights.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Diane Keaton" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/diane-keaton-ap.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	A fire-engine red pixie cut ensures this 59-year-old is still firmly in rock chick territory.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/sharon-empics.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/sharon-empics.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Sharon Osbourne</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	A fire-engine red pixie cut ensures this 59-year-old is still firmly in rock chick territory.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Sharon Osbourne" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/sharon-empics.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 53-year-old Bening keeps her mane tamed in a cute pixie cut, which she sometimes wears spiky and sometimes curls.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/bening-pa.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/bening-pa.jpg" data-credit="PA">Annette Bening</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 53-year-old Bening keeps her mane tamed in a cute pixie cut, which she sometimes wears spiky and sometimes curls.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Annette Bening" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/bening-pa.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 55-year-old &lt;em&gt;Sex and the City&lt;/em&gt; star emphasises her gorgeous bone structure with a short 'do that curls away from her face.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/kim-pa.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/kim-pa.jpg" data-credit="PA">Kim Cattrall</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 55-year-old &lt;em&gt;Sex and the City&lt;/em&gt; star emphasises her gorgeous bone structure with a short 'do that curls away from her face.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Kim Cattrall" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/kim-pa.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 52-year-old keeps her stylish pixie coif age-appropriate and formal for the occasion by giving it a back-combed volume boost.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/emma-getty.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/emma-getty.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images">Emma Thompson</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 52-year-old keeps her stylish pixie coif age-appropriate and formal for the occasion by giving it a back-combed volume boost.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Emma Thompson" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/emma-getty.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 53-year-old definitely breaks some over-50 style rules (she always seems to be rocking leather trousers), but hair-wise she looks fabulous. Her layered blonde locks shape her face to perfection.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/getty-for-mexico-the-royal-.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/getty-for-mexico-the-royal-.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images for Mexico: The Royal Tour">Sharon Stone</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 53-year-old definitely breaks some over-50 style rules (she always seems to be rocking leather trousers), but hair-wise she looks fabulous. Her layered blonde locks shape her face to perfection.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Sharon Stone" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/getty-for-mexico-the-royal-.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The supermodel's waves look as bouncy, shiny and full of life at 57 as they did when she starred in the advert for Prell shampoo in the 80s.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/getty-images-for-the-weinst.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/getty-images-for-the-weinst.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images for The Weinstein Company">Christie Brinkley</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The supermodel's waves look as bouncy, shiny and full of life at 57 as they did when she starred in the advert for Prell shampoo in the 80s.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Christie Brinkley" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/getty-images-for-the-weinst.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 57-year-old TV host's hair has changed as much as her physique over the years, from bobs to shags to voluminous spiral curls, which have become her hair signature.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/oprah-pa.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/oprah-pa.jpg" data-credit="PA">Oprah Winfrey</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 57-year-old TV host's hair has changed as much as her physique over the years, from bobs to shags to voluminous spiral curls, which have become her hair signature.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Oprah Winfrey" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/oprah-pa.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	At 64, Glenn always cuts an elegant figure on the red carpet, whether her hair is worn in a chic updo or a perfectly coiffed bob.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/glenn-empics.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/glenn-empics.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Glenn Close</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	At 64, Glenn always cuts an elegant figure on the red carpet, whether her hair is worn in a chic updo or a perfectly coiffed bob.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Glenn Close" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/glenn-empics.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The poster girl for how to look hot over 60 (she's 66) keeps her grey hair short, preferring closely cropped bobs or flattering pixie styles.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/helen-pa.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/helen-pa.jpg" data-credit="PA">Helen Mirren</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The poster girl for how to look hot over 60 (she's 66) keeps her grey hair short, preferring closely cropped bobs or flattering pixie styles.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Helen Mirren" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/helen-pa.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	At 56, Iman keeps her lightened locks long and curly.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/iman-empics.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/iman-empics.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Iman</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	At 56, Iman keeps her lightened locks long and curly.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Iman" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/iman-empics.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 62-year-old American &lt;em&gt;Vogue &lt;/em&gt;editor's hairstyle is as iconic as the signature shades she always sports. Wintour's bob has been her hairstyle of choice for well over two decades, but it has gotten longer, lighter and blunter over the years.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/anna-pa.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/anna-pa.jpg" data-credit="PA">Anna Wintour</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 62-year-old American &lt;em&gt;Vogue &lt;/em&gt;editor's hairstyle is as iconic as the signature shades she always sports. Wintour's bob has been her hairstyle of choice for well over two decades, but it has gotten longer, lighter and blunter over the years.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Anna Wintour" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/anna-pa.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	50-year-old Julianne doesn't believe in the dictum that women over 50 should chop off their tresses (or subdue their hair colour). She keeps her fiery red mane long and loose.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/julianne-empics.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/julianne-empics.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Julianne Moore</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	50-year-old Julianne doesn't believe in the dictum that women over 50 should chop off their tresses (or subdue their hair colour). She keeps her fiery red mane long and loose.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Julianne Moore" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/julianne-empics.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 53-year-old star has loosened her curls over the years and now sports face-framing, ultra-flattering waves which help soften her strong jawline and high cheekbones.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/andie-empics.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/andie-empics.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Andie MacDowell</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 53-year-old star has loosened her curls over the years and now sports face-framing, ultra-flattering waves which help soften her strong jawline and high cheekbones.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Andie MacDowell" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/andie-empics.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	While Madonna hasn't exactly embraced the ageing process naturally, her curly tresses are flattering to her bone structure and help soften the 53-year-old's sharp features.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/madonna-pa.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/madonna-pa.jpg" data-credit="PA">Madonna</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	While Madonna hasn't exactly embraced the ageing process naturally, her curly tresses are flattering to her bone structure and help soften the 53-year-old's sharp features.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Madonna" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/madonna-pa.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 52-year-old actress wears her silver locks in a youthful, spiky pixie style.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/jamie-getty-for-pink.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/jamie-getty-for-pink.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images for Pink">Jamie-Lee Curtis</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 52-year-old actress wears her silver locks in a youthful, spiky pixie style.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Jamie-Lee Curtis" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/jamie-getty-for-pink.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 50-year-old actress still looks adorable with a shorter version of her iconic choppy bob.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/meg-empics.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/meg-empics.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Meg Ryan</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 50-year-old actress still looks adorable with a shorter version of her iconic choppy bob.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Meg Ryan" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/meg-empics.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 53-year-old wears her hair as she always has - long, blonde and either wavy or ultra-curly. She's even showing off some trendy dark roots.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/michelle-empics.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/michelle-empics.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Michelle Pfeiffer</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 53-year-old wears her hair as she always has - long, blonde and either wavy or ultra-curly. She's even showing off some trendy dark roots.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Michelle Pfeiffer" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/michelle-empics.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 77-year-old complements her tan skin tone with a coppery-red hue and bouffant waves.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/sophia-pa.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/sophia-pa.jpg" data-credit="PA">Sophia Loren</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 77-year-old complements her tan skin tone with a coppery-red hue and bouffant waves.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Sophia Loren" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/sophia-pa.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The 62-year-old keeps her hair shoulder length and often pulls it up into a stylish updo with volume at the front.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/meryl-streep-getty.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/meryl-streep-getty.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images">Meryl Streep</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 62-year-old keeps her hair shoulder length and often pulls it up into a stylish updo with volume at the front.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Meryl Streep" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/meryl-streep-getty.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center; ">
	<a href="http://www.facebook.com/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter!</a> | <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/newsletter-signup/" target="_blank">Sign up to our newsletter</a> <a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>carol vorderman</category><category>celebrities over 50</category><category>dishevelled</category><category>hair</category><category>loose women</category><category>makeup</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-21T06:58:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Chilean avocado could help fight antibiotic-resistant infections</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/avocado-fights-antibiotic-resistant-infections/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/avocado-fights-antibiotic-resistant-infections/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/avocado-fights-antibiotic-resistant-infections/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/health-and-wellbeing/" rel="tag">Health &amp; wellbeing</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Chilean avocado could help fight antibiotic-resistant infections" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/avocado-fights-infection.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Getty</span></p>
</div>
What if a simple fruit could cure even the <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/20/britain-faces-rise-in-diseases-that-are-impossible-to-treat/" target="_self">most serious and untreatable of infections</a>?<br />
<br />
A PhD student from the University of Copenhagen, Jes Gitz Holler, has discovered that a natural substance found in the Chilean avocado can fight <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/11/02/can-antibiotics-make-you-fat/" target="_self">antibiotics</a>-resistant infections by blocking yellow staphylococci bacteria's (the most common cause of infection in post-operation wounds) ability to reject antibiotics, reports the <em>Daily Mail</em>.<br />
<br />
Gitz Holler's research, which has been published in the <em>Journal of Microbial Chemotherapy</em>, was done in partnership with the Mapuche people of Chile, who use leaves from the avocado plant to heal wounds.<br />
<br />
<div>
	"Resistant bacteria have an efflux pump in their bacterial membrane that efficiently pumps out antibiotics as soon as they have gained access," Gitz Holler explains.</div>
<br />
<div>
	"I have identified a natural substance that inhibits the pumping action, so that the bacteria's defence mechanisms are broken down and the antibiotic treatment allowed to work. The natural compound has great potential and perhaps in the longer term can be developed into an effective drug to combat resistant staphylococci." Gitz Holler plans to improve upon the active substance using synthetic chemistry.<br />
	<br />
	Up until the present, the drug industry has managed to create <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/11/18/experts-warn-that-overuse-of-antibiotics-is-creating-untreatable/" target="_self">antibiotics </a>to treat all kinds of bacteria, but the cost of pursuing research into new antibiotics isn't viewed as cost-effective, according to Gitz Holler.</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
	"Therefore, the bacteria are winning the race - resistance increases and treatment options are scarce. Research will have to find new paths and natural substances are one of them," he writes.<br />
	<br />
	<strong>Do you think this Chilean avocado can have infection-curing capabilities? Leave a comment and let us know.</strong></div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Don't miss our gallery of flu-fighting foods.<br />
<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="flu-fighting-foods">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	Flu-fighting foods&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Flu-fighting foods</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Chicken soup has long been a go-to cold cure thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mucous-thinning properties. Adding noodles or vegetables will help bolster the immune system with additional carbs and nutrients, and give your body a much-needed energy boost.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-broth.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-broth.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images">Chicken soup</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Chicken soup has long been a go-to cold cure thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mucous-thinning properties. Adding noodles or vegetables will help bolster the immune system with additional carbs and nutrients, and give your body a much-needed energy boost.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Chicken soup" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-broth.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Not great for your breath, garlic is good for your body, thanks to allicin (produced when garlic is crushed), which helps fight infections.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-garlic.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-garlic.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Garlic</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Not great for your breath, garlic is good for your body, thanks to allicin (produced when garlic is crushed), which helps fight infections.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Garlic" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-garlic.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	These immune-boosters contain cytokines which help defend the body against viruses and tumours. A 2011 study found that the &lt;a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/20/mushroom-omelette-could-cut-your-risk-of-pancreatic-cancer/" target="_self"&gt;selenium and nickel in mushrooms can also help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-mushroom.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-mushroom.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Mushrooms</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	These immune-boosters contain cytokines which help defend the body against viruses and tumours. A 2011 study found that the &lt;a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/20/mushroom-omelette-could-cut-your-risk-of-pancreatic-cancer/" target="_self"&gt;selenium and nickel in mushrooms can also help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Mushrooms" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-mushroom.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Full of fibre and beta-carotene - which is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps with respiratory infections - sweet potatoes are among the tastiest immune-boosters. Other orange foods like carrots and squash are also good.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-sweet-po.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-sweet-po.jpg" data-credit="AP">Sweet potatoes</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Full of fibre and beta-carotene - which is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps with respiratory infections - sweet potatoes are among the tastiest immune-boosters. Other orange foods like carrots and squash are also good.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Sweet potatoes" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-sweet-po.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Packed with vitamins E and B as well as beta-glucan, a fibre with strong antioxidant capabilities, oats have been found to help stave off flu and herpes in animals, as well as boosting immunity and healing wounds faster in humans.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-oats.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-oats.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Oats</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Packed with vitamins E and B as well as beta-glucan, a fibre with strong antioxidant capabilities, oats have been found to help stave off flu and herpes in animals, as well as boosting immunity and healing wounds faster in humans.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Oats" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-oats.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Hot peppers have capsaicin, which will thin mucous and help with congestion. Make a warming, veggie-packed chilli dish to get a nutrient boost and energy levels up.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-chilli.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-chilli.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Chilli peppers</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Hot peppers have capsaicin, which will thin mucous and help with congestion. Make a warming, veggie-packed chilli dish to get a nutrient boost and energy levels up.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Chilli peppers" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-chilli.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	While vitamin C's flu-fighting effects are debatable, it's still a powerful antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure, boosts collagen production and acts as a natural antihistamine. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and aid in reducing inflammation, as well as preventing cancer and promoting heart health.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-strawber.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-strawber.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Strawberries</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	While vitamin C's flu-fighting effects are debatable, it's still a powerful antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure, boosts collagen production and acts as a natural antihistamine. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and aid in reducing inflammation, as well as preventing cancer and promoting heart health.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Strawberries" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-strawber.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Full of antibacterial polyphenols which are anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, tea (without milk) is an easy, natural cold fighter. Add honey for energy (it will help with a sore throat and will fight off bacterial infections), and some ginger to calm an upset stomach.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-tea-and-.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-tea-and-.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Tea with honey and ginger</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Full of antibacterial polyphenols which are anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, tea (without milk) is an easy, natural cold fighter. Add honey for energy (it will help with a sore throat and will fight off bacterial infections), and some ginger to calm an upset stomach.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Tea with honey and ginger" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-tea-and-.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Here's some tasty news: dark chocolate can help boost your immunity, thanks to high cocoa levels which support the body's T-cells and help aid in fighting infection. In addition, dark chocolate's theobromine content has been found to work as a cough suppressant.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-dark-cho.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-dark-cho.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Dark chocolate</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Here's some tasty news: dark chocolate can help boost your immunity, thanks to high cocoa levels which support the body's T-cells and help aid in fighting infection. In addition, dark chocolate's theobromine content has been found to work as a cough suppressant.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Dark chocolate" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-dark-cho.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	A study found that the probiotics in yoghurts with live and active cultures may reduce cold and flu symptoms, cutting the duration of a fever, cold and runny nose.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-yoghurt.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-yoghurt.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Yoghurt</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	A study found that the probiotics in yoghurts with live and active cultures may reduce cold and flu symptoms, cutting the duration of a fever, cold and runny nose.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Yoghurt" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/12/flu-fighting-foods-yoghurt.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center; ">
	<a href="http://www.facebook.com/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook </a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter!</a> | <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/newsletter-signup/" target="_blank">Sign up to our newsletter</a> <a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>antibiotic-resistant bacteria</category><category>antibiotic-resistant infections</category><category>avocado</category><category>chilean avocado</category><category>diet</category><category>fruit</category><category>health</category><category>infections</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-21T06:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Popular plastic surgery procedures</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/popular-plastic-surgery-procedures/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/popular-plastic-surgery-procedures/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/popular-plastic-surgery-procedures/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/beauty/" rel="tag">Beauty</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Popular plastic surgery procedures" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-figures-1329310355.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Getty</span></p>
</div>
Despite the gloomy economy and associated risk factors, <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/06/would-you-get-an-instant-loan-to-pay-for-plastic-surgery/" target="_self">plastic surgery</a> procedures are up across the board, according to figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).<br />
<br />
Of the 43,069 procedures performed by BAAPS members in 2011, women had 38,771, with <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/11/24/model-who-had-worlds-largest-breast-implants-removed-has-another-operation/" target="_self">breast augmentation</a> remaining the most popular procedure. Women aren't the only ones going under the knife - male surgery accounts for 10% of all surgeries, with <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/30/more-men-are-having-cosmetic-surgery-especially-tummy-tucks/" target="_self">tummy tucks fuelling the rise for male cosmetic surgery procedures</a>.<br />
<br />
Curious what the top 10 most popular plastic surgery procedures are for both sexes? Click on the gallery below for all the figures.<br />
<br />
<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="popular-plastic-surgery-procedures">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="&lt;p&gt;
	Popular plastic surgery procedures&lt;/p&gt;" href="javascript:;">Popular plastic surgery procedures</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery to remove puffiness or sagging skin) went up 4.8% in 2011, with 6,057 procedures performed by BAAPS physicians.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-eyelid.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-eyelid.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Blepharoplasty</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery to remove puffiness or sagging skin) went up 4.8% in 2011, with 6,057 procedures performed by BAAPS physicians.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Blepharoplasty" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-eyelid.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	5,291 breast reductions were performed in 2011 - 6.7% more than the year prior.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-breast-redu.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-breast-redu.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Breast reduction</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	5,291 breast reductions were performed in 2011 - 6.7% more than the year prior.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Breast reduction" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-breast-redu.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Popular anti-ageing procedures like face and neck lifts went up 4.5%. 4,968 surgeries were performed in the last year.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-face-lift.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-face-lift.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Face/neck lift</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Popular anti-ageing procedures like face and neck lifts went up 4.5%. 4,968 surgeries were performed in the last year.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Face/neck lift" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-face-lift.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Rhinoplasty (more commonly known as a nose job), is also on the rise, with 4,518 people undergoing the op in 2011 (a 7.4% increase from the year before).&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-nose-job.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-nose-job.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Rhinoplasty</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Rhinoplasty (more commonly known as a nose job), is also on the rise, with 4,518 people undergoing the op in 2011 (a 7.4% increase from the year before).&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Rhinoplasty" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-nose-job.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Looks like people are still turning to liposuction to lose the excess pounds. Up 6.3%, 3,581 fat-sucking procedures were performed in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-lipo.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-lipo.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Liposuction</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Looks like people are still turning to liposuction to lose the excess pounds. Up 6.3%, 3,581 fat-sucking procedures were performed in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Liposuction" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-lipo.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Up 7.2% for men and women, tummy tuck procedures became extremely popular among men in 2011 (demand increased by a whopping 15%). 3,375 tummy tucks were performed by BAAPS doctors in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-tummy-tuck.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-tummy-tuck.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Abdominoplasty</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Up 7.2% for men and women, tummy tuck procedures became extremely popular among men in 2011 (demand increased by a whopping 15%). 3,375 tummy tucks were performed by BAAPS doctors in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Abdominoplasty" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-tummy-tuck.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Up 5%, 2,551 fat transfer procedures (where fat is taken from one part of the body and injected elsewhere, usually the face) were performed in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-fat-transfe.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-fat-transfe.jpg" data-credit="PA">Fat transfer</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Up 5%, 2,551 fat transfer procedures (where fat is taken from one part of the body and injected elsewhere, usually the face) were performed in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Fat transfer" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-fat-transfe.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	This rejuvenating procedure was up by 2% in 2011, with 1,543 surgeries performed.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-brow-lift.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-brow-lift.jpg" data-credit="PA">Brow lift</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	This rejuvenating procedure was up by 2% in 2011, with 1,543 surgeries performed.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Brow lift" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-brow-lift.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Otoplasty (ear correction) rounds out the top 10 most popular plastic surgery procedures and was up 5% in 2011, with 1,170 surgeries performed.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-ears-pinned.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-ears-pinned.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Otoplasty</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Otoplasty (ear correction) rounds out the top 10 most popular plastic surgery procedures and was up 5% in 2011, with 1,170 surgeries performed.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Otoplasty" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/popular-surgery-ears-pinned.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	What PIP scandal? According to figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the most popular procedure in the UK in 2011 (for both men and women) is still breast augmentation. 10,015 procedures were performed last year (up 6.2% from 2010).&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-implant.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-implant.jpg" data-credit="PA">Breast augmentation</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	What PIP scandal? According to figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the most popular procedure in the UK in 2011 (for both men and women) is still breast augmentation. 10,015 procedures were performed last year (up 6.2% from 2010).&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Breast augmentation" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/plastic-surgery-implant.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div><a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><br />
<img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>baaps</category><category>Breast Implants</category><category>British Association of Aesthetic Plastic surgeons</category><category>cosmetic surgery</category><category>plastic surgery</category><category>plastic surgery procedures</category><category>plastic surgery uk</category><category>popular plastic surgery</category><category>tummy tuck</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-21T06:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Drink up: Four coffees a day could cut diabetes risk</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/drinking-coffee-cuts-diabetes-risk/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/drinking-coffee-cuts-diabetes-risk/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/drinking-coffee-cuts-diabetes-risk/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/health-and-wellbeing/" rel="tag">Health &amp; wellbeing</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Drink up: Four coffees a day could cut diabetes risk" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/coffee-cuts-diabetes.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">PA</span></p>
</div>
Four cups of coffee a day may take you down the path of jittery mood swings, but new research says that several cups of coffee a day can benefit your health.<br />
<br />
Not only did researchers at Harvard find that <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/09/27/four-cups-of-coffee-a-day-cuts-depression-risk/" target="_self">four cups of joe a day reduced the risk of depression</a>, a new report in the <em><a href="http://www.ajcn.org/" target="_blank">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a> </em>says that moderate coffee consumption - four to five cups a day - can help stave off <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/16/bpa-found-in-plastics-now-linked-to-obesity-and-diabetes/" target="_self">type 2 diabetes</a>, reports the <em>Daily Mail</em>.<br />
<br />
The researchers, who followed up data (after nine years) on 42,659 people who took part in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Germany study, found that a lower risk (20 to 30 per cent) of developing type 2 diabetes was linked to moderate coffee drinks (both caffeinated and decaf).<br />
<br />
Researchers also found that those who consumed over four cups of coffee a day were not more likely to develop a chronic disease like heart disease or cancer than those who consumed less than one cup a day.<br />
<br />
<div>
	Since decaf coffee appears to have similar protective capacities as the caffeinated variety, it is unlikely that caffeine is solely responsible. Beneficial antioxidants and magnesium are likely to play a role.</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
	"It is particularly encouraging to see that coffee consumption may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes given that around 90 per cent of all adults in the UK with diabetes have type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Euan Paul, executive director of the British Coffee Association.<br />
	<br />
	<strong>Are you a big coffee drinker? Let us know below...</strong></div>
<p>
	<div class="aol-photo-gallery"  name="foods-to-boost-energy">
<div class="aol-photo-gallery-header">
<h2><a name="aol-photo-gallery" title="" href="javascript:;">Foods to boost energy</a></h2>
</div>
<ul class="photos"><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	A top source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is also thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease (among other conditions) and even depression. The oily fish is also full of B12, niacin and minerals like selenium and iron, which boost energy production and immune function.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-salmo.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-salmo.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Salmon</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	A top source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is also thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease (among other conditions) and even depression. The oily fish is also full of B12, niacin and minerals like selenium and iron, which boost energy production and immune function.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Salmon" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-salmo.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Beans (and lentils) are great for lowering cholesterol and are a good source of potassium, protein and healthy carbs. Throw them into salads, soups and pasta and rice dishes for a nutritious pick-me-up. Hummus and whole wheat pitta is another tasty, energy-boosting snack to have on the go.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-beans.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-beans.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Beans</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Beans (and lentils) are great for lowering cholesterol and are a good source of potassium, protein and healthy carbs. Throw them into salads, soups and pasta and rice dishes for a nutritious pick-me-up. Hummus and whole wheat pitta is another tasty, energy-boosting snack to have on the go.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Beans" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-beans.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Leafy greens contain lots of iron to boost energy levels, plus they're packed with vitamin C and folate, which helps produce red blood cells and is associated with better moods. Add some broccoli and other green leafy veg like spinach, collard greens and kale to salads and other dishes.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-brocc-corbis.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-brocc-corbis.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Broccoli (and other green vegetables)</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Leafy greens contain lots of iron to boost energy levels, plus they're packed with vitamin C and folate, which helps produce red blood cells and is associated with better moods. Add some broccoli and other green leafy veg like spinach, collard greens and kale to salads and other dishes.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Broccoli (and other green vegetables)" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-brocc-corbis.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa and healthy cereals like oatmeal are loaded with B vitamins (which help the spleen function properly) and give you the fuel you need to keep your body and mind going all day long. Be sure to choose whole wheat varieties - all the fibre and nutrients have been processed out of 'enriched' white versions.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-whole-grains-corbis.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-whole-grains-corbis.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Whole grains</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa and healthy cereals like oatmeal are loaded with B vitamins (which help the spleen function properly) and give you the fuel you need to keep your body and mind going all day long. Be sure to choose whole wheat varieties - all the fibre and nutrients have been processed out of 'enriched' white versions.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Whole grains" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-whole-grains-corbis.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	High levels of protein correlate to better energy levels, and eggs are considered a complete protein source containing all nine amino acids. Kick-start your day with eggs for breakfast or munch on a hard-boiled egg to get energy levels up in the afternoon.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-eggs-.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-eggs-.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Eggs</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	High levels of protein correlate to better energy levels, and eggs are considered a complete protein source containing all nine amino acids. Kick-start your day with eggs for breakfast or munch on a hard-boiled egg to get energy levels up in the afternoon.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Eggs" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-eggs-.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Natural sugars and healthy carbs make all fruits a great snack choice, but blueberries and oranges are packed with extra benefits. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, help boost your metabolism and fight off urinary tract infections, while the vitamin C in oranges aids with muscle repair and iron absorption, making them an ideal post-workout snack.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/blueberries-oranges-getty.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/blueberries-oranges-getty.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Blueberries and oranges</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Natural sugars and healthy carbs make all fruits a great snack choice, but blueberries and oranges are packed with extra benefits. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, help boost your metabolism and fight off urinary tract infections, while the vitamin C in oranges aids with muscle repair and iron absorption, making them an ideal post-workout snack.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Blueberries and oranges" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/blueberries-oranges-getty.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	As an alternative to coffee, green tea works wonders. It's packed with flavonoids which fight free radical damage, and studies have shown it's linked to a reduced risk of various cancers and heart disease. Drink up.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-green.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-green.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Green tea</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	As an alternative to coffee, green tea works wonders. It's packed with flavonoids which fight free radical damage, and studies have shown it's linked to a reduced risk of various cancers and heart disease. Drink up.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Green tea" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-green.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Honey is a great source of natural sugars and antioxidants (the darker the honey, the higher the antioxidant content). It's thought to boost the immune system, aid digestion and promote healing - use it as an alternative to sugar.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-honey.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-honey.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Honey</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Honey is a great source of natural sugars and antioxidants (the darker the honey, the higher the antioxidant content). It's thought to boost the immune system, aid digestion and promote healing - use it as an alternative to sugar.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Honey" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-honey.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Start chewing on those parsley sprigs - they serve more than just a decorative purpose. The leafy herb is full of vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid and flavonoids, which work to boost cell regeneration in the body and increase energy levels.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-parsl.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-parsl.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Green parsley</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Start chewing on those parsley sprigs - they serve more than just a decorative purpose. The leafy herb is full of vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid and flavonoids, which work to boost cell regeneration in the body and increase energy levels.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Green parsley" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-parsl.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are rich in protein as well as a healthy mix of fats and minerals (magnesium, iron and copper in pumpkin seeds; selenium and vitamins E and B6 in sunflower seeds) which will keep energy levels high. Sprinkle over salads or yoghurt or munch them on their own instead of that unhealthy packet of crisps.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-seeds.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-seeds.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Seeds</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are rich in protein as well as a healthy mix of fats and minerals (magnesium, iron and copper in pumpkin seeds; selenium and vitamins E and B6 in sunflower seeds) which will keep energy levels high. Sprinkle over salads or yoghurt or munch them on their own instead of that unhealthy packet of crisps.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Seeds" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-seeds.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Packed with antioxidants and shown to help lower blood pressure and improve mood, dark chocolate is actually good for you in moderation. Try swapping your cup of joe for a couple of squares as a pick-me-up.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-dark-.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-dark-.jpg" data-credit="Getty">Dark chocolate</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Packed with antioxidants and shown to help lower blood pressure and improve mood, dark chocolate is actually good for you in moderation. Try swapping your cup of joe for a couple of squares as a pick-me-up.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Dark chocolate" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-dark-.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Nuts, (raw almonds, cashews and hazelnuts in particular) are a great snack option packed with protein and healthy fats, and also contain magnesium which helps convert sugar into energy. Nut butters are also energy-boosters whose heart-healthy fats can help keep you going longer.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-nuts-.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-nuts-.jpg" data-credit="Corbis">Nuts</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Nuts, (raw almonds, cashews and hazelnuts in particular) are a great snack option packed with protein and healthy fats, and also contain magnesium which helps convert sugar into energy. Nut butters are also energy-boosters whose heart-healthy fats can help keep you going longer.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Nuts" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/energy-boosting-foods-nuts-.jpg" /></li></ul>
</div></p>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center; ">
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<a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerblue.jpg" vspace="4" /></a><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>caffeine</category><category>coffee</category><category>cups of coffee</category><category>cuts risk of diabetes</category><category>decaffeinated</category><category>diabetes</category><category>diabetes risk factors</category><category>health</category><category>type 2 diabetes</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-21T05:57:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>How cutting calories makes it even harder to lose weight</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/cutting-calories-makes-it-harder-to-lose-weight/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/cutting-calories-makes-it-harder-to-lose-weight/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/21/cutting-calories-makes-it-harder-to-lose-weight/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/diet/" rel="tag">Diet</a></p><div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="How cutting calories makes it even harder to lose weight" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/cutting-calories-weight-los.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Getty</span></p>
</div>
If you've been struggling with your <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/20/starving-yourself-on-alternate-days-could-help-you-lose-weight/" target="_self">weight loss</a> - despite adhering to NHS guidelines that advise <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/28/linda-robson-loses-three-stone-thanks-to-pauline-quirke/" target="_self">cutting 500 calories a day</a> from your diet to shed roughly half a kilo per week - you're not alone.<br />
<br />
According to experts from the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, cutting calories slows down your metabolism. Losing weight then becomes harder and eventually plateaus, according to the <em>Telegraph</em>.<br />
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Scientists from the Institute have programmed an online calculator that helps design a weight loss programme tailored to <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/27/lingerie-for-your-body-shape/" target="_self">body shape</a>, diet, age, height, weight, sex and physical activity levels, which can be used by people to calculate how much weight they would lose by making certain lifestyle changes.<br />
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According to the experts, eating around 100 fewer calories a day can help you lose 10lbs over the next three years, and up to five pounds in the first year (in contrast to cutting out 500 calories a day, which sees you dropping five pounds in six months).<br />
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	"The contrast is that the old rule of thumb predicts twice as much weight loss after a year and it gets worse after that," said one of the online calculator's designers, Dr. Kevin Hall, speaking at a conference in Vancouver.</div>
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	"People have used this rule of thumb to predict how much weight they should lose for decades now, and it turns out to be completely wrong.</div>
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	"If you cut the calories in somebody's diet their metabolism starts to slow down, and it slows down more the more weight is lost, so eventually you'll reach a plateau."<br />
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	According to Dr. Hall, the online calculator can help people get a realistic sense of what changes they need to make to their diets and physical activity levels to achieve their weight loss goals.</div>
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"If you've expected to lose twice as much weight after a year as you actually lose, I think that's horribly demotivating to people," he said.<br />
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<strong>Do you struggle with dieting and weight loss? Leave a comment and let us know.</strong><br />
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And don't miss our gallery of celebrities who have struggled with food.<br />
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	The 19-year-old Disney star recently came out of a stint in rehab for bulimia, drugs and alcohol.&amp;nbsp;From the age of 12, the star started to starve herself, before beginning the binge and purge cycle in her teens.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;At my worst, I was doing it five times a day. I threw up so hard and so much, it was just blood in the toilet,&amp;quot; she told &lt;em&gt;People &lt;/em&gt;magazine. Since leaving rehab, Lovato has been vocal about eating disorders, even lashing out at the Disney channel on Twitter for an eating disorder joke on one of its programmes.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-de.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-de.jpg" data-credit="FilmMagic">Demi Lovato</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The 19-year-old Disney star recently came out of a stint in rehab for bulimia, drugs and alcohol.&amp;nbsp;From the age of 12, the star started to starve herself, before beginning the binge and purge cycle in her teens.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;At my worst, I was doing it five times a day. I threw up so hard and so much, it was just blood in the toilet,&amp;quot; she told &lt;em&gt;People &lt;/em&gt;magazine. Since leaving rehab, Lovato has been vocal about eating disorders, even lashing out at the Disney channel on Twitter for an eating disorder joke on one of its programmes.&lt;/p&gt;
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	The exercise queen has had her share of eating and body image issues over the years. She told &lt;em&gt;Harper's Bazaar&lt;/em&gt;: &amp;quot;I wasn't very happy from, I would say, puberty to 50. It took me a long time. It was in my 40s, and if you suffer from bulimia, the older you get, the worse it gets. It takes longer to recover from a bout.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ja.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ja.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Jane Fonda</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The exercise queen has had her share of eating and body image issues over the years. She told &lt;em&gt;Harper's Bazaar&lt;/em&gt;: &amp;quot;I wasn't very happy from, I would say, puberty to 50. It took me a long time. It was in my 40s, and if you suffer from bulimia, the older you get, the worse it gets. It takes longer to recover from a bout.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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	The Desert Island Discs presenter told the &lt;em&gt;Radio Times&lt;/em&gt; she was working as an au pair in Switzerland when she began to suffer from bulimia.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I feel funny saying it because I'm now a different person Although it was horrible, I don't want to overplay it because people suffer for decades.&amp;nbsp;I was lucky. I talked myself out of it in six months.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ki.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ki.jpg" data-credit="PA">Kirsty Young</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The Desert Island Discs presenter told the &lt;em&gt;Radio Times&lt;/em&gt; she was working as an au pair in Switzerland when she began to suffer from bulimia.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I feel funny saying it because I'm now a different person Although it was horrible, I don't want to overplay it because people suffer for decades.&amp;nbsp;I was lucky. I talked myself out of it in six months.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Kirsty Young" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ki.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	In her autobiography, the 65-year-old opened up about her bulimia, which &amp;quot;outshone the power of my desire for Woody. Pathetic, but true.&amp;quot; She used to binge on large quantities of food, eating&amp;nbsp;a dozen buttered corn muffins, three fried eggs with bacon, pancakes and four glasses of chocolate milk just for breakfast. She revealed she got the idea for throwing up because she overheard another actress talking about it.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-di.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-di.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images">Diane Keaton</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	In her autobiography, the 65-year-old opened up about her bulimia, which &amp;quot;outshone the power of my desire for Woody. Pathetic, but true.&amp;quot; She used to binge on large quantities of food, eating&amp;nbsp;a dozen buttered corn muffins, three fried eggs with bacon, pancakes and four glasses of chocolate milk just for breakfast. She revealed she got the idea for throwing up because she overheard another actress talking about it.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Diane Keaton" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-di.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The former &lt;em&gt;Loose Women&lt;/em&gt; presenter revealed on &lt;em&gt;This Morning&lt;/em&gt; that she became anorexic from the ages of 11 to 15 after suffering bullying at school. She is currently working on a documentary about the condition. &amp;quot;There was a 20-year distance between me and my recovery. And I have to say I completely misjudged it. I found it really hard. It is the hardest thing I have ever done.&amp;nbsp;I can't watch it. I was looking away then when that clip was on. It is undignified, it's embarrassing, but it's happening all around us.&amp;nbsp;It is a deceptive illness, a lonely illness and still one that's really difficult to fathom.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ka.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ka.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Kate Thornton</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The former &lt;em&gt;Loose Women&lt;/em&gt; presenter revealed on &lt;em&gt;This Morning&lt;/em&gt; that she became anorexic from the ages of 11 to 15 after suffering bullying at school. She is currently working on a documentary about the condition. &amp;quot;There was a 20-year distance between me and my recovery. And I have to say I completely misjudged it. I found it really hard. It is the hardest thing I have ever done.&amp;nbsp;I can't watch it. I was looking away then when that clip was on. It is undignified, it's embarrassing, but it's happening all around us.&amp;nbsp;It is a deceptive illness, a lonely illness and still one that's really difficult to fathom.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Kate Thornton" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ka.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The singer became bulimic as a reaction to the fame she experienced in the Spice Girls. &amp;quot;I felt like I wasn't in control of my life, I was public property and I was fixated on my body image. Controlling my food was my way of fighting back and not feeling powerless,&amp;quot; she told &lt;em&gt;She &lt;/em&gt;magazine. She credits having her baby, Scarlet, with changing her relationship with her body into a positive one.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;Having Scarlet hasn't just changed my life, she's saved it.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-me.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-me.jpg" data-credit="PA">Mel C</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The singer became bulimic as a reaction to the fame she experienced in the Spice Girls. &amp;quot;I felt like I wasn't in control of my life, I was public property and I was fixated on my body image. Controlling my food was my way of fighting back and not feeling powerless,&amp;quot; she told &lt;em&gt;She &lt;/em&gt;magazine. She credits having her baby, Scarlet, with changing her relationship with her body into a positive one.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;Having Scarlet hasn't just changed my life, she's saved it.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Mel C" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-me.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Morissette revealed she suffered from anorexia and bulimia as a teenager. In her blog on iVillage.com, she wrote: &amp;quot;We of the Hollywood standard-affected variety (read: sadly, the world) work tooth, nail and treadmill to adhere to this number (measuring tape, scale and otherwise) that hovers directly below any that would allow for a cupcake here and there... I remember being at my most thin one day, feeling like I could barely drag my lethargic body around, only to be met with the most compliments I had ever received.&amp;nbsp;There are often traumas and abuses/neglect that are begging to be healed... I often find anxiety, fear, boredom, disappointment, loneliness, excitement and grief to be the top feelings food can attempt to prevent. My fraught relationship with food and fat has always been a cloaked invitation into a more profound kindness to myself (one I have so often ignored).&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-al.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-al.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images">Alanis Morissette</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Morissette revealed she suffered from anorexia and bulimia as a teenager. In her blog on iVillage.com, she wrote: &amp;quot;We of the Hollywood standard-affected variety (read: sadly, the world) work tooth, nail and treadmill to adhere to this number (measuring tape, scale and otherwise) that hovers directly below any that would allow for a cupcake here and there... I remember being at my most thin one day, feeling like I could barely drag my lethargic body around, only to be met with the most compliments I had ever received.&amp;nbsp;There are often traumas and abuses/neglect that are begging to be healed... I often find anxiety, fear, boredom, disappointment, loneliness, excitement and grief to be the top feelings food can attempt to prevent. My fraught relationship with food and fat has always been a cloaked invitation into a more profound kindness to myself (one I have so often ignored).&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Alanis Morissette" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-al.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The Pan Am actress suffered from an eating disorder in her younger days, and body image issues that caused her to cover up all the mirrors in her house. She has blamed her disorder on family life rather than Tinsel Town, but Hollywood did contribute - in its own strange way. &amp;quot;At the time that I was starting to diet and stuff, I saw this TV movie, and I thought, 'Ooh - anorexia. I could probably do that,'&amp;quot; Ricci told &lt;em&gt;The Guardian&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ch.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ch.jpg" data-credit="PA">Christina Ricci</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The Pan Am actress suffered from an eating disorder in her younger days, and body image issues that caused her to cover up all the mirrors in her house. She has blamed her disorder on family life rather than Tinsel Town, but Hollywood did contribute - in its own strange way. &amp;quot;At the time that I was starting to diet and stuff, I saw this TV movie, and I thought, 'Ooh - anorexia. I could probably do that,'&amp;quot; Ricci told &lt;em&gt;The Guardian&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Christina Ricci" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ch.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The singer-turned-retailer/designer admitted that she fell victim to the pressures of the spotlight, and began to suffer from bulimia. &amp;quot;It is not something I am proud of. But I tell you what, a lot of people used to come up to me and tell me how great I looked. And I was on the cover of every magazine with them saying, &amp;lsquo;Lily is looking amazing &amp;ndash; look how much weight she has lost&amp;rsquo;. I thought I looked good.&amp;nbsp;It was great to try on clothes and walk out of the shop feeling a million dollars. When you have been a victim of people saying the complete opposite, you want more of it. But I wasn&amp;rsquo;t happy, I really wasn&amp;rsquo;t. I would like to be the skinniest, mini-est person in the world, but I know I can&amp;rsquo;t do that without being unhappy. I like my food.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-li.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-li.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Lily Allen</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The singer-turned-retailer/designer admitted that she fell victim to the pressures of the spotlight, and began to suffer from bulimia. &amp;quot;It is not something I am proud of. But I tell you what, a lot of people used to come up to me and tell me how great I looked. And I was on the cover of every magazine with them saying, &amp;lsquo;Lily is looking amazing &amp;ndash; look how much weight she has lost&amp;rsquo;. I thought I looked good.&amp;nbsp;It was great to try on clothes and walk out of the shop feeling a million dollars. When you have been a victim of people saying the complete opposite, you want more of it. But I wasn&amp;rsquo;t happy, I really wasn&amp;rsquo;t. I would like to be the skinniest, mini-est person in the world, but I know I can&amp;rsquo;t do that without being unhappy. I like my food.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;</div><img alt="Lily Allen" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-li.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	Portia De Rossi's struggles with eating began as early as age 12, but she hit her lowest point when she began working on the show &lt;em&gt;Ally McBeal&lt;/em&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I weighed 5st 12lb when I collapsed on a film set in early 2000,&amp;quot; she says. &amp;quot;I had osteoporosis and signs of cirrhosis of the liver. My potassium and electrolyte balance were at critical levels, threatening my organ function. I had to accept that I'd chosen the wrong road - one that led to sickness and death,&amp;quot; she revealed in her autobiography. After she started eating again, she developed bulimia and her weight ballooned, and the star credits her wife, Elle DeGeneres, with helping her come to terms with her body. &amp;quot;We first met in 2001 when I weighed 168lb, but she says she never saw me as heavy - only the person inside.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-po.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-po.jpg" data-credit="Getty Images for PCA">Portia De Rossi</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	Portia De Rossi's struggles with eating began as early as age 12, but she hit her lowest point when she began working on the show &lt;em&gt;Ally McBeal&lt;/em&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I weighed 5st 12lb when I collapsed on a film set in early 2000,&amp;quot; she says. &amp;quot;I had osteoporosis and signs of cirrhosis of the liver. My potassium and electrolyte balance were at critical levels, threatening my organ function. I had to accept that I'd chosen the wrong road - one that led to sickness and death,&amp;quot; she revealed in her autobiography. After she started eating again, she developed bulimia and her weight ballooned, and the star credits her wife, Elle DeGeneres, with helping her come to terms with her body. &amp;quot;We first met in 2001 when I weighed 168lb, but she says she never saw me as heavy - only the person inside.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Portia De Rossi" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-po.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	In 1995, Diana admitted in a television interview that she had suffered from bulimia. &amp;quot;I had bulimia for a number of years. And that's like a secret disease. You inflict it upon yourself because your self-esteem is at a low ebb, and you don't think you're worthy or valuable.&amp;quot;&amp;nbsp;Once the news was revealed, there was an increase in the number of bulimia diagnoses, as many people felt more comfortable admitting their problem. This became known as the &amp;quot;Diana Effect.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-pr.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-pr.jpg" data-credit="EMPICS Entertainment">Princess Diana</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	In 1995, Diana admitted in a television interview that she had suffered from bulimia. &amp;quot;I had bulimia for a number of years. And that's like a secret disease. You inflict it upon yourself because your self-esteem is at a low ebb, and you don't think you're worthy or valuable.&amp;quot;&amp;nbsp;Once the news was revealed, there was an increase in the number of bulimia diagnoses, as many people felt more comfortable admitting their problem. This became known as the &amp;quot;Diana Effect.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</div><img alt="Princess Diana" class="aol-gallery-photo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-pr.jpg" /></li><li><a title="&lt;p&gt;
	The singer recently opened up to a group of schoolchildren about her body image issues as a teen. &amp;quot;I used to throw up all the time in high school. So I'm not that confident. And maybe it's easier for me to talk about it now because I don't do it anymore,&amp;quot; she said.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I wanted to be a skinny little ballerina but I was a voluptuous little Italian girl whose dad had meatballs on the table every night.&amp;quot; She revealed she became bulimic, and it was singing that finally prompted her to stop - the acid was damaging her vocal chords.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ga.jpg" data-photo-src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/celebrity-food-struggles-ga.jpg" data-credit="PA">Lady Gaga</a><div class="aol-photo-caption">&lt;p&gt;
	The singer recently opened up to a group of schoolchildren about her body image issues as a teen. &amp;quot;I used to throw up all the time in high school. So I'm not that confident. And maybe it's easier for me to talk about it now because I don't do it anymore,&amp;quot; she said.&amp;nbsp;&amp;quot;I wanted to be a skinny little ballerina but I was a voluptuous little Italian girl whose dad had meatballs on the table every night.&amp;quot; She revealed she became bulimic, and it was singing that finally prompted her to stop - the acid was damaging her vocal chords.&lt;/p&gt;
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	<a href="http://www.facebook.com/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LifestyleAOL" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter!</a> | <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/newsletter-signup/" target="_blank">Sign up to our newsletter</a> <a href="http://horoscopes.aol.co.uk/?icid=lifestyle|parent_nav_9" target="_blank"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2011/11/horoscopesbannerwhite.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>counting calories</category><category>cutting calories</category><category>diet</category><category>dieting</category><category>metabolism</category><category>NHS guidelines</category><category>slower metabolism</category><category>weight loss</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Barton</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-21T05:47:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Rain or shine: Spring coats for all occasions</title><link>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/20/rain-or-shine-spring-coats-for-all-occasions/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/20/rain-or-shine-spring-coats-for-all-occasions/</guid><comments>http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/02/20/rain-or-shine-spring-coats-for-all-occasions/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a></p>In-between seasons dressing can be a bit of headache. Sweating it out in your heavy winter coat is a no-no but it's still too cold to sport anything summery. So what's a girl to do?<br />
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Bridge the gap and update your wardrobe with some super-stylish spring outerwear. We've selected the most covetable, whether you're looking for an on-trend trench or a smart lightweight coat.<br />
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<strong>Hot spring coat picks:</strong><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/springcoatmontage.jpg" style="float: right; " />
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		<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=946849999/search=mac" target="_blank">M&amp;Co Piped Mac, &pound;65</a></li>
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		<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=947594659/search=mac" target="_blank">Boden Rainday Mac, &pound;115</a></li>
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		<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=948267160/search=red+trench" target="_blank">Mango Trench, &pound;59.99</a></li>
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		<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=891409781/search=fever+dotty+trench" target="_blank">Fever Trench, &pound;64.02</a></li>
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		<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=955471237/search=whistles+gretel" target="_blank">Whistles Gretel Mac, &pound;95</a></li>
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		<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=873/form_keyword=m%26co+tweed+coat/rd=1/skd=1" target="_blank">M&amp;Co Tweed Coat, &pound;129 </a></li>
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		<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=959621412/search=parka+coat" target="_blank">FCUK Parka, &pound;130</a></li>
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		<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=948183722/search=blue+mac+belted" target="_blank">JL Belted Mac, &pound;79</a></li>
</ol>
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		<img alt="Rain or shine: Spring coats for all occasions" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/1mcopipedmac.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">M&amp;Co</span></p>
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This piped monochrome mac is the perfect winter to spring transition piece. We love the easy belted style and piped detailing.<br />
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<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=946849999/search=mac">Snap up the M&amp;Co Piped Mac now &pound;65</a><br />
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		<img alt="Rain or shine: Spring coats for all occasions" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/2mangoredtrench.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">John Lewis</span></p>
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Fed up wearing dark hues? Inject some serious colour into your transition wardrobe with this bold red/pink trench by Mango.<br />
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<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=948267160/search=red+trench">Get the Mango Double Breasted Trench Coat now &pound;59.99</a><br />
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		<img alt="Rain or shine: Spring coats for all occasions" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/3bodeneverdaymac.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Boden</span></p>
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In your face florals and pastel shades are key for spring. Tap into both those trends with the Boden Rainday mac.<br />
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<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=947594659/search=mac">Bag the Boden Rainday Mac today for &pound;115</a><br />
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		<img alt="Rain or shine: Spring coats for all occasions" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/4whistlesgretelshowerproofc.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">John Lewis</span></p>
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Work this spring's sport deluxe and minimal trends with this pared-down coat by Whistles. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more sophisticated waterproof.<br />
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<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=955471237/search=whistles+gretel">Snap up the Whistles Gretel Showerproof Mac now for &pound;95</a><br />
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	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Rain or shine: Spring coats for all occasions" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/5tweeddresscoat.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">M&amp;Co</span></p>
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Ideal for work or a formal do, this lightweight tweed coat by M&amp;Co is a fantastic investment buy. We're very into the collarless style and faux leather trim.<br />
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<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=873/form_keyword=M%26Co+Tweed+coat+Black/rd=1/skd=1">Get the M&amp;Co tweed coat today for &pound;129</a><br />
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		<img alt="Rain or shine: Spring coats for all occasions" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/6feverdottytrench.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">Amazon</span></p>
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Polka dots lend a retro touch to this trench by Fever. It will look gorgeous teamed with spring's vintage-inspired pieces.<br />
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<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=891409781/search=fever+dotty+trench">Buy the Fever Dotty Trench today for &pound;64.02</a><br />
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		<img alt="Rain or shine: Spring coats for all occasions" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/7frenchconnectionbfparkacoa.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">John Lewis</span></p>
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Luxe parkas are having a bit of a fashion moment right now. Get in on the act with this hooded boyfriend version by French Connection.<br />
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<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=959621412/search=parka+coat">Bag the French Connection Boyfriend Hooded Coat now for &pound;130</a><br />
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<div class="photo-block">
	<p class="photo-caption" style="width:590px;padding-right:12px;">
		<img alt="Rain or shine: Spring coats for all occasions" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/lifestyle.aol.co.uk/media/2012/02/8jykbluesatin.jpg" /><span class="bs-photo-credit">John Lewis</span></p>
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Intense Yves Klein blue is one of the colours of the season. Stay on-trend right the way through the winter to spring transition with this short belted mac coat by John Lewis.<br />
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<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=948183722/search=blue+mac+belted">Buy the John Lewis Sateen Belted Mac today for &pound;79</a><br />
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<a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/topcat_id=12/form_keyword=trench+coat/rd=1/skd=1">Shop for more trench coats</a><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category>raincoats</category><category>spring fashion</category><category>trench coats</category><dc:creator>Daniel Coughlin</dc:creator><dc:date>2012-02-20T08:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item></channel></rss>
