So whilst I was at the Retford Times, I got a free pedicure. Here's what I thought of it.
Bored of your normal pedicure routine? Or do you just fancy a bit of the bizarre?
Why not try the new WonderFish treatment which is sweeping the nation? I called into Impulse in Hallcroft which is the first salon in Retford to show off the unique and somewhat unorthodox pedicure treatment.
After rinsing my feet I sat on the bench, feeling rather nervous and with increasing trepidation I lowered my feet into the Fish Spa. The tiny fish went crazy and rushed to my feet - the tickling sensation and laughter took over and I quickly pulled my feet out again. Once I’d stopped giggling and composed myself, I managed to lower my feet into the warm water. The enthusiastic fish fought to get to my feet looking for any hard skin to soften. The Garra Rufa fish, also known as the Doctor Fish, are only a few centimetres long and are native to Turkey, often used in spas across the Middle East. There were around 100 fish suckling at my feet – they have no teeth so don’t fret, they can’t bite!
It was captivating to watch the frenzied fish at work, swarming in and around your toes, nibbling at the skin. Even though it was possibly the weirdest feeling I’ve ever felt, once I’d relaxed into it, the almost vibrating sensation was oddly relaxing. After a rather giddy 15minutes I took my out my feet and they felt remarkably smooth and soft. Utterly bizarre and wonderfully weird, the WonderFish are well worth a visit.
Louise, receptionist at the salon, talked me through the advantages of having the unusual pedicure: “It’s great for everyone but is particularly good for people suffering with Psoriasis, Eczema and Calluses. The painless massage also stimulates blood circulation.
“If maintained, once or twice a month, the fish alone can keep on top of hard and rough skin on the feet and hands.
“There is space for two people to have the WonderFish treatment so you can bring a friend along to experience this new pedicure.
“It’s a really good novelty experience too. Just pop in for 15minutes and you are left with really smooth feet when you leave.”
Impulse charges £10 for 15minutes with the fish and for an extra £10 you can enjoy the Fish Deluxe Pedicure which includes a 45 minute finishing pedicure.
Loyalty cards are offered at the salon, giving a free session with the WonderFish after four sessions and gift cards are also available.
Bookings aren’t necessary for the WonderFish alone but are advised so as to avoid disappointment. Call Impulse on 01777 709977.
Rx
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Hoppipolla
On a much more serious note, I was working at the Retford Times this week. I had to do some real journalism about real matters not just blokes with guitars...
Here's some vox pops:
This week, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced proposals to change paternity rights. The proposals will see parents sharing maternity leave, allowing fathers extra time off work if the mother goes back to work early. This could see fathers having up to six months off work for paternity leave. Currently mothers are allowed up to a year off work and fathers a mere two weeks. Labelling the current rules as ‘Edwardian’ Clegg’s proposals should be in force by 2015.
But what do the parents of Retford feel about these changes?
Ms Oprych was fully supportive of the idea and its options for flexibility. “It’s good for the man to get more, but depending upon circumstances, it may be necessary for mother’s to take the full year themselves.”
Mrs Hookings of Retford championed Nick Clegg’s ideal that the new proposals would keep up with modern life. “Some men want to have the input so it’s a good idea that they get their turn.”
Mrs Anderson of Retford highlighted the issue that fathers may not be willing to take advantage of the proposals. “Men may feel peer pressure to not take the time off as it is not the ‘macho’ thing to do. There’s definitely still a stigma attached to men being the stay-at-home parent. However, it would be a great opportunity for men to share the experiences that new mums face.”
Mr and Mrs Willoughby of Retford, said that the changes would be completely dependant upon the circumstances of the family. Factors such as each parent’s careers and the financial burden play a vital role in this. “It’s a good idea to allow for option and choice. Currently the father gets a pretty raw deal. Thumbs up to it!”
Ms Marsden of Worksop commented that it would help the Dad to be more involved with caring and job-sharing however there are some practical issues which may cause problems. “Modern women may expect a more equal division of parenting. However, I can’t see many employers being impressed by the provisions. It’s a great idea but many men may be discouraged in the workplace from taking extra time off.”
Boring, eh?
I think I'll stick to music.
Rx
Here's some vox pops:
This week, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced proposals to change paternity rights. The proposals will see parents sharing maternity leave, allowing fathers extra time off work if the mother goes back to work early. This could see fathers having up to six months off work for paternity leave. Currently mothers are allowed up to a year off work and fathers a mere two weeks. Labelling the current rules as ‘Edwardian’ Clegg’s proposals should be in force by 2015.
But what do the parents of Retford feel about these changes?
Ms Oprych was fully supportive of the idea and its options for flexibility. “It’s good for the man to get more, but depending upon circumstances, it may be necessary for mother’s to take the full year themselves.”
Mrs Hookings of Retford championed Nick Clegg’s ideal that the new proposals would keep up with modern life. “Some men want to have the input so it’s a good idea that they get their turn.”
Mrs Anderson of Retford highlighted the issue that fathers may not be willing to take advantage of the proposals. “Men may feel peer pressure to not take the time off as it is not the ‘macho’ thing to do. There’s definitely still a stigma attached to men being the stay-at-home parent. However, it would be a great opportunity for men to share the experiences that new mums face.”
Mr and Mrs Willoughby of Retford, said that the changes would be completely dependant upon the circumstances of the family. Factors such as each parent’s careers and the financial burden play a vital role in this. “It’s a good idea to allow for option and choice. Currently the father gets a pretty raw deal. Thumbs up to it!”
Ms Marsden of Worksop commented that it would help the Dad to be more involved with caring and job-sharing however there are some practical issues which may cause problems. “Modern women may expect a more equal division of parenting. However, I can’t see many employers being impressed by the provisions. It’s a great idea but many men may be discouraged in the workplace from taking extra time off.”
Boring, eh?
I think I'll stick to music.
Rx
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Someday
It's that time of year again....
The Brit Awards have returned!
The nominees were announced this week at a very exclusive pre-party at Indigo2 hosted by the ever insufferable Fearne Cotton. Tinie Tempah stole the show bagging himself FOUR nominations! However, he has been nominated for British Male and British Breakthrough so I'm not quite sure how that works... How he can be new and established I don't quite get...
Any who, here is the full list on nominees!
The Brit Awards have returned!
The nominees were announced this week at a very exclusive pre-party at Indigo2 hosted by the ever insufferable Fearne Cotton. Tinie Tempah stole the show bagging himself FOUR nominations! However, he has been nominated for British Male and British Breakthrough so I'm not quite sure how that works... How he can be new and established I don't quite get...
Any who, here is the full list on nominees!
BRITISH MALE SOLO ARTIST:
- Mark Ronson
- Paul Weller
- Plan B
- Robert Plant
- Tinie Tempah
I reckon Mark Ronson should win this but I think Tinie will edge it. Don't get me wrong he's a worthy winner, I just think Ronson has had more impact and therefore more deserving this year plus he has better hair.
BRITISH FEMALE SOLO ARTIST:
- Cheryl Cole
- Ellie Goulding
- Laura Marling
- Paloma Faith
- Rumer
Ellie for me closely followed by Laura. Both worthy winners. I hope to God Cheryl doesn't win...
BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH ACT:
- Ellie Goulding
- Mumford & Sons
- Rumer
- Tinie Tempah
- The XX
- Tinie Tempah will win this by a country mile. He's had such an amazing year. This would just be the icing on the cake for him.
BRITISH GROUP:
- Biffy Clyro
- Gorillaz
- Mumford & Sons
- Take That
- XX
Mumford all the way.
BRITISH SINGLE
- Alexandra Burke ft Pitbull - All Night Long
- Cheryl Cole - Parachute
- Florence & The Machine - You’ve Got The Love
- Matt Cardle - When We Collide
- Olly Murs - Please Don’t Let Me Go
- Plan B - She Said
- Scouting For Girls - This Ain’t A Love Song
- Taio Cruz - Dynamite
- Tinie Tempah - Pass Out
- The Wanted - All Time Low
- Florence and You've Got The Love is the most fabulous cover ever (save for maybe Muse and Feeling Good) and would easily be my choice here. Pass Out second. I am offended that Parachutes is in this list - makes me slightly worried about the panel.
MASTERCARD BRITISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
- Plan B - The Defamation of Strickland Banks
- Take That - Progress
- Tinie Tempah - Disc - Overy
- The XX - XX
I fancy that the XX will have a Brit Award to sit alongside their Mercury Prize for their stunning debut album.
INTERNATIONAL MALE SOLO ARTIST
- Bruce Springsteen
- Cee Lo Green
- David Guetta
- Eminem
- Kanye West
- Eminem. He will always be my Best International Solo Male, even when he's addled his brain through drugs and starts rapping about the fairies and elves that are now looking after Hayley.
INTERNATIONAL FEMALE SOLO ARTIST
- Alicia Keys
- Katy Perry
- Kylie Minogue
- Rihanna
- Robyn
Got to be Rihanna.
INTERNATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH ACT
- Bruno Mars
- Glee Cast
- Justin Bieber
- National
- Temper Trap
- As much as I haven't fallen in love with Justin Bieber the rest of the world has and I concede that he really is the International Breakthrough Act of the year. It is crazy how Bieber fever has taken over!
INTERNATIONAL GROUP
- Arcade Fire
- Black Eyed Peas
- Kings of Leon
- The Script
- Vampire Weekend
- Kings of Leon everyday of the week for me, however, I am not impressed with their new album nor their corporate sell-out clad-in-their-own-label-leather-jacketed selves. I really want them to win to make up for the lack of recognition they got when they were in their prime.
INTERNATIONAL ALBUM
- Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
- Cee Lo Green - The Lady Killer
- Eminem - Recovery
- Katy Perry - Teenage Dream
- Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown
- Arcade Fire's album is the best one here. Actually as I type this 'Suburbs' has just come on XFM and just confirmed to me how brilliant this album is.
CRITICS’ CHOICE
- Jessie J (Winner)
- James Blake
- The Vaccines
- All of these nominees will have brilliant years but I think Jessie J does edge it for me. The right choice I think.
BRITISH PRODUCER
- Ethan Johns
- John Leckie
- Markus Dravs
- Mike Pela
- Stuart Price
- Tough call here between Ethan and Stuart though I think Stuart might get it due to the fact he produced more albums last year. However Ethan produced Laura Marling's album (fabulous) and the Kings' first three (and best) albums. Tricky.
Also check out this wicked performance of Tinie Tempah's new song Wonderman featuring Ellie Goulding at the Brit Awards Launch party.
Rx
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Knights In White Satin
So BBC Sound of 2011 has come to its conclusions and the winner is.... Jessie J!
A former BritSchool pupil, essex born Jessica Cornish has certainly hit the ground running as she has just won the Critics Choice Brit Award. Get her! Former winners are Adele, Florence and Ellie Goulding so she's got some pretty big boots to fill - I reckon she'll do alright though...
Go on the Girlsies!
Rx
A former BritSchool pupil, essex born Jessica Cornish has certainly hit the ground running as she has just won the Critics Choice Brit Award. Get her! Former winners are Adele, Florence and Ellie Goulding so she's got some pretty big boots to fill - I reckon she'll do alright though...
Go on the Girlsies!
Rx
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Feeling Good
Jamie Woon has come fourth in the BBC Sound of 2011 and I am thrilled.
His single Night Air has been on every iTunes playlist I make for months - I am so chuffed he's getting recognised for his amazing voice and sound.
Let's hear it again shall we?
Also, I think he looks like Zach Braff... Good shout?
Rx
His single Night Air has been on every iTunes playlist I make for months - I am so chuffed he's getting recognised for his amazing voice and sound.
Let's hear it again shall we?
Also, I think he looks like Zach Braff... Good shout?
Rx
Monday, 3 January 2011
What's My Name
Happy New Year and all that jazz...
It's the third of Janvier and I still feel like crap from New Year. Though I'm pretty sure my hangover has become flu as ALL my friends and family have the dreaded stuff.
Eurgh. I just had a massive coughing fit.
Attractive.
So it's all about looking forward to the next year, out with the old and in with the new etc. So who's number one for the first week of this new fresh year? Of course, Matt Cardle from last year's X Factor and the oppression of the charts is continued by said show. Nothing has changed.
On the up side, Radio 1 are flip reversing (ooooh bit of Blazin' Squad) their schedule meaning Moyles and Cotton are out and Zane, Annie, Huw and Grimmy are in! It's blooming wonderful.
Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody has been on a lot today - Zane announced her as number 5 in the BBC Sound of 2011 poll. And it's pretty darn good.
Well done Clare.
The countdown continues tomorrow...
Rx
It's the third of Janvier and I still feel like crap from New Year. Though I'm pretty sure my hangover has become flu as ALL my friends and family have the dreaded stuff.
Eurgh. I just had a massive coughing fit.
Attractive.
So it's all about looking forward to the next year, out with the old and in with the new etc. So who's number one for the first week of this new fresh year? Of course, Matt Cardle from last year's X Factor and the oppression of the charts is continued by said show. Nothing has changed.
On the up side, Radio 1 are flip reversing (ooooh bit of Blazin' Squad) their schedule meaning Moyles and Cotton are out and Zane, Annie, Huw and Grimmy are in! It's blooming wonderful.
Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody has been on a lot today - Zane announced her as number 5 in the BBC Sound of 2011 poll. And it's pretty darn good.
Well done Clare.
The countdown continues tomorrow...
Rx
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