Remember remember the fifth of November

I always thought fireworks were so romantic! Something about watching the sky light up with your other half... Anyway, V for Vendetta has to be one of my favourite films and watching it recently in preparation for Bonfire night got me all excited to watch the fireworks! I am sharing my favourite quote from the movie with you all not only because it's a great, memorable quote but it portrays how sweet and intelligent V really is.

"But on this most auspicious of nights, permit me then, in lieu of the more commonplace soubriquet, to suggest the character of this dramatis persona. 

Voila! In view humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the “vox populi” now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a bygone vexation stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin, van guarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. 

The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. 

Verily this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it’s my very good honour to meet you and you may call me V."

http://www.philipcoppens.com/vendetta_07.jpg

Happy Guy Fawkes day // Bonfire night!

7 ways to improve your CV

Your skills and experience

1 – Echo the language used in the job advertisement. Remember, the aim is to let the company know how well suited you are to the position you’re applying for. By using the same language, you’ll highlight the attributes that the employer is seeking – provoking a positive response.

2 – You might have one CV that shows you’re a great all-rounder, but your early experience as a retail assistant won’t be of much use in a managerial role in a different field. That said, you shouldn’t remove a job if it will leave a lengthy gap in your CV. Instead, focus on which responsibilities provided you with valuable but – most importantly – transferrable skills.

3 – Learn a language. So you’ve made all the abilities you already have sound the best they can, but why stop there? One of the most attractive new skills you can acquire is a language, and schools such as www.uiclondon.com make it easy.

Why not take one of their Spanish classes for adults in London? Knowing the world’s second most widely spoken language is sure to separate you from a similar, non-bilingual candidate.

Your personal details

4 – Only include one phone number. Your employer shouldn’t have to guess which to contact you on, and if you use a home phone number, make sure your answer machine message sounds professional – your ‘witty’ words could give the wrong impression.

5 – Look at your email address. If your account is an AOL one, it’ll make your entire CV seem dated – something you definitely do not want considering the importance of the web today! Avoid using a nickname or numbers – they’re distracting, leave more room for typing errors and will leave an employer wondering why they are significant (even if they aren’t).

Presentation is key

Design and formatting

6 – Ever been sent an advert with masses upon masses of text? Then you’ll know how unappealing it looks. Use bullet points to break up lengthy job descriptions into a clear, concise list of responsibilities that enabled you to use your expertise.

It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it

7 – Use powerful verbs wherever possible and make sure you’re the subject of each point you make. For example, “responsibilities included writing copy for company newsletters” could be changed to the more effective “wrote all copy for company newsletters.”



Resource box
Creative CVs More ways to use design to stand out from the crowd

Formatting Tips and Tricks Advice on which fonts to pick and other formatting guidelines

Example CVs Want to see how it’s done? Here are a few templates for you to look at

Autumn is upon us

Yes, autumn is has definitely arrived. It's getting darker earlier it suddenly feels much colder! Next thing we know it's going to be Christmas! Say it aint so!

Here are some beautiful pictures of "Fall" as the Americans would say in beautiful NYC. Must go asap.

Wrap up good & speak soon,

Beckie J x

Happy Birthday to me!

Just thought I'd write a little post to let everyone know that I have had the best birthday everrrr so far! Loving all the birthday love from all over the world! Many thanks!

Even Google's wished me a Happy Birthday :-) Thanks Google Doodle!

22 is going to be a great year for me- thank you for all your kind birthday wishes!

5 of the most worthwhile things you could be doing

If you’ve been sitting at your desk recently, thinking about getting out there and doing something worthwhile, there are plenty of things you could try. One of the best ways of making a difference is to go on a volunteering project with an organisation such as www.projects-abroad.ca. You’ll have an experience of a lifetime and be doing something to benefit others. In this guide you can read about five of the top experiences on offer to you.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeliam/2763938986

Teach children in foreign countries

You can get involved in teaching abroad without formal qualifications. As long as you have a good standard of English, you can play a part and help enrich children’s lives. English teaching projects are available all over the world, so whether you want to head to Africa, Asia or South America, you can. If you would rather work with over 18s, there are plenty of projects offering this opportunity too.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/frontierofficial/7650919128/

Get involved in environmental and cultural programs

Getting your hands dirty helping local communities is a really memorable experience. If you’ve been sitting at your desk, longing to get outdoors, this is a good option for you. You could help farmers in Argentina or Ghana, get involved in eco-development projects in India, or even play a role in conservation projects all over the world.

Work in an orphanage

Volunteering in an orphanage is a humbling and life-changing experience. This is your opportunity to have a hugely positive impact on children and help them learn life skills that will be a massive benefit to them. All you have to be is compassionate and show your caring side, and in return you will get a rewarding experience. There are opportunities to volunteer in orphanages in many different countries around the world, including China, Ghana, Jamaica, Sri Lanka and Mongolia.

Take part in community projects

Taking part in community projects gives you the opportunity to do something worthwhile and to really soak up the atmosphere and culture of your chosen destination. You’ll work with locals and can get a placement in programs, such as arts and crafts in Mexico, nomad projects in Mongolia and disaster management projects in Jamaica.

Coach sport abroad

Sport has the unique power of bringing people together. If you have a sport that you are passionate about and able to coach, you can use your skills to help teach those at a disadvantage. It might be a school program, community sports project or individual courses, and again there are opportunities all over the world.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikkristensen/143899093

If you feel the time’s right to go and do something worthwhile, there are many websites that can give you more information about specific projects. Then you can start planning your memorable experience!

Resource Box

Volunteering: make your time really count - Article about volunteering on your travels

Graduate: A Volunteer Abroad - First-hand account of someone’s experience of volunteering abroad

Do you dare take a sabbatical? - Article about taking time off work   

An Unlikely Bond

Anyone who has a pet would know how much you can bond with an animal. Although some despise pets- especially cats- anybody who has a pet knows that there can be genuine love between them and their little friends. But sometimes a bond can build between more than just the normal household pets.

Lions

This picture shows that even the biggest of cats can be full of love for a human. 

Many of you may know about Leo the Lion. If you haven’t seen the heart-warming video yet, what have you been doing?! This demonstrates genuine love between the full-grown lion when he’s reunited with his owners, John Rendall & Ace Bourke, in 1972.

It used to be legal to own an animal like this, but as he grew larger and larger it was time to set him free into the wild in Kenya.

Bears

Although they will grow into big, dangerous animals, bears can be the most loving and playful of animals. If a bond is made from an early age, they can be your best pal. Take Brutus, the pet grizzly bear for example. 

The bond between him and his best friend, Casey Anderson looks unbreakable. I wouldn’t like to fall out with Casey; something tells me his friend’s got his back!

Mark Dumas, a 60-year-old man from Canada also has a ‘bear-bond’ with his polar friend. They say he’s the only man in the World who can swim with a polar bear. Would you jump in the pool?

Crocodiles

What would you rather do; swim with a polar bear or swim with a crocodile? It would be a tough choice. Go to Puerta Rico and you may bump into a man named Chito, who would probably be playing with his friend, Pocho- a crocodile he saved from a gunshot wound over 20 years ago

He said it took more than 10 years to really be able to get closer with the croc. If you can’t get over to Puerto Rico to see the odd couple playing around, here’s a clip.

Gorillas (with pets)

An even more unlikely bond is Koko the gorilla- who loves and cares for a pet kitten. 

She had so much love for the kitten that when she finds out it died, she’d cry! This goes to show that we’re all full of love and emotions.

So next time you feel like adopting a furry friend, maybe you could think outside the box! Depending on the law in your country, that is..

How to write a love letter

Text messages are useful, but they are hardly romantic. Sometimes, only a letter will do (or if you prefer to keep it electronic, a letter by email).
Perhaps you have been with the same person for decades and want to tell them how much you still feel, or perhaps you are in the early stages, looking to meet singles in Manchester with eHarmony. Either way, follow these tips for love letters that will impress.

Presentation

Presentation is important. Do not write your love letter on a scrap of paper torn from an exercise book – make the paper you write on reflect the way you feel. Use good quality writing paper, or a card. Stay away from schmaltzy pictures of hearts and flowers (unless you know that the person you are writing to will love them).
If you go for a card, choose something with a picture that means something to the two of you – a place you have visited, for example. If you write by email, send your letter as an attachment rather than in the email body – it will increase the sense of mystery and excitement.

The beginning

Let the person you are writing to know why you are writing. Perhaps you were thinking about a special time you had together, and want them to remember it too? Or you feel you have lacked romance recently and want to remind them? Or maybe you are telling them you love them for the very first time? Whatever it is – let them know.

The body

Expand on what you have told them in the beginning section. Try to avoid cliché – it will tend to sound insincere. Focus instead on things that you love about them, and the things you have done together.
Remember that this letter is about them and about you as a couple – it should not be about you as an individual. If they want to write a love letter back, they will do. Until then, do not fish for compliments. The letter should be focused on making them feel special and loved.

The end

Finish off your letter with a killer phrase that will stick in their mind and make them smile when they think about your letter. Tell them that you want to be with them forever, or whatever it is that you feel. If you get a little bit cheesy at this point, it does not matter too much – just try to stick with something that sounds sincere and meaningful. From singles dating nights to love letters – in relationship terms, you have arrived.

Resource box

Lovingyou.com: Love letters
A collection of love letters and articles about love letters
Love Letters of the Civil War
Love letters from American Civil War soldiers
Esquire.com: How to write a love letter
A guide to love letter writing

Flirting with your Dog when you’re Looking for Love

You've seen them in the street and the park: those dogs that just look so similar to their owners.  You will see the regular golden retriever with the blonde boss and the bulldog with the angry looking bodybuilder for a boss.  But how much do dogs really say about us and to they have an influence on our relationships?

According to research conducted in The Netherlands our dogs can have a substantial influence on our love lives.  The type of dog you own can determine how you are perceived by the opposite sex.  

Apparently over 75% of the research respondents agreed that flirting with a dog is easier than without. The most common answer appeared to be: “Having a dog by your side gives you something to hold on to. But you don’t have to talk to the dog or include the dog in the conversation as you would with a friend.”

So which dog should you keep on your side when going out for a flirt? Should you opt for a feminine Chihuahua or a manly Boxer?  Which dog will give the right impression on the other sex? Or the better question: which dog will you bring out with you when you’re looking for love?

According to the research it can make a significant difference which type of dog you own when you go dating someone new. In general men rather date a woman who owns a Pug than a German Sheppard. Women rather date a man that owns a Boxer than a Maltese.

The reason behind this preference can be subscribed to the characteristics of the dog race, which we also describe to the owner of the dog, only just after seeing both. Women almost always see the boxer as sexy, successful and intelligent.  Men love to see a woman with a Pug because they associate this dog with success, intelligence and loyalty. For dating purposes men would like to see a sexy dog like a Chihuahua but when it comes to finding a partner they prefer a Pug.

Dogs like Golden Retrievers, Terriers and Dachshunds are dogs that will make you look friendly and loyal. So next time you go out to park you should make sure to bring the right dog with you.  Go for the sexy Chihuahua, the faithful Pug or the friendly Golden Retriever. It depends which result you are looking for.

The best places to find love with your dog are parks. Most dog owners don’t mind to strike up a conversation with a fellow dog owner. However, when you are going out on a date you might fancy something different than a stroll in the park.

Make your Vacations Different

After a few months living the same routine: working hard every day, seeing the same faces, eating at the same time each day, sleeping with your favourite radio programme, waking up at the same hour… You need to take a breath and break away from routine….You deserve to be on holiday!

The first thing you have to think is how to make every day an experience. Your holidays have to be different; you have to plan it conscientiously because your life has already become a routine.

A good plan to prepare is to create brainstorm. Write down on a piece of paper the first things that come to mind. Later on, analyse what you have thought of and eliminate what you reckon is very stupid.

It is important that you cover good things to do, each day you are on vacation. Suggestions can be to take your boots and lose yourself in a city which you do not share anything related to - culture and language or in a marvellous and exotic beach. Dare to try an extreme sport which allows you to get rid of the adrenaline you keep locked inside. Rent a speedy car and do laps in a circuit. Taste the strangest meals you have ever tried (and which you will probably never try again).

Feel free and enjoy your vacation!!!

Six great gift ideas for when you lack inspiration

 

Giving gifts to people is always a bit difficult. Even if you know the person very well it can still be tricky. But fear no more because the following gifts ideas will have you sorted for the next couple of years. They will even get you shopping for the most difficult people!

1.  The person who asks for shopping vouchers

The good old “oh just give me a voucher or something.” Every year you try to buy it from a different store but it just feels boring doesn’t it? So from now on you have something much better to offer than a plastic card. Did you know you can buy a personal shopping experience as a present for someone? Well, you can. This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to shop. Several websites offer the “Personal Shopping Experience” as a gift package in London or Birmingham. This is the ideal present when you want to stay clear from gift vouchers but want to stick to the wishes of the birthday girl/boy.

2. The distant relative or friend

The type of person you only see every once a while suddenly invited you to his or her birthday party. You don’t want to be rude so you accept the invitation but what do you buy? Birthday present hampers are perfect for family members or friends you do not see on a regular basis. There is a wide variety of birthday hampers available online. You will find hampers that consist out of food, sweets or beauty products. Whatever you choose, make sure you include at least one special luxury item such as a bottle of champagne or caviar. This way he or she will know you have put a lot of thought in to your hamper. 

3. The fussy partner

This one is only hard because you know that he or she expects something great from you. Your present has to top all the other presents he or she receives from friends and family.  Something that is just for the two of you will always be a good idea. It shows you care and it is fun for the both of you.  Make sure you pick something that is original such as a medieval banquet, a day at the races or a bike ride through the Hampton Courts.

Posh English tackles Ginger Irish

4.  Your loving parents

As you get older and start to earn money you cannot show up at your parents with a handmade card anymore. No, it is time you show appreciation for all those years they took care of you.  Pamper the lovely couple with a luxurious day in London. Start the day at the Elemis Spa in Mayfair for some anti-ageing skincare treatments and Arabian massages. When they are fully pampered you send them off for a luxury dinner cruise on the Thames. A great day guaranteed!

5. The doting grandparents

Buying gifts for grandparents is always tricky. There is an obvious age gap which makes it hard to determine what could be useful, funny or thoughtful. It is a great idea to take them out for the day, but where could you take them? The best idea for an afternoon well spent would be a visit to the Buckingham Palace Queen’s Gallery. Wander around the exhibition for a while and enjoy a gorgeous afternoon tea for two at the Grosvenor Hotel to end the day with. This shows you want to spend time with your grandparents whilst doing something you both enjoy. 

  

Singapore really packs a punch

An amazing place

Singapore is one of the most interesting places in South East Asia. Commonly thought of as either a stop over on the way to Australia or as a business hub, but there is so much more to it than that.

Whether you are on a business trip or on a stop over. Don’t miss out on what this amazing city has to offer. Although Singapore is a very small place, with only 5 million inhabitants, they have an extremely high GDP per capita of $59,936. The wealth of the nation means that they have invested heavily on making it a great place to spend time.

Singapore is mainly a Buddhist nation and this influence is clear throughout the city but it has not hindered their passion for innovation. One of the marvels of Singapore is the MRT, this is the same concept as the London underground however it is organised to perfection and with wide, air-conditioned carriages and light airy platforms, it is a pleasure to use.

No matter where you are staying, it is always possible to find one of the 90 MRT stations that cover the city. Even during winter Singapore is a very hot and humid country and this should be taken into consideration with everything that you do. Always have a bottle of water to hand and make sure you give yourself enough time as not to rush.

The Flyer

To get the best view of the city, you should take a ride on the famous Singapore Flyer. It is the largest of its kind and gives you a wonderful perspective of the city in an unparalleled way. You will get a completely different perspective at night compared to day but I would highly recommend it. If you are a budding photographer, don’t forget to take a tripod for the night shots as it is close to impossible to get a good shot without one.

An extraordinary if not bizarre experience is a trip to Sentosa island just off the coast of the city. With a large array of attractions it is well worth the trip, not to mention, the journey there is on a fantastic cable car ride. You can spend the afternoon on the beach or inside the butterfly park. This really is a place that everyone can enjoy, just visit with an open mind and you will have a great time.

Night Safari

Something for the evenings is a trip to the Night Safari, this is an experience in itself as the animals react completely differently at night. Just remember to forget about taking pictures and just enjoy the ride, it is far too dark to take any good pictures and there are no flashes allowed for obvious reasons. They have a great area for relaxing and enjoying a bite to eat that has some extraordinary fire shows.

Chinese Gardens

Singapore has one of the most amazing Chinese Gardens, located in the east of the city, this is a great place to get away from the busy city and just relax and enjoy the sun. The gardens were designed in 1975 and is populated by beautiful architecture in both buildings and bridges. In the middle of these vast gardens, there is an amazing Bonsai garden, with trees ageing over 200 years old but still only a few inches high. A little known fact is that the smaller the leaves the slower growing the tree.

If you are not sure where to stay in, there is a huge range of options, from 5 star hotels to holiday apartments in Singapore from the owner, there is something for everyone. A great place to find accommodation is Wimdu.co.uk; they have a wide range of apartments and bed and breakfast deals all year round. 

Dating again after heartbreak

We all know it can be hard getting over a failed relationship, and we all deal with it differently. Some like to spend time alone, learning from what went wrong and enjoying being single, while others are keen to move on to the next relationship. This article offers advice for those getting over a relationship and starting to think about a new one.  

Value your good points and work on the rest

 It’s easy to feel bad about yourself after a relationship ends. You might focus on the negatives and obsess over your little faults. Before you can start a new relationship, you need to learn to love yourself again.   Relish your positive attributes and remember all of the ways you have helped family and friends. Take action to improve the aspects of your behaviour or personality that you would like to change for the better.

Remove the rose-tinted glasses

 Once a relationship has ended, it’s common to only remember the good times and forget about the bad. While it’s a good idea to let go of bitterness and anger, it’s not advisable to place your ex on a pedestal. It will be very hard for anyone else to live up to that image.   Recall the positive and the negative aspects of your former partner to get a realistic perspective on why the relationship went wrong. Accept that it will take time to form such a strong bond again, but be confident that you will!  

Learn from positive relationships

 While some have a rose-tinted view of their ex, others might be so hurt by a betrayal that it is difficult to imagine a new partner could be any better. For whatever reason, your romantic relationship didn’t work. That doesn’t mean that every relationship will fail.   Just think of all of the positive relationships you have in your life with friends, family and work colleagues. There are lots of people who you love and respect. Focus on their good points and remain optimistic that you will meet a great person like them to share your life with.  

Join a club to meet like-minded people

 Once you’re ready to meet someone new, the question then arises ‘how?’ One way to ease yourself back in to being sociable with new people is to join a club. You could sign up to a gym or take an evening class.   You’ll be more likely to meet someone with the shared interests. It is also a non-pressured environment where you can get to know potential partners as friends first.

Head online to find compatible matches

It can be daunting to get back on the dating scene. That’s why so many people turn to online dating sites like www.eharmony.co.uk.   You will be matched with a compatible fellow singleton, giving you the best chance of finding love again. Whether you want to start dating Birmingham singles or Londoners looking for love, you’ll find them through online dating agencies.

   

Resource Box

Relationship advice
The Telegraph’s tips for a happy relationship.

Dating
The Guardian’s articles about dating.

Love poems
The BBC’s selection of poems about relationships.

10 great driving cars – and how you can take them for a spin

This article offers information about 10 of the best driving cars on the road. Read about cars that will inspire you to have a go at driving one for yourself. Cars include Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Lotus and Lamborghini.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving a powerful and stylish car. You can drive some of the best cars on the market today by taking them for a spin on specially designed circuits, or on test drives at specialist car dealers. This guide picks 10 of the best driving cars on the road today.

Pretend to be 007 in an Aston Martin

Anyone who fancies spending the day as James Bond has to try out an Aston Martin. You could have a go in the classic DB6, or go for a bit more technology in the latest DB9 and V8 Vantage.

Image source

Sample Italian luxury in a Lamborghini

You can experience the finest Italian engineering in a Lamborghini Gallardo or Murcielago. A great way to try these awesome vehicles is on supercar driving days.

Image source

Look good in a Lotus Elise

Can you handle the power and controls of a Lotus Elise? Have a go in this British-made sports car, one of the finest of its kind in the world.

Quite possibly the best-known and best-loved supercar of them all. Jump behind the wheel of the legendary Ferrari 355 or super-fast Ferrari 599 on a driving experience.

Image source

Race along in an Audi R8

The Audi R8 has been referred to as the new everyday supercar. It’s really comfortable to drive, has impressive performance, and to top it all off you’ll look really cool in it! 

 Image Source

Push the pedal in a Porsche

Push the pedal to the metal in a Porsche Carrera 911 or GT3. You’ll love the feeling of this top-of-the-range German sports car. They are good for speed and amazing for handling.

Feel the speed of a Subaru Impreza

If you enjoy a white-knuckle ride, you should try a track day in a Subaru Impreza. They’re great on the road, but even better when they can be truly unleashed at the track.

Cruise in the classic D Type Jaguar

This is a must-drive for any classic-car enthusiast. Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise along in this beauty.

Experience the power and handling of a Mitsubishi Evo

Another car for speed junkies, the Mitsubishi Evo combines the handling of a rally car with the practicalities of an everyday car.

Mini Cooper fun

This one’s a bit of a curveball, but if you’d like to feel like Michael Caine in the Italian Job, take a Mini Cooper for a whirl.

The best way of trying one of these fantastic cars is to book in for a test drive at a dealership or try out a fun-filled driving experience. Whether you want to try a Lamborghini, Mini Cooper, Porsche or Aston Martin driving experience, you can do it all over the UK, so why not give it a go!.

Resource box

Top Gear

The famous TV show’s website has reviews of all the best on-road cars.

Which Car?

Which’s advice on how to pick the right car.

How to drive a supercar

Jeremy Clarkson takes you through the experience of driving a super-fast car.

Moving to a warmer climate

Many people find that living in a country with bad weather can have a negative impact on their lives. When the days start to shorten and you find you are commuting to and from work in the dark, it's tempting to daydream about a place where it's sunny and bright all year around.

 

Sunny skies

In many parts of northern Europe the summers can be mild, and even if it's lighter for more hours of the day, it's still not warm enough to sunbathe at the weekends and wear less during the day.

Since the early 1970s when BJ Thomas sang Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head, scientists have researched the link between weather and temperament. Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and find their attitude to be more negative during periods of high humidity and low temperatures.

The good news is that there are parts of the world where sunny weather is predominant. People who live in these areas are generally happier and more positive about life. The Quality of Life index has placed Malta at the top of the list of countries with the best weather in the world. Its inhabitants enjoy an average of 5.2 hours of sunshine a day, even in December!

Benefits of warm weather

Spain is also a destination for people who want to escape bad weather. When the coats come out of storage in September, people feel the need to spend a fortnight in a country where it's still warm and sunny for up to 12 hours a day and the locals have a more laid back lifestyle. Many of us return from our holiday revitalised, the sun having done us good. But some people consider the possibility of relocating permanently to a place with a better climate.

This can be complicated for younger people, especially those with families, but do not be put off. There’s no need to wait until you retire to move to Spain or Italy and enjoy the sun. A by-product of the weather is that the tourism industry is extremely developed and there are many jobs available for people who speak fluent English.

Most areas also have international schools so expat children can continue their education in their native language.

Learn the lingo

A basic knowledge of the language is essential if you are thinking of moving abroad. To learn Spanish you can sign up to a course near you or buy a basic pack and try to teach yourself. This is not as difficult as it may seem if you have the time and the dedication. If you choose to go to a language class a local college is a good place to start. For Spanish courses Liverpool schools and colleges can offer evening classes. The same goes for most cities in the UK. 

If you do not want to learn another language, countries such as Australia and the southern parts of the United States also enjoy warmer weather. However, the tropical climate in such places can be more extreme than in the Mediterranean, so it's worth researching the downsides of the high temperatures in summer, and winters can include blizzards and flooding.

Resource box

World climate and food safety

World Climate Information

Seasonal Affective Disorder Association