Article: Away Days (Manchester Area)

Originally published September 2010 in Uncovered Magazine and 8/09/10 on http://www.bellesmanifesto.blogspot.com/

  So you fancy a day away from the high-paced hustle and bustle of Uni? (An activity that doesn’t involve Jaeger Bombs, jello shots, and collecting traffic cones, semi-naked on your way back from Baa Bar?) Or maybe you just want somewhere to take your parents when they visit. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you, with our top tips and user-friendly guide to local attractions and fun days out.

ALTON TOWERS

  For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, the UK’s most famous theme park is the destination of choice. The Staffordshire-based attraction is a bit further away than many of our other ’days out’ but it’s well worth the journey. Home to the world’s first vertical drop rollercoaster, free-fall drop rollercoaster and B&M, flying rollercoaster, and to Europe‘s first inverted rollercoaster; Alton Towers is truly at the fore-front of rollercoaster technology. The park hosts rides to suit all ages, as well several restaurants, food stalls, an aquarium, a water-park and the famed Alton Towers Hotel. Attending annual events such as the October ’Scarefest’ and Fireworks celebrations give you more bang for your buck, as live actors and displays accompany the park’s usual attractions, and they often run 2-4-1 or ’money off’ promotions.

THE TRAFFORD CENTRE

  Boasting over 230 stores, as well as a host of restaurants, take-outs, market stalls and a cinema; the Trafford Centre is one of the UK’s largest shopping complexes.
  The home of brands from Gucci to Guess, the site offers a variety of events, including regular celebrity signings, and store launch-parties. With a bus service running every 30 minutes from the centre of Manchester, and a range of student discounts available on everything from clothing to food, this is one of the easiest student days out. However, those with a strict budget should steer clear, as although offers are available, and there are plenty of activities to choose from, a day at the Trafford Centre is usually a day spent shopping. Your bank balance will not thank you.

CHILL FACTORE

                                               

  Who said snow sports were restricted to your Christmas holidays? All you snow bunnies and ski studs can get your adrenaline fix in the UK’s longest (and the world’s widest) real-snow, indoor ski centre, Chill FactorE. Featuring the main slope (590ft), a luge track, and specialised snowplay and tubing areas, the Trafford-based winter wonderland has plenty to offer everyone; from beginners right through to more experienced ski and/or snowboarders. The Alpine Village includes a rock climbing wall, chalet-style shopping centre, and bars, restaurants and cafes for refreshing après-ski snacks and meals; and a frequent bus service from Manchester City Centre to Trafford Park makes it easily accessible. With equipment hire, lessons and lift passes, the price can mount up, but if you already have the gear and the know-how, it’s a great way keep yourself in shape for ski season.

CHESTER ZOO

  Ahhh days at the zoo; watching the monkeys swing on their bars, eating luke-warm hot dogs by the penguin pool, those great novelty pens shaped like meercats that you begged your long-suffering parents to buy? Yeh, ok, maybe it wasn’t all good, but with the UK’s number one Zoo in close proximity, this is one childhood memory that you’ll want to re-visit. With over 7000 animals and 400 species on show, Chester Zoo boasts some of the most endangered species on the planet, and 110 acres of land to enjoy them in.
  With sensory awareness days, garden tours and 'bats by torchlight' dominating their calendar, there’s more than enough activities to fill your day. So embrace your inner child; get your face painted, play in the Fun Arc and watch the penguin feedings; 10% of the entrance fee goes to help their conservation work, and they offer a student discount.

THE PEAK DISTRICT

  The stunning Peak district offers a tranquil backdrop to your day out. Attractions such as numerous tea shops and low intensity walks, allow for a relaxed break, while facilities offering horse-back riding, water sports, and fell running are available for a more active experience. The park is open all year round with a variety of B+Bs and hotels near by. (We advise suggesting this one to your parents).

MAKING THE MOST OF OFFERS.

  Student life is ALL about budgeting, 27p saved by buying Super Noodles in stock is 27p that can go towards your next pint, right? Days out are no different, there’s always offers to be taken advantage of, and money to be saved. Student discounts are always a bonus, most places will knock at least 10% off the entrance price when you produce a university or NUS card, and websites like http://www.tours4students.co.uk/  help you save money by organising group trips for society outings. Although there are plenty of sites out there designed to help you save when you spend, sometimes to find the best offer, you don’t have to look further than your shopping basket. Household brands from Walkers to Muller offer money off admission prices when you buy the right yoghurt or packet of crisps, and supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s will give you free tickets for the correct amount of clubcard points - after all, ‘every little helps’.
  Student railcards can save you big bucks on big journeys, but if you’re heading to a large town it’s worth checking http://www.megabus.co.uk/ or http://www.nationalexpress.com/ to see what’s on offer; a coach journey may take longer than the train, but for £6.50 return who’s going to complain? Bus passes and careful planning will save you precious pounds but the easiest way for you to get to your destination is still going to be by road. So if you’re lucky enough to have a flatmate with a car, who’s willing to drive, then invite them, and split the petrol money, (just make sure you get ACCURATE directions).

OUR TOP TIPS FOR A FUN DAY OUT. 

- If you’re out for the day, take food and lots of it. There’s something about rollercoasters that makes every student ravenous, and you don’t want to be forking out for expensive on-site treats; £8 for a burger and fries? No thanks.

- Check the weather forecast. Then double-check it, then pack an umbrella anyway. The North is known for it’s unpredictable showers, so be prepared for anything; sunglasses? Yes. Coat? Yes. Umbrella? Yes, yes, yes.

- Plan your journey. Students are notorious for their last minute plans, and ’devil may care’ attitude when it comes to transport, but do your homework. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere.

- Make a budget and stick to it; it’s easy to get over excited when you get to the gift shop, but with ticket and travel prices, you don’t want to be too out-of-pocket. And just think, you might not have that "really cute" stuffed dragon, but you will have money to plan your next trip with.

- Now this one is important; CHARGE YOUR PHONE. Some of you want to see the monkeys, the others desperately want to watch the sea lion show; so you split up. Next thing you know your phone has died and you have to spend the rest of your day trying to spot your friends in the crowd. Either that or get some sniggering staff members to do a tannoy announcement - oh the humiliation.

- Above all, enjoy yourself, stay safe, and take a camera to catch all of those Facebook-worthy moments!

Article: On the scene: Captain America

Originally published 4/10/10/ in The Mancunion

  Having already shot various scenes in and around London, the irony that a film entitled Captain America: The First Avenger is being primarily shot in England, will not have been lost on the Hollywood crew. As they leave Manchester on the 3^rd October to continue filming in Liverpool, they leave behind them a whirlwind of press, tourists and police tape. 

  The latest in a long line of releases from the god that is Marvel Studios, Captain America joins both Iron Man and the Incredible Hulk as a member of the burgeoning ‘Avengers crew’, (a superhero ensemble film that is currently planned for a 2012 release). Despite the fact that details are being kept strictly under-wraps, it is likely that, as with most superhero films, the plot will centre around the character’s origin story; Steve Roger’s transition into the famed Captain America.

  Starring Hollywood heavyweights Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson, as well as involvement from prolific director Joss Whedon, this is something of a coup for a city that has, in recent year, played host to the filming of Sherlock Holmes and Alfie. Parts of the Northern Quarter will be substituted for New York during what is thought to be one of the films main action sequences.

This marks the first time that Marvel Studios have chosen to shoot a film outside of the United States, with Manchester’s famed Northern Quarter being chosen for its abundance of statuesque, pre-war architecture. The final total of footage from the crew’s time aound Dale Street is expected to amount to no longer than a few minutes in the film’s final cut, yet the area was, within a matter of days, transformed from a vintage haven to 1940’s Manhattan before filming began on what quickly became a closed set. Those lucky enough to bear witness to the areas drastic and dramatic make-over talked of ‘40s style shop fronts, while others strained against police barricades, desperate to sneak a peek.

  While Marvel Entertainment merged with the Disney Corporation in 2009, this film is part of the comic book company’s five picture deal with Universal Studios; a deal that includes not only both of the Iron Man films but the upcoming Avengers flick. Although it is not clear what is going to happen to Marvels intellectual properties beyond expiry of this deal, the shooting of such a high profile film in Manchester can only mean good things for the city.   

Article: Through the looking glass

Originally published 3/03/10 on http://www.bellesmanifesto.blogspot.com/

 

Alice had managed to miss Wonderland and fall straight into Miss Selfridge.

  With the release of Tim Burton's tantalisingly twisted version of Alice in Wonderland just around the corner, it seems that the whole world has caught Alice-mania. Even the high street has chosen to cash-in on this lucrative little trend with establishments from Urban Outfitters to Urban Decay paying tribute to Lewis Carroll's trippy fantasy fairytale. If buzz-words like 'contrary wise' and 'nonsensical' are tickling your fashion fancy, follow us down the rabbit hole while we show you where you can get your wonderful Wonderland-themed pieces. We're all mad here (mad for Alice that is).

Urban Decay have released this luscious limited edition 'Book of Shadows'; featuring sixteen best-selling Eyeshadows, a travel size Eyeshadow Primer Potion and two 24/7 Eye Pencils all in an adorable pop-up Alice case. (£28).

   American Brand OPI have released four Wonderland inspired nail colours, ('Thanks So Muchness', 'Absolutely Alice', 'Mad as a Hatter' and 'Off With Her Red!'). (£9.95/each).

Paul and Joe have created these gorgeous limited edition tins in two Alice designs - 'Fantasy' and 'Daydream', each contains Blotting Paper, (with mirror), Blotting Paper refills and a Lip Treatment Stick in 'Milky Pink' or 'Sheer Orange'. (Available from http://www.asos.com/  and Harrods at £25/each).

  Urban Outfitters are currently selling these cute 'Junk Food' and 'Truly Madly Deeply' tees. (Prices ranging from £25 to £28).

Miss Selfridge feature a line of Mad Hatter, Alice, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat and Red Queen themed tees and vests. (Prices ranging from £16 to £20).

Topshop join the teaparty with a cropped sweatshirt and 'Tea and Cake' necklace (sweatshirt £25, necklace £10).

The 'Tom Binns for Disney Couture' collection offers 35 pieces of uniquely designed jewellery; earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces inspired by characters such as the Talking Flowers, White Rabbit and the Red Queen. (Available from http://www.asos.com/ , prices ranging from £12 to £148).

Manchester based jewellery designer Janine Byrom has created a line of one-off, vintage-style Alice in Wonderland Charm bracelets and necklaces, available on her website - http://cherishedtrinkets.co.uk/   (prices range from £12 to £38).

Or, if all else fails then log on to http://www.myvintagecharms.com/  pick up some chains, clasps and charms, (see above), and get creating your very own uniquely Wonderland one-offs!

Article: Student Savings

Originally published 20/09/10 in The Mancunion

Are you sweet or salted?

 Ah, the cinema; the student’s official alternative to getting completely smashed all the time. For those of you waking up on the floor fully-clothed with chips and cheese all round your mouth (only to be told that in a few hours you will be repeating the experience) you might just consider attempting to persuade your mates with these great cinemas and offers instead. Just make sure you don’t see Requiem for a Dream. It’s not hangover material.

    Before you do anything, whack ‘student beans’ into Google. That’ll give you two for one offers at the Cineworld in Didsbury, which is super easy to reach if you’re in Fallowfield. Just get the 174, ask for "Parrs Wood" and it’ll stop right outside the cinema. After 5pm it also sells alcohol, you know, if you reckon Avatar will be even more spectacular when you’re a little tipsy.

  There’s an Odeon in the Trafford Centre, but that’s a little out of the way, so it’s best to stick to the one in the Printworks in the centre of Manchester. It’s the only one about with an IMAX screen, and also shows ‘classic’ films every Monday. It tends to be a little pricier than other places but with a town-center location, you pay for what you get.

  If you’re into arty or foreign films, Cornerhouse is the place to go. Walk town-ward down Oxford Road for about 10 minutes and it’s right there on the corner; showing underrated flicks you’ve never heard of, but will grow to love. It also does some nice food if you’ve been saving your money by eating various combinations of beans and noodles for a while. Remember though, if you’re in the third screen, don’t sit at the end of a row; you won’t be able to see anything. It’s weird, but more cultural than your average night at Font.

  The AMC is a bit harder to find, being located in Deansgate, but is easily the cheapest of the ‘big-budget’ cinemas, offering a student ticket for just £4.50. It also tends to show films for longer, so if lectures, (or clubbing), has caused you to miss a must-see, then this is your best bet.

  As far as offers go, all of the cinemas, except Cornerhouse, participate in Orange Wednesdays; Just text ‘film’ to 241 and those of you lucky enough to be on Orange will receive a voucher via. text; ah the wonders of technology. Just remember to arrive at least half an hour early if you’re planning an evening trip as it tends to get very busy.

  Where V.I.P. clubs and cards are concerned, Odeon offer a Premier Club. With three types of membership and prices ranging from £1.99 – £9.99, it can get a little complicated, but loosely speaking, you earn ten points for every £1 that you spend in-store (or in this case, in-cinema). That might not sound too bad hey? But with point prices starting at 300, you’d have to spend roughly £30 to get enough points for a small, soft drink; doesn’t sound too good now does it?

  Although not a terrible idea if you tend to frequent the Odeon, it’s not the cheapest option for students. For real value for money, movie lovers can see as many as they like for free when they own a Cineworld Unlimited card. Well, sort of anyway; for just £13.50 a month you can go and watch as many films as you like. True you can only use this card at Cineworld cinemas and you will usually have to pay an extra £1.50 for 3D screenings, but if you see three films a month, then you’ve already saved enough for a pint or two in your local.

  If you don’t feel that these offers are for you then make sure that you take your student card. It may not provide you with a buffet of free films, but you can usually knock roughly £2 off the ticket price. You’ll have even more fun laughing and spewing popcorn, safe in the knowledge that you’ve saved precious pennies for a future trip.

Article: The single girl's guide to Valentine's Day

Originally published 2/09/10 on http://www.bellesmanifesto.blogspot.com/

 Whether you’re a romantic at heart or a cynic who believes that Valentine's Day is “just an excuse for greedy corporations to cash in on love”, the reality is that Valentine's Day exists. In fact not only does it exist, but it can actually be fun, with or without a partner. So resist jumping on the cynical bandwagon or post-Notebook sobbing into your Kleenex about "never finding a love like Noah and Allie’s", RSVP ‘No’ to the pity party and follow our Valentine's Day Dos and Don’ts for an enjoyable, tear-free day.

The girls just love it when fans throw flowers at them.

Dos and Don'ts For Singletons On February 14th.

DO Dress Up - So you don’t have a date? Who cares? Dressing up to the nines will not only make you aesthetically fabulous, but that sexy LBD and to-die-for patent heels are an instant feel-good confidence booster.

DON'T Hide Away - If you’re the type of person that "didn’t even remember that it was Valentine's Day" then feel free to go about your normal business! But if your forced, blissful ignorance is likely to turn into you drunk-dialling an ex whilst sobbing and binging on Ben and Jerrys then remember; company is key.

DO Avoid Couples - This one might be a bit of a no-brainer, but if you’re not in the mood for PDA-happy twosomes, resist romantic hotspots like restaurants and head for a cocktail bar, (2-4-1 anyone?).

DON'T Drink Too Much - “Whoooo…. I mean who needs a guy anyways? I have youuu bootifuuul, lovely girlies and you’re bootifuuuul…” Happy-drunk? Yes. Hysterically sobbing into a hankie every time a Dominoes advert pops up, (“*sob* Dan used to eat pizza...*sob*… ”), sad-drunk? Not so good.

DO Have A Pamper Party - Have a girl’s night! A couple of face masks, your best friends and the first season of Sex and the City guarantees you some girly fun. Throw in a pitcher of margaritas and an hour later you’ll be wondering why you ever thought you needed a man.

DON'T Forget Your Taken Friends - They may have a boyfriend, but if for some reason they don’t have plans then invite them along. (Just make them aware that you will be enforcing VERY strict ‘no gushing’, ‘no romantic reminiscing about the boyfriend’ and ‘no being smug’ rules).

DO Embrace The Love - Chances are that unless you live in a cave, you’ll spend most of the day being bombarded by little red paper hearts and adverts for Love Songs II, but don’t hate it, embrace it! Why not bake some cupcakes for your best friend, or make a card for your mum? Valentine's Day is about Love as well as romance so pamper the other loves of your life.

DON'T Dig Into The Past – Digging is best left to archaeologists, so unless you’re planning to join Tony Robinson for some Time Team-based activities, leave the past in the past. The last thing you or your girlfriends need is the 39th tearful rendition of "how it all went wrong".

DO Share Stories - If you really feel the need to talk about The Ex then why not focus on the things that make you glad to be single - He had the mother from hell? A weird obsession with Orlando Bloom? “He wanted me to put maple syrup and masking tape on his”? You’ll be giggling into your Grenache and swapping war stories in no time.

DON'T Watch Romantic Films - You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't enjoy the occasional romcom, but watching one on Valentine's Day is like asking to be slapped with a big ol’ plate of "look what I have and you don’t". Ditch the Hollywood romances in favour of something a little less depressing. 'Dawn of the Dead' anyone?

Article: Impulse Control

Originally Published 13/01/2010 on http://www.bellesmanifesto.blogspot.com/ and 6/08/10 on http://www.girlsguideto.com/



Vidal Sassoon had nothing on Jill

10 Things To Avoid For An Easier Life.

1) Drunken Texting - Drunk words are sober thoughts right? Wrong. Even if you do spend your lunch breaks lusting over your boss, I highly doubt that he will appreciate an in-depth description of your underwear at 3am. His wife may also resent it.

2) Buying Clothes in the Wrong Size – Don’t. Yes that dress might be "gorgeous" / "just like the one Scar-Jo wore in that film" / "perfect for the Christmas party if i diet a bit", but if it’s two-sizes-too-small then don't buy it. It’ll never see the light of day, just take up precious closet space.

3) Skipping Bums and Tums to Watch Desperate Housewives – Slumming on the sofa with a bar of Galaxy and staring at Eva Longoria will only make you feel guiltier about missing your weekly exercise. Be good, wait for the Sunday repeats.

4) Leaving That Important Report Until the Night Before It’s Due - Yes it’s boring but you’ll feel SO much better if you get it out of the way early, (and a lot less guilty about going out for cocktails with the girls).

5) Changing Yourself For a Man - Have you ever read He’s Just Not That Into You? No? Read it. If he doesn’t like you now then no amount of haircuts, crash dieting or new and interesting hobbies will change it. Accept it. And move on. It’s his loss.

6) Blindly Following Every Fashion Trend You Lay Your Eyes On - That sequined tutu may have looked amazing on the catwalk in Milan but there’s no chance in hell you’ll be able to rock that on a high street in Bognor Regis.

7) Work Flings - We all love the thrill of a workplace romance; secret kisses in the hallways, flirty inter-office emails, what’s not to love? Try sexual flashbacks and awkward glances over the boardroom table when your 'passionate affair' goes south.

8) Argument-Fuelled Revenge – OK, he may have called your best friend heavy but playing Frisbee with his prized Rocky collection will only result in more arguments and a lot of guilt sex.

9) Cutting Your Own Hair – Unless you want to look like The Joker, this is one thing best left to the professionals (as is dying, perming and any other complicated follicle artistry).

10 ) Those Last Few Chocolates - Yes you may have eaten half of the box but no that doesn’t mean you have to eat the rest. Put them away. They won't feel lonely, they'll feel happy that they didn't suffer the same painful death as their friends.