SEXY COLOURFUL SWIMWEAR + Win $200 Gift card For Newsletter Sign Up!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

A new season will soon be upon us. And a lot hotter than the freezing temperatures we have been having here lately. Brrrrr!

Of course a new season is a great excuse to get yourself some new stuff for your wardrobe. With all that sun catching you're going to be doing what better way than to invest in a couple of quality swim suits?

Having had two children I was pleased to see you can actually get women's swimwear for different body shapes. One of the places I'm drawn to at the moment is online store Express. They have some fantastic colourful swim suits, tankinis, Monokins and bikinis in several styles.

You can get them with beads, ruffles, tie sides, polished metal hardware, reversible, removable padding and more.

Having ... cough cough! large breasts myself I love the halter neck styles as they hold everything in together nicely. The bikini I have pictured here is one of my favourites as it stands out so much and is ideal for my needs. I would defiantly wear it on holiday and maybe in my garden too when I'm sunbathing. And the string bikini  top would look great teamed up with a pair of jeans on cooler days.

There are even swim shorts for men too so I'm going to get my husband to have a look and see if I can get him out of his Bermuda shorts hes been wearing for the past ten years!

As well as swimwear Express also stock other clothing for men and women including things to go with your swimwear such as sandals, hats, sunglasses and tote bags.

When you get to the site don't forget to sign up for the Express e-mail for the latest offers and discounts using the link within this post. Its free and by doing so you could be in with a chance to win one of the ten $200 gift cards available. Remember to check out the sweepstakes rules first and get in before the deadline which is April 4th 2010 at 11.59pm.

So why not 'dive into the season's sexiest swimwear now' and give your wardrobe that much needed update.


 

WELLCO DESERT AND COMBAT BOOTS

I have a cousin who is in the armed forces and when he comes home he is always kitted out in his uniform and always seems to be wearing the coolest Desert Boots.

I loved the look of them and the style and realised you don't just have to be in the army to wear them. They would look great with jeans, combat trousers or shorts.

On my search to find myself a pair I came across a store called Wellco that stock all different kinds of Combat Boots. These kind of shoes will last you a very long time. As well as being weather resistant they meet 670-1 regulations and are lighter than normal issue boots.

I thought these would be ideal for anyone who loves to hike or needs some strong working shoes.

Wellco isn't just one of the many stores you will find scattered across the Internet. They have actually been making boots for the U.S Military since 1965 and uphold and excellent reputation.

This makes me confident that I can buy these shoes and I won't be disappointed with the quality. I had had shoes in the past where the soles have worn down to a bare minimum and I've even had holes in them at some point! But I have a good feeling these combat boots wont let me down.

YELL.COM'S GOLDEN TICKET COMPETITION: Search, Find & Win! ...

If you asked a school child what a vinyl was they would probably look at you like you have spoke a foreign language! But I remember the 90's very well - mostly for the music. They just don't make dance songs like they did back then anymore do they?

Online shop and services finder Yell have gone all nostalgic on us and have created a competition that's a search for one of the classic songs of that era - Pulse & Thunder by Day V Lately. Perhaps you have saw the advertisement on TV recently where the artist is looking for his own album with a failed search until he finally finds a shop that stocks it when he uses yell.com?
Well this Golden Ticket competition is very similar except you are the searcher and you can win some fantastic prizes for doing so. The main one being a home entertainment system worth £10,000. Included is a 55 inch 3D TV, CD, DVD and Blu Ray player and surround sound speakers. If you fancy spinning a few vinyls or discs yourself you also get a complete DJ pack with turntable decks and headphones. Ooooh! Let the house party begin already!

Plus ... I know if that wasn't enough ... the winner will also get one to one lessons from the fantastic DJ Mark One in your own home. There are also runner up prizes. You can find out more from 'liking' Yell On Facebook and check out the terms and conditions.

But briefly to enter you just use Yell's online search toolbar to find a music shop in your area. Ten copies have been hidden Nationwide. Could one be in your local store? Or my local store fingers crossed! You never know. All you need to do when you find it after you have stopped jumping up and down with excitement is take a picture of you holding the record.

Yell.com is a really useful search engine to find local shops, stores, takeaways and services i.e plumbers, electricians etc and more. I have used it many times myself to find places and it's been really handy for those hard to find special little boutique shops that do nails, flowers, hair and wedding dresses too.

You can use it online from your computer or on your Andriod or iphone by downloading the user friendly Yell App.

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GODPARENT GAGA?

Lady GaGa can be a lot of things but is Godmother one of them? Really?

According to the latest gossip Elton John and David Furnish are set to ask Lady GaGa to be just that for their adopted son. Oops the surprised has been ruined for her now then!

But Elton didn't want to let anything out of the bag as yet and has said;

"We haven't publicly confirmed that yet but your sources are very good! I prefer not to comment on it because we are going to make a statement about Godparents later on."

Lets just watch this space then!

EASE THAT INJURY WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY

Have you got an injury where the pain or discomfort still seems to bother you all the time? This mostly comes from doing sports but it can also affect people who have injured themselves at home, in the workplace or elsewhere.

You would probably benefit from using a sports physical therapy program. These can target all kinds of problems. Whether you suffer with arthritis, chronic pain, body injuries, are in need of post surgical rehabilitation and more.

These program are available at Fitness Forum Physical Therapy who have 30 outpatient centers across the United States.

When you go to the physical therapy forum you wont just be rushed into a treatment based on what you tell the therapist. A lot of time will be spent taking information from you about your problem, a physical examination will be done and then a personal 'Complete Care Program' will be designed especially to suit your needs and capabilities.

Depending on your program you can attend your knee physical therapy or other treatment therapies at the center for anything from one to several times a week. Then if you are able to you can carry on the treatment from the comfort of your own home. Or if you prefer you can continue on being treated at the clinic.

DESIGNER FASHION IN THE WORKPLACE: Blue Sky Scrubs Uniforms

There can be be uniforms in nursing that are not that desirable. I mean yes work clothes are not going out outfits but its still nice to feel good in what you're wearing.

Remember you are going to be wearing your nursing uniforms for the best part of the day and I think it improves moral in the workplace as well if you like your work uniform. Its true!

One medical uniform store I have been impressed with is Blue Sky Scrubs. They stock their own original designer uniforms to suit all figures and even have a cute stitched pocket to show off their mark, which I think lets you know just the quality your buying.

ELLIE GOULDING TO MAKE LILAC HAIR FASHIONABLE?

I think singer Ellie Goulding likes to see herself as a bit of a trendsetter. First she showed us she wasn't afraid to try that ghastly grey hair trend from last year and now shes dabbling with a bit of lilac!

It actually quite suits here at the Elle Style Awards. And what better place to showcase a nice style. Tied in with the dress it compliments the hair colour. But with anything green or yellow maybe not!

If you're are going to dye your hair you have to make sure it will match your other outfits too. Ladies you know what I mean here right?

LEARN HOW TO SING

Some people have a natural singing voice and others need to learn How To Sing.

There are several things you can be taught to improve your vocal range, stop any stuttering, stage fright or get up to those hard high notes.

You can find out more from website singing basics who can provide you with a guide on how you can become a better singer in just 90 days.

GIVING A 'FLYING START' FOR CHILDREN IN NEED: 35,000 Feet Comedy Gig Competition

You always hear about celebrities doing things for charity but usually its nothing really that's unheard of. With Red Nose Day nearing hopefully there will be some fresh ideas this year.

One of the 'big ideas' I have read about is there will be a record breaking live comedy performance where three famous comedians will get their laughs on a aeroplane flying 35000 feet high across the United Kingdom!

Its the first of its kind and the event will enter the Guinness Book Of Records for the 'Highest Stand-Up Comedy Gig in the World' when it's taken place on the 12th March, 2011. And we have British Airways to thank for it who have teamed up with Comic Relief to make this happen for you guys.

How does relaxing on a luxury flight with offerings of champagne and refreshments to indulge in and entertainment from Dara O'Briain, Jack Whitehall and Jon Richardson with views from above sound to you? .... Yes I thought so! Let on board already I say!

Well the event called Flying Start will be opened up to 75 people only. The seats will be given out for free in a competition. You can find out more from the Flying Start Facebook Page. But all you need to do really is make your entry via text or online from the Facebook page. You can text 'Fly1' to 70300 - Be sure to check the terms first especially if texting so you don't end up with unexpected phone charges.

As you enter you get the opportunity to make a donation of at least £3 to the fantastic Comic Relief global charity who have been helping children less fortunate than ourselves in the UK and around the world for many years. You don't have to donate to enter but just think what a change you could be making to someones life for the cost of a couple of magazines.

I have already entered and made my donation. Can you tell I really want to see this comedy performance? But I guess I'll just have to sit tight for now with my second voice speaking to me inside screaming out "Pick me Pick me!".

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GRAMMY OUTFITS: The Good & The Bad

Jennifer Lopez

Ah The Grammy's. Never mind the awards it's all about the fashion and who's wearing what isn't it. And with the good there is always the bad.

Here is a selection of the best and worst outfits of the night. But which one is the worst? You decide ....

THE GOOD
(including Jennifer above)

Nicole Kidman

Eva Longoria

Kelly Osbourne


THE BAD

Nicky Minaj

Ciara

Rihanna
Katy Perry

REAL DATING ADVICE: PUA Forums

Are you looking for love but still find yourself single? Maybe its the way your doing things or you might just be looking in all the wrong places?

Some people will turn to dating sites but if you can learn how to talk to a girl or boy you can start doing things your own way instead.

But what do you say? How do you start and keep the conversation going to make sure that person stays interested? You can get these type of questions answered over at the pick up artist forum.

You will be able to get help and advice from real people like yourself instead of these so called computer generated eBooks you come across all the time.

The people on the pua boards are just normal every day people who are there to share their thoughts and experiences. Perhaps they can guide you how to text a girl or boy that you have your eye on in a cool but confident way. And maybe you can share a few tips of your own too if you have any!

FICTION VS REALITY: Marko Stout's The Cave Art Exhibition

If you're a lover of the arts but like to see something a little different from 'The Norm' you will love a New York City artists upcoming autumn 2011 exhibition called The Cave that showcases various unique dynamic paintings and abstract art work.

The purpose of Marko Stout's work is to give the viewer a different way at looking at the world and to see if they can recognise fiction from reality.

Marko Stout will use a collection of vibrant colours each with a strong meaning to represent the emotional states of his characters and surroundings. For example red could stand for passion or violence and black could be for death or mystery.

Example of some of Marko's Work

The story behind the exhibition work is fascinating. The Cave is based around an illusional scenario that people would perhaps see as being real in their minds. It reveals a cave that houses prisoners who have been chained up and not been able to move since they were born with only the wall in front of them as their view. A roaring fire behind them traps them in the only place they know. This interesting tale continues and is meant to open up your mind and have you questioning whether this is actually a work of fiction or reality.

You can find out more visiting Mark Stout's website and also see some examples of his work for his upcoming exhibition.

FUTURE TREND? Tufi Duek's Wooden Shin Pad Clogs

For once there is an unusual fashion trend that could take off that actually looks quite nice and seems wearable - well to a certain point maybe!

These wooden shin pad clogs by Brazilian designer Tufi Duek look like a type of gladiator sandal don't they? I love the design but I'm not sure how long I would last wearing them before the wooden shin pad parts started moving and rubbing my ankles. Ouch!

Would you wear these shoes?

AFFORDABLE 'LASTING' DESIGNER SWIMWEAR

I have had quite a few bikini's in the past and they have never lasted me more than a few years. Straps have broken, materials frayed or bobbled and some have even shrunk when washed.

So this time around I decided not to go for my usual cheap swimwear and go for something a little more expensive to ensure the quality would be one that matched the price.

As I was looking around for my bikini I spotted an online store called Simply Beach who have a massive variety of different designer swimwear.

The range that's available is fantastic. I was pleased to see that the bikini's are not just for your size 8-10's. You can actually get them in plus sizes and maternity wear too.

As funny as it may sound my breasts tend to have a mind of their own sometimes so it was nice that you can also get cup size bikinis, tankinis and costumes to keep everything nicely in place!

I was a little apprehensive when I first landed on the page knowing it was a designer store. I automatically thought that I would be lucky to afford a bikini brief never mind the whole set but the prices were surprisingly affordable.

A full set tends to be around the £50 mark which is great considering the quality and how much usage you will be getting out of it.

With these bargain catalogue shops the 'Cheap and Cheerful' selling point isn't always what it's made out to be and you end up spending more over time and buying again. I personally think this site has swimwear at a price tag that everyone can purchase and enjoy.

CSN STORE GIVEAWAY: Win A $20 Gift Code

If you fancy your chances at winning a $20 CSN gift code without really doing much at all you should hop over to my Mummy Diaries blog, where I am currently hosting a giveaway.

You can use the gift code as a full or part payment for hundreds of home furnishing items at lots of different stores across the USA, Canada and the UK.

Just click here to find out more.

EDUCATIONAL & CREATIVE MODELLING

If you're looking to promote something most of the time people will turn to modelling agency to get someone to do a cover for a magazine, campaign poster, fashion show or an event like a car show for instance.

Models are especially good for promoting hair, skin or fashion products rather than just trying to sell the item on its own just from a picture of the product.

Maybe you're a model yourself and looking to improve your status or you want to become one? If so modeling agencies would be the first place to start. There is one place in particular based in the UK called BM Models where you can actually apply online and upload images and add information. If the agency is interested in you they will contact you within 30 days.

As you browse through the site yourself you will see that BM Models is more than just an agency. They take the time and effort to get to know their models and see how each person develop and progress. Whether this is monitoring their health and well being or involving them in various tuition programmes such as catwalk training, walking in heals classes, body awareness classes and much more.

If you wanted a little taste of the male or female models lifestyle and see what is all about you can check out their fashion parties too that can be hosted at your own home and will include a team of makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers and runway experts that are all at hand to pamper and educate you. These can be fabulous ideas for birthday or hen parties etc.

BM are taking on male and female models if you think you have what it takes or if you're looking to hire someone for a special promotion you have coming up. You can even have a browse online at some of the models on offer too!