To celebrate passing my degree, Mike took me to Argyll Street in London to watch Sister Act The Musical and Lord, was it Nun hell of a show!

Patina Miller (playing Deloris Van Cartier) gives a truly inspiring performance. From the moment she takes to the stage her voice is both powerful and enchanting – wholly captivating the attention and adoration of the audience. Patina perfectly portrays the humorous character of Deloris Van Cartier as gloriously as Whoopi Goldberg did in the film version. I left the theatre feeling uplifted and confident…what I’m trying to say is as a white guy, Patina makes me wish I were born a black gal!

The next thing I was most impressed by were the set changes. I know it’s a bit of a weird thing to mention in a review but the set changes were truly spellbinding. I was amazed at the transitions from one place to the next, taking the audience from clubs and hotel rooms, to the hallowed halls of the Convent – I’ve never seen transitions between set changes quite as well executed.

In terms of the music, ‘Here Within These Walls’ and ‘Fabulous, Baby!’ (check them out on YouTube) were my favourite songs of the night. Here Within These Walls is a beautiful song s performed by the Mother Superior (played by Sheila Hancock). It tells the story of the convent and how it’s separated from the rest of the world, making it a sanctuary from sin…Fabulous, Baby! is an amazingly uplifting song that simply makes you want to sing along.

Unfortunately I have to say I didn’t rate Simon Webb’s performance as Shank…I thought his acting made the portrayal of the character too pantomime. Having said that, his voice was strong and he delivered his songs in the show with great accuracy but something just wasn’t there for me.

All in all I highly rate the show and it’s talented cast. If you want to see a truly uplifting and easy-watching show in London’s West End then Sister Act is one performance not to be missed!

The lifestyle of a girl is becoming evermore hectic with every year that passes. Whether it’s late nights at the office, early mornings with the kids or just plain partying, all these long hours and lack of sleep are bound to have an adverse effect on your skin…so what do we do girls? Fight back. Introducing Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage…

I’ve been using Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum twice a day for two weeks and I’ve never felt anything like it. Fast approaching my mid-twenties, I am concerned about the ever-increasing weight of the baggage under my eyes – and what long-term effects this may have on my skin. Having always put day and night cream around my eye area, nothing feels as good and tightens the area around my eyes like the Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage. After using it, my skin felt totally tingly and fresh…it’s a feeling that’s hard to describe!

The instantly cooling medical grade stainless steel ball deposits a liquid gel-serum to help massage and refresh puffy eyes, reduce the appearance of dark circles and brighten the eye area. All About Eyes Serum incorporates Amentoflavone and Humulus Lupulus Extract, unique ingredients with soothing properties for the skin. The Caffeine in it also helps reduce the appearance of irritation and puffiness that may accumulate under your delicate eye area – perfect if you’re one of the 9/10 gals with a hectic lifestyle!

The best bit about Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage is it’s portability. I’ve been throwing mine in my man-bag during the day, slipping it in my pocket during nights out and pretty much taking it wherever I go. I’ve subtly applied it on the train, in the car, in my friend’s bathroom, in a nightclub…literally wherever. No more do I hear “You look tired Rich” – even if I feel like Frankenstein, I still look fabulous.

Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum is suitable for all skin types. To apply, just gently roll the ball under the eye beginning at the inner corner and rolling towards the outer corner with gentle pressure. Repeat and use a finger to tap in any excess liquid after the second application until fully absorbed. Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum can also be used under or over makeup and layered with other eye treatment products. For best results though, I recommend applying in the morning as a base for eye makeup and then throughout the day as needed.

The Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage costs approximately £20 / €29.00 / $25.50 and is available online, or at all good department stores.

Another truly perfect product by Clinique – the Super City Block in SPF 25 & 40 helps to protect your skin against the damaging rays of the summer sun; keeping it looking and feeling fabulous.

QUICK NOTE: Take a look at our Clinique Makeup Masterclass Video with top makeup artist – Jannine.

The Clinique Super City Block is a high-level daily sunscreen in a sheer, weightless formula. It protects your skin against sun and environmental damage with a broad-spectrum of UVA and UVB sun block and antioxidants. As it’s suitable for all skin types, the Clinique Super City Block  is a versatile skincare product that’s perfect for use on you and your girlfriends when out and about in the sun.

I’ve been using the SPF 40 version of the Clinique Super City Block for about 2 months and I’d happily recommend it to anyone. It’s a fantastic product that’s small and light-weight – making it easily portable wherever you go. The only disadvantage I have found is that it’s quite thick and is difficult to spread evenly and thinly over the skin. I combat this by applying tiny spots of the formula over the main areas of the face and then gently massage it into the skin. It also has a distinct, but natural smell to it – but fades soon after application.

I’ve found the best way to use the Clinique Super City Block is to apply it to clean skin after using your Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System. Using the tips of your fingers, gently apply the product to your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin and work it all evenly into the skin to ensure it blends. Also note that it’s also important to pay extra attention to your hair line as this is an area which is often neglected, and suffers from burning. You should always apply the Clinique Super City Block after your other facial treatments, but before your make-up as it works as a great invisible make-up primer. When you wish to remove the product, simply use your favourite make-up removal formula.

The Clinique Super City Block retails in the UK for approximately £15.00 which is a very reasonable price for premium brand sun protection I think – try it girls!

So tell me girls, do you have a back-up plan? Have you given any thought to what you’ll do if 40 slaps you in the face while the search for the ‘one’ is still underway? What if you’re already over 40, what then? The Back-up Plan starring Jennifer Lopez and Alex O’Loughin is a romantic comedy that sheds a bit of light on these questions and is quite possibly the best romcom of 2010 so far… Check out our written and video review live from the UK pre-screening at Sony Studio’s London below:

The Plot

Zoe (Jennifer Lopez) is an average New York gal in a job she adores and surrounded by a circle of friends and family who love her, but something is missing. Almost facing forty head-on, Zoe has failed to find Mr Right and becomes overwhelmed by the ticking of her body clock. Luckily, as a ‘planner’, she decides to pursue her brilliant Back-up Plan – starting her own family without the assistance of a man. Just moments after she sets her Back-up Plan in motion, Zoe unexpectedly bumps into Stan (Alex O’Loughlin) who turns her perfect plans upside down. Zoe experiences life’s ‘big moments’ in reverse in a fantastically-funny and heart-warming romantic comedy that will have you both laughing out loud and wiping away your tears – providing cinematic proof that life doesn’t always go the way you’ve planned….

The Worst

I know it’s just a movie but there’s a handful of extremely unrealistic and positively irritating moments in the film that bring on an itch to do some bitch slapping. Zoe’s perfect lip gloss throughout the whole film just makes me want to scream and don’t even get my started on wearing heels whilst heavily pregnant…who does that?! There was seemingly a lack of pregnancy stages too – no feeling the baby’s kick, and Zoe seems to hop through her pregnancy in 3 stages which was a little disappointing. Finally, despite Stan being extremely hot, his character is largely underdeveloped in my opinion, in terms of his own friends and family but hey, did I mention he’s hot?!

The Best

I know there’s real mixed feelings about Jennifer Lopez’s movies but I can definitely confirm that JLO has done both herself and the movie proud. Even the sceptics out there will be pleasantly surprised by her endearing and believable portrayal of Zoe. If you’re not a big JLO fan, you’ll certainly fall in love with love-interest Stan, he’s unbelievably charming, caring and sexy to the point where you want to ditch your significant other and embark on a quest for this perfect male specimen. Unfortunately for us, this is just a film and we have to remember that – so no drastic relationship decisions after watching The Back-up Plan please ladies! Without giving away too much there’s a particular topless sweaty scene that will have your fingers clawing into the side of the sofa in a positively feral fashion…I kid you not! Aside from the distracting man-candy, the movie in general had me laughing out loud and I even shed a tear or two, and to feel that kind of emotion during a film these days means it’s certainly something worth raving about.

The Verdict

The Back-up Plan beautifully portrays that no matter how much we make plans, the wind inevitably changes – and our lives with it.

Credits

For help with the video our thanks go out to Rebecca at Bitch Buzz, Lizzie from the Daily Mail, Lucie Bartlett, Sarah from The Loves and Life of a London Girl, Charlotte (Author of It’s Not Me It’s You), Sabina from London City Mum, Julie Bodart and finally the genius Zoe Margolis from Girl With A One Track Mind. Also of course, thanks to Sony Pictures for the kind invitation.

Hey you guys!

Last week I was invited to the fabulous My-Wardrobe.com‘s Autumn / Winter Preview in London’s Great Portland Street, for a sneak peek at what the UK’s favourite designers have in store for the colder months – and I can tell you patterns, beads, sequins and feathers will trend-dominate the coming season.

Take it from me, after summer is over and done with, everyone from Moschino to old Viv (Vivienne Westwood) is going to be keeping it fresh with some exciting and original additions to their clothing. While most years we see the bright colours of summer fade – this time around some awesome shades and cool cuts will keep this winter interesting.

As you’ll see, my top dress from the evening has to be from Olivia Rubin’s collection. The cut of this black and silver material combined with the stylized patterns really make it an eye-catching and beautiful design and certainly something to be seen in this coming Autumn. Mix it up with some cool ankle boots and maybe even some funky tights to compliment the look.

The evening also displayed some stunning women’s dresses including one little black number hand picked by Sarah Jessica Parker for Sex and the City 2 and even Nicole Richie’s fav shoes! (How cool!)

I never say this… but I’m actually excited for what the end of summer will bring! What do you think?

Mike x

Ps – Cool peeps I met on my travels were Beth from OSoYou.com, Carina from SelfServiceUk.com, Harriet from WhereIsHarriet.blogspot.com, Kate from Katebattrick.com and of course not forgetting the gorgeous Butters the Chihuahua from ButtersTheFashionDog.com.

I’ve been trying out the Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment for about a month now and I have to say – I love it.

QUICK NOTE: Take a look at our Clinique Makeup Masterclass Video with top makeup artist – Jannine.

The repairwear intensive lip treatment comes in a handy lipstick form (left) meaning it can be quickly and hygeinically applied to your lips. Gone are the days of sticking your finger in a nasty pot of Vaseline or Carmex!

The product itself is a smooth, gel-based lip treatment which helps to condition and moisturise your lips just as other high street lip balms and glosses would. However, the Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment also repairs the look of wrinkles on and around the lip area and also boosts your natural collagen production.

The Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment also provides immediate and sustained antioxidant protection against the environment – perfect if you live or work in the city. So all these additional benefits coupled with the usual replenishment of the lip’s natural moisture barrier makes it a perfect all-in-one product for your prescious lips.

The downside? Well, retailing at £20 (about $35 USD) it’s a pretty expensive product so if you’re only looking to keep your lips conditioned and moisturised in the short-term then this might be a little out of your price range. If you’re looking at the product from its long term benefits however – it’s worth every penny!

You can purchase the Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment online from Clinique.com or at one of their counters worldwide.

This unique Bumblebee Necklace, part of Alex Monroe’s Original Sin collection is really something to get excited about. And I’m not just being dramatic!

Most small jewelry just gets lost in fashion, blending into outfits and never getting the attention, but not this… The tiny necklace hangs on a small gold or silver chain very close to the neckline, and almost gives the illusion the Bumblebee is alive, with its rounded body causing it to flutter slightly with your movements.

The thing I love about this piece is how its simplistic design and tiny frame don’t take anything away from how breathtaking it is. The fact the item is still so striking yet so petite is something very rare in fashion jewellery. I’ve seen it worn with a suit and with a dress, it strangely complements both looks very well.

And whether it’s in 18ct gold, 22ct gold plate, or silver, no there seems to be a Bumblebee piece for everyone regardless of budget, although I do prefer it in gold… which is usual because normally silver gets by vote.

Now Mother’s day is coming up which gives you the perfect excuse to pick one up… or two if you want one yourself.
And even though the designer isn’t very well known, if you want it hanging off you by the end of the week you’ll have to move quick as this best seller is often out of stock.

Either shop online or visit the Liberty, a brilliant little department store off Oxford Street, London.

Why IS a raven like a writing desk…well, who knows – and who’s to say you’re ever going to know – you’re late for tea!

The much anticipated and latest Tim Burton masterpiece hit the big screens last week, and has certainly caused a stir. Though not a crazed fan of Burton’s work myself, I went to Wonderland with an open mind – willing it to do the original book and movie justice…

In this version, Alice is 19 years old and suffering bad dreams from the last time she fell down the rabbit hole. This is her second visit to Wonderland, though neither she, nor the crazy inhabitants of the wondrous world are sure of it.

Unfortunately, I thought Mia Wasikowska’s portrayal of Alice was totally weak. I didn’t find her acting believable, coupled with the fact she wasn’t even wearing an ‘Alice’ band – I mean c’mon it’s an ‘Alice’ band, right?! I know this is more a casting/wardrobe flaw but I’m sorry, I didn’t buy it. Alice is depicted in the original film and novel as a typical English rose – the epitome of elegance and class. This Alice however is far from it…more an obnoxious tomboy with an attitude problem! The dormouse (Barbara Windsor) has the right idea when she says “You’ve got the wrong Alice…” well Burton – I think you do actually.

I’m probably going to get mauled for saying this too, but I am not a Johnny Depp fan at all. Watching the trailer, I wondered if the film should be called ‘Jack Sparrow in Wonderland’ as to me, Depp seems to be typecast into a drunken comedic pirate nowadays. However, after watching his full performance I commend him for his role as the Mad Hatter, giving the character a new dimension – suffering from a split personality and the weight of Wonderland on his shoulders…but one has to wonder – why so?

I sometimes felt as though the plot was very much like Narnia – forced, rigid and only in existence for the final fight scene; which is a shame really as the original was full of fun and madness – barely interested in its end. The movie takes elements from both Alice in Wonderland and its sequel, Through The Looking Glass to create an all new piece, with a sprinkle of typical Burton charm.

Having said that, you’ll LOVE the roles of the Red and White Queens played by Bonham Carter and Hathaway – they do a splendid job! Playing rival sisters, both characters provide humour and fantasy which is much welcomed in a movie like Wonderland…what can I say, I’m a sucker for girl power!

The CGI was also phenomenal – drawing you into the magical world of Wonderland, the entire movie was every bit colourful and beautiful as you’d expect with no corners cut on the digital effects. I watched the whole movie in 3D which was fantastic – particularly when Alice falls down the rabbit hole!

My experience of Wonderland was not a disappointment by any means, but there was certainly room for more ‘wonder’ to be had. The movie was not as bad as I anticipated but I can’t help feeling a little cheated out of a movie that could potentially exceed an all-time classic…

Mike and I were invited to The Vaudeville Theatre, London last night to review the opening night of Kim Cattrall’s West End show ‘Private Lives’, and what a laugh it turned out to be.

What started as a rather awkward evening, shifting in our seats in an audience packed with silent critics scribbling on their note-pads turned into a hilarious production that ended in a right raucous, both onstage and in the auditorium!

The play, directed by award winning director Richard Eyre, takes place in 1930′s France when newly wed Elyot (Matthew MacFadyen) is on honeymoon with his new wife (Lisa Dillon). He soon realises that his ex-wife Amanda (Kim Cattrall) is on the neighbouring balcony, also on honeymoon with her new husband (Simon Day Paisley). The two ex-lovers begin talking and soon realise they may have made a terrible mistake…

Having only seen Kim Cattrall on screen in Sex and the City and in Big Trouble in Little China I was concerned she’d turn out to be another Julia Roberts, who seems to give the same performance regardless of her character’s situation. But as soon as Kim stepped out under the lights I realised tonight, she was no Samantha Jones! The Sex and the City star completely immersed herself in the role of Amanda, a successful and love-struck woman who has never really let the flame of her first love burn out, no matter how turbulent their relationship. Everything from her voice, to facial expressions, costumes and relationships with other characters was completely unique and believable. Within minutes I completely forgot who I was watching.

And who better to star opposite than the talented and charming Mathew MacFadyen, (Elyot) who appeared as Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley. The pair just seemed to fit together perfectly, portraying both a believable and beautiful attraction to each other, while a somewhat hilarious and an equally authentic passion and annoyance. Funnily enough, I see a lot of Mike and myself in Amanda and Elyot – bickering over the smallest things when left together in a room for too long.

The casting was perfect, and although the cast seemed to warm up into the production, the play seemed to get better and better. Cattrall and MacFadyen perfectly encompassed a couple that truly can’t be with each other yet can’t live without each other either, allowing lust and passion to bring them together and at the same time tear them apart. Something which had the entire audience in roars of laughter.

Noel Coward’s play itself, whilst very predictable, is very lighthearted – never taking itself seriously. Full of banter and hilarious disagreements, it’s a great representation of real life – following the miscellaneous meanderings of two ex-lovers. The sets were superbly detailed, and I was very surprised to see a working grand piano and fully-functioning fish tank with live goldfish as well! The stage was not much like a stage at all, but more a window into the lives of the four interlinking characters.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I encourage anyone who wants to catch this stage classic with a contemporary cast to book. And if you’re a fan of Kim Cattrall then book soon as she’s only performing until May due to the launch of Sex and the City 2!

For tickets call the Vaudeville Theatre booking line on 0844 412 4663.

Ok, so Clinique’s UK team got in touch with ReallyRich.com a couple of weeks ago and asked if we would like to visit their flagship counter at the Selfridges Department Store in London (as if we were going to say no!) So off to Oxford Street I went to meet the team and review the latest Clinique products especially for you guys – you don’t need to thank me, I know it was a completely selfless thing to do…

QUICK NOTE: Take a look at our Clinique Makeup Masterclass Video with top makeup artist – Jannine.

When I arrived at Selfridges I was placed in the very capable hands of one of Clinique’s finest and most experienced Clinical Consultants, Sheila Young – it was like we’d been friends for years! Sheila carried out a a diagnostic test on my skin and prescribed a range of Clinique products catered specifically for my skin type – it was totally amazing.

Since visiting Clinique, I have been sent a range of products to trial and review and the first on my list are the very foundation of Clinique’s range – The Clinique Three Step Skin Care System…

Step One: Liquid Facial Soap

The first step of your daily beauty regime is the face wash. Available in both liquid and solid form (I have the liquid), Clinique’s famous dermatologist-developed facial soap prepares your skin to be exfoliated by removing all the dirt and other nasties from your face. Now I know what you’re thinking – what’s the difference between this face wash and any other face wash on the market besides the price? Well, I can’t answer this for you scientifically, but what I can tell you is in the two weeks I’ve used it, my skin has never felt so amazing! If you go for the liquid version, the handy little pump will dispense just the right amount of soap to apply to your face, so you won’t need to worry about using too much or not enough – it’s just so simple.

Step Two: Clarifying Lotion

This is my favourite step. The clarifying lotion is essentially a chemical exfoliant which helps to sweep away dead surface skin cells. It literally leaves your skin feeling smoother, softer and positively glowing! Your moisturiser will be absorbed quickly and your makeup will be applied smoothly – gone are the days of flaky foundation. All you need is a quick tip with a cotton ball covering the top of the bottle and you’re good to go. Gently wipe each area of the face ensuring you don’t go over the same patch of skin twice…I apply mine in lines from top to bottom…kinda like lawn mowing I guess! This step leaves your skin feeling tingly and clean – ready to be moisturised…

Step Three: Moisturising Gel

This is the final step of your twice-daily routine – moisturising your skin. Clinique call this step the skin’s finest moisture “drink” which is a great way of putting it because your skin really does suck up the moisture! The final step comes in two different formulas…one is for normal/dry skin (a lotion) and the other is for oily skin (a gel). Depending on what your skin requires decides which one you’ll need. I use the gel which is light and doesn’t leave my skin feeling more oily than it needs to be, which is amazing as I’ve never found a moisturiser which suits my skin so well.

And that’s it…simple as 1-2-3! I have been using the Clinique 3 Step Skin Care System for two weeks now and I’ve already noticed the difference. I used to suffer with the ocasional spot break out but now I’m completely clear and more confident within myself. I’d recommend these products to anyone and the tempting trio can be bought for as little as £42!