Surfing La Lancha 28th November 2010

After a week of not so successful surf (Wind Swells, Lulls and unsteady feet), I was keen to get back on my up and rebuild my slightly damaged confidence.

We spent a couple of hours in Sayulita, getting even more battered before being offered the chance to go on a surf tour to La Lancha; a beach between Sayulita and Punta de Mita.  After the usual lunch of ham sandwiches and an hour or so of beach games with our new friends at Wildmex, we headed to the new b

each.  One of the instructors kindly offered that we go in his car with his friend and meet the rest of the group down there.  

Driving to La Lancha we saw the amount of damage the mud slides from previous months had caused.  Roads had been demolished, leaving nothing but muddy waterways and dirt tracks.  Once on the main road we carried on driving until the surf van we were following turned onto a small dirt track.  We parked up and carried our boards down to La Lancha.  Looking at the sea I could see why people raved about it so much.  The sea was a dark green/blue and the waves slowly rolled to the shore with large pauses in between each break, perfect for surfing, and great for a goofy rider like me (Left leg back).

  We paddled in and with helpful tips from the instructors were able to rides some nice long waves, that is however, until I stepped on a stingray and managed to land myself with an almighty painful war wound.

The pain was unreal, but I was able to catch a few more waves before I literally couldn't take it any longer.  The only day I forget to pack the Germoline and Nurofen, is the day I end up needing it pretty badly.  The instructors forgot to mention the fact that La Lancha was a bit of a hotbed for Stingray, and it wasn't until I was on the beach that you could even see some of the larger ones surfacing.

Slightly disappointed that my great day had been tainted by my sting we headed home.  The pain killers that a Mexican had kindly given me kicked in by the time we were back in Puerto Vallarta and I was able to walk without hobbling.  Although I had an incident, La Lancha was amazing for surfing and I wouldn't hesitate to go back again.  I'll just make sure I don't put my feet anywhere near a resting Stingray.

Waxing: Mexico Vs England

I know, I know I'm not here for therapy treatments but I'm not comfortable being a complete hippy traveler with manly leg hair and God knows what else.  Plus I'm in Mexico, the women here like their Latin American neighbors know how to groom.  There are nail bars everywhere here and no matter your economic background, it's affordable to look good.  Girls here always do their hair and manage to do their make up no matter the occasion.

So, seeing as I'm a waxing convert I headed 2 miles from my house to a nice little natural therapy clinic.  After explaining to my therapist in my best Spanish to be gentle, she went ahead and began the treatment.  

45 minutes later and I was done.  Legs too!  I don't know what she did, but I wish I could pack her and her hot wax in my suitcase, and take the treatment and the therapist back to England.  Nearly painless and 'muy rapido' with brilliant results.  I'd recommend this beauty salon to anyone traveling to Puerto Vallarta, and all the above for only £15!!!!

Meeting the Parents

How do you act around their parents, knowing what you know? How do you approach them, knowing what they've done? How can you refuse to meet them, when being ushered over for an introduction by a beautiful 3 year old?

The answer to all the above is simple. You don't refuse. You walk over, say Hello, sitdown and listen as the children talk away excitedly, just happy to see their parents. You may not like it and it may be uncomfortable, but you do it anyway knowing that you are making the children that you look after smile. A lot of the children at the refuge you were very young when they were abused or neglected, and although they've been affected by what they've experienced, their parents are their parents and there will always be a bond there. The children don't have to see their parents when they visit as it is not compulsory, however they rarely opt out. I know Christian (3) of whom this blog is based around has once refused a visit from his mother. (I'm not completely sure, but I think his father is currently in prison). Christian is one of 4, he has a beautiful but extrememly cheeky older sister Diana, and two younger siblings Allisia (2) and Francisco (9 months). All were in a very bad way when they arrived having been completely starved and Allisia had been the family punch bag, which would explain her extremely small size.

Whether the family couldnt afford to feed the children or it was just a sad case of neglegence, you can understand my predicament, when faced with meeting their mother. Do you feel angry or do you pity her? Is it really any of your business?

I simply smiled, introduced myself told her her children were beautiful, for which she thanked me. All the time I watched her and thought to myself that, she is missing her amazing babies grow up because she couldn't take care of them. I said goodbye and with her 2 year old daughter in my arms, walked away, but couldn't help feeling a little sorry for her. How hard it must be to watch other people raise your children, something she will have to live with for the rest of her life, is knowing that she isn't fit to look after them. I'm just glad I have met this lovely little family. They really are amazing.

Surfing Mexico - Wednesday 17th November 2010

After 3 weeks stuck in one place, partaking in the same routine; up, work, home beach, everyday, you find yourself comparing your trip away to normal working life back home; up, work, home, no beach! The weather is far better here, as is the commute to my lovely new job, but the routine is the same, and there are only so many new things to do in Puerto Vallarta. The means of entertainment are similar to back in London; Cinema, Eating out, Clubbing, Drinking. However one of the reasons I chose to come to Mexico was for the surfing. Having been a few times at home, I'm determined to make it a regular sport of choice. Warm weather, warm water and great waves make it a great place to learn how to really surf.

Situated just up the coast from Puerto Vallarta in the state of Nayarit is Sayulita. A small hippy chic town host to a beautiful long white sandy beach adorned by lots of surf hire and rental stores. Having done my research before flying over, Wildmex was my school of choice, and I'm very glad I chose it. Not only were the staff really welcoming, they're all extremely good surfers and just as keen to make all their pupils learn the same skills. Having been surfing before I was able to stand, but I always want to learn more, and couldn't wait to get stuck into a lesson. Told completely different things to what I was taught in Cornwall, we headed from our beach lesson into the sea. Sayulita has a point and beach break, seeing as myself and Isabelle aren't experience enough to tackle the point break just yet, we are taken to the beach break. Both of us standing up first time, we took wave after wave under the watchful eye of our Canadian born instructor Mike. Typical looking surfer; weathered with beach blond hair and a personality of a 20 year old, Mike who must be in his 40's is living any beach boys dream. Having finished our 2 hour lesson we headed back up the beach, and booked another lesson for Friday. Both buzzed if a little cut up by our first lesson we couldn't wait for Friday, but we should have clocked the fact that booking a 10am lesson knowing we'd be out the night before wasn't the wisest of ideas. Friday was very unsuccessful, and to make matters worse, the full moon made the sea act crazy. The sets were big, as was the self inflicted nausea. Not only that but we learnt the reason they instructors tell you to paddle out all the time, is due to the bottom of the sea being littered with sting ray and puffer fish. Wave after wave, and crashing into sand bank after sand back, made hangover surfing a sport I would highly NOT recommend.

Our first surf tour starts next week and I can't wait. Punta Mita is our next beach, which we've been told is a little tougher, but nothing we can't handle. Thank God I can swim :D

xBx

Sundy 31st October - First Day at Work

My day started at 7am (well 6am, I didn't put my clock back)! I'm a morning person so this was not early for me, although the cold showers which I am now used to are not the most welcoming accompaniment to a dawn raid. After a bowl of Fruit Loops and a microwaved cup of coffee in our less than hygienic kitchen, we headed for the bus; Centro for town and Tunel for work. Taking the Tunel bus we headed to the refuge situated in a barrio overlooking the Zona Romantica. Buses here are not the most comfortable, and the locals are usually suspect as to why you are riding the bus, but it's cheap and really quick way to get around. At only 6.50pesos (30p) a journey, it beats taking a cab.

Once at the refuge we were greeted by an armed officer (woman), and 2 girls in their early teens. The officers that work in the refuge are very warm and friendly and are there for the children's safety as well as the staffs. After locking away our belongings Linda showed us around. We headed up to the babies and toddlers 9 months-2/3 years, who quickly ran up to us with arms wide open, beckoning for cuddles. Cheeky smiles and chubby hands makes not giving them a hug extremely tricky. Joel a rather chunky little boy with a constant smile on his face gave me a big squidge and went on his way (it was love at first sight). In little toy cars (Christian y Jasiel) were quick to start using my legs as a bridge to drive through for their entertainment, harem pants are not the best attire for this kind of play. The children kept getting stuck in all the lose material.

We proceeded to the nursery where we found 9 month Francisco all alone, who started to cry as soon as we went in. As he is so small and the other children can be quite boisterous with their affections, it's easier to keep in his cot, although he does sometimes get left out a little. A beautiful baby, Francisco is the youngest of a family of 6 who recently arrived at the refuge.

Once acquainted with the babies, we headed down to the courtyard. An large open space with a basketball net is surrounded by large arches that make up the outdoor corridor on the bottom floor of the refuge and lots of greenery. A climbing frame and swing set for the peques (3-6) is found towards the back of the courtyard up a small flight of stairs. The area is really beautiful, and the building has come a very long way since the development in 2001. The older children are enjoying music (two men come every Sunday and play pipes and guitar) and Halloween gift bags from the day before received at their Halloween party. Sunday at the refuge is a day of mass, sweets and play for the children that have been at school during the week. For the babies and children who don't go to school, each day is pretty much routine; Wake up, breakfast, play, lunch, laundry, play, dinner, washing, bed. The nannies and Madres take great care of the children, they just can't be around to entertain them all of the time, that's where volunteers come in. We help keep the children occupied and help with laundry, tidying and meal times.

My first day at the refuge was really great. So many children with so little structure however, creates a constant playground atmosphere in which the players never tire, equating to volunteers never being empty handed or without little people wanting attention. David a lovely 7 year old, living with down syndrome needs more attention than the others and can be tricky at times, but he's extremely intelligent and can be left alone as he always finds something to do. The other children really love him, and from what I know, he is the only child that has been abandoned. Every other child has been placed in care by the social services.

Preparing a lunch of tortillas filled with ham and tomato broth allowed me to become more acquainted with the kitchen staff and Sylvia, a young but extremely well organised and no nonsense nanny. The children don't put a foot out of place when she is around to watch them, and i actually admire her ability to keep them in such good control.

After clearing away after lunch and mopping the floors, I knew I had made the right decision in coming to volunteer here in Mexico. I enjoyed every intense minute of my day and couldn't wait to get stuck in again, already I felt at home working at the refuge.

http://www.childrens-shelter-of-hope-foundation.org/

Loving Mexico

So much to say, but so little time. Mexico is proving to be a beautiful place. Work at the refuge is extremely rewarding. Very tough, but really great. The children are wonderful.

I have so many stories, and I am writing them down, but it's tricky to find time with work to sit here and type them all up! I promise to get them on here soon.

Just know that it's amazing here...and more blogs are around the corner!

xBx

Sounds of Mexico...

On Saturday I was able to see more of Puerto Vallarta. Since arriving here in Mexico everything has been a bit of a surreal blur. It still hadn't sunk in that my random plan of discovery had actually become reality. The house is pleasant and charming but without warm water, and a less than clean kitchen, which makes preparing meals a tricky task. However getting a bus to Zona romantica and walking along Los Muertos beach with our coordinator Linda made everything seem more real; The heat, the sea, the jungle covered mountains. Having sampled traditional beach food and drink on offer, as well as Linda offering only to speak to me in Spanish to get my language up to scratch, I truly felt I was in a different world.

What a place to find yourself.

Having heard nothing positive from our co-volunteers, Jonathan and I were a little worried about going to work the following day, Linda managed to assure us it was a lovely place it just wasn`t run to the standard it could really benefit from. She also told us that it wasn't an orphange, it wasn`t a children`s shelter for abused and neglected children, which would explain maybe why the other girls in the house were finding the children slightly trickier than they were expecting.

Linda explained how the staff at the orphanage are on very little money, and she herself has moved to a Barrio, with no gas and expensive rent so she can help to run the shelter and offer the children more structure. Originally from Italy, she trys very hard to make things work, with little affect. It seems here you have to earn respect before you can manage to get anyone to help out. I had no idea how hard it would be trying to get the children to listen and share, but I was about to find out.

Mexico Introduction....

Impulse: A notion only few put into action. To act on a whim without thought or care of what consequences ones actions may or may not have.

A month ago, on a whim I booked a trip to Mexico, and 4 days ago I found myself on board a Boeing 777 crossing the Atlantic. With hours to kill, I finally took the time to think about what I was actually doing.

I'm leaving my loved ones for a once in a lifetime trip. I am embarking on a journey of self discovery, leaving my comfort zone and going to volunteer at an "orphanage" and care for children with less than myself.

I should have been desperately excited on my flight, but I was nervous and desperately sad at the thought of not being able to spend Christmas with my family and loved ones. However I embraced my sadness and realised I was blessed to have a family that I care so much about, and I would be very much needed where I was going. I found solace in the thought that I could offer care and love to Children who don't receive the attention they deserve.

I am aware of all I have, and I am aware that I take things for granted. I knew now that this trip would be a great way to open my eyes to the things that truly matter, to appreciate more my family and live with less cares about superficial possessions.

This is my Mexico journey. Enjoy.....

Paranormal Activity 2 : A Must See

If like me you are a horror movie lover you would have eagerly awaited the arrival of Paranormal Activity 2, and most probably found yourself doubting it’s ability to live up to it’s low budget indie predecessor? So, it was with apprehension I waited in what was nearly an empty cinema this evening for the movie to begin.

We are yet again faced with a similar situation to Paranormal Activity; hand held cameras, night vision and demons. You may even recognise some faces from PA1, but I can guarantee, unlike PA1 you you won’t be waiting until the end of the film for all the action.

My horror loving comrades, you will not be disappointed, PA2 delivers and even manages to surpass its first instalment. If you allow yourself to be fully absorbed by this film, it will have you on the edge of your seat, gasping, jumping and harbouring goose bumps for most of the (approx. 1.30h) running time. PA2 is cleverly written and will give you a deeper understanding of why events in PA1 took place. You will laugh at how easily it makes you jump!

See this movie. It’s a must for Halloween weekend. 5*

The William Bray - Restaurant Review

A newly renovated gastronomic restaurant/bar nestled in the heart of Shere, makes for a very pleasant night out.

As soon as you sit at your table, you are aware that the restaurant has a sporting influence; neutrally painted walls teamed with hardwood floors, allows the owners original F1 racing photographs and memorabilia to take centre stage. The William Bray is owned by former Formula One driver, Julian Bailey. Julian found it only fitting to name the William Bray after the 18th Century lawyer who once inhabited the building, known for his sociableness and love of sports.

Having also had a run as the famous 'Stig' on Top Gear, Julian has managed to create a very stylish eatery, that sits in one of the most photographed villages in Surrey, so picturesque in fact, that the village was used as a backdrop in hit movies such as 'The Holiday' featuring Cameron Diaz, and 'The Wedding Date' with Deborah Messing.

The mixed menu remains unpretentious whilst offering contemporary food to suit all; Starters of 'Scallops Tempura to Mains of 'Liver with Bubble and Squeak' or 'Curried Monkfish' are on offer, all finished off with a fun desert menu including treats like 'Cinnamon sugared raspberry doughnuts with a custard shake'. The food menu is just as diverse as the drinks menu. Wines to suit every meal, The William Bray also has an extensive Beer and Whiskey selection as well as being a supplier of the famous Ruinart Champagne.

The food was very well presented, and tasted even better than it appeared. The decor was warm and tasteful, and the welcoming from the staff very friendly. The wine was lovely, the service quick and my chocolate tart, devine. My one problem was the lighting. A bit too bright for our evening meal, it could have been a little more atmospheric, but other than that 'The William Bray' is a must for anyone travelling by Guildford in the future, or planning to spend a sunny Sunday out of London.

Review - The Life & Death of Charlie St. Cloud...

"Trust your heart if the seas catch fire, live by love though the stars walk backwards" - E. E. Cummings

Taking chances in life isn't always easy. Sometimes you have to let go of the things and people you love in order to do so. Charlie St Cloud is just that, a story about learning to let go, and learning to take chances.

Zac Efron plays Charlie St Cloud, a handsome sailing scholar about to attend Stanford who has an unbreakable endearing bond with his younger brother Sam (played by Charlie Tahan). Charlie, knowing the fatherless family cannot afford baseball camp for Sam offers to practice with him an hour everyday before he leaves for College on one condition; Sam must never be late. That evening the two brothers are involved in a fatal car accident, Sam dies but Charlie is bought back to life by paramedic (Ray Liotta). Consumed by grief and tormented by the loss of his brother, Charlie is unable to cope with the funeral and runs off into the woods. It is here we are reintroduced to Sam's ghost, who reminds Charlie of their deal to practice everyday at sunset.

5 years on, and Charlie has taken a job as the Graveyard caretaker to be closer to his brother. Sticking true to his word, he practices everyday with Sams ghost and all is well, until Charlie starts to fall for Amanda Crew (Tess Carrol), an attractive sailing aficionado, about to set sail round the world. Their budding relationship starts to threaten Charlies ability to keep his promise to Sam, and Amanda doesn't have long before she leaves. Charlie is left with the difficult decision of choosing between the two and learning that in order to move on, you have to let go.

I was neither moved to to tears by this movie, (although there are plenty of moving scenes) or tempted to leave half way through. Efron and his leading lady Crew carry this movie and hold it together well. Efron is brilliant as Charlie, he is sincere, real and truly believable and you will find yourself really connecting to his character throughout the movie. His acting ability is not the only reason to see Charlie St Cloud, his impeccably toned arms and divinely pretty face make this 99 minutes of pure pleasure to watch. Plenty of close ups, great settings, well written script, a few laughs and a very decent kissing scene make this movie a real treat. I was really taken aback by the twist, didn't have a clue. So ignore the harsh critical write ups, 'The Life and death of Charlie St Cloud ' is really pleasant and I recommend it for every Efron fan. This is not a chick flick, so boys don't worry if the girls want you to go, you may actually find yourself liking it.

Excited for Efrons NEW Movie

I don't know about you but I'm really excited to see this movie. If like me you are a Zac Efron fan, I'm sure you'll be itching to watch Charlie St Cloud when it hits the cinemas on Friday...However, if you would prefer to wait and see what people think of the movie, wait for the Bezine Review which will be up by Sunday at the latest. Here is the trailer. Enjoy! B xx

Hottie of The Month - Ben Feldman

HANDS DOWN THE CUTEST ACTOR BY FAR.......

Good looks with that geeky boy next door charm! Good actor too.

Eat Love Pray - Movie Review

After reading Elizabeth Gilbert's book, I was intrigued to see how Hollywood would make this heartfelt, sincere novel come to life. Could they do it justice? How well will Julia Roberts portray Elizabeth Gilbert? I had my doubts, believe me I did. How could you take a book full of such honesty, pain and adventure and turn it into a Hollywood blockbuster without damaging it?

In the beginning of the film that we learn about Liz's background and her failing marriage; we follow her difficult divorce, feel the pain of her husbands unrequited love, bare a small ounce of her guilt at leaving her husband and we take a dive into her new love affair with a younger man. If I hadn't of read the book, I wouldn't have known the real hardships of Liz's divorce, I wouldn't have known the true anguish she felt and I wouldn't have known how long she had been unhappy. The film touches on these issues, but it's more of a skimming than the true immersion it should be.

This movie although lacking the true depth of the book, is a great accompaniment. Julia Roberts is brilliant as Liz, and she really does her best with the script she's been given. The only part of the movie I started to get slightly fidgety in was India, which was rather fitting as it's the part of the book I found quite Laborious; life in the Ashram however, isn't mean to be easy it's meant to be tough, so maybe my inability to sit still was my way of feeling emphatic towards Elizabeth's struggle to find stillness. Do not worry, you are thoroughly rewarded after sitting through India, by the lightness of Bali, the Indonesian part of the Movie. Not only do you find yourself immediately relaxing, you also get to enjoying a very romantic meeting of two kindred spirits whom nurse each others broken hearts back to health.

Please read the book first, as it will really make this movie a completely different experience. Not only will you be able to truly enjoy the film, you won't find yourself having to put all the missing pieces together. Although some characters were missing, and details missed out of the movie which I would have enjoyed to see, the movies settings were truly beautiful and the opening credits do read "Based On" not "Exactly the same as" so you are warned.

All in all Eat Pray Love is a really lovely film, and it's really worth going to see, especially if you'd like to escape the recent rain and head off to Italy, India and Indonesia with Javier Bardem, Billy Crudup and James Franco for a couple of hours.

Are You a Morning Person?

It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom. - Aristotle

Do you wake up; half asleep, put your trousers on backwards, forget things for work or breathe fire at anyone who dares ask you something before your morning coffee? Then you, are not a morning person.

I on the otherhand am. Yes, thats right, I am a morning person. I love the mornings. I drive to work in my little Clio singing away to the radio and laughing along with Jonny Vaughn. I drum away on my steering wheel and, on very special occasioons I even dance along with my windscreen wipers. I drive along feeling very sorry for the 'Not a morning person' people. Yes! The 'Not a morning person' people; those of you who I see everyday in your cars looking like it's the end of the world, and you hate your life. Never smiling before 11am and disliking anyone who does. You see me laughing and singing away like a lunatic and think I HATE HER!!

I am sorry you feel that way, but I can't help it; I am irrecoverably in love with mornings. I love being up early, I love the feeling of mornings and I love the smell of mornings. My sleeping in tends to end by 9am, anything past that and I feel like I've wasted my day, I do, I feel really guilty.

So, you say, how do I become a morning person? Simples! I reply, here are a few tips:

• People think it's important to get 8 hours of sleep a day, this is not always the case. Our demands for sleep vary and change everday. If you do not feel tired, then don't force yourself to try and sleep, it doesn't work and it just causes you to become stressed out. Instead, sleep when you can't keep your eyes open and set an alarm for 7 am the next day. You may struggle at first but after a week or two your body will set an internal clock and you will start waking up natrually early. On weekends, allow a lie-in till 9.
  
• Create reasons to get up! Work does not have to be and should not be your only reason to get up in the morning. Get up in the morning because you can. What about a decent breakfast, that first cup of coffee, the fresh air, these should be your reasons to get up in the morning, so start counting your blessings and enjoy them.
  
• Reality check. You can be a morning person, change your attitude and start seeing that you are the only thing preventing yourself for having a more constructive day before 12pm.
  
• SMILE. Everyday wake up, stretch and smile. Smiling releases endorphins and makes us feel better. Even when we fake a smile we feel better. Not only that but a person that smiles is seen to be more pleasent, sincere, attractive and more gregarious than a person who does not. Promotion anyone?

Give it a go

Bxx

Serenity

Whatever religion you follow or whether you follow none at all, at one point or another I’m sure you’ve believed in yourself. Like love, faith is of no use, unless you believe in your own capability. However sometimes we forget what we are capable of, and sometimes we need a little courage or a simple reminder. Here is a little prayer for those of you struggling to find that courage. Just remember that nothing is impossible.

Grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that everything will be alright
if I believe;

(‘The Serenity Prayer' - Altered by Bezine so not to offend those of you, not of a religious nature)

Eat Pray Love

The streets of Rome are full of history; Every ruin, every bend, every wall, would tell you a story if it could. Magnificent Rome. The city is passionate, the language beautiful and the architecture heavenly. What more could one want.

The only place in the world you can eat a pizza whilst gazing at the grandeur of The Pantheon, the resting place of the Renaissance master Raphael. Home of the Fontana de Trevi, at once Home to John Keats, Home to the Spanish Steps and the vibrant Trastevere.

Elizabeth Gilbert captures the very essence of the Italian Capital in her autobiography 'Eat Prey Love', (Now a major motion picture starring Julia Roberts'.)

The book is broken into 3 parts: Italy, India and Bali.

I am writing my review based on the completion of Italy, and I am so sure of my adoration of Gilbert's writing that I will happily advise every woman I know to read Eat Prey Love, after only completing 36 chapters. Her ability to describe the feelings of emptiness, heartbreak and vulnerability so precisely, is incredible. You will find yourself empathising throughout, when reading her accounts of love, lost love, hope and adventure. Prepare to crave all things carbohydrate during part 1, I even recommend buying a decent gelato to accompany it.

So, wherever you are, when you have time, I'd advise you to walk to your nearest bookstore or log onto your Amazon account and purchase Eat Prey Love. If you can't pack up your troubles and leave, read the book, then see the movie. Hand on my heart, I can honestly say, that this is the most deliciously brilliant read.

Be Aware With Bezine

Careful is a word that often occurs in sentences as we tell our loved ones Goodbye for the day. 'Be careful crossing the road'. 'Drive Carefully'. However, I'm not sure how many parents say 'careful not to get raped on your way home from school!' as their children leave the house. It almost seems totally absurd, but in the light of the recent rape of a 14 year old in broad daylight, I'm starting to wonder whether we've become too relaxed in the notion of making children aware of sexual predators, and thinking maybe more should be done to increase this awareness.

On Thursday 16th September at 3pm near London Road, Guildford a young school girl was raped on her walk home. This news was really shocking, because if you know Guildford, you know it as a pleasant town in the heart of Surrey largely populated with Mums, Range Rovers and students. You'd assume it's a perfectly safe town and that any 14 year old would be fine walking home alone at 3pm. You'd assume that because there are people everywhere and most of the roads are constantly occupied with cars; no one would be able to attack someone in broad daylight and go unnoticed. You'd assume wrong.

This incident although horrific is a great reality check. Living outside major cities may lessen the threat of being attacked, but it does not abolish it and we shouldn't be fooled into thinking otherwise.

I've lived in the city, and now I live in Surrey, but I never feel completely safe walking home in the winter months, even in well lit areas, and it turns out I'm not alone. An article published in the Guardian stated that 'almost half of the girls up to the age of 18 feel unsafe in Britain's biggest cities'. The article goes onto say that 'One in five of these girls feel threatened by gangs and more than 40% knew of someone who had been attacked'. This disturbing fact is sad but true, and although we can't stop every attack that occurs, we may be able to prevent a few.

Its a shame that any girl should be scared to go out, and a fear of being attacked seems to be preventing people from fully living their lives. Poor street lighting should not be an issue but '91% of the questioned girls claimed it was'. Most girls would feel safer with an increased police presence, and I have to agree. Take for example the increased security after and before football games, there are police everywhere, and on those occasions I'd never have a problem walking home or going for a run, because I knew there was always someone to help near by.

People in authority need to do more to make people feel safer outside their homes. Whether it be supplying more street lighting in poorly lit areas, increasing police presence, introducing self defence classes into after school activities or simply reeducating young people to the dangers of walking/travelling alone. The last thing we want is to create a neurotic fearful society, but it seems that not doing anything is doing that anyway.

Bezine tips for staying safe:

1. Keep to well lit areas

2. Do not walk with your headphones in

3. Be aware of your surroundings

4. Always take a sensible pair of shoes to walk home in (You aren't going anywhere fast in stilettos)

5. Get a Taxi where possible (Registered)

6. Always travel in twos

7. Call someone before you leave to let them know where you are going

8. Don't talk on your mobile when walking alone

9. Fight or Run = Always Run

10. Don't let fear get the better of you

Evening Words

Our decisions can make or break us. The directions and paths we chose often change not only our lives but those around us. In one moment your life can change. All it takes is a second. The missed goal. The wrong answer. The right direction. The missed opportunity...

No matter how obsolete these decisions seem at the time, they all have their place, and they can alter everything that happens thereafter.

The outcome of our choices is inevitable. You cannot take back what was said. You cannot pretend it didn’t happen. You cannot re-take that missed opportunity. You cannot change the past. What’s done is done. A split second can change the world. So, think before you act. Be kind with your words. Always say what is in your mind. Never be too proud to apologise.

And, always try to be the best you can be

Bezine xx

The Journey Begins

So it all begins. Just like that you wake up one day with an undeniable need to run! Run as fast as you can into the distance and not look back. Nothing can stop you, not even the people you love. It's like an inexplicable force. A desire so strong, you leave the people you love, you put your career on hold, and you book yourself onto a volunteer programme the other side of the world. You question your own motives and even wonder whether it's the right thing to do, but not even your own doubts or fears can break the pull into the unknown.

From October 29th to December 29th I will be volunteering at an Orphanage in Mexico.

Mexico has recently been in the papers for all the wrong reasons; Drug Wars, Civil Unrest, Murders and Kidnapping. In 2009 alone, 10,000 children were left orphaned in the city of Ciudad Juarez, due to the drug wars.

However, Mexico is a very large country with a very large population, and not everyone is involved in crime. I'm just as likely to get attacked walking alone at night in East London, and apparently more recently in 'Victoria Station'. I've spoken to a number of people who disagree with the bad press Mexico is receiving. From what I have been told Mexicans are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, with a passion for music, work, life and most importantly they are very proud of their culture.

I cannot wait to experience life out there, and I'm truly excited to be working with other like minded people, partaking in festival season, eating real Mexican food and last but far from least I'm excited about meeting the children, and the challenge of learning all their names. My 'Mexican for Beginners' book is in the post, my place is certain, my mind made up, now all I have to do is book the flights. I will be keeping a diary about my time in Mexico, I hope you enjoy reading it. Let the journey begin......

Love
B xx

The Hills Finale

It's Over! Oh no! Girls it's true The Hills has come to an end! IT's been a good few years, and I would like to Invite you to watch the final with us!

You'll see tears (Brody), engagements? (Lo), commitment (Steph), and a stunning new house for Audrina! :D....Let us know your views! xXBXx


zSHARE video - The.Hills.S06E12.flv

Inception Review

The dream argument is still a much talked about theory and has been around since Plato and Aristotle.

" Perhaps you and I are dreaming, and have not waken? While we dream, we do not know we are dreaming". Even if we do dream we are dreaming "Only after we are awake, do we know that we have dreamed". But since there seems to be no certain way of telling when we are awake, we can never know when we have dreamed. "Once I Cheung Chou, dreamed I was a butterfly and was happy as a butterfly. I was conscious that I was quite pleased with myself, but I did not know that I was Chou. Suddenly, I awoke and there I was, visible Chou. I do not know it was Chou dreaming he was a butterfly, or the butterfly dreaming it was Chou" - Cheung Tzu - A source book in Chinese Philosophy - Translated and compiled Wing-Tsit

2010 sees Christopher Nolan bring this theory to life in the summer blockbuster 'Inception'. The acclaimed director also known for his latest installment of the Batman films 'Batman Begins and ' The Dark Night' has spent $170,000,000 making his current movie. Renowned for his privacy Nolan kept the plot of Inception under wraps, and all that was known was that 'it was a thriller that takes place in the mind'. However that was then and this is now. Inception was released across the country on Friday 16th July, and it lived up to it's hype.

Leonardo Di Caprio plays Dom Cobb, a man able to steal information and secrets from peoples sub-conscious whilst they sleep. An international fugitive, Dom has been on the run and has no way of getting home, until now!
Entering into an agreement with Saito (Ken watanabe), Dom agrees to undertake the seemingly impossible task of Inception, the ability to plant ideas into peoples minds. Accompanied by his partner 'Arthur' (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), they assemble a star studded team to complete the job, and get Dom home.
Thrown into a world of cooperate espionage, Dom, Arthur and the team; (Ellen Page - Ariadne), (Tom Hardy - Eames), (Dileep Rao - Yusuf), find themselves in different levels of lucid dreams and ever changing environments. Unknowingly the team have entered into a something far more dangerous than they could have planned for. Something only Dom would have known existed.

Inception is a must see, every minute will have you on edge.

Healthy Happy You

Bikini season is upon us girls. Do you want to work your way to a healthy, happier you?

Don't go it alone! Getting active with a friend, with the same intentions as you can really help to boost your commitment levels. Many of us put off excercising at the begining and end of the day tempted by relaxing instead! This is not going to help you reach your health goals! It'll make you even lazier and ultimately add to any unwanted body weight!

Getting fit is not easy, but it can be enjoyable! (Not all us us need to lose weight, but keeping fit and healthy is important too) After all, where is the use in being naturally skinny if you're not healthy with it?

There are plenty of activities available in London and abroad to help you get in shape that don't include hours in the gym and stupid fad diets! In the summer the last thing you want is being stuck inside. Get out. Get Active. Get Healthy.

Heres a few simple Ideas..

Beach Running & Walking

Your heading to beach resort for summer. Walking & running on sand is not only a great way to lose weight and tone up it's a known fact that it helps build muscle, keeps you fit and helps you improve your body's endurance. Not only this, but training on sand is a great way to strengthen ankles, and greatly builds on leg strength especialy in the calf muscles. As sand is not a stable surface, it requires your body to work harder to maintain balance, therefore helping strengthen your core muscles and burning more calories.

Rowing in your local Park

Feeling Romantic?

If you are staying in the city this summer, why not take a date for a boat ride in your local park (i.e Serpentine in Hyde Park). Rowing is known to burn lots of calories because it excersises the larger muscle groups of the body. Rowing helps tone buttocks, thighs, arms and back muscles all together and as rowing is a rhythmic excersise it's easier to get into the fat burning zone.

Tips :Either get your special someone to take you, or show that us girls are as strong and take them! Trust me, you will feel the burn the next day.

(If you do not have a special someone to take around the lake, go with a friend!!)


Rent/Buy a Bike

Our fave English gal Kelly Brooke has recently finished fronting the London Bike Scheme. London is a beautiful city, and what better way to see it than by bicycle. Not only will you be able to take in the city's historic landmarks; Parliment, Tower of London, London Bridge. You'll be lowering your carbon footprint and loosing weight!
Cycling is an aerobic excersise and increases your fitness. Not only is it great for endurance, it's easy on the joints. Bikes can also be obtained throughout London Parks at rental stores. Usually Bikes are around £7 per hour, and you can rent anything from normal bikes to recumbents.

However, if renting is not for you and you would like something more permanent, I would suggest the new Cooper Bike Range. Cooper Bicycles are the latest offering from the Iconic British Cooper Car Company. Launched in October 2009 The Cycles timless design, teamed with Coopers expertees in engineering makes this carbon friendly form of transpost the must have accessory of 2010 . Prices start at £595.

See http://www.cooperbikes.com/ for more information.

Bikini, Brazilian, Hollywood?

For years I have been intrigued, drawn to the timeless act of waxing. Yes, waxing!

Waxing: A semi-permanent hair removal. Wax is applied to the desired area, then removed, taking with it unwanted hair. Waxing can be applied on many different areas of the body; Eyebrows, face, legs, bikini area, back etc..

So, after years of procrastinating I decided to grow some hair and go for it, after all Hot Wax is literally pain free! (Hmm...not sure I agree with that comment).

I rang around a few salons before choosing which lucky one would get to spend at least 25 mins getting to know me rather intimately and at 12.00pm I arrived for my appointment at the Svetlana Beauty Salon on the Wandsworth Bridge Road, greeted by two lovely women in their fifties from Eastern Europe. I’m taken down stairs to a perfectly nice therapy room, and left to alone to make myself comfortable (if you know what I mean).

Hmm, I say to myself, this may not be so bad after all. Let the waxing commence.

As a wax virgin my anticipation was heightened and made for quite a nervous waxing experience. I found myself very unable to relax, for after being asked to lay in a quite a compromising position (which you get used to after a while) I was unable to lie still. The fear of impending pain was fully removed when the lovely lavender hot wax was applied! Ah lovely I thought to myself. How bad could this be?

"S***, B******, W***!!! Can’t you just leave it on??” Deafens the beautician as she ripped the cooled wax off along with what felt like my entire nether regions.

The pain does not become easier to bare with each wax layer applied, its hurts just as much as the others, and I’m not even going to try to explain the lovely feeling of wax being ripped off your extreme nether regions!

Screaming was not on my agenda, as I like to think I have a high pain threshold, however I love my expletives, and my new therapist is now fully aware of that, as is the 2 mile radius of fulham that surrounds the beauty salon. Not only did I think I could have passed out, I felt I’d just completed positions 13 and 24 in the Karma Sutra of Hell and Masochism!

Why on earth was waxing invented? It’s so painful!!! Although I’ve been assured you get used to the pain, and the first time is always horrible!! Hmm, sounds familiar. :D

To return or not to return? After hobbling around all day, looking rather like I’v just broken in a feral horse, I’ve decided that if I like the results I may just head back to Svetlana for another treatment. The staff were lovely and although painful, it was an experience that all girls should try, even if it’s just to say they have! You don’t have to, and I can see why most people just shave, but if like me, you want a smoother for longer feel, waxing maybe the answer!

Ode to Coffee and Cake

My Ode to Coffee & Cake

So smooth and strong,
You hold me up,
when I start to tire
Icing so sweet,
Sponge so soft,
My love will ne'er expire.

The scent of you,
Makes people smile,
You're lifes little treats
So easily made
So easily bought
With fudge cake no one can compete

Both of you
Come in flavours galore
Vanilla, chocolate, cream
I sip and I bite
I savour the taste
you are the tastiest dream.

I'd spend my life
learning the trade
to create amazing cakes
I'd crawl hand and knee
every day
to produce the finest blend

Oh coffee! Oh cake!
what have you done?
I am an obsessed soul
I've wasted ten minutes
of working time
to write you your own Ode.

New Poster Ad for Bezine

Be You, Be Yourself, Be happy being who you are! xXx

Hoorah for Country Music!!

For a very long time, since I can remember, I have been a fan of country music, and I'm think it's nice to hear it played on the UK radio waves now and again. Check out Lady Antebellums new Album 'Need You Now'

Firstly a little intro. Country music can be defined as a blend of many popular music forms originally found in the Southern States of the USA and Appalachian Mountains. Country music has roots in Folk and Gospil as well as old time music.

My main passion for Country and Western music stems from the fact that the songs tell stories. Yes thats right! I'ma lyric freak and most country songs contain lyrics that tell a story either based on love, work, family and just life in general.
Its my opinion that many contempory songs played in the UK charts seem to lack the lyrical content that Country Music offers. Not only the lack of good, simple lyrics but the lack of good lyrcis with good music.

For example, how often in the past couple of years have you heard a song on the UK radio - playing UK muscians whom sing well written lyrics with great melody teamed with above average vocals?! I mean real live music, not Logic created pop tracks! Honestly!

Maybe I'm being a little harsh, but in reality it's tricky to find a GREAT song! However, country musicians seem to churn them out in Nashville daily!
Not only do they churn these songs out, they make their music perfectly = Great hooks, singable choruses, catchy melodies, beautiful harmonies and lovely vocals. All this along with great muscianship must mean you're on to a winner. Which explains why Country music has been the highest selling genres of music worldwide more than once!

If you aren't a country or folk fan thats fine, but if you aren't sure...check out some of these artists and let me know what you think.....(Fleetwood Mac are more blues/rock but they've influenced some of the below)

The Dixie Chicks
FWM
Alison Krauss
Rascal Flatts
Tim Mcgraw
Stevie Nicks...
LBNL - Dolly Parton

If you like those...chek out some more!

xxx