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| Company life guide |
| The rules to live your life by |
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Be picture perfect |
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What's your Facebook photo really saying about you? You're trying to tell the world you're fun, outgoing and confident, so what picture do you post with your profile? A quick glance online shows facebookers are using everything from cartoon characters and old school photos to glamour shots and pets, but what does posting a picture of Fido say about who you are? Your Facebook profile photo could be giving away a lot more about you than you think. This Morning psychologist Donna Dawson explains why...
The photo: The pouty, seductive self-taken shot.
The impression you think it's giving: You're sexy, confident and pull-able.
What it really says: 'You're trying to act sexier and tougher than you actually feel,' explains Donna. 'If you really are that sexy, then it would show regardless - without your having to pout and stick out your boobs to get attention. Trying too hard will make you look fake.'
Change that photo! Find a photo where you're smiling naturally into the camera. Looking happy and like you're enjoying life is by far the sexiest way to catch someone's eye.
The photo: You with one of the following: a party hat; bottle of wine/whisky; streamers in your hair; gazed, drunk expression.
The impression you think it's giving: You're outgoing, and the life and soul of every party.
What it really says: 'You're desperate for people to think you're popular,' says Donna. 'But you actually come across as someone who is needy and wants the approval of others.'
Change that photo! Use a group photo of you and your mates out at a party together. This shows you are sociable, popular and know how to have fun - but are not completely out of control!
The photo: A sickly sweet snap of you when you were young, complete with bunches and dodgy school uniform.
The impression you think it's giving: You were cute and approachable then and you're just as adorable now!
What it really says: 'Using an old photo is a way of hiding behind who you are now,' says Donna. 'Perhaps you don't think you've aged that well, or are as cute and giggly as you were years ago. Is there an underlying self-confidence issue here?'
Change that photo! Simple - grow up. Update it to a more recent photo and show people how good you look now.
The photo: You in fancy dress.
The impression you think it's giving: You're young, carefree and love having a good time.
What it really says: 'Dressing up as someone other than yourself shows that you look at life through rose-tinted glasses,' says Donna. 'But make sure that you're not hiding behind your costume. Remember, people want to see the real you.'
Change that photo! If you have to pose in fancy dress, then choose an outfit that represents a certain part of your personality. If you want to look creative, wear an elaborate homemade costume; if you want to look fun, wear something loud and bold...now where did I put that clown wig?
The photo: The smiley, natural one.
The impression you think it's giving: You're not trying to say anything - you're just being yourself.
What it really says: 'A natural photo like this is perfect for a profile,' explains Donna. 'It shows that you're not trying to be someone you're not. A natural smile is far more beautiful than anything posed.'
Change that photo! Don't! Leave it exactly where it is.
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Make summer last longer (even if the weather is rubbish!) |
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Autumn might be just around the corner, but that doesn't have to spoil your fun
Dine alfresco in a heated bar
Where: Market Place, 11 Market Place, London W1 8AH; www.marketplace-london.com
You'll be too tipsy to notice that the sun's not shining after some mojitos and luscious Latin American food on this bar's heated terrace. And if it does get a little chilly, step inside and soak up the DJ's hot beats.
Where: Kro2, Oxford House, Oxford Road, Manchester M1 7ED; www.kro.co.uk
This stylish bar's 16-heater patio will have you thinking you're in Marbella, not Manchester! And with a great Danish-inspired menu, there's plenty of food to keep you going. But if your goose pimples do get too much, pop inside the gorgeous glass building to warm up.
Where: Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen, 20a Berkeley Square, Bristol BS8 1HP; www.hahaonline.co.uk
Banish the blues by having a bottle and a bite to eat in this trendy bar's beautiful bamboo-lined garden. The heaters and lit trees are sure to brighten up the chilliest of nights.
Drink cool cocktails
You don't have to give up cocktails (umbrellas and all) just because the sun's not out. Try one of these to warm you up instead.
Pimm's Warming Cup
Heat it up and let the spicy, fruity tang take over
What to do:
Mix 1 part Pimms Winter with 3 parts warm apple juice. Garnish with an orange slice.
Death by Choctail
This smooth and creamy cocktail is guaranteed to give you a kick-start
What to do:
Put 30ml Baileys Irish Cream, 30ml chocolate liqueur, 30ml cream, one quarter of a banana and some ice in a blender. Blend until well mixed. Garnish with chocolate shavings.
Between the Sheets
This saucy cocktail will hot things up in no time
What to do:
Put 1oz rum, 1/2oz cognac, 3oz passion fruit juice, 1/2oz lime juice and some ice in a cocktail shaker and mix together.
Have a long, lazy picnic in the park
So what if the forecast's rain? Just head for one of these covered picnic sites
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB; www.kew.org
London's most famous botanical garden is the perfect place to feast with friends this summer, plus there are plenty of trees to shelter under!
Where: Clyne Gardens, Mill Lane, Blackpill, Swansea, Wales SA3 5BD; www.swansea.gov.uk/clyne
Grab a hamper and head down to these beautiful gardens, where you and your friends can eat, drink and be merry.
Where: The Alnwick Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1YU; www.alnwickgarden.com
The gorgeous glass Pavilion has more than enough room for you, your mates and all those bottles of bubbly.
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Get in with the boss! |
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Martha Lane Fox, co-founder of Lastminute.com, now manages the exclusive Lucky Voice karaoke bars in London
'If an employee is being very negative, this can be frustrating because it means those feelings will generally spread throughout the team. A defeatist attitude will get you nowhere.'
Fast track to promotion: Become a yes-woman. Even if something seems completely daunting, tell yourself you can do it, and not only will your boss be impressed, but chances are you'll pull it off, too.
Michelle Mone, founder of lingerie brand Ultimo, is a contributor to the Apprentice sister show, You're Fired
'The thing that really annoys me is when someone doesn't have any get-up-and-go. If someone doesn't show any passion or commitment, they clearly don't care about the job. When you've employed someone to do something, it's so frustrating if they turn out to be unreliable and untrustworthy.'
Fast track to promotion: Go the extra mile. If your boss wants you to write a report, make it the best darned report she's ever read. If she asks you to make a cup of tea, make it the best darned tea she's ever had. You get the picture.
Claire Irvin, Company's acting editor
'I love people who 'live the brand' and are really enthusiastic about what they do - so my biggest no-nos are all related to that. I'm particularly unimpressed by clockwatchers, people who have to be told something twice or who show a lack of initiative. And I don't appreciate jobsworths either.'
Fast track to promotion: Enjoy your work. Do the boring stuff quickly and efficiently, and save the energy other people use moaning for the tasks you really like.
Jon Varney, finance manager, Arcadia Group, owners of Topshop
'Punctuality is really important. It's a bad sign if someone can't get out of bed in time for work. At Arcadia, we don't have to dress smartly, but it's important for everyone to look good - dirty trainers just won't cut it. It's also frustrating when employees tell you things they think you want to hear. Most bosses know when someone is sucking up to them, rather than just working hard. It's much easier to work with genuine people.'
Fast track to promotion: Set your alarm clock earlier and don't bullshit the boss.
Lou Hart, senior vice president, RCA Records
'I have a real thing about employees ringing in sick if they've been out the night before. It's just too obvious. I also think people should show an interest in what the rest of the department is doing - joking around in team meetings is not a good idea. Clothing is a big issue for me, too. You don't have to wear a suit every day, but there's a fine line between being cool for the office and cool for going out. We've had girls show up in bikini tops before - that really isn't appropriate.'
Fast track to promotion: Don't pull a sickie after a heavy night and don't come in wearing the clothes you went out in!
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Detox your handbag
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We'd all love the latest celebrity It-bag, but as well as being able to tell your Chloe from your Gucci, you should be aware of the health risks you could be carrying around with you. No matter how determined you are to keep your new handbag clean and tidy, after a while, you find yourself mindlessly stuffing in food, make-up hairbrushes and -as a result -lots of not-so-lovely germs. We asked Dr Lisa Ackerley, member of the UK Hygiene Council, how to avoid the health hazards of your handbag.
Culprit: Make-up (mascara, blusher, foundation)
The risks: Conjunctivitis and E.coli
Avoid it: Don't forget, even your make-up has a shelf life. Anything liquid, like mascara, should be thrown away after six months; powders last over a year; liquid foundations are best kept for only three to six months.
Culprit: An old, slightly sticky sweet
The risks: Salmonella and E.coli
Avoid it: Bacteria thrive on food and moisture, so don't keep food in your handbag. If you really have to, put it in a sealed container or plastic bag. Boring but safe.
Culprit: High heels (that you put in your bag when you walk to work in your trainers)
The risks: Campylobacter infections, salmonella and E.coli
Avoid it: Imagine the dirt and germs the bottoms of your shoes must attract (like, er, dog poo, for starters). Put shoes in a separate bag to stop germs from the ground getting inside your bag.
Culprit: Putting your bag on the floor in the loo
The risks: Severe diarrhoea and abdominal cramps
What you do: Next time you visit the little girls' room, put your handbag on your lap rather than on the floor, or use the hooks at the back of the door. Remember, the toilet floor contains roughly 764 bacteria per square inch. Now there's a nice thought!
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Make Sunday the new Friday |
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Sunday sin: Freedom Sunday at Vibe Bar, The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL; www.vibe-bar.co.uk
What's playing: Funk, rare groove, psychedelia
Time: 2pm-6pm
Cost: Free
Sunday sin: Zinc, Regency Wharf, Birmingham B1 2SD; www.zincbar.co.uk
What's playing: Break beats, jazz, neo soul
Time: 7pm-2am
Cost: Free
Sunday sin: Optimo at The Sub Club, 22 Jamaica Street, Glasgow G1 4QD; www.optimo.co.uk
What's playing: JD Twitch and JG Wilkes spin the latest dance tunes
Time: 11pm-3am
Cost: £6 (£5 conc)
Sunday sin: Houseductive at Paparazzi, The Printworks, Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS; www.theprintworks.com
What's playing: Funky, chunky, dirty house
Time: 9pm-1am
Cost: £5 (£3 conc)
For more information on Sunday clubbing nights, visit www.uk-clubbing-directory.co.uk
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