WOW! If you do one thing this week make sure you go and see "Gone Baby Gone" at the cinema. It's absolutely amazing and Casey Affleck is very good indeed (in more ways then one!)

So have a go yourself...it's a lot of fun and very very very easy...and very tasty! I do admire anyone who makes their own Ice Ceam by hand - I'm just not very paitent.

LMxxx

LMx

Oh Yes - it looks like the summer days are well and truly on their way (or maybe Zena did actually bring the sun back from Miami) and it's that time of year for picnic's in the park - check out the tree in this photo - WOW!

However, it wouldn't be summer without that new pair of sunglasses now would it? If you are like me and it takes you forever to decide on the perfect pair then RELAX...I am going to give you some very important information that means you can try on loads of stylish sunnies from the comfort of your own sofa! WOO HOO! Yes yes yes, i know...too good to be true? NOPE!

InEyeWear.com is an amazing website selling the latest in designer sunglasses online. All you need to do is upload a photograph of your face and try them on! It is such a great way to see if you suit certain styles, without having to spend hours in shops annoying the lady with the keys to the glass cabinets! The InEyeWear website is unique as it offers users the opportunity to 'try before they buy'...there is not many like that around. Plus...it's great fun...the only problem is deciding which pair to purchase.
I am a massive Ray Ban fan and couldn't resist this pair...now I'm just hoping the postman is careful with them!

LMx

I am a great believer of accessorising to fit your personality and not spending a fortune on jewellery. This site is perfect! Everything bright, funky and personalised can be purchased at one click of a button…at a VERY reasonable price. They specialise in the sought after personalised name necklaces – chunky, double layered, with various fonts and colours. They will also do Carrie Bradshaw inspired metallic sexy city girl necklaces that can say whatever you like. I am definitely going to get one saying “Miss Marks” – is that sad???

Ha ha

Enjoy browsing and buying.

LMx

I have just made the best "rediscovery" EVER! You have got to join in!!!!!
So, this morning I was getting the usual boring weekly food stock supply and as I walked through the home baking section (you all know I LOVE baking) I came across an absolute old skool FAVOURITE dessert of mine…you ready?

I just HAD to share this find with you and now that I have, I know for a fact you will be searching your supermarket isles for the bright blue packet. Bonus fact – it is not that bad for you at all so you can afford to eat it all yourself!

Right…where is my wooden spoon?

ENJOY!

LMx

Wow!
I had the most amazing time in this weeks episode, very emotional too!
When I was 9 (a long time ago) I was part of Scottish Opera and toured with them for years. I grew up in the theatre and this week I went back for a trip down memory lane and bumped into some familiar faces – although they didn’t instantly recognise me, they were soon reminded and it was the best reunion EVER…they said I still had the same voice! It has definitely topped the list of favourite bite features for me. Make sure you check out the episode to see what I grew up doing – AMAZING!

Gosh I look so young in these photos! I remember that blue dress being so wide that I had to walk through doors backstage sideways…and hold my breath.

Seriously, if you get a chance to go and see the production of Falstaff (up and down the country), then why not have a nice wee night at the Opera?! Trust me…you’ll be blown away. Do it for me eh?

Mwa!

LMx

WOOHOO - Everyone loves a PARTY!! Ha ha. Oh yes, you've guessed it - it was my birthday at the weekend and I had thee best time. Apart from my little cousin blowing out my birthday candles, TWICE, it was a fun filled and very eventful afternoon and night. I don't think you can get much better than having a house/garden party with all your friends and family...well - I guess a massive beach party would maybe top it! I supplied a lovely little spread (from a trusty source, of course) and a plethora of different drinks of an alcoholic nature. The icing on the cake was the two games of pass the parcel I had arranged - old school classic! The only down side was, I covered the pretty useless presents in pages and pages on newspaper, without realising how ink stained everyones hands would get...and thus waking up to a nicely black patch carpet...oh and some red wine spills - as standard! Great...

I was prepared for masses of food, drink, games and the odd child running around...but I was not prepared for the MESS! Ahhhhhhhh. Took me 4 hours to clear up but it was worth it.

Oh and I got all my fun coloured party ware from www.partybox.co.uk - they have some great stuff. I bought these coloured plastic glasses - perfect to prevent the usual breaks!

I have now decided to have more parties more often - why wait for your birthday to through one...oh yeah, the MESS!

LMx

You may remember from season 1 that I travelled to Liverpool for the ultimate bag designing experience with Nook and Willow. Well, for those of you who love your handbags, I just wanted to let you know that you can now get hold of their spring/summer collection on ASOS.com!

If like me however, you like to seek out a bargain, visit their website for the Nook and Willow sample sale (beautiful bags on a budget).

These bags have bags of character! (ha ha – how cheesy of me…)

Mwa

LMx

Hey hey hey!!!!

This may seem very random but today my lunch problems were solved! Are you ever out and about in town (usually shopping) and never quite know where to go for lunch? You never want to spend a lot of money on a quick snack, but you refuse to eat in stodgy fast food cafes...all you want is something healthy and cheap! Well I have found the perfect place in Glasgows' West End - just near the Oran Mor (where I will be visiting for bite very soon).

Naked Soup is a lovely little trendy cafe where the perfect homemade soup and sandwich lunchtime combo is created freshly for you. LOVELY! No 'bad things' in any of their food, hence the name, and they do a lovely little deal which includes a sandwich or salad, soup, a drink and a piece of fruit...for under £5!!! (the portions are not tiny...don't worry!) Now you have no excuses...
Today I had the Carrot and Spicy Parsnip soup...YUMMY!
Are you hungry yet?

I'm sure by now you have all realised I love hunting out wee places to socialise over some tasty food!

Hopefully we'll get to hang out in some beer gardens when the weather gets better! My wipers nearly broke today with the rain...

LMx

Just a wee catch up for Bite Lovers!

WAY HEY!!!!!! A brand new series with brand new trends! What could be better? Not much really. Well...I have just spent 5 days in Spain on a wee holiday. AMAZING time. It was a much needed little break. Stayed on a beautiful beach (one of the nicest I have ever been on) called Plya Muro. The Sea was so beautiful and you could just about see other life across the water (the reason I am pointing! Not just to create an interesting photo...). I really should have taken my camera with me to catch the fun adventure when my foot got caught on the edge of a boat...although I do have a photo to remind me of how wet I got! VERY!
Oh... and I also discovered my passion (or should I say 'rediscovered') for Mojitos!

So...now it's time to go on the hunt for many more exciting 'goings on' to bring to your eyes!
As you will see, I had a very interesting time in St Johns in London - eating all sorts of 'delicious' treats with Gemma! Oh yes - interesting to say the least. I was gutted I couldn't go to the hot tub party, but after seeing what they got up to - I doubt I would have fitted in (although it would have kept my very short holiday going!).

If you get a chance, listen to HEAT radio tomorrow morning (Wednesday at 11am) - I'm going on for a 'chat'...well...more like a carry on!

Right, I am away to investigate what I am doing this week for you (pressure!)

Oh and if you love Mojitos too - follow this and enjoy!!!!
MMMMMMMM.

MOJITO BABY!!!
3 fresh mint sprigs
2 tsp sugar
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 shots light rum
Soda water

In a tall thin glass, crush part of the mint with a fork to coat the inside. Add the sugar and lime juice and stir thoroughly. Top with ice. Add rum and mix. Top off with *chilled* Soda water. Add a lime slice and the remaining mint, and serve.

Mwah

LMx

Just wanted to post this photo! Very random I know but my two friends and I did actually go out like this last night - we thought these glasses would brighten up our eyes!

They actually just kept falling off, as they were for kids, and I think we got our eyes poked at a hundred times due to the fact they contained no lenses. Oh well...

LMx

OK...POUTING?!!! Why oh why has this became a statement of femininity? I mean, apparently the bigger the pout, the more appealing a lady is! Come on...really? So, if diamonds are a girl's best friend, then lipstick must be her soul mate. Even with flawless makeup, most women don't feel complete until their lips are lined, glossed or otherwise coated in color. To get the sexiest pout possible, follow these eight 'simple' steps...

1. Exfoliate. To keep the skin on your lips smooth - we don't want flaky lips do we? YUK!
2. Condition the lips with balm - you have got to keep them soft ladies!
3. Alternate lipsticks from time to time - keep those lips appealing.
4. Treat the first signs of aging - prevent the wrinkles.
5. Use the right liner technique. How to do it correctly: Start with a liner just slightly darker than your lipstick shade and outline the shape you desire (going outside your lip line slightly will make lips look fuller).
6. Protect lips from the sun - burnt lips are just not attractive...plus they are sore!
7. Adopt good habits - ie: don't over lick them!
8. Use the right shade of lipstick - who wants to look like a man in drag???

Are we REALLY going to follow these rules everyday? I have a much better idea! Why not just buy some 'lip plump' from Benefit (to make your lips twice the size) and then slap on some of their lipstick! Ta da - done!

My friend and I couldn't resist trying out a perfect pout...ha ha.

Ok - I'm now going to test you! Who's celebrity pouts are these? (Cover up the answers below - no cheating!)

ANSWERS:
1. Christina 
2. Liv Tyler 
3. Gwen Stefani 
4. Eva Longoria 
5. Dita Von Teese 
6. Cameron Diaz

I think I will just stick to carmex!
LMx

As you can see from this weeks show I had a great time at swg3 with the lovely Isosceles so I thought I would put up my footage of them rehearsing their song Private Dance in full. Enjoy!

Yes, this may seem random but as you will see in this weeks episode, I made a very eventful trip to the Studio Warehouse Art Space in Glasgow. OH MY!!!! What a fun place...I have never met sooooooo many creative people in one place. Go along, ask for the crazy Mutley, and you will be shown round some AMAZING sites. Everything from huge bright poster art, graffiti, sculptures and tiny pencil drawings to body art, bands making noise and guys breakdancing can be found in under one roof - in one huge warehouse. Check out the website for links to lots of other interesting places to visit....Oh - and if you get a chance to go see the eclectic band that is Isosceles - GO!!!!! But before you do - make sure you watch our fun music making in the SWG3 in this weeks brand spanking new show!!!

This is a photo of what the warehouse used to look like - wow, how it has changed!

Fun time, great place...very arty!

LMx

Ok - Now I am not the worlds biggest "musical film fan" (even although I studied Musical Theatre) but last night I followed the crowd and went to see 'Sweeney Todd'. WOW - What can I say....very very very good indeed. Tim Burton has worked his magic on this film and turned a West End Musical into a surreal and dark masterpiece in the only way he knows how! Oh - and Johnny Depp??? MMMMMMMMM - there is something strangely attractive about this amazing actor dressed in tight suit trousers and tight shirts, coupled with a made up face and wry smile!!!! Very sexy!

Apart from lusting over Mr Todd - I LOVED this movie! It is a very well produced addition to the cinema line-up...a must see!

LMx

I am just writing to show you some beautiful photos of bonnie Scotland! I went on a wee road trip today (for a wee spot of lunch in Oban - such a lovely place) and wanted to share some pictures of the countryside with you. Random yes, but how pretty is it????

Visit Scotland!!!

LMx

Have you seen HEAT this week? I am sooooooo pleased they featured Nook & Willow (handbags). Honestly, I am not a HUGE handbag fan because I can never justify spending that much on a bag BUT - I LOVE Nook & Willow. I had such a great time driving all the way to Liverpool to get all creative. I was taken to a lovely little spot for afternoon tea and some serious bag designing. A few weeks later, my beautiful creation arrived in the post - just the way I chose. Thanks guys - I couldn't have designed such a lovely bag without you. Yes, I carry it everywhere and my keys fit perfectly in the little purse - I won't lose them again...oops!
Watch the show, and buy HEAT, this week to find out what I am talking about - and to watch my skilled 'bagging'...
Oh - and you can soon buy Nook & Willow items on www.asos.com - YIPEE!
LMx

OOOHHHHH YEEEEEEEESSSSSSS! I have just scoffed two of these chocolate cheesecakes! I don't really have a sweet tooth - apart from cheesecake...obviously! I will keep this short and sweet. Last night I was watching a show about really skinny people vs really fat people and I suddenly got an urge for chocolate so...I made these! YUMMY! This is the basic recipe. As you will see, I made four individual ones. Experiment. Go on...ditch the diet for a day!!!!!
My other two won't last long...
TOP TIP - Use the remains as a facemask!

LMx

Recipe

For the base:

100g/4oz plain chocolate digestive biscuits.
crushed (I used ginger snaps)
50g/2oz butter, melted


For the cheesecake:

150g/5oz plain chocolate, broken into pieces. 
700g/1½lb full-fat soft cheese. 
225g/8oz caster sugar
. ½ tsp vanilla essence. 
2 size 2 eggs

1.Preheat the oven to 160C/325F/Gas 3. Lightly grease a 20cm/8in loose-bottomed cake tin or spring release tin.

2. Mix together the ingredients for the base and press into the prepared tin.

3. For the cheesecake filling, melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Cool slightly.

4. Measure the cheese into a large bowl and beat until soft. Add the sugar and beat and mix. Beat in the vanilla essence and then the eggs, one at a time. Spoon half the cheese mixture on to the biscuit crust, separating the spoonfuls. Add the melted chocolate to the remaining mixture and stir well. Spoon this mixture in between the cheesecake mixture already in the tin. Swirl the top to give a marbled effect.

5. Bake the cheesecake for about 30 minutes or until the cheesecake becomes puffy at the edges but soft in the centre. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake to cool.
6. Chill well and then loosen the cheesecake from the sides of the tin using a small palette knife. Serve well chilled.

Stop what you're doing - GO ONTO WWW.TRUFFLESHUFFLE.CO.UK - They have a sale!!!!!!
In case you didn't know - this is probably the best website for T-Shirt lovers like me! Ever since the A&A (hi guys) made me such a lovely T- Shirt in episode 1, I have become ever so slightly obsessed! Ok, very obsessed! This website hosts and boasts the biggest selection of retro and branded T Shirts you will ever find - PLUS...they are a massive trend with the 'celebs' (I hate that word, celebs?!)

I have bought quite a few items from this site - you can never go wrong with a fun T, can you? Do you like the Miss Piggy one I just got? Well, since she is apparently my Guardian Angel, (see previous blog post from me) I thought it was only fair to thank her for such wonderful guidance by wearing her across my chest!

Oh and you can also get funny 'non T-Shirt' items, like this Gobo Fraggle doll!
I know... random!

Just a quick note to say that if you are going anywhere this weekend, make sure it's the Arches in Glasgow for - DEATH DISCO!
Amazing club, Crazy music, Non expensive and if you'd like to meet some of Glasgow's weirdest and most wonderful people - it is the only Saturday night haunt to visit! As you will see, I was in the Arches for the Dr Sketchy event...well, this club night of madness is held in the same room (minus the half naked women...sorry guys!)

I'll be there...oh yes!

LMx

Ha ha ha ha ha - I actually cannot stop laughing! While I was away filming for a new TV show last week, a few of us tried to master the art of 'gurning'! Honestly, this is possibly one of the funniest things to sit about with your friends and do...even when you're not bored! So, I was filming a sketch with a champion gurner (do they 'actually' exist???) and because I, and half the crew, were so amazed that someone could actually pull such an amusing face, and win a medal for it...we decided to give it a go. HA HA! As you will see - I AM RUBBISH!!!!
As I attempted to scrunch my face up, the laughter took over and all I really managed was this kind of weird half laughing, half squashed lip type pose. My friends were much better.
After ten minutes of trying to perfect our strange facial contorsions we realised that there is more to this 'sport' than we had thought!

Give it a go...go on!

LMx

I have just recovered from the festive season and just wanted to say hey to you all. Hope Santa was good to everyone. Any New Years Resolutions???? I could lie and say that mine is to stop eating chocolate, but it wouldn't even last 24 hours! Yes - I got through a whole chocolate orange on Christmas day. Only at Christmas do you get a chocolate orange...weird.

The girls and I spend some quality time together, which was great. I bought a nice wee dress out of Urban Outfitters to wear for one of our nights out. Obviously it was in the blooming sale after Xmas - TYPICAL! OOH - I am going to be doing some fun stuff with them soon for the show, so watch out!

I also managed to take my shiny green friend out for a drive to the SECC carnival in Glasgow. I hadn't been in years - parking was a nightmare though...very busy! Luckily I wasn't sick on the seat after being thrown upside down all day.

Well...back to work for me...I promise to bring you some exciting 'bites'...

LMx

This week, as you will see, I had an amazing time in Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor. Honestly, this is a great wee vintage and retro clothing experience - you will even get cups of tea and a biscuit.
Steve (the owner) is very helpful and really knows what looks good, and what goes with what. There are loads of fun things to try on - did you like my yellow creation?! Ha ha.
So...this is the outfit I ended up wearing for my gig! Oh yes - 70s MAD! Go check it out, maybe have a look at the Myspace first so you know where you are going - its not the easiest place to find, but once you do - its GREAT!

Laura x

Yes - I was extremely bored the other day when I came across this very interesting website!
tickle - it is basically a website of different test! Seriously, it is pretty funny. I managed to work out that my best suited career is apparently in the area of fine arts (I can't draw to save myself!), and my animal guardian angel would be Miss Piggy! WHAT??? As long as she told me where to get that dress, I wouldn't mind. Very random but a good laugh.

Have a go!
Laura x

Laura xx

Do you think I would fit in with Amy and Antonya's corps photos with my scary doctor impression?

Once I took all this make up off however, my skin was a wreck! I do have quite sensitive skin so I turned to my new found friend from the organic food and drink festival. Honestly, this Organic Rose Moisturiser from Essential Care is AMAZING! It really soaks into your skin and smells soooooooo yummy! I only wish I had bought more.

LMx

I Just wanted to say an extra special HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to my bestest friend Lois!
We all went to a great wee club in Glasgow called Kusion and had a good old knees up. How funny is the girl pole dancing in the back of this photo...!

The funniest event of the evening was when my two friends Emma and Elaine turned up to go out with the same top on! I thought it was absolutely hilarious, although if it had happened to me I would have insisted on driving home to change!

Don't you just HATE when someone is wearing the same thing as you? - I hide!

Mwa
Laura x

If you love new comedy and you fancy something crazy - DO THIS! GO TO THIS HILARIOUS NIGHT OF LAUGHS THIS SATURDAY! OK, so the gig is called Sidesplitters, it is at the Harbour Arts Centre, Harbour Street, Irvine, KA12 8PZ on Saturday and starts at 9pm. Scottish comedians Des Clarke and outstanding new talent Austin Low (The Urban Joker) will have you falling off your seat in laughter and even shock!

Another talented Scot, Billy Kirkwood, has set up Sidesplitters to promote comedy in his home town, and the Scottish Comedy Forum for people on the Scottish Circuit to talk, get gigs, and promote themselves. Austin and Billy are co-running the State Bar during the Glasgow Comedy Festival in March where, as well as their own solo shows, they will be performing their 'Smell Yer Maw show'. Honestly - this is just genius. This show features a combination of stand-up, live sketches & video sketches, some sketches are on YouTube and two have been purchased by the CW Network in America to feature on a sketch show.

If you can, go see them and let me know what you think.

Brilliant!
Laura x

Today I burst open a massive bag of pretzels all over the car! It didn't help when my friend Lois insisted on helping to clean it, only to squash all the crumbs into my car seat! All clean now, although I did find a pile of crumbs in my hand bag! Nice...

Laura x

As you will see this week's show, I went to an event called 'Pop Boutique' - It was brilliant. I love retro and arty home-made things so was very happy with the bargains I picked up.

I just wanted to tell you about some up and coming craft events in Scotland (if you live there) as I am sure, if you're like me, you'd love to go down and check out some of the designers.

Check out the Glasgow craft mafia - You will definitely pick up some amazing one off items.
One of my favourite arty types is Lady Wurlitzer. She brings you the most wonderful handcrafted lathers and pampering aids designed to appeal to your nose, your eyes, your skin, your sense of humour and your often ignored naughty side. She hand makes everything from soap bars, lip butters, bath melts, bath fizzers, pulse point oils, hand lotions and body balms.

Now, I HATE Chardonnay white wine (YUK) - but LW makes a gorgeous Chardonnay Bath Fizzer! (£3)

Mwa

Laura x

Ok, so I was walking down Buchanan Street today and was totally SHOCKED at the number of people already Christmas shopping - AHHHHHHHHHHH! It's only the start of November! It was hard not to notice the fairy lights and bright red bows. Come the middle of November, there will be no escape from the same old carols and mad rush of 'happy' shoppers! HELP! Incase you're wondering, I actually love Christmas time. It's the only day of the year where I insist on eating as much chocolate as possible. I love buying presents for people but I am not a fan of busy shops - I get too stressed out.

So, as I returned to the car park I concluded that I would do all my shopping this year over the internet. THEN, I came across this AMAZING website called i want one of those - as the name suggests it sells stuff you want but don't really need. I always try to get interesting and unique gifts so I bought some crazy things - just for me, ha ha.

Check out this banana guard! How weird is it??

I love how it has holes in it to give the impression that bananas need to breathe. I then realised that only buying one, kind of defeats the purpose. Oh well.

How funny is this smiling dog toy! I don't even have a dog but thought it would be a good thing to scare my friends with.

This is my favourite - a Cat Bottom Sharpener! Ha ha ha ha. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw this and HAD to buy it for the sheer comedy!

Seriously, have a wee look, the stuff isn't expensive. Even if you don't buy anything, I am sure you'll get a laugh and say - "Oh, I want one of those!"

Mwa (kiss)

Laura x

OOOOOOOh - Did you see Heat magazine? Very exciting. However, if I ever end up with a red circle round my flabby bits I will not be happy!

Laura xx

This week I (and A & A - not letting them get away with it!) went to a Guardian Soulmates event! Yes, thats right - a SINGLES event! Obviously it was purely for research purposes as I have heard so much about these nights of soulmate searching. (cough cough) In short, Guardian Soulmates is an online dating website that hosts various 'bonding' events up and down the country, in the form of cinema screenings. Every event is free and allows each member to meet their online 'mates' in the flesh. Nights are held up and down the country, so with my curious nature I found myself sitting in the Edinburgh Cameo cinema, full of nervous singles! Plus, the film was Woody Allen's Manhattan (amazing) - now if thats not a reason to go in its self then I don't know what is.

After the film I proceeded into the foyer where every Guardian Soulmates member gets a free cup of coffee and cake (another valid reason for going!). I wonder if A & A noticed that every single in the room was holding a coffee cup labelled - Guardian Soulmates! Ha ha. It was a very funny sight but I suppose its really the only way to confirm who is who. On my quest, I managed to speak to a lovely girl called Susan (hey Susan), who was on the look out for love. She explained to me that, being a student and 35, she was finding it hard to meet someone. She had never considered online dating before but thought she would give it a go - nothing to lose. Susan's main reason for choosing Guardian Soulmates was the attraction of these free cinema events and the possibility of meeting a nice man. As I looked around the room, I thought that everyone there had a lot of guts to turn up on their own! The most amazing thing happened next.... When speaking to Susan, a young man walked over (with the labelled coffee cup of course) and just randomly started asking her a load of questions - that was my cue to stop my questioning and leave! I can't help but think I was maybe given the gift of being cupid for the evening and brought those two together. Ha ha. Either that, or maybe she had pre arranged to meet him. I like to think I was the match maker though.

As I left Edinburgh to drive back to Glasgow I gave Amy a call and asked how many phone numbers she got - I was surprised that the answer was none. The only number I got was my seat number in the cinema!

The whole online dating thing might not be for me but I think its an amazing thing for those who are maybe quite shy or just don't have enough time to meet anyone, or like Susan, just find it hard to meet their Soulmate. Check out the website and have a wee look at the people in your area - I know you will be intrigued. And if you join for free - at least you get to go to the cinema for free...or at least get a wee coffee and cake! (Just make sure you turn that label round if your not interested!!!!)

LMxxx

Not all trends are good!

Here we go again...another silly trend. Things couldn't just be left with the 'swallow cotton wool to become a size zero?!' obsession, no no. Couples are now the target of the latest craze creeping across the water. Question - how would you feel about sleeping in a separate bedroom from your spouse? Sound good? Really??

Surely there is nothing a newly married couple love more than the thought of jumping under the covers on their quest to married bliss. But, what if the latest marriage advice stated that the secret to a happy future was to sleep in different beds?! 'Whatever!' Ok, maybe a silent night alone, freedom to adopt any shape possible in the comfort of a surrounding sausage roll shaped duvet is greatly appealing for those who are constantly woken by grunts, groans and mobile phones (...John from the office). But these bad habits are are sure to be compensated by cuddles.

Supposedly this new trend is to encourage couples to spend more quality time together during the day however, this would almost be impossible with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Bedtime gives couples the opportunity to off load their troubles and spend quality time together. I mean, come on, the root of this fad probably stemmed from some dude who couldn't get any and insists, in his jealous state, that bedtime is time to be alone.

Just imagine this - Valentines Day, new dress, beautiful roses, lovely food, fine wine, home time, 'party time', bedtime...separate beds! A little exaggerated, yes, but you see my point. And this is for the good of your relationship? I know for a fact that if I had a boyfriend who left the comfort of cuddles to nod off in another room I would be RAGING! I do also know however, that maybe I would be that little bit more comfortable but there is something about waking up beside someone you care about - it's nice. So how would this separation really bring you closer together? I can only see rocketing mobile phone bills from texting each other through the walls!

Yes, of course I understand why busy mothers and business men would like some space in order to prevent everyday tensions coming between them, and I guess the longer you have been married the better this idea sounds. But, I would have thought that couples with busy routines would relish the nighttime togetherness and conversation when relaxing side by side. When I was a wee lass I often heard my parents talking and laughing through the thin wall in my room like a comforting drone. It was nice to know that my parents actually spoke to each other! I definitely would have found it confusing if mum and dad slept in different rooms when they hardly saw each other anyway.

Well, maybe you think I do not have the right to comment fairly but I do honestly think however, that if you are really deeply in love with someone, the idea of waking up beside that person is a valuable thing (you feel sick yet?) - just use separate blankets to avoid hogging! But if that all seems too perfect and you 'really' need to sleep alone: find yourself a suitable flatmate for fun!

Laura x

First of all, I would just like to say I am never one to wear flowers, and especially not in my hair, but this week I gave into party orders and went all out for my friends Hawaiian-themed party. Check out the outfit! Ha ha.

The blow-up palm trees and constant flow of 'pineapple juice' quickly took the attention off my unlikely attire - you will usually find me in 'far too tight' jeans and too many coloured tops. And if anyone hides my leather jacket again, I will not be best pleased.

Oh, almost forgot... Hello there - LAURA MARKS here. How are you? I'm guessing you're gonna find out a lot more about me and my pretty crazy life, so I thought I would give you a wee head start...

In short - I'm an acting, singing, writing, music loving, ice cream eating, cocktail drinking, second hand shop going, shoe buying, gangster film watching, fake people hating, bright clothing wearing wee Glasgow lassie! I am 5 ft 2 inches, honest.
I like to do impressions, although terrible, so have a wee look at my MySpace if you wanna see me being oh so 'posh'.

As you will learn, I don't take myself too seriously. I think that wee 'ooh' noise people make when they go over on their ankle is hilarious and I enjoy chasing skinny boys with long hair and tattoos... I also love the sound of a big air kiss - it's so utterly ridiculous, yet brilliant.

Wasn't it a sad day when they stopped making Creamola Foam?!

One more thing - I enjoy the company of eccentric people and learning useless but interesting information. I'll leave you with the fact that your office desk has 400 times more bacteria than your toilet seat! So, eh, get cleaning...

Things are about to get CRAZY! WOO HOO!

LM x

(PS - try toast and jam with slices of apple on top - trust me... you'll be surprised!)