What Gifts would you like?

If there are people in your life that should keep happy and get the right kind of gifts for it’s the women in your life.  Whether it’s a birthday present for your new girlfriend, a Christmas gift for your wife or a truly thoughtful gift for your mom on mothers day, you need to get it right.

Just like our Top 10 Gift Ideas for Men it’s most definitely the thought that counts. But more the thought you put into getting the right present so they don’t  disown for the rest of your life.  Sure they will smile awkwardly, hug you gently and say thank you but when you look into their eyes you will see they are a raging inferno of anger.

So let’s not make these wonderful ladies in our lives angry,  let’s put some thought into it and help you find the best possible gift ideas.   Now we have not looked for risky gift ideas that could go either way in terms of love or hate.  We have gone with ideas that most definitely offer a sense of uniqueness but are more focused on aspects which either directly reflect or at least relate to something we know most women would love.

Fashion Watch – Now we are not saying go out and buy the craziest watch out there just because you think it’s fashionable, oh no. Stick to the basics and the rest will follow. As examples we recommend the Akribos XXIV or the Michael Kors Quartz MK5165

Tablet – Everybody loves gadgets, especially gadgets like tablets that can keep women on the move connected and looking cool (sorry for the cheese but it’s true). We recommend the Apple iPad 2 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab

Clutch Bag – No women can resist a stylish, yet elegant clutch handbag. We recommend the Adriana Castro Python Annie Clutch or the Chloe cream creased leather clutch bag

Luxury Robe – The key thing here is to get a robe that is uses high quality fabric. If you go cheap then it will show and they will see through it straight away. We recommend the Hanro Delight Short Wrap Robe or the Etoile Fine French Egyptian Cotton Robe

Wireless Mobile Speaker – This is an absolute no brainer. Everybody loves music and if it’s compatible with their Smart phone, tablet or lap top then you can do no wrong. We recommend the Bose® SoundLink® Wireless or the Soundfreaq SFQ-1

Juicer – Probably one of the healthiest choices in our top ten list but an absolute great idea, especially for the busy women in our lives looking for quick and tasty nutrition. We recommend the Breville BJE200XL or the Breville 800JEXL

Retro Digital Camera – Add a little bit of retro style to their digital camera lives with something unique. We recommend the Leica D-LUX 3 or the Pentax Optio

Fragrance – A classic gift for the lovely women in your life but just make sure you research some of the fragrances to know what might suit them. We recommend Miss Dior Cherie L’Eau or Chloe

Karaoke Machine – Now the reason this is not at number 1 is because there is a element of potential pain for the purchaser. But if you can unleash the Jennifer Lopez in them or at least make them feel like it then you are on to a winner. We recommend the Emerson GM527 or the iSM-1028

Hair Straighter – No seriously, if you can be smart enough to find a top quality hair straighter you will be at the top of the present buying pecking order. We recommend the ghd Professional Advanced Ceramic Heat-Styler or the BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin

An inspirational gift idea list below!

Are you struggling to find that special Christmas or birthday gift idea for those men in your lives? Sure they have a seemingly endless range of gadgets in their house but believe us when we say; “they want more”.   And if you do it right then you will also get the gift giving love back in return.

So what makes a great gift idea for men?  Well we have delved deep into this question before looking at the top 10 gift ideas for men and come up with the following key ingredient’s to ensure they will have a grin from ear to ear upon receiving it:

• The gift will make some part of their life easier or more pleasurable.
• It will make them look and feel cool when they are using it.
• It compliments their interests

Tablet – They are so much more than just an oversized iPhone or Android smartphone and will change their browsing and traveling experience. We recommend the Apple iPad 2 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Sport Watch – Don’t worry about buying a designer watch as it’s really tough to get it right. However with a sports watch you can’t really go wrong. We recommend the Casio Protrek Quartz Black Dial Atomic or the G-Shock Big Combination Military

Digital Camera – Yes their new Smartphone has a camera but it really is no match for a quality digital camera. We recommend the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5Vor the waterproof Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3

Gaming Console – The gaming console is so much more these days, sure he will be playing games on it but the versatility it offers in the realms of entertainment are mind blowing. We recommend the PlayStation 3 or the Xbox 360 Console with Kinect

Chef Knife set – Even if they don’t like to cook you can always push them into it by getting them a great set of chef knives. We recommend the Global Knife Set or the Wüsthof Gourmet Knife Block Set

Power Drills – Appeal to the DIY tool man in them and get them an array of power tools that they can use around the home. We recommend the DEWALT 6 Tool Combo Kit or the Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless 7-Piece Kit

Noise Cancelling Headphones – Whether they are trying to concentrate at work or listen to their favorite music on the plane, every man needs a good set of noise cancelling headphones. We recommend the Sennheiser HD 598 Audiophile Headphonesor the AKG K702 Headphones

Classic sneakers – A man can never have enough classic sneakers to line is wardrobe but don’t stray to far away from the normal designs. We recommend the Converse All Star or the Onitsuka Tiger Mex 66

Coffee Machine – Sure one of the best things about coffee is the process of going down to see you local barrista and getting you daily fix. But many an man loves the thought of being that barrista at home. We recommend the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine or the Casa Bugatti Diva

Messenger Bag – Every woman loves a good bag and if there is something that men are secretly jealous of it’s a choice of some cool bags to take to work. It’s true therefore we recommend the David King & Co Distressed Leather Messenger or the Ben Sherman Messenger

Yes, there are no controllers

Yes we know Christmas and Birthdays are not just about the wonderful presents that people receive as part and parcel (excuse the pun) of the celebration. Oh yes, we are well aware of the love and sharing attitude that should come naturally to these situations.  But sometimes, we also have to be a tad realistic and try get our little loved ones a special little something.

So take a deep breath, sit down and focus, everything is going to be OK.  Finding that next toy for the kids is one of the toughest things leading into their birthday or Christmas celebration.  But we are here to help take the stress away from you.  

We have taken the effort away from you having to make a decision and collated a top ten list of toys that will not only please the children, stand the test of time but be cost effective(ish).  That’s right we are not looking to break the bank here, we have found the toys that will offer your kids (and sometimes the parents) a truckload of entertainment but without the hefty price tag to match.

LEGO Hogwarts Game – Let’s face it, all kids (and some adults) are crazy for the sheek geek in a cape and his merry little magical friends. It’s a fact, Harry Potter is one of the all time fantasy phenomenon’s that has generated billions in merchandising.  We are not afraid to say that this game appeals to all facets of a good kids present, it has the classical goodness of Lego combined with the appeal of Potter.  We recommend LEGO Hogwarts Game

Kinect - Yes so this is the most expensive of the toys in the list but not only is it fun for a multitude of different ages but you can incorporate the whole family in the game and let’s face it if the kids are going to be playing games (that don’t require controllers)then they might as well be standing up and moving whilst doing it….The Xbox system is also much, much more than just a games console so the big boys can have some fun as well:) We recommend the Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect

Angry Birds: Knock On Wood Game - This brand originally started as a simple game on mobile phones and now has become a phenomenon with it even getting it’s own movie! We recommend Angry Birds: Knock On Wood Game

Razor A3 Kick Scooter – Yes this toy has been in the market for a number of years now but it is one of those toys that kids do not need a heck of a lot of skill to learn. The best thing is that the scooter is getting them outside and keeping them healthy.  Just remember to get them a few safety measures as well.  We recommend the Razor A3 Kick Scooter

Mindflex Duel Game – Focus the mind, no really, focus the mind to play this game with your kids.  It’s an absolute unique toy that we loved when we tried it out.  A strange concept but brilliant at the same time by using your mind to move a ball through a series of obstacles. We recommend the Mindflex Duel Game

Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon® - Bringing back the updated classic so that the kids can have endless amount of fun.  It’s so simple and yet let’s their imagination go a little bit crazy which is a great thing.  We recommend the Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon®

Syma Helicopter – Sure this is a little “boy” orientated toy but it is seriously an addictive amount of fun for the kids trying to keep this little sucker flying round the room.  It will keep the kids glued to this toy until the batteries run out by which time they will be tired and in need of sleep:) Warning, Dads may play this too much and steal it from the kids.  We recommend the Syma S107/S107G R/C Helicopter

Razor Rip-Rider 360 Drifting Ride-On – This has been made famous of late by some of the older dare devils on various MTV shows. But it still has mass appeal to the youngsters and is one of the more stable and safer activity focused toys out there.  Loads of fun and again a great toy to get the kids outside. We recommend the Razor Rip-Rider 360 Drifting Ride-On

WeeRide Pro-Pilot Bicycle Tandem Trailer – Another great toy that gets them more experience on the road but also let’s you encourage a healthy lifestyle.  Even for kids that already ride bikes this is a cracker of a present. We recommend the WeeRide Pro-Pilot Bicycle Tandem Trailer

Rory’s Story Cubes – This is a great educational game that get’s the imagination going for kids aged from 8 to 15.  Whilst not as much broad appeal as some of the other toys it’s one of the best sellers in the market place at the moment.  We recommend buying the Rory’s Story Cubes bundle of 6 Games

Counting calories is unhealthy!

Let’s face it, keeping healthy is some what of a weighty issue (excuse the pun) these days and not the most enjoyable part of our lives. Watching calories, not eating too much, going to the gym, staying away from the booze etc etc etc.   Sometimes it even feels like its a full time job but as we all know there is no gain without a little pain (mental or physical).

So if you are looking to kick start your healthy lifestyle and get back in shape then why not start by researching what some of the most famous celebrities are doing? Sure they might have a few personal trainers here and there but they are also the type of people that will only use a diet if it works (or if they are paid an inordinate amount of endorsement money by companies like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers).  If the diet’s didn’t work then they might not pick up that next movie deal and oh the drama that would cause them.

One thing is for sure with this top ten list, is that we have not included the “sell you soul” approach to dieting that Kirstie Alley has shown over the years.  We have looked at the research and provided the best celebrities diets that we think could be a  real option for you but as always remember to check with your doctor if you have any health issues or concerns.

5-Factor Diet: Celebrities on this total fitness and food diet include;  Lady Gaga, Megan Fox, Halle Berry  - Try it Out

The Dukan diet: A high protein diet that is essentially the French version of the Atkins but it’s broken up into four key phases. Kate Middleton used the diet before her wedding, need we say more? – Try it Out

The Macrobiotic Diet: An evolution of a Japanese diet which is focused on high fibre and low fat. Includes celebrities like; Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna – Try it Out

The Raw Food Diet: Pretty self explanatory but loved by celebrities like; Demi Moore, Alicia Silverstone, Carol Alt. – Try it Out

The Zone Diet: Staying away from the junk food (no brainer) and then making sure you have 3 small meals and 2 snacks a day is less strict diet which attracts celebrities like: Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston. – Try it Out

6 Week Body Makeover: It has a body blueprinting system which essentially means you will have custom meals created to your body type and has attracted the mother of all dieters, Oprah Winfrey – Try it Out

3 Hour Diet: Eating small meals every three hours has attracted celebrities like; Jessica Biel, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez – Try it Out

Hamptons Diet: Mixing up a healthy mix of carbs and sufficient protein this diet has attracted celebrities like: Sarah Jessica Parker, Renee Zellweger – Try it Out

Sonoma Diet: One of the more attractive diets as it fits in with your lifestyle hence why the following star use it; Jessica Alba, Salma Hayek – Try it Out

Blood Group Diet: This one is a little on the strange side as it tailors diet based on blood type but seems to be working for celebrities like; Courtney Cox, Liz Hurley – Try it Out

Focus on what works.

What happened to Nicole Kidman lately? Once a stunning beauty she now flaunts a new young look peppered with plastic surgery gone wrong. It astonishes the gruesome lengths famous women will take to keep their precious youth appeal. Will we look back and label this odd face the vogue of the noughties? Surely surgery can only get better?

Every beauty company knows it’s every woman’s desire to stay young and they’re not too shy about cashing in on this fact. From bio-ceramides to fortifying systems to cellular fillers the beauty industry knows a thing or two about selling and with this ground breaking technology launching daily it’s difficult not to be a little convinced.

Yet are we looking any younger?

This top 10 is not about turning back the clock ten years; you’ll need surgery for that. This is for ladies who are fed up with fluffy promises and want real results. Affordable, effective and non invasive, here’s our top ten for anti-ageing products that actually work.

Caudalie Premier Cru 50ml – Refined and effective, Premier Cru, is the Ultimate Anti-ageing Cream inspired by the greatest vintages from the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte.  A concoction of the rarest, most precious and naturally active ingredients makes this a powerful product for your skin. The fine ingredients in Premium Cru protect the skin from premature ageing and maintain optimal levels of moisturisation and hyaluronic acid to keep skin supple. The most sought after ingredient is resveratrol which stimulates sirtuins (longevity proteins) that increase the lifespan of skin cells by 160%. The skin is firmer and denser. This really is the cream of the crop, excuse the pun.

La Prairie Cellular Cream Platinum Rare 1 oz / 30 ml – This skin transforming formula won’t disappoint making it well worth the price tag.  Pure Platinum is the science behind this innovation which works by simply recharging the skin’s electrical balance to improve your skins nutrient absorption. The results? Plumps wrinkles (there really are visible results), refined and smooth skin for a radiant, flawless tone. Science and luxury that’s unbeatable.

Skinceuticals A.G.E Interrupter Mature Skin Treatment - This product is for an older skin type as it is targeted at improving the appearance of thin, creping skin.  A.G.E. Interrupter is a unique treatment formulated with 4% blueberry extract, 30% Proxylane™, and 0.2% phytosphingosine to help prevent the glycation process and correct severe signs of intrinsic aging in mature skin. The glyaction process is where glucose molecules stick to collagen and elastin fibres, binding them leading to severe wrinkling of the skin. AGE Interupter helps to prevent and also correct this process so the results really do work. There is also a fantastic eye product in this range that reduces the creping around the eye making the skin look firmer.

Olay Regenerist MicroDermabrasion and Peel Kit - A two step treatment with radiant results. Gently resurfaces the skins texture, accelerates cell regeneration and conditions the skin. Use twice a week and continue your routine for results that just keep getting better.

Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30 - Affordable and effective! Roc’s night cream works on wrinkles as you sleep which is when the skin is most receptive to repair and renewal. Overtime skin looks less tired and fresher in appearance. Retinal works to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles. Use with RoC Retinal Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum 1fl oz (30ml) for optimal results.  The serum can be used in the morning too and is a good base for make up.

Skin Labratory Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel - Glycolic acid is well known as a beauty must have due to the results seen after just one week of use. The benefits are endless and only improve with time – reduced pigmentation, smoothed out wrinkles, even skin tone – it’s the anti-ageing wonder ingredient.  And it’s not only for the face. If you suffer from razor bumps, stretch marks, eczema then give this product a go. The secret is repetitive and continued use.

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler - A cheat’s product that has a worthy place in every woman’s bathroom cabinet. The results are instant as the product literally fills in wrinkles so that they are no longer visible. Unlike the traditional fillers which used drying silicone the secret ingredient to Kiehl’s filling power is Sodium Hyaluronte spheres. Along with hyaluronic acid wrinkles are also smoothed away over time.

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum - Worthy of the huge publicity this product receives it’s effective and affordable. For the UK chemist Boots, Protect & Perfect is now a complete range on anti-ageing phenomenon’s. The serum is the hero product and offers and is now available globally online.

Prevage MD Anti-Aging Treatment - Elizabeth Arden’s secret ingredient in Prevage is Idebenone – the most powerful anti-oxidant available.  For those starting this product young the skin is protected from environmental aggressors – it’s like wearing a protective mask to shield you from all those invisible attackers such as UV rays and pollution.  For the more mature lady Idebenone works to correct damage that has already happened. The full range is recommended but if you only have the budget for one product it’s got to be the eye cream.

Lancome Paris Renergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Superior Lifting Cream With Spf 15 Sunscreen - Our last recommendation is Lancome’s superior lifting cream. Instant and effective coupled with longer term skin improvements. Drooping brows are lifted, sagging cheeks are firmer and a slackening jawline is tightened.

For extra Anti-Aging tips check out our other post on: Top Ten Anti-Aging Tips

The beginning of the phenomenon circa 2006

Lady Gaga is more influential than Opera, has a massed millions upon millions of followers on Twitter and ‘likes’ on Facebook and keeps producing more hits than Madonna at her peak.

But what makes this global sensation so appealling? Her music is obviously ground breaking in the pop culture industry but Lady Gaga’s fashion ‘ambushing’ of music videos and award ceremonies has won her a cult like following with her fans and admiration amongst her peers.

The outfits have truly captivated the imagination of a generation and provided her with a self perpetuating PR machine.  Trying to guess what she is going to come out with next is like being able to predict an earthquake…..although to be honest predicting an earthquake might actually be easier. 

But what has been the most captivating and controversial out fit to date? There have been many so crunching down this list into the Top Ten has been a little bit of a battle but we think we might have cracked it.

The meat suit worn at the MTV awards: 

The Lobster outfit that was worn at Mr Chow’s in London:

Lady Gaga stepped it up with this out fit within a shell at the Grammy’s:

The Bubble dress from the Fame Ball tour: 

The full body Red Lace dress from the VMA’s: 

The Living dress from the Monsters Ball tour:

The tiered white dress from the Brit Awards:

Lady Gaga wearing pearls at the beginning of Fashion week:

The see through Nun dress from her Monsters Ball tour:

Lady Gaga got a bit cheeky with this as our number ten:

The very iconic All Star

Sneakers have been part of pop culture for years, made famous by rappers, athletes and actors.  But it was not always famous feet making sneakers part of pop culture, oh no, they had very humble beginnings.  It is believed that sneakers were invented by a London Police officer who developed a rubber soled shoe to “sneak” quietly up on criminals.

There are so many sneakers in the market these days that it can sometimes be tough choosing your next favorite pair of sneakers.  And we know that getting the right kind of sneaker is nearly as important as getting the right kind of bed so we have taken our time in selecting the most iconic sneakers.

So let’s get cracking and look at the best sneaker’s this world has ever seen:

1. Converse – Chuck Taylor All Star
2. Adidas -  Superstar
3. Nike – Air Jordan
4. Reebok – Pump
5. Puma – Roma
6. Nike – Cortez
7. Adidas – Stan smith
8. Vans – Authentic
9. New Balance - 574
10. Onitsuka - California 78™ OG Vintage

It's open plan by the beach.

A couple of the team at The Quick Ten have just recently gone through the process of buying a house.   During this process it seemed they had dealt with some interesting real estate agents whom they entered into a seemingly ongoing psychological battle with.  Therefore we have used their experience as inspiration for this Top Ten as on so many occasions they felt like they were being spoon fed the same malarkey or commonly known as “bull shit”.

So hopefully the below list will help you spot the most common lies and avoid some of the pitfalls that comes with home buying.   Combine this with a decent level of research and you will be on your way to negotiating a great deal on a house.

1. “Trust me” – They are there for the seller not you, so it’s in their interest to shaft you sideways for as much money as possible.
2. “We have a lot of interest in the house” – Trying to create urgency is a classic lie that you should ignore.
3. “Houses like this don’t come up very often” – Yeah they do! Don’t fall for this little lie which is focused on making you feel like you will miss out.
4. “Tomorrow maybe be too late” – Again another FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) tactic by the agents.
5. “That’s not a damp smell we just shampooed the carpet” – If it’s smell’s damp chances are it is damp and that means trouble.
6. “The sellers are really sad to leave” – I’m sure they are but you really should not give a shit.  This first and most obvious ploy is they are trying to create a sense of value.  The second is the agent trying to make an emotional connection between you and the seller so you will accept a higher price.
7. “I have meet the neighbours and they are lovely” – They are an agent, not a love connection master.  This is to give you a sense of comfort about the neighbourhood.
8. “There are no structural issues” – Until the building inspector says so then don’t believe this one for a second.  They are a salesperson not a builder.
9. “Not only is this a great home but a great investment” – So I get to have my cake and eat it to? Oh rejoice, I can’t lose! Well yes you can, follow your gut and the raft of information available to you.
10. “It wont cost much to add a lot of value to this house” – If it’s to good to be true it usually is.

Is your boss a knob?

So you are sitting at your desk right now, doing what you should not be doing and browsing the internet for the top reasons as to why you should leave your job.  Well search no more, the team at The Quick Ten have compiled a top ten list of the best reasons to pack your bags and walk out that door for a new career…..just make sure it’s not one of the top ten most hated professions.

1. Not getting adequate remuneration.
2. Insufficient opportunities to progress in your career
3. You are simply just to bored in your role
4. Not enough recognition of your dedication and achievements
5. You do not see “eye to eye” with management
6. Stress
7. Change of life situation
8. Location of and commute to work
9. Instability of current company
10. You disagree with the company culture

Stress can Kill!

Coming into the new year and out of the holiday season, most people will no doubt begin to slowly slide back into their stress filled lives.  For those of you who don’t get stress then you are a lucky minority, however for others it’s an everyday occurrence.  So we thought we had better compile a helpful Top Ten list of way’s you can remedy your stress levels and bring your blood temperature back to normal.

1. Exercise – Get the endorphins pumping through your blood stream and release that stress by throwing tin, running, bag work, what ever your preference.  Along with a great stress release it also has all the other added benefits.
2. Breathing Exercises – Yep, it’s a simple case of taking a step back and getting some deep, controlled breaths which helps oxygenate the blood and reinvigorate the brain.  For more info check out these breathing exercises.
3. Meditation –  As cliched as this may sound, mediation (if done correctly and you have the patience) can provide a huge release from stress.  The focus on nothingness joined with focused breathing is a recipe for enlightenment.
4. Sex – What better way to get rid of your daily stress levels by par-taking in some horizontal dancing.  Whilst this might not be the right answer for the single people out there it certainly gets the blood pumping so to speak.
5. Music - Get your iPod, find your version of soothing music, find a comfy place to sit, close your eyes and loose yourself in the music.   It’s a form of escapism that puts more focus on your imagination rather than your stressful issues.
6. Massage –  Stress is as much mental as it is physical.  So take some time (and a bit of cash) and treat your muscles to a relaxation massage.  It’s a proven way to reduce the harmful hormones (cortisol, GH and norepinephrine) produced when under stress.
7. Diet - Making sure you have all the right nutrients in your body to counter the effects of stress is exceedingly important.  If your diet is not right and you have an energy crash at a stressful time it can emphasize the symptoms.
8. Sleep –  One of the best pieces of advice that I now live by is “take a night to sleep on it”.  If you are in a stressful situation where you are at risk of acting emotively then take the time.  Go home have a nice dinner and get some well deserved sleep.  Along with the sleep deprivation you may have already been suffering it gives you a chance to revitalise and prepare yourself properly for the the next day.
9. Humor – Laughing is one of the easiest ways to get rid of stress. It’s another outlet that will let you stop and see that perhaps the world is not going to implode tomorrow.
10. Hobbies –  Have some other activities in your life that do not relate to the stressful part of your life in any way shape or form.  This will allow your brain to re-focus on something else and give it a chance to re-charge.