My excitement levels have reached sky high this morning when an email popped into the inbox with the amazing words ‘ballet is back!’. Yes, the stunning Birmingham Royal Ballet, in collaboration with Birmingham’s Repertory Theatre, is returning with two ballets this June, including two brand new, World Premieres from Ballet Now, and a UK premiere, all as part of the Curated By Carlos (Accosta) mixed programme.  There is also the return of the magical Cinderella, a much loved favourite from Sir David Bintley. Curated By Carlos Curated by Carlos features City of a Thousand Trades, a brand-new, one-act abstract ballet dedicated to the city of Birmingham. This new commission from choreographer…

Starting your own beauty makeover will help you pick up your spirits again! And let’s be clear: it’s not about vanity or about impressing others, but about expressing a little self-love and appreciating yourself more.  When you look good, you feel good, and that’s a good rule to live by. That’s when the magic happens, and everything you touch turns to gold.  Here are five suggestions on how to design your own beauty makeover:  1. Shapely eyebrows  Let’s start with eyebrows because when it comes to planning a makeover, eyebrows get neglected. This is a shame. It’s subtle—but well-shaped eyebrows can make all the difference. In fact, many celebrities look…

In recent years, fans of Agatha Christie have been treated to some fine television and film adaptations. On the big screen we have seen a new version of Murder on the Orient Express, and the upcoming Death on the Nile, whilst tv has seen adaptations of The ABC Murders and The Pale Horse, a couple of documentaries celebrating 100 years of Poirot, and also three stories that put Agatha at the centre as a character, including my favourite, Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar. But as well as all of these, there is Crooked House, a film that seemed to be lost in the excitement of Murder on the Orient…

Your home is the biggest purchase you will ever make, and if it is a mortgaged property, it could be something you are tied into paying for for at least 30 years, so it is not a purchase that you jump into without really looking at all the possible issues. You may find your dream property, one that seems to be perfect for you and your family, but there are still issues that you should look at, even if the house is the right size, has the right amount of bathrooms, and has that perfect kitchen/diner. Before you sign on the dotted line and grab the keys, ask yourself these…