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October 2, 2018

New look, same us!

From FTP Digital to Subscript.it…we’re back.

October 30, 2017

Stress and anxiety can weigh us all down at times, but you can overcome these feelings by using your senses to feel light again. A conscious connection with the sensory system enables us to de-stress. It brings us into a present state of mind, distracting us from past or future thoughts associated with unease. When

September 25, 2017

Tuning your tummy

It all starts within the gut. This incredible internal system thrives on friendly probiotic bacteria to function effectively and support proper digestion. The key is to maintain balanced flora because when it is out of synch we can become quite unwell. Imbalance is common, especially given the combination of everyday stresses and processed foods that

September 4, 2017

The power of pilates

Pilates. This wonderful low impact workout provides complete conditioning for the mind and body. It focuses on correct breath and bodily alignment techniques, which help us become more in-tune with our movements. This is paramount to sporting performance, injury prevention and recovery, as well as good posture and our overall health. Pilates is an all-encompassing

August 14, 2017

Awareness – an approach to life

Sometimes it can be so difficult to keep up with todays pressured pace of life. Perhaps, it is the constant expectations and actions that pull rank over any real sense of awareness and appreciation for the day. This can spiral into mindless motion, endless disappointments, anxiety, and even chronic fatigue. As such, we may become

July 31, 2017

Magnesium the miracle macro-mineral

This incredible mineral has a plethora of health benefits: Sleep well: Magnesium deficiencies disrupt melatonin our natural sleep inducing hormone. Relaxation: It eases tension and boosts mood hormones to calm the nervous system. Muscle health: It facilitates the growth of muscle mass and enhances cell energy stores. Bone strength: It is a powerful nutrient needed

July 17, 2017

Let freedom flow

Feel inspired and ready to embrace the sense of spirit, spontaneity and adventure that summer brings. Given the fast pace of life, it is so easy to become stuck in a rut, doing things out of habit and constantly moving. It’s easy and it works but does it fulfil us? Rarely, in fact it can

June 30, 2017

The dark side of tourism

Whether you’re after sun, sea and sand, adventure in the outdoors or a cultural city break, there’s more to consider for a holiday than just the destination. But how many of you research the country’s economy, attitude towards wildlife or crime levels first? There’s a dark side to tourism, but unfortunately most will turn a

June 26, 2017

Why massage matters

Stress is known to be one of the greatest contributors to disease and continued unhappiness. It is also becoming more and more difficult to avoid in our daily lives. Thankfully however, there are plenty of ways we can positively manage it. One simple and effective method to reduce any dis-ease within the body is to

June 12, 2017

Make peace with imperfection – take a lesson from nature

So beautiful and yet quite imperfect in form. Our natural environment is a profound world of contrast and yet it offers incredible equilibrium between the simple and complex. There is something quite magical that resonates within us when we embrace the great outdoors. It takes us beyond the confines of the mind and brings us

May 29, 2017

Belonging is beautiful

Community Collective. A sense of cohesiveness with others is incredibly beneficial to our wellbeing. Yet, in today’s technological world, we risk isolation and disengagement. There could well be a significant link between the advances in social media and the increased mental health issues we face in the western world. Less presence & connection can lead

by Sanaa Siddiqui

May 17, 2017

I went all the way to Disneyland and did nothing

28th March, 2017 – the day I went to Disneyland … and did nothing. No rides, no shows. Sure, I met Daisy Duck and sure, it was a great experience, but aside from that? NADA. Why? I hear you say. Well, as a social experiment, it was super interesting. The children gawped and the adults

May 15, 2017

Feel free to let go

As we go through the rollercoaster of life we can become quite accustomed to our routines and comfort zones. As creatures of habit we like to know what and how to do things. This helps us feel grounded, stable and in control. However, it can also lead to complacency and dissatisfaction. In turn this can

May 8, 2017

Writing for wellbeing

Taking the time to journal is so worthwhile. It provides a personal outlet that enables us to express and channel our thoughts positively. Here are some of the wonderful benefits it brings to mental health and wellbeing. CLARITY: The pace of life can be fast and often overwhelming; this can lead to a monkey-muddled mind.

April 24, 2017

Nutrition for less stress!

Wholesome food choices are one of the best places to start when it comes to managing stress levels. There are just so many wonderful sources brimming with vitamins and minerals that the body needs to maintain balance, composure and resistance against the pressures of day-to-day living. Positive energy: Serotonin Lean meats including turkey and chicken

April 17, 2017

Wishing for whiter teeth

We are all striving to feel and look our best one way or another! The wish for whiter brighter teeth is a popular one and many go to great costs to reach the ideal. This is simply because it is believed to boost both appearance and self-confidence. But did you know there are many natural

April 3, 2017

Sleep, rise and shine

Sleep is essential for balanced wellbeing. It supports our brain in body repair and enables essential processes that rejuvenate and protect against daily stress, promoting ongoing physical and mental performance. Take on board these tips to reap the bright benefits which include better immunity, mood, appetite, focus and indeed a refreshing and renewed zest for

by Jade Newman

March 29, 2017

Beauty and the beast of imitation

The nostalgically alluring Beauty and the Beast live-action remake, directed by Bill Condon, has made its debut at UK cinemas nationwide. The film has marketed itself on its ‘21st century upgrade’ and Disney’s version of the traditional fairy tale now has added zeitgeist with CGI, gay characters, transsexual cues and a feminist princess. It is clear that stereotypes have

March 27, 2017

Walking wise

The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other grants us great independence and freedom, its quite a liberating gift! Furthermore, it provides natural health benefits for mind, body and soul. A brisk walk in the fresh air clears the mind during times of stress, improves physical health and promotes balanced wellbeing.

March 17, 2017

Swimming as therapy

The benefits of swimming are incredible. The active weightless motion effectively trains the cardiovascular system and tones muscles most beautifully. It also enhances posture, energy, rehabilitation, fitness and flexibility, which make the body more resistant against illness and injury. Furthermore, the positive impact of swimming goes far beyond the physical aspect. It also provides therapeutic

by Shaun Wells

March 15, 2017

Procrastination versus masturbation

I once told my 14-year-old cousin that I was a specialist in procrastination. He laughed gleefully and asked what porn websites I used. HAHA! “Noooo not masturbation, procrastination, it’s when people waste time to avoid having to do the tasks that they eventually have to face.” “Oh right” he replied, “But still what porn sites

March 13, 2017

Shine on the spring

Spring is an incredible time of year, it creates a real sense of hope, wonder and opportunity for us all, particularly after the long winter blues. That morning commute becomes ‘almost’ enjoyable with all the natural beauty and colour that crosses our paths. Daffodils smile brightly amidst arrays of tulips and primroses on every corner.

March 8, 2017

Say yes to yoga

An ancient tradition & philosophy that embodies the wisdom of holistic health and wellbeing. This incredible practice of mindful breathing, postures and meditation is healing, restorative & strengthening. RELAX: Focused breathing stills the mind, releases stress and oxygenises the brain. AWARENESS: Mindful movement connects us with our true self, cultivating calm & care. ENDURANCE: Yoga

February 27, 2017

The answer to anxiety

During stress, learn to manage your mind so anxiety doesn’t manage you. BREATHE: Shallow and rapid chest breathing is a natural response to stress, causing emotional unease. Focus on mindful controlled deeper abdominal breathing to ease nerves whilst increasing energy, relaxation and clarity. MOTION: Gentle and repetitive physical activity like swimming, walking or even cleaning

February 23, 2017

Cultivating happiness in six easy steps

Happiness is difficult to define but it can be so simple to achieve. It is those little gestures & joys that make all the difference in life. 1. KINDNESS: Life can be hard for us all so shine a light with regular gestures of goodwill. Say thank you, smile at strangers, listen to others, buy the big

by Mariah Feria

February 21, 2017

Adichie: The new face of No7 and modern feminism

In October 2016, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie became the most recent face of No7, Boot’s own makeup brand. She appeared in a nature-inspired television advert wearing a full face of makeup, and making statements such as ‘makeup doesn’t really mean anything’, and that it is ‘what makes me [Adichie] happy when I look in the mirror’.

by Emma Sherman

January 23, 2017

Veganuary

January is a popular time for people to give up things they feel their body does not need, things such as alcohol and cigarettes, in an effort to detox after the Christmas holidays. This year however Veganuary has been the latest experiment, giving up meat, fish, dairy, eggs and honey for 31 days. However, as

by Jade Newman

January 18, 2017

Trainspotting – the nineties and the non-conformist after party

Trainspotting is regarded as a cult classic and with Danny Boyles’ visionary aesthetic ability and the cast’s convincing charisma it capably conserved the edginess of Irvine Welsh’s novel and epitomized the hedonistic 90’s decade. Camouflage, Converse, suede bombers, denim, Adidas stripes, combats, crop tops, snake skin, pinstripes and peroxide remind us of the casual yet risqué

by Emily White

December 30, 2016

The B in LGBTQ

The bi-sexual woman: the magical unicorn of the queer community. Tell anybody you’re bi-sexual and they’ll have an opinion. To my work colleagues I’m ‘greedy,’ as though I’ve simply piled my plate too high at the genital buffet. To the porn industry my sexuality is reduced to a spectacle for the satisfaction of the assumed

by Sanaa Siddiqui

November 11, 2016

Tales from China: London to Shanghai

In July, I left the comforts of my home – and, actually, the comforts of my country – to become an English teacher in the world’s most populous city. While the travel guide, Mandarin phrasebook and Skype calls with current trainers loaded me with useful information, there were some lessons only Shanghai could teach me.

by Owen Johnson

November 2, 2016

Estates of mind – peeling back the hood

I always thought my formative years were at University, all that lazing around, drinking and throwing up. But I’ve found out they actually took place between the ages of 0 and 2, when I was doing exactly the same things. Neuroscientists have recently discovered the importance of our first 1000 days, including time in the

by Mariah Feria

October 31, 2016

Halloween around the world: The all souls procession in Tucson

Across the globe, the period surrounding the end of the October and beginning of November is celebrated in various different ways. Whether it’s the Western idea of Halloween, or the Spanish speaking holiday of Dias de los Muertos, it cannot be argued that this time of the year has significant impact on how (and why)

by Emma Sherman

October 4, 2016

Not all those who wander are lost

After spending seven and a half months in Australia and having only been back in the UK for seven weeks, why is it that I am already planning my next trip? Am I so desperate to get away again, to escape real life? Or am I just using my freedom and lack of responsibilities as

by Owen Johnson

September 26, 2016

Estates of mind: Punched in the stomach

We used to hang out in a park when I was a kid. It was a huge wide-open space starting at the top of a hill and rolling down a few hundred feet. One evening a car pulled up at the bottom and three older kids got out, they looked about seventeen, a couple of

by Emma Sherman

August 31, 2016

The future of fashion

I’m going to let you all in on a little secret, before I turned vegan, I was a huge fan of leather. Who wouldn’t be with its valuable and unique features: its durability, its classic luxurious look and its ability to withstand water. So what if I told you that there was a new type

August 19, 2016

Can numbers determine our destiny?

I’m sure almost everyone reading this has a favourite number – mine is 6. It hasn’t been particularly lucky for me, but it sure crops up a lot in my life. Some people believe numbers can reveal a lot about ourselves, but can they determine our destiny? Can numbers be used to predict our future?

by Zara Mirza

August 17, 2016

Averts, adverts everywhere, not one is representative

Advertising is everywhere. Billboards, online sidebars, ‘cookies’, pop-ups, TV commercials and so on bombard us every single day. Subconsciously, these images are affecting who we are and who we strive to be. We relate to adverts and become persuaded that we need certain products in order to become better versions of ourselves, but how many

August 8, 2016

Game of homes: Kasita and the housing crisis

I remember being around ten years old with a solid idea of what my life would be like in my mid to late twenties. I imagined a four bedroom house, a wife, children and a good job where I’d make plenty of money. Now at the age of twenty-six, it’s beginning to look like a

August 3, 2016

Competing for equality: Sportswomen’s fight for a fair playing field

August 5th, the start of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. A much-anticipated spectacle, where sporting elite will showcase their skills, in exchange for medals, accolades and adulation. However, sportswomen find themselves having to compete in far more than their chosen sport, they’re also competing for equality. Most often the debate focuses on equal pay, but

by Polly Loughlin

July 27, 2016

Kitten heels and oestrogen – Theresa May

A couple of months ago I put money on Theresa May to be prime minister by the end of 2016. It hadn’t occurred to me as a real possibility, but I’ve always liked her and when it came up under politics specials on my Ladbrokes app, I saw no reason not to stick a few

by Ceri Clark

July 25, 2016

Thatcher 2 – the sequel

As a feminist I’m thrilled that we have yet another female prime minister. It is a fantastic sign of our ever increasing modernising world and that women are getting the chance to stand up and show their strength, but did it really have to be May of all people? Whilst I’m glad we actually have

by Charlotte Whiteway

July 4, 2016

Pop-Con: A con for fans, made by fans

Fan conventions all over the world are some of the biggest events on the calendar for genres and medias of all kinds. From Comic Con, Anime Asia, YouTube’s VidCon to a whole convention dedicated to the sitcom ‘The Office’, the last decade has seen a huge increase in the popularity of these events where fans

July 1, 2016

Post Brexit: Get off social media, get on the streets

Well there it is, we voted Brexit, but why are so many people still unhappy? Put simply, the result is way too close. It is almost a 50/50 split, meaning whatever happens next, half the voting population are going to be put in a situation they voted against. Many are calling for a more conclusive

by Sanaa Siddiqui

June 24, 2016

Startups – the business-life battlefield

We don’t do things by halves at a start-up. I joined the frontline as a wide-eyed, nervous PR Officer. This was my first job, and within the clean-technology sector; all I had going for me was writing skill and three months of experience working in PR for a large car manufacturer. I thought it was

by Ceri Clark

June 22, 2016

The relevance of formal exams

Now we’ve all sat them, a big hall or a classroom with individual desks, as if the space between us somehow made it impossible to see the person next to us, silence with the invigilator giving us the same speech that, by the time our third or fourth exam came round, we all knew off

by Joseph Lyne

June 17, 2016

Who wears the pants… cape?

We are living in an epoch of superhero media, with film, TV and comics capitalising on the best that DC, Marvel and others have to offer, attracting thousands of new fans and old fans with every release. Kids love them, adults love them and they rake in the cash; that said, very few of the

by Michael Lee

June 6, 2016

T-girls and admirers

For most people Thursday is that mundane day of the week awkwardly squashed in between Wednesday and Friday. Come 9pm on a typical Thursday evening most people will be sat comfortably perched on the sofa in their front room watching the latest episode of Coronation Street. But as I squeeze my stomach tightly trying to

by Graham Peters

May 30, 2016

The grey haired movement

What started as a farce, if you believe the mainstream media, is now a reminder for any Camerons, Trumps and Clintons that the lefty heart of the working class beats. Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders have awoken something dormant, though some would have had you believe dead: socialism. While it isn’t as 1950s Russia as

by Jack Smith

May 27, 2016

Betcha bottom dollar ‘ahem’ pound

We all know the well-loved orphan who sings her way through life’s miseries and luckily gets to live in a mansion with the mega rich, Oliver Warbucks. Everyone’s sang along to the catchy and oh so cheery songs that make Annie so fantastic. We were all so happy that Annie got a happy ending, despite

by Polly Loughlin

May 18, 2016

Shattered illusions – Israel debunked

Forget the words “zionism”, “semitism” and “Jewish”: any British politician who denies Israel’s right to exist should be sent straight out of the House of Commons. Jeremy Corbyn and his ragtag team of commies want to castigate the 2% pocket of the Middle East which is an oasis of democracy, women’s rights and technological innovation.

by Michael Lee

May 18, 2016

Table for one please

Eating alone in public makes some people feel uncomfortable, especially in a restaurant. They are the sad and the unaccompanied. The lonely ones who dare eat amongst the coupled and acquainted as they peer snidely from behind their menus. They are the ones who can’t get a date and must face these social outings like outcasts.

by Jack Smith

May 13, 2016

Take me out – the diary of a first-time cruiser

The well-known and much loved Paddy McGuiness regularly presents the show Take Me Out on ITV. For those who haven’t heard of it, it’s a dating programme where a single man tries to win over as many of the women on the panel, and choose one lucky lady to go to the Isle of Fernando’s

by Joseph Lyne

May 11, 2016

The curse of the joker

It’s no surprise that Hollywood actors love to play villains, and audiences love to see villains on the big screen. Actors want to get their teeth into characters that can steal the scenes and that audiences revel in, seeing the unpredictability of the Hannibal Lecters, Freddy Kruegers and Darth Vaders of the silver screen. One

May 9, 2016

The do’s and don’ts of the daily commute

Public transport, it’s the enemy of many; friend of few. How nice would it be to get through one commute without wanting to scream at total strangers for not following the rules? What rules you may ask? Well, if you’re unaware that there are rules, I suggest you start walking to work and don’t set

by Kat Haylock

May 6, 2016

Digital amnesia

Over the last few years, I’ve learnt to take survey findings with a pinch of salt (a mineral responsible for obesity, according to a 2015 survey). I’ve learnt that bacon causes cancer, gives you heart disease and is better than sex. I’ve heard that vegetarians live longer but also die earlier. I’ve learnt that surveys

by Kat Haylock

April 30, 2016

The South Korean love industry – part 1

“Probably… eight-five percent of my friends have slept with prostitutes.” Established in the last fifty years, South Korea is an odd sort of place. Once poorer than Mozambique, it’s now considered one of the biggest emerging markets in the world. It’s a country where kissing in public is frowned upon and marriage is expected of

by Michael Lee

April 28, 2016

Chyna – a true hall of famer

The familiar irritating noise of my alarm clock wakes me up from my deep slumber on cue. I lay in bed for a few moments relishing in the warmth of my bed sheets, which I know in a few minutes I will have to leave. I start my day as the morning light hits my

by Joseph Lyne

April 21, 2016

Anime – who’s a pretty boy?

It’s no lie that anime aesthetics vary from genre to genre: Yu-Gi-Oh! looks nothing like Death Note which looks nothing like My Love Story!!. There is, however, a design thread that seems to branch throughout anime – the feminine male character. It’s very easy to pick out a feminine man from various anime, but why

March 26, 2016

We buy black dot com

The truth of the matter is that the world knows our culture, but they are puzzled as to why they can’t buy from our people directly. We recently received an email from an Asian-American that said ” It’s unbelievable, and the products are so awesome. I never realized how much I didn’t see black people

March 26, 2016

Why we need Sanjay!

I LIVE for work that champions a completely different cultural experience. I can’t explain the joy I felt when I saw that Pixar Animation Studios had just released the following short movie. Not only is it Pixar’s first Indian family onscreen (way over due if you ask me) it explores the common dilemma faced by

March 19, 2016

A meeting place of dreamers – f$&* yeah its comic con!

One random May saw the coming of something great, a pilgrimage of many people from different walks of life – from Furries & Gamers to the Cosplayers & collectors there was not one geeky subculture left behind at the ‘mecca’ that is the London MCM Expo. For those of you who have never heard of the

March 19, 2016

Italian kitsch and karaoke – Bunga Bunga

Now if you told me that Karaoke and fine Italian dining could go hand in hand, I’d have laughed at you… That was all until I took myself down to the heart of Battersea for a meal at Bunga Bunga. I’m pretty sure you all understand the reasoning behind the words “bunga bunga” – if

March 19, 2016

For those who like to bare all …

Picture this …. The tranquil beaches of an island far away. Forget the pebbles of Brighton instead only white powdery soft sand sticking to your toes. A gorgeous sunset throwing every hue of orange and purple, crystal clear water that looks good enough to drink, that mixture smell of sea breeze and sea water that

March 19, 2016

Dabs – the newest kid on the block

Are you still blazing weed or hash? Its SO nineties the new word on the street is Dabs. On the most basic level dabs is hash oil. Many people say that hash oil is the most potent form of marijuana available, and with THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, say that after a few drinks. HA!) content starting at

March 19, 2016

Are you afraid of the dark? – witches debunked

“Double double toil and trouble fire burn and cauldron bubble…” Before long comes that time of the year again, when children dress as ghouls and creatures of the night, in search of confectionary delights and general mischief. The time of the year, we are lead to believe centres around the undead and by association the dark

March 13, 2016

Sonar – the modern way to festival

Sónar is the culmination of over 20 years work, the end result is as you’d expect; A festival that defies convention and stands entirely on its own as much more of an experience than just an event. The team are quite fussy when it comes to events we won’t be found frequenting the typical mud

March 13, 2016

Tales of the modern woman

Once again I begin at the source. Where all good things come from & where most of my ideas spark, that’s right … Facebook. No its not a joke, I’m being serious. Once again my boredom led me back to my news feed in search of entertainment and funny memes to kill some time before