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AMG Newsletter Archive March 2009 Newsletter
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| The AboutMyGeneration March Newsletter |
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Information, Inspiration, Motivation |
Hello and welcome to the AboutMyGeneration March Newsletter
February has seen record numbers joining the ranks of AMG and we send you a very special welcome. As always there are a lot of new inspirational ideas on the site this month.
With a few intermittent signs of brighter weather appearing at last, your thoughts may be turning to holidays, so we have put together some interesting travel ideas that you may not have heard about.
Walking enthusiasts might like to take a look at Ramblers Worldwide Holidays as they are offering holidays that combine the luxury and comfort of cruising with wonderful walks on terra firma. Not only will you get the chance to view new locations close up, but you can also enjoy all the wonderful food that cruising offers knowing that you can walk it off at the next port of call.
Rather than opting for a faceless hotel, why not discover one of Portugal’s best kept secrets – Pousadas. We give you the low down on these idyllic retreats that are concealed within historic and palatial buildings, but with modern and luxurious facilities.
If you thought skiing was beyond your budget this year then think again, as Mountain Paradise has fantastic packages in Slovakia, which include lift passes, for £499 per head. And despite being in the Eurozone, Slovakia is one of the few places that still has bargain prices.
If you are divorced, widowed or have a partner who doesn’t share your interests or passion for travel, maybe the idea of a holiday is not very appealing. But have you thought about taking a solo break? Nina Hasinski of Redpoint Holidays says the choice for single travellers has never been better and discusses the benefits of going it alone.
We are, of course, the generation that doesn’t age and we want to keep it that way. So that you may continue to look as young as you feel, Dr. Henry Clover, a dental expert and advisor to Denplan, explains how we can combat ageing teeth.
On a very serious health note, we are keen to support the Target Ovarian Cancer campaign to warn women about the symptoms of Ovarian cancer. Thousands of women over fifty could be at risk from this disease known as the silent killer. Check out our video to get the experts’ advice on how to recognise the symptoms, the common risk factors and how to cope with a positive diagnosis.
Still on the subject of cancer, we will be organising a walk in memory of a close friend of AMG whom we lost to breast cancer a few months ago. We will be setting up a Crocus Walk in her memory to raise much needed research funds for Breakthrough for Cancer. As many of you will have been directly or indirectly affected by breast cancer we hope you will join our fundraising effort. You will find information about setting up your own Crocus walk on AMG very soon or you can visit http://www.crocuswalk.org.uk/. For those who live in the North Kent area we hope you will pencil April 25th in your diary and join us at AMG.
On the special offer front, this month we bring you 20 per cent off The Rough Guide to Men’s Health which is not just essential reading for every man but also every woman.
For the socialites amongst us we have news of Restaurant Week from Lastminute.com. Enjoy the top eateries in London, Manchester and Birmingham with a 2 course lunch for £15 and a 3 course dinner for £25. The offer is valid from 16 – 29 March and you can book now. And if you want to combine it with a show, why not take a look at the fantastic offers on this month’s AMG Theatre Club.
Finally, as always we have a great range of competitions. There’s the environmentally friendly Breville One Cup Kettle and a Hamper of bottlegreen Cordials with an engraved serving jug. For a little escapism you can indulge yourself in a collection of novels shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award or you can unleash your creative side with Ewa Karpinska’s Guide to Wet-on-Wet Watercolour Painting. There are DVDs of the first series of Born Survivor featuring Bear Grylls or the romantic comedy The Accidental Husband, complete with a Colin Firth interview. To keep you looking good there’s a hamper full of pampering goodies from Actimel and tickets to the Vitality Show. Last but not least, there are tickets for the EDF Ideal Home Exhibition and The National Homebuilding and Renovation Show for the DIY enthusiasts, tickets to The Ordnance Survey Outdoor Show for those that love the great outdoors and tickets for La Dolce Vita for lovers of food, wine and all things Italian.
And finally we are now on Twitter. If you join Twitter and start to ‘Follow’ AMG you will get notified immediately a new article, discount or competition gets posted on the site.
Scroll down for more details on the news, discounts and special offers on AMG this month
Peter Morrell - The AMG Team
www.aboutmygeneration.com
New this Month
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 The Editor's Diary
updated 2nd February 2009
In this edition she decides that rather than being a journalist the diplomatic corp would have been a better option. She learns about a well kept Portuguese secret but discovers a cloakroom malfunction. It was then on to a contrived slum in the East End where again the cloakroom was missing a vital piece of equipment. Later in the month she meets a poet from North of the Border, but it's not Rabby and a charming farmer from Africa who gives her a gift that for some reason she can't forget the next day. On the home front her daughter's wedding gathers pace but will the budget stretch to the Gospel Singers?
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 Follow what is happening on AboutMyGeneration with Twitter
AMG now has its own Twitter page so you can see the minute that Competitions, Discounts, Offers and articles are published.
The AMG Twitter Address is www.twitter.com/amgmembers
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Restaurant Week returns for its third year
Celebrity Chef James Martin heads up the activity for this popular foodie event that lets you enjoy top class food at very affordable prices
This year lastminute.com's popular Restaurant Week will take place not only in London but also in Manchester and Birmingham with more top name chefs participating than ever before. The event offers two course lunches for £15 and three course dinners for £25. Diners can book their tables at participating restaurants on lastminute.com from 2 March for the chance to “Eat with the Elite” between 16 March and 29 March.
AMG caught up with James Martin recently for a whistle stop interview. To find out more about Restaurant Week and to read the interview click here...
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 Hidden Histories
A Pousada, despite sounding like a national dish, is one of Portugal’s best kept holiday secrets. Idyllic retreats concealed within historic buildings, they offer a charismatic alternative to faceless hotels for travellers on luxury breaks.
Pousadas are evocatively divided into four categories: History, Design, Charm and Nature. History includes unspoilt national monuments such as convents or castles – Design means more of the same but updated with hip interiors, Charm is in quirkier locations suited to those looking for romantic retreats and finally Nature, as the title suggests can be found in the heart of the countryside.
Click here... to read Peter Morrell's report on these unique hotels that also offer discounts for people aged 55 and over
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 How to stay as young as you feel
As the ‘older generation’ we are living very different lives to those of our mothers and fathers. Being over fifty is no longer considered ‘old’ as most of us believe that we are too young to be old!
With a more proactive and younger outlook on life, how should we be looking after our bodies to help us make sure that they can keep up with our active minds? Over the coming weeks, we will be talking to experts to get their top tips for staying healthy. This month Dr. Henry Clover gives guidance on overcoming ageing teeth.
Click here... to read more
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Going it alone on holiday
If you are divorced, widowed or have a partner who doesn’t share your interests or passion for travel, maybe you have thought about taking a solo break. The prospect may seem daunting but the trend for solo travel is increasing and travel operators are responding by providing more choice and value for money for the discerning single traveller.
Nina Hasinski of Redpoint holidays discusses the benefits of going it alone. To read more click here...
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The AboutMyGeneration Theatre Club
AMG has teamed up with westendtheatre.com to give you some great offers on spectacular West End shows.
This month there are some great Spring Savers with money off La Cage aux Folles, Marilyn, Billy Elliot, Joseph and Sunset Boulevard.
Also there are some excellent offers on drama and comedy including A View From The Bridge with Ken Stott, Burnt by the Sun at the National Theatre, Plague over England, On the Waterfront and Woman in Mind.
There are also great theatre and dinner packages from as little as £24.50.
Click here... to find out how you can see great West End shows at bargain prices.
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 Ovarian Cancer
Thousands of UK Women at Risk from 'Silent Killer'
Watch the Free Webchat
Click on the link below to hear from the BBCs ‘Street Doctor’ – Dr Ayan Panja and Frances Reid,Director of Public Affairs at Target Ovarian Cancer who will be in the studio to answer your questions about this little known disease; including how to recognise the symptoms, common risk factors and how to cope with a positive diagnosis. It is essential advice that no woman can afford to be without.
If you would like to watch this webchat then click here... |
 Booze Newz
Peter Morrell, Food and Drink Editor of AMG reports on the latest liquid surprises and delights.
updated March 2009
In the latest issue he meets a fair fellow from Oxfordshire, who's got a bee in his bottle and has a suggestion on how to trade in your hangover. He then meets a Brazilian who would be a useful companion to keep you cool on a warm day before becoming an honorary resident of Rio de Janiero. A stroll down a London Lane made famous by Hogarth in 1751 results in meeting an old friend with the initials TC (not Top Cat but close). It's then a dream of Spring to be spent relaxing with a fruity Aussie before finishing off in the company of an elegant French friend who has had the benefit of an oriental influence
Click here... to read Booze Newz and find out more
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The Colin Firth Interview
 Is Colin Firth a thoroughly British gentleman?
In the romantic comedy The Accidental Husband he plays Richard, the English fiancé of popular radio agony aunt Emily Lloyd (Uma Thurman). But their marital plans are put on hold when it appears she has unwittingly married a New York fireman (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) who has a particular reason for scuppering her wedding plans. Thurman co-produces and Griffin Dunne directs.
In this interview Colin talks about his role in The Accidental Husband, working with screen legends and how he raises the blood pressure of the older generation.
To read the interview click here...
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Walking on Water
The best of both Worlds
Walking enthusiasts looking for a slightly different holiday may be interested to know that Ramblers Worldwide Holidays has teamed up with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines to provide a range of holidays featuring the luxury and comfort of sea voyages with wonderful walks on terra firma. At each new port of call a Ramblers Worldwide Holidays Leader will accompany clients on a walking and sightseeing programme making the most of each new location.
Now there’s the added bonus that decreased fuel charges means a reduction in brochure prices and on board spending money is also provided with selected cruises.
For more details of Walking on Water cruises click here...
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The Rough Guide to Men’s Health
A must read for every man... and every woman
20% discount for AMG members
A few weeks ago a member posted on the AMG forum that he had been searching without success for a book that focused specifically on men getting in shape. We joined his quest and came across The Rough Guide to Men’s Health. This fantastic book provides the ultimate low down on how men can make the most of life with the body they have.
To read more and to find out why women should also buy this book too click here…
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Ski in Slovakia for just £499 including a lift pass
Mountain Paradise are offering a £250pp saving on their March packages to the Eurozone destination that won’t break the bank
If you thought that a skiing holiday was beyond your budget this year then think again. Mountain Paradise is offering a week’s skiing in Slovakia in March for just £499 per person – a saving of £250. The packages include return flights from Manchester or Luton, airport transfers, seven nights four star BB accommodation and a six day lift pass. Despite being in the Eurozone, prices in Slovakia are still a bargain, with a pint of beer, a vodka, soft drink or large sandwich costing only €1.
Click here... to find out more
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 Swinging Sixties or Missed Opportunities?
Ask anybody over the age of sixty about their memories of the flower power decade and they’ll likely reel off the old line “If you remember it, you weren’t really there”. But, according to a survey by MORE TH>N Life Insurance*, this is something of a myth as two thirds of them admit that letting the swinging sixties pass them by is one of their biggest life regrets. So were the sixties really the hedonistic times we love to talk about or did most of us miss out on all the action?
To read more click here...
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Answers to you Computing Problems
AboutMyGeneration / PlusNet IT Clinic
AboutMyGeneration has teamed up with internet and phone providers, PlusNet, to help you overcome all your IT and broadband issues.
So if you’re having problems with that new computer, printer, or wireless network that you got PlusNet is on hand to answer all your queries.
Founded in 1997, PlusNet has grown to one of the UK’s best-value internet and home phone providers. It has built its business on innovative products, excellent customer service and low-priced broadband services. The company now offers broadband and voice services to over 300,000 customers across the UK.
Just email your question to our PlusNet expert on ITAnswers@aboutmygeneration.com
For more information on PlusNet visit www.plus.net
To read the answers to questions already sent in click here... |
Latest Competitions
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 The Breville Hot Cup
Save time and money by boiling just the water you need with this innovatory new kettle
An analysis of the entrants to the competitions on this site during 2008 showed that some of the most popular prizes were those with an ‘Eco’ theme. It seems that preserving energy and helping to save the planet is a high priority among AMG members.
So, the latest kettle from Breville is likely to appeal to many of you. Called the Hot Cup, this clever kettle boils one cup of water at a time in a matter of seconds. At the press of a button it dispenses between 240 and 250 millilitres of water which, in plain language, is a mug full. Not only does it save time, but it is also extremely energy efficient. Apparently some 70 per cent of us boil more water than we need every time we use a kettle, amounting to a daily waste of 3.4 million kWh, or over 1500 tonnes of carbon dioxide in electricity use. That is some £91 million of wasted electricity.
Click here... to enter the competition
Closes 31st March 2009 |
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Look forward to the picnic season |
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 Look forward to the picnic season
Win a bottlegreen drinks hamper with an engraved serving jug
Soon we will, at last, be able to shed those winter scarves and coats as Spring is nearly here. And what better way to wave goodbye to those cold winter months than by heading to the great outdoors with a picnic and family in tow. To celebrate picnic season in ‘THE’ quintessentially English way, one lucky member has the chance to win a fabulous bottlegreen drinks hamper, filled with a selection of its mouth-watering natural fruit cordials and sparkling presses, plus a bottlegreen engraved serving jug.
For more details and to enter the competition click here...
Closes 31st March 2009 |
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Put Some Romance into Your Life |
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 Put Some Romance into Your Life
Your chance to win the complete set of the six novels short-listed for the 2009 Romantic Novel of the Year Award
Valentine’s day may be long gone but there’s still an opportunity to indulge your romantic side. Romantic fiction is the best selling, most widely read type of fiction, universally enjoyed because everyone knows something about love. And for nearly fifty years, the best books of the genre have been earnestly competing to win the accolade of the Romantic Novel of the year Award.
One lucky AMG member is in for a real treat as we are offering the chance to win all six books on the 2009 shortlist for this prestigious award.
For more information and to enter the competition click here...
Closes 31st March 2009 |
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Unleash your creative side |
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Unleash your creative side
Wet-on-Wet Watercolour Painting by Ewa Karpinska
Gordon Brown recently tried to paraphrase the great artist Titian who claimed that, at the age of 90 and after producing 100 pictures, "I'm finally beginning to learn how to paint"
Well here is your chance to start painting great pictures well before the age of 90. This fantastic new book by Ewa Karpinska, will help you get to grips with the basic principles and techniques of wet-on-wet watercolour painting.
It takes you on what is a very exciting and creative journey of discovery through this extremely popular medium. All you need are a few tubes of paint, a selection of brushes, a pad of paper and, of course, water.
AMG has five copies to give away so for your chance to win this book and learn a new life skill click here...
Closes 31st March 2009 |
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Do you have the Flu Factor? |
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Do you have the Flu Factor?
Get some comfort with these cold-weather busting treats...
Fuelled by this year's freezing temperatures, there has been a surge in flu cases across the UK over the past few weeks. Actimel has a range of tips from their wellness experts on how to avoid flu as well as helping you determine whether you are likely to become a victim of the virus. And as a real treat they are offering you some winter comfort with a kit of pampering goodies that includes a Sanctuary Spa Kit, some luxurious White Company Bath oils, tasty treats from Hotel Chocolat and an Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Kit.
To enter the competition click here...
Closes 25th March 2009 |
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EDF Energy Ideal Home Show 2009 |
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 EDF Energy Ideal Home Show 2009
20th March – 13th April 2009, Earls Court London
Win Five Pairs of weekday tickets to win
The EDF Energy Ideal Home Show 2009 is set to be the best yet, bursting with innovative ideas for the homeowners of today and tomorrow.
Reflecting the current economic environment, the Show will be focusing on how you can fall in love with your home all over again rather than making an expensive move. From a structural make-over to simply clearing out the clutter and discovering spaces you never knew were there, a plethora of style ideas and advice will be available on how to make your ‘now’ home your Ideal Home. Even the two show homes will demonstrate how the drabbest 1960’s house can be given a makeover that turns it into the home of your dreams
We have five pairs of weekday tickets to give away. For more information and your chance to win click here...
Closes 11th March 2009 |
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Bear Grylls: Mountains - Deserts & Swamps - Scotland |
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Bear Grylls
Mountains - Deserts & Swamps - Scotland
Two Sets of the groundbreaking first series of Born Survivor to win
From some of the highest points on the planet to some of the lowest, from the coldest to the hottest, real life action hero Bear Grylls has seen and conquered it all. The first groundbreaking series Born Survivor: Bear Grylls will be released for the first time on DVD during February and March 2009. The series is split into three parts:
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Deserts & Swamps
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Mountains
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Scotland
For more information and to enter the competition click here...
Closes 31st March 2009 |
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 The Accidental Husband
Forget Mr Right, start looking for Mr Wrong
Three Accidental Husband Gift Kits with DVD to win
Are you an incurable romantic who is already planning what to do next Valentine’s Day? Would you like a stylish and sexy evening in the company of some of Hollywood’s hottest stars? Then Momentum Pictures has the perfect answer with the DVD release of The Accidental Husband.
Starring Uma Thurman, Colin Firth and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, The Accidental Husband poses the dilemma that every nervous bride-to-be would rather not encounter – is Mr Right in fact Mr Wrong? What if Mr Wrong is already Mr Right?
Dr Emma Lloyd is a popular New York radio DJ whose sensible, practical advice is listened to and loved by women everywhere. Off-air, her own life is equally successful with wedding plans to dependable fiancé Richard running smoothly, until, that is, she makes a shocking discovery. She’s already married – and to someone else!
With her life turned upside down, Emma frantically sets out to track down the mystery man to annul the marriage. But, as the truth unfolds, she discovers that following her own advice might not be as easy as she thought.
Click here... to enter
Closes 15th March 2009
To read an interview with Colin Firth, one of the stars of The Accidental Husband, click here... |
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Enjoy a day of pure Italian indulgence |
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 Enjoy a day of pure Italian indulgence
Win tickets to La Dolce Vita
The ultimate Italian festival in London
La Dolce Vita, the annual highlight of every Italophile’s calendar returns to London on March 26-29 at Olympia Exhibition Centre. Back for its fifth year, bigger and better than ever. The four day lifestyle festival gives lovers of all things Italian an exclusive look at the latest in Italian food, wine, design, style, property and travel.
At the heart of the show is The Piazza where you can dine in London’s top Italian restaurants, Zafferano and Locanda Locatelli, and meet the celebrity chefs behind them. Here, amid the hustle and bustle there are plenty of food and drink samples and opportunities to spend your ‘Fiorini’, the show’s own currency which buys dishes from the restaurants. Once you’ve been inspired, a trip around ‘Il mercato delle delizie’, is a must. This handpicked selection of authentic producers showcase their unique products for you to buy in La Dolce Vita’s very own fresh food market.
We have a special offer saving you £9 on two tickets, plus five pairs of tickets to give away completely free. For more details click here...
Closes 15th March 2009 |
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The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show |
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 The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The Show that Offers Recession Proof Opportunities
Five Pairs of Tickets to Win
Would-be renovators and self-builders should see 2009 as an excellent time to start a building project. The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, on at the NEC from 19 to 22 March, can help you make the most of your home.
A thirty four per cent increase in the number of plots available for self-builders makes 2009 an excellent time to consider building your own home. Also, with the current economic climate providing the opportunity to negotiate hard on labour and materials prices, potential self-builders and renovators could make significant savings on their budgets, if they plan carefully, shop around and do their homework.
You’ll find all you need to create the home of your dreams at The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, For more information and to find out how you can win free tickets click here...
Closes 8th March 2009 |
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The Ultimate Outdoors Adventure - Indoors! |
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The Ultimate Outdoors Adventure - Indoors!
The Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show - NEC Birmingham
27–29 March 2009
Five Pairs of Tickets to win
The Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show returns to the NEC, Birmingham bringing the best of the outdoors, indoors. This year it will be supported by celebrity speakers from across Europe including Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE, British Climber Simon Yates and France’s number one female mountaineer Catherine Destivelle.
The 2009 event is outstanding value for money, showcasing four zones, The Outdoors Zone, The Water Sports Zone, The Adventure Sports Zone and The Craghoppers Adventure Travel Zone with over 300 exhibitors and 25 different activities to try and do, all covered by the entry price of a ticket.
For more information and a chance to win a pair of tickets click here...
Closes 17th March 2009 |
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 The Vitality Show 2009
Win tickets to the ultimate girls’ day out
Earls Court 26th – 29th March 2009
Want to find the key to looking and feeling great this year? Then make a date with your girlfriends and head down to The Vitality Show 2009. Europe’s largest health, beauty and wellbeing show is the place to see the latest beauty products and innovations, get top class advice and enjoy pampering experiences. Among the many great attractions at this year’s show are the Healing Herb Garden, A Health and nutrition Stage, the Vitality Day Spa and The Top Sante Anti-ageing clinic where the experts will tell you how you can look ten years younger.
For more information and to find out how you can win tickets to the show click here...
Closes 15th March 2009 |
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