What the world needs now...

Unless you've been living in a cave with no access to news from the outside world for the last couple of days, you'll have heard about the recent tragedies that have taken place - the shootings in Norway, China's bullet train crash and, of course, Amy Winehouse.

If these last two days have taught us anything, it's just how very precious life is. Although I have been deeply saddened by all of these occurences, I've decided to take today to celebrate life and to tell the people that I love just how much I care about them. And that includes you, my dear reader.

Since I started this blog nearly three years ago , I have met so many new people and have made some great friends. Not just in the "online" sense either - I'm talking about real friends that I care deeply for, and that I am now very close to. Then Twitter came along, and it's allowed a lonely freelancer like me to converse with more wonderful people on a daily basis.

Just some of the great blogger friends I have made...I am a very lucky girl.

In short, I am extremely grateful for you, internet. And I love you. These last few days have reminded me of a quote from 'V for Vendetta'. Yes, I am a massive geek, but the sentiment is true:

I hope that whoever you are, you escape this place. I hope that the worlds turns, and that things get better. But what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you that, even though I do not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you, I love you. With all my heart, I love you.

So why not go and tell someone you love just how much you care about them right now? I promise you won't regret it.

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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Creating a spectacle

A little while ago, I attended the launch party for London Retro, a super-chic new glasses range inspired by the eclectic trends of the coolest parts of London.




Not only are there a wide variety of ultra-cool, flattering frames to choose from, but they're also pretty reasonable too. And because you can order them through Glasses Direct, you're sure to get a bargain as they have some great deals such as buy one get one free - what more can you ask for?!

The lovely Lizzy of Scientist Chic and Lucy of Snippets of Shiny Thoughts

The equally lovely Gabby Young

The blogger gang! From left to right: Amy of Wolf Whistle, Katie of London Plinth, Gabby and Lizzy.

The whole night was great, especially the photobooth provided by the enthuisastic gents over at The Mighty Booth, who offer a bespoke unique photobooth experience. In fact, the booth was so much fun I went in twice!



Since attending the event, I have actually ordered myself two pairs of glasses in the 'Shoreditch' frame (I fit my local stereotype, it seems!) - one regular pair, as well as a pair of prescription sunglasses. I had originally planned to write about the event sooner including photos of me in my shiny new specs, but unfortunately they haven't arrived yet. Here's a picture of the 'Shoreditch' frame solo:


What do you think? I personally love me some tortoiseshell, and I think they will look brilliant as sunglasses.

To find out more about London Retro or to browse their lovely frames, visit www.londonretro.com.

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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Feel closer

Since the invention of the internet, there has been a lot of stigma and skepticism surrounding the medium. How many times have you heard a friend or work colleague rant about how impersonal the internet is, how it isolates people from the real world or even real people? As a blogger, I hear it all the time. Despite the fact that I have met a large number of people from the online world in the flesh, a few of my friends still giggle that I have "internet friends".

Whether you love the internet or resent its ever-expanding presence in our lives, the simple truth remains that it's not going anywhere. And that's not a bad thing. The internet is not something to be hated or feared - it's an accessible channel that brings people together. I'm not talking about online dating sites or chat rooms (although, let's face it, they do connect people in a creepy/sexy sort of way...), but more of what a powerful communication tool it can be to keep you close to your loved ones when you can't physically be with him. I can't tell you how grateful I am for the invention of Skype, which allows me to talk to my 81-year-old Nana in Spain or see my cousins all the way over in America for free. In fact, I personally believe that thanks to the internet, we're all closer together than ever before.

NIVEA, the clever people who have been providing the world with affordable skin care for a mind-blowing 100 years, also think that the way the internet keeps people close is pretty damn cool, and have launched a new campain to celebrate this called "A Million Moments of Closeness". NIVEA are inviting you to celebrate 21st century closeness by uploading photos of you sharing a cosy moment with a friend, colleague, sibling, partner, parent or relative over at their Facebook page - www.facebook.com/niveauk. They are also holding road shows across the UK where you and a friend can jump into a photobooth and have your picture instantly uploaded. However you choose to enter, you’re in with the chance to win prizes! Every day a picture of the day will be selected by psychologist, Professor Geoff Beattie, and the winner will receive one of 100 prizes worth £100. They are also encouraging people to wade in on the technology-closeness debate, so if you have a thought or two on the subject be sure to head over to their Facebook page to speak your mind.

If you need inspiration for your submission, here are some wonderfully cheesy stock images to get you in the zone...

This is a Sponsored Post, but I do hope you like it all the same.

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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