So, I’m not sure if any of you know but its actually Christmas Day on Sunday, shocker, I know. So since it’s so close to the big day, it’s only right I do a Christmassy blog to get us all in the mood…right? WRONG! I’m sure you have had just about enough of what’s the top gift to get this year and the best way to recycle your tree. So I’m going to stick what I know, funny videos, good purchases and LADS!

Let’s kick things off, as always, with the ‘YouTube vid of the Week’. This week, we’re sticking to something short, simple and just god damn hilarious.  We can thank Ollie Sidwell (yes the founder of this fine company) and his weird sense of humour for this fantastic clip, cheers Sid! And the ‘Mother of the Year’ award goes to…….

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne3OMr1_Pxo

Now the award for ‘Purchase of the Week’ award doesn’t actually go to something I personally bought, but acquired through a very generous secret Santa.  As our Christmas social got underway last week we all exchanged gifts and I unwrapped (from my beautiful Metro newspaper wrapping) 3 gifts, the Hollyoaks calendar, a book called ‘The Game’ and a condom (very LADish). The gift I will be talking about is the book ‘The Game’; it’s something I hadn’t heard of before but has apparently created a lot of buzz. It is a real life story about a shy retiring writer, Neil Strauss, (pictured below) who suffers from a lack of charm and confidence when it comes to attracting the opposite sex. He decides enough is enough and wants to change his ways by studying world renowned PUA’s (pick-up artists) and their theories and techniques. Once he had adopted them and takes on the role of his alter ego ‘Style’ his amazing story begins. This story includes using his techniques on Britney Spears, receiving life coaching from Tom Cruise, moving in with Courtney Love and being officially voted ‘World Number One PUA’. I’m only on page 126 and I’m already engrossed and am sure it won’t take me long to finish.

Whilst reading it on the tube the other day a guy, who had read the book, interrupted me to tell me that he loved it and swore by it’s techniques. So a definite book for all the LADS out there!

Which brings us swiftly onto ‘LAD of the week’. This man is a smooth talking, smartly dressed and incredibly talented LAD. Women want him and men want to be him. Love him or hate him, there is no denying this man’s class. Even as I write this I am listening to his wonderfully received Christmas album. I am of course giving this award to Mr. Michael Bublé. Once again he has the whole country swooning over him whilst be bangs out great performance after great performance, with his big band behind him it seems as though nothing can stop this man from turning any song into a classic. There will be LADS out there who disagree with this week’s award but he is talented, loaded, women everywhere will do almost anything to be with him and all without having a six pack…LAD.

As always it’s been a pleasure and it’s time for me to shut up and for you to get back on with some work!

Adue, Kwa Herini, Auf Wiedersehen and Goodbye!

Tom

Loughborough graduate Rebecca Griffiths tells us how she found the inspiration and courage to start her own business and some top tips for those of you who want to do the same! Since this is something we can relate to here at RMP we’re delighted to let her tell you her story. Here’s what she had to say…

For me, graduating from Loughborough University was one of the most daunting experiences. Being released into the real world is something that most students dread. It’s even harder still when after three years of study you still haven’t worked out what you want as a career. This was my dilemma.

I would never have imagined starting a business but today, I am writing this blog post following the launch of my new online fashion store wantherdress.com. The website is a family business and was created with my sister, a graduate of Leeds University.

I had never seen myself working in the fashion industry; I had studied drama so it was a very unlikely move. It soon became clear to me that the fashion industry was the way forward, since all my interests were within it and e-commerce, especially in fashion, is continuing to grow making it one of the most popular ways for customers to shop. Now I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. You don’t have to stick to what you have studied, there are so many opportunities out there and you can adapt your experiences from university to suit the career you love. Charlotte, my sister, knew shortly after graduating that this was her dream career. This made the perfect balance when working together.

The creation of wantherdress.com has taken around five months from the initial idea. Starting a business is extremely difficult, but the most challenging part is having the guts to go for it. We have learnt so much already. As young women and recent graduates, we have found that sometimes it is difficult to be taken seriously by the people we deal with. We have now built more confidence when dealing with suppliers and other partners to ensure that we are receiving the best service from everyone.

The goal for this website is not just to be an online store. As you can see by the name Want Her Dress, it has more of a social context to it. Our eventual aim is for the website to be a social network for girls and women to share their fashion experiences, style tips and photos to encourage others to Want Her Dress.

Tips for students looking to start a business:

• Rather than constantly talking about ideas, take action.
• Don’t be put off by others or talk yourself out of it.
• If you believe you can do it, you’re right. Never give up.
• Never be embarrassed about what you don’t know, never pretend to understand something you don’t, just ask.
• Enjoy it…business should be fun!

Visit our website: www.wantherdress.com. You can also follow Want Her Dress on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wantherdress & Twitter: @WantHerDress for exclusive posts on offers, photos and an insight into the day-to-day workings of the team!

Words by Rebecca Griffiths

Photo by Tomal Price

Today has to be one of the best days to write my blog….the morning after the night before of the RMP Christmas Social.

Priceless.

There are so many stories I’m not even sure where to start, but to avoid total embarrassment for more than one or two of the team, I am simply going to share the results of today’s post Christmas social Awards and a few choice photos….and then let your active imaginations work out the rest.

Bambi on Ice Award – Ed Flower

Funniest moment Award – The Speeches; Pretty much everyone got involved

This week I learnt….

……….that I’m mellowing with age

“Back in my day…” and “When I was young…” used to be the phraseology reserved for generations before me, but more and more often I find the tendency to cite such things creeping into my conversations.

I have distinct memories of being confident, care-free, out to all hours and showing no sign of the party-hard lifestyle whatsoever. Admittedly they are quite vague memories, but they are memories all the same. Having not drunk for almost 6 weeks following a kidney infection (until last night when I had a sneaky couple of drinks – see below), I’ve begun to notice how reserved my social life has become.

Gone are the days of missing dinner to fit into an outfit, eating a cheesy chip with garlic sauce at the end of the night and then missing the keyhole over and over again once you (finally) make it home at 5am (last night it was 3am).

Ageing happens to all of us but from experience, the fact that you are ageing slaps you in the face when;

• Your friends and ex’s start to get engaged/married/have babies

• You realise you have known your uni friends for over 6 years (and quite clearly should no longer be living/eating/partying like a student)

• You no longer care about people knowing that you genuinely would prefer to have a quiet New Years Eve

• You have a quiet New Years Eve

• You get Christmas cards addressed to you and your significant other and no longer get ones just for yourself

• You start calling anyone younger than you ‘youngsters’

• Youngsters ask you for advice…what did you do in their situation at their age?

• You get excited by the likes of Ovaltine** and wearing your slippers

• You are referred to as ‘the mother of the group’ at work.

……….just how repetitive Christmas songs are

Yesterday marked the official launch of our office Christmas playlist – we have been putting off the screech of Noddy Holder, the dulcet tones of The Pogues and the fact that Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ never seems to have its last Christmas, as long as possible but needless to say, the time came. What surprised me was that no matter the artist, year, interpretation and sound quality, I seemed to inadvertently know all of the words to every Christmas song ever made. How?

I find myself bewildered.

Thank goodness for modern classics such as When the Thames Froze by Smith and Burrows, “A Christmas treat from Editors chief and ex-Razorlight drummer.” (Q Magazine) Their latest album, Funny Looking Angels, is one of my recent favourites and features heavily on my Top Rated playlist. Check out Funny Looking Angels. And now go and buy the album.

……….to reminisce and revive

Perusing the shelves in Sainsbury’s is a past time I inherently try to avoid at all costs, but lo and behold on occasion it has to be done. This week I found myself aimlessly wandering the aisles not really knowing what I wanted to buy, or indeed eat for the rest of the week, and as such I ended up giving more than necessary consideration to items that wouldn’t normally make it any where near my kitchen cupboards!

That said, I did come across a few golden oldies that sparked fond childhood memories and that have since graced not only my kitchen cupboards but also my desk at work and many a conversation with friends and colleagues. To name and recommend but one of these….

“Nutritiously delicious Ovaltine” (from the packaging) is a malty drink that my granddad used to give me when I was a kid. I’ve never heard of anyone else that has it but with the wet, grey and wintry view out of my office window, it is a very welcome addition to my morning. Comforting whether you are suffering with a Christmas party hangover or not – you should definitely try it.

Amber’s advice of the week….

Grow old gracefully.

Work hard, play hard – and do it all in good company.

Go beyond what you already know.

Remember life’s little luxuries.

“Sup Ya’ll” would be the greeting from one of the locals that star in the Alabama based documentary about the “Best Worse Movie” ever made, but as seen as im not from Alabama or in a documentary (yet) im going to say “Hello, and welcome to my festive blog post”.

This is one of the most expensive times of the year, buying presents for family members and friends because you know they are going to make an exhaustive effort and feel you have to also. What do I get them? a novelty present, something heart felt, meaningful, useful? Then you realise you’ve spunked your student loan up the wall or on more favoured people like girlfriends, boyfriends or the pub landlord.

DON’T PANIC – Russell to the rescue with some home made gifts that are functional, heartfelt and most importantly made by you and we all know time is the most precious commodity of all. So here are my top 3 homemade gifts for Christmas 2011.

1. Laminated TV Guide Listings

TV rules the roost over the x-mas period, plenty of Premiers and tons of traditional movies for you to gaze at for hours on end, Seasonal specials and one off’s. But sometimes there is soo much on you dont know what to watch, particularly those without Tivo or sky+ that can’t record.

This can be a stressful situation, well I say relieve that stress from a loved one this Christmass by photocopying the 25th, 26th and 27th of December from your TV guide in advance and highlighting those must see episodes such as ‘The Royal Family’ or the classic ‘National Lampoons Christmas Vacation’. You can even use different coloured highlighters and grading the viewing such as Green – must see or Pink – avoid. When you are done with highlighting, laminate your photocopies to make them indestructible (this also add’s value) and once they are finished with, they can re-use the TV listings as Placemats at the dinner table for year round functionality! “How thoughtful”.

2. Re-Used Jar of Chutney

This is by far the easiest present. Buy a cheap jar of chutney or what ever you wish as long as it is in glass packaging, leave it in a bowl of hot water until the sticker peels off, dry and clean the jar and wrap a piece of ribbon around it. Sorted. You can then deliver the gift to its recipient as ‘home made’ produce on Christmas morning. They. Will. Love. It.

3. The Illustrated Kitchen Towel 

Lets reminisce back to primary school, remember when you would draw a picture of your self, then the teachers would compile all the images in classes and print the little people onto a tea towel for your parents to buy. Lets re-create this in adult form:

• purchase a tea towel (one thats lying around is great as its free) and grab a permanent marker

• draw an image of yourself on the towel, it doesn’t matter if your rubbish at drawing in fact, a terrible self portrait will make the giftee pity you (thats what we want, Pity points)

• finally stick an appropriate personalised note on there like “Merry Christmas to a great Uncle” or “Seasons greeting grand parents!”

And you are good to go. When they receive the present they may think, due to your terrible drawing, that your a bit special gaining you Pity points, we can instantly cash in these Pity points so they cant show their disappointment with a lovely home made gift.

10 Second Review - Tintin (IMDB) 3d fun as a pointy red headed journalist, along with a drunk seaman and white dog sticks his nose in other peoples business looking for the elusive storey, a model ship holds the key to various treasures. 7.3/10

The “Best Worse Movie” ever made

I’m a big fan of the Adam & Joe show and while they have been off the air (BBC 6 Music) for several months now I have been abusing their podcast’s which entertain me no end, to and from work.

This week I was made aware, via their podcast, of a documentary made in 2009 about the worse movie ever made. Joe swore it was really interesting so I decided to investigate. After obtaining the movie I sat down on a cold Saturday morning and settled into what was a bizarre insight into an Alabama based community which is where the lead character lived as he, along with other cast members were welcomed in an A-list celebrity style into cinemas and auditoriums around the USA as the movie that they starred in, Troll 2, had achieved a cult status. The ‘Best Worse Movie’ ever made, directed by an Italian, acted by terrible actors, horrific props, confusing and staccato storyline, among other sins culminate into what is rated by the movie site rottentomatoes.com as 0% in terms of quality on the tomatometer.

I haven’t seen Troll 2, but if sold out auditoriums and Troll 2 parties are anything to go by, this is certainly one to watch over the coming weeks of the Holidays, possibly in time for my next blog. The actual documentary is on the other hand, fascinating. Check it out.

Well thats me for another month, Have a Merry Christmas and il see “ya’ll” in the new year.

So it’s been a while since I have blogged!  How is it nearly Christmas?!  Well I thought it’s about time we indulge in some festive cheer so I have found some cracking jokes below…oh and I have posted some lyrics to a song just in case you feel the need to get up and sing your heart out!  As always, ‘Like’ the post and comment if you think you have any better jokes to rival the ones below….

Enjoy Ms Brock’s December blog

Christmas Jokes…

How many ears has Captain Kirk got?

Three: the left ear, the right ear, and the final front ear. Ben Miller

What do lions sing at Christmas? Jungle bells!

When is a boat like a pile of snow? When it’s adrift.

How do snowmen get around? On their icicles.

What does Santa call reindeer that don’t work? Dinner.

What do you call the fear of getting stuck in a chimney? Santaclaustrophobia

Christmas Riddles…

Did you hear about the optometrist who fell into a lens grinder and made a spectacle of himself? Doctors tell us there are over seven million people who are overweight. These, of course, are only round figures. What is the purpose of reindeer? It makes the grass grow, sweetie. There were two ships. One was painted red. One was painted blue. They collided. At last report, the survivors were marooned.

The other day I sent my girlfriend a huge pile of snow. I rang her up and asked, ‘Did you get my drift?’ Where do you find giant snails? On the ends of giant’s fingers. Christmas: The time of year when everyone gets Santamental. What is a webmaster’s favourite hymn? Oh, dot com all ye faithful

The Great Christmas Sandwich Debate!

For the last two weeks, Christmas sandwiches have been the subject of many conversations in the office.  I personally am obsessed with the PRET Christmas sandwich and rate it a whopping 9.5…..

Who has had one?  What rating would you give?  If you think there’s a better one out there then comment below as I will go and buy it!

Finally….a Christmas song to get you in the mood

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”

You better watch out You better not cry You better not pout I’m telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town

He’s making a list, Checking it twice; Gonna find out who’s naughty or nice. Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you’re sleeping He knows when you’re awake He knows if you’ve been bad or good So be good for goodness sake

With little tin horns and little toy drums Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town

Here’s a pic from a recent Christmas social with Chris in a particularly festive jumper

Merry Christmas !

It’s been a busy first few months for us here at TUI! We all now feel very settled in our job roles and are starting to get use to the early mornings!

In the last few months we’ve had a lot going on. In Product, we’ve been putting together and signing off our new brochures for 2012 and early 2013. We’ve also started work on planning the summer 2013 season and the 5 year strategy. Late trading finished selling for summer 2011 and have now moved onto Winter 2011. Early Trading are currently busy putting together information for the turn of year papers, special offers that go out to the national newspapers for January. And finally the placements in Cruise have been looking at new routes and areas for the ships to sail to for summer 2013 and selling the final seats left on the cruise ships for this year.

A few of use have been very lucky and have already gone on resort trips including a cruise around the Canaries, a trip to Majorca and a trip to Mexico. This has been really useful as it has enabled us to see the hotels and areas that we are looking after and really make the most of the product and holidays that we are selling. It has also got to the time of the year that we have all started to think about using the great holiday discounts that we get whilst we are here!

As well as our day to day jobs we have been helping recruit the new placements for next year’s intake. We have all visited a university placement fair somewhere around the country to talk to potential students about the scheme. It’s been a great opportunity to shout about how great our scheme is. We have met some really strong candidates at these fairs and have already carried out one assessment centre.

In November the guys in cruise organised a cake sale, quiz and raffle in the aid of raising money for Children in Need. The main prize was a weekend cruise to Amsterdam. A lot of organising went into this and the whole business got involved – the cakes in particular went down well! They raised a total of £1400, which was a fantastic effort!

We’ve got lots of things to look forward to in December. This includes the Commercial Christmas party, the placement Christmas party and the hanger visits to see our Thomson Airways aircraft undergoing maintenance. It’s going to be a busy month in the office as we all get ready for our busiest time of year in January. We would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and look forward to welcoming some of you at the next assessment centre.