Snog
Lauren Conrad has grown up a lot since the days of Laguna Beach and The Hills. The pretty reality star is working with eco-friendly company BlueAvocado to create a line of ethical accessories and cosmetics. We think she’s pretty awesome for doing it and we can’t wait for the launch this summer.

Marry
Fight Club star Brad Pitt has always been one of our eco-friends, but his recent stint on The Daily Show left us smiling. Angelina Jolie‘s beau was talking about his new film Moneyball, and compared the storyline of the movie to the reasons why cars are stupid. We loved seeing a celeb dropping an eco-message into a interview on TV, especially when we love public transport so much. Watch the whole interview here.

Avoid
Manchester City player Mario Balotelli is famous for his unconventional football skills, but he’s getting quite a name for himself off the pitch too. The 21 year old has been building up a whole stack of parking fines on his Bentley. A source at the club told The Sun newspaper: “Mario will drive from his luxury apartment to a restaurant a few streets away and leave the car on double yellows. The other week the Maserati misfired so he just abandoned it. Staff have had to bail it out 27 times.” We think he’d be much better off Doing It In Public and spending his cash on something a little less wasteful!

Here comes the science bit…
Global Cool wants you to lead a green and happy life. This article can help you to be green by:

1. Not just wearing an outfit once or better still by wearing upcycled or pre-loved garments.
2. Thinking about the products you buy and steering clear of harmful chemicals and toxins.
3. Always hop on public transport instead of driving – it’s cheaper and much more fun.

 Pics: PA Images

Listen up lads! Just because it’s freezing outside, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. There are so many great jumpers on very.co.uk we didn’t really know where to begin, but we chose these three as our top picks…

When it comes to jumpers and cardigans this winter, we’re loving the deep v-necks – they look great thrown over a t-shirt, layered with another knit, or (if you’re brave enough) on their own with a bare chest. We heart this Hilfiger Brian Cardigan (pictured left), especially the bold geometric print. It’s made from lambswool but you can still toss it in the washing machine instead of worrying about messing around with hand washing.

If you’d rather go for a pullover, check out this Lacoste Jacquard Jumper (pictured centre). It would look dapper over a crisp white t-shirt, with either dark jeans or tan chinos. And while you’re embracing the deep V, why not throw on one of these snoods from ASOS (we promise they’re not as scary as they sound)! And finally, this DKNY Shawl Collar Cardigan (pictured right) is the perfect knit to keep you toasty in the snow. This cardigan is a bit more chunky than the other two, so we would wear it with straight leg jeans and military boots. It’s in the sale for only £80 too!

Or if none of those jumpers take your fancy, you can just visit the website to gawp at Holly Willoughby and Diana Vickers in little dresses instead…

Here comes the science bit…
Global Cool wants you to lead a green and happy life. This article can help you to be green by encouraging you to throw on a warm jumper and turning your heating down a little bit. Go on, it’ll save you money too!

Pics: very.co.uk

In a week when tragedy hit the world of football with the death of 74 fans at a game in Egypt, now seems like as good a time as any to remind ourselves that really isn’t more important than life and death, whatever Bill Shankly might have said. Someone should tell that to Paolo Di Canio, who still seems to be taking it a little seriously…

Grim times for John Terry this week too, who will have to wait until July to clear his name of alleged racism against QPR’s Anton Ferdinand. This video (unfortunately not embeddable) we’ve unearthed probably won’t cheer him up much either…

Happier times for ex Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse, who scored on his return to the Premier League in mid-week. Here’s why QPR boss Mark Hughes decided to sign him…

With Cisse, and Arsenal coming back from dead against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, it’s been a week for comebacks. Here’s one of Sport In Public’s favourite comebacks of all time (and a, er, taxing watch for one Harry Redknapp – we’re here all week)…

And finally, a reminder that there is life outside of the Barclays Premier League from Africa. Even if we’re only really interested in the African Cup of Nations these days because so many British-based players bugger off to play in it. Check out this wonder goal from David Alvarez that sent Equatorial Guinea through to the kock out stages. As for where the defenders are, your guess is as good as ours…

Here comes the science bit…

Global Cool wants you to lead a green and happy life. This article can help you to be green by:

1. Using public transport rather than the car to get to whatever sporting event you’re attending. You wouldn’t be able to watch all these videos while you drive, now would you? Plan your journey here.
2. Even better… walk or cycle if it’s convenient.
3. Whatever device you’re using to watch those videos, make sure you only leave it plugged in for as long as it takes to charge, not over night.
4.  If you’re more of an arm chair fan make sure you turn the TV fully off after the action has finished. Standby is for losers.

Pic: PA Images

Following her success on The Only Way Is Essex, Amy Childs broke away from her fellow fake-tanned friends to start her own show. It’s All About Amy followed the life of the Essex redhead as she drove around to hair appointments and TV studio meetings, occasionally pausing at home to pout or pet one of her many pooches. Yes, we know, it does sound very boring.

We never liked the show anyway, but it seems the public agreed with us, as It’s All About Amy viewers dropped by almost half after the episode one. The show has been given the axe after the first season as Channel 5 has said they will not be endorsing a second. Chin up though, Ams – a good vajazzalle will have you looking reem again in no time.

And because the Amy Childs show is so bad, we can’t even bring ourselves to show you a clip. So here’s a video of Frankie Boyle, Tinchy Stryder and Noel Fielding teasing her on Never Mind The Buzzcocks instead…

Here comes the science bit…
Global Cool wants you to lead a green and happy life. This article can help you to be green by:

1. Remembering to turn your TV off properly and not just leave it on stand by, to save you money and energy.
2. Or why not splash out on an energy saving TV, like this one from LG.
3. And driving isn’t cool – get around on public transport instead.

Pic: PA Images

We really are feeling the frosty chill here in the UK with scatterings of snow and some very bitter winds. But it would seem that over in San Francisco, they’re having much better luck, as our latest LookBook-er Laura Ellner show us in her post Stripes + Spots. Laura’s short shorts make us shiver just looking at those long pins, but what we really love is that snuggly, woolly jumper.

Laura has opted for a wide striped slouch jumper with 3/4 sleeves in a nautical look with a twist. She’s teamed this striped jumper with a leapord spot shirt, making sure to untuck the collar and part of the lapels so they are on show. Contrasting prints are such a hot look for Spring/Summer 2012 and will look just as fab while you’re wrapping up warm at home.

Check out more from Laura on her blog ontheracks.com or see all her looks here.

Here comes the science bit…
Global Cool wants you to lead a green and happy life. This article can help you to be green by:

1. Putting on a warm jumper and turning your heating down a little bit
2. Wearing vintage or pre-loved clothes instead of something new
3. Shopping at a great ethical clothing boutique like Fashion Conscience

Pic: Laura Ellner

Bored of always doing the same old thing? Why not try something new so you discover what you love. TasterLab is a unique experience website that allows you to filter through tasters depending on what you’re into. You can read reviews from experts and other Tasterers in the Lab. Create your own Wishlist and get Taster Alerts for just the things you want to taster and say goodbye to annoying daily emails.

We’re currently running a promotion with TasterLab to offer you great discounts on their popular tasters. Check it out here. But just in case (just like us) you want something for nothing, we’ve teamed up with TasterLab to bring you a City Adventure package worth £80 that you can use to treat yourself or give away a few as gifts. The package includes: Cocktail making with Zenna, Drawing with Can’t Draw and Parkour with Parkour Generations, all at London locations that are easy to travel to by public transport.

Here comes the science bit…
Global Cool wants you to lead a green and happy life. This article can help you to be green by:

1. Using public transport rather than the car to get to your Valentine’s Day experience.
2. Even better… walk or cycle if it’s convenient.

For a chance to win just answer this question before 11am on March 1.

Good luck!

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions
Loquax competition find
Competitions Time
UK Competitions
Compaholics

Pics: TasterLab

War Horse
Starring Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullen and Emily Watson
Directed by Stephen Spielberg

Ted Narcot is a veteran, a drinker and is struggling to keep his farm afloat and the landlord at bay. When he spends his last pennies on a horse, he could not help but buy, his family find themselves facing eviction. Ted’s only hope is if his son, Albert, and Joey the horse can plough the particularly troublesome bottom field.

From this simple start onwards, the previously mentioned incredible horse finds himself on the fields of war, hauling German artillery and stranded in no-mans land, looking for his beloved owner and friend, Albert.

Spielberg certainly manages to maintain the horse as the main character, using inspired filming techniques to show the narrative from the horse’s perspective and conveying Joey’s feelings. When Albert and Joey are ploughing the harsh and rocky field; your heart bleeds when the horse’s legs begin to buckle, just as much as when Albert’s arms give way under the strain.

With War Horse, Stephen Spielberg has returned to his gentile and innocent emotional storytelling, the likes of which instantly resonate with the touching chords of ET.

This coming of age film is a heartfelt look at the relationship between a naïvely determined boy and his horse, which he has been utterly infatuated and devoted to, since witnessing its birth as a boy. Set in the war time period, this film could have nodded more towards the scenes of Saving Private Ryan, however it manages to convey the horror and blood spill of war without grime, guts and gore, making for one emotional flick.

War Horse is a story about friendship and finding your way home. I won’t spoil the ending for you, but when that final scene graces the screen, make sure you have the hankies at the ready.

Here comes the science bit…
Global Cool wants you to lead a green and happy life. This film can help you to be green by:

1. We don’t suggest you struggle to hand plough your garden to plant your vegetables, but you could be a bit more self sufficient, just like Albert’s family. Have a herb box in your windowsill or garden. It’s cheaper and saves on the packaging.
2. You may not own a horse to gallop around the beautiful English countryside with like Albert does, but why not take a stroll out and enjoy the outdoors? Take some time to appreciate your home, surroundings and friends by walking instead of driving into town.
3. If you’re going to watch this at the cinema then make sure you Do It In Public and take the train/bus.

Pic: PA Images

Do as Tea Tree fans Tom Hanks, Luke Wilson, Cameron Diaz and Kiefer Sutherland do and invigorate hair and body with the natural magic of tea tree oil, peppermint and lavender extracts. Heighten your senses and experience a sensational ‘Tea Tree Tingle’ every day whilst doing your bit to preserve our world. So go on, get clean to be green!

We absolutely love the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special range and to celebrate we’ve teamed up with them to bring you a goodie bag of the range. The prize will include Shampoo, Conditioner, a Body Bar and much more, and you can get your hands on them all. The range has a special combination of cleansers and Australian Tea Tree Oil leave your body refreshingly clean, and to enhance vitality and add luster to your locks.

Here comes the science bit…
Global Cool wants you to lead a green and happy life. This article can help you to be green by:

1. Thinking about the products you are putting in and on your body and trying to steer clear of nasty chemicals and harsh artificial fragrances and colours.
2. Buying your beauty products from eco-friendly stockists to keep your skin (and the planet) smiling.

For a chance to win just answer this question before 11am on March 1.

Good luck!

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions
Loquax competition find
Competitions Time
UK Competitions
Compaholics

Pics: Paul Mitchell

Stickman Cliff Diving – £0.69

Ok, so the cliffs are pretty two-dimensional, and you’ll be jumping in the form of a sketchy stick man, but over two million people have downloaded this game so it must be doing something right…

The Stickman Cliff Diving app is a fantastic game to keep you occupied on public transport. Leap from cliffs of up to 125 meters high with a variety of jump types. The game is played in front of ‘a panel of judges’ who rate the performance of each dive every time you jump. And with OpenFeint you can really get competitive with your high scores and your mates.

The best thing about this game is its simplicity which also makes it totally addictive. And there’s something undeniable satifying about watching this little stickman doing  a perfect cannonball.

Check out game play for yourself here…

Here comes the science bit…
Global Cool wants you to lead a green and happy life. This article can help you to be green by:

1. Using public transport rather than the car.
2. Even better… walk or cycle if it’s convenient.
3. Whatever device you’re using to watch those videos, make sure you only leave it plugged in for as long as it takes to charge, not overnight.

Pic: jrandallc (CC) 

This month, the plan was to make a special, sexy, seductive, seasonal meal for Valentines day. Checking what seasonal produce is available can spark ideas, so I checked out Eat The Seasons to find out what, and when, veg are at their best. And it just so happens that (rather conveniently) many of the seasonal ingredients are aphrodisiacs – perfect for cooking up a storm for your special someone…

Carrots, were highly considered in Ancient Greece where they were called ‘philtrons’ (love-charms). Beetroot a.k.a. ‘Nature’s Viagra’ has a high boron content, a mineral that increases production of sex hormones. Red wine contains resveratrol, which helps boost blood flow, whereas sole contains Vitamins A, B, D, phosphorus, and calcium, which are all believed to enhance sex drive and even performance (oo-er)!

So guys and girls, if you are looking for a way to get more than just (eco-)friendly this year, just read on…

Ingredients…
2 fillets of sole
20 Chanterey carrots/ 4 regular carrots (peeled and thickly sliced)
Large glass of red wine (250ml)
Fish stock (250ml)
1 UK-grown squash – e.g. Acorn/Onion. (Halved & seeds/membranes removed)
2 raw whole Beetroot
3 Shallots – Red Onions will also do (diced)
1 Leek (sliced)
1 Punnet of Mushrooms (cut into quarters)
Bunch of Thyme
200g Mascarpone
50g Butter
1tbs vegetable oil

How to do it…
1. Firstly, arrange the squash, beetroot and carrots onto a baking tray with the squash cut side up. Drizzle over oil, sprinkle thyme leaves over everything and roast at 180c. (The beetroot is to be taken out after 40 mins, the squash and carrots 60.)

2. Sweat the shallots in some butter then add red wine and stock. As you are waiting for the sauce to come to the boil, butter a casserole dish well and season. Add the sole fillets and pour over the wine/stock mix. Cover with tin-foil and heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

3. Gently fry the cut mushrooms and leeks.

4. Take the beetroot from the oven and remove skin. Roughly chop and add mascarpone.

5. Remove the sole from the casserole dish. Pour the sauce into the mushrooms and leek pan and turn up the heat to quickly reduce.

6. Arrange everything on a plate and spoon the beetroot mix into the squash. Cue the romance!

Extra tips:
– After removing the fish, pour the sauce into a separate pan if you’d prefer to keep your mushrooms and leeks crisp
– If you can, cut a heart shape into the squash. I managed this in my experiments but not the actual meal!

Here comes the science bit…
Global Cool wants you to lead a green and happy life. This article can help you to be green by:

1. Trying to always opt for seasonal produce rather than forking out on expensive out-of-season buys.
2. Using up things in your fridge rather than tossing them away.

Pics: Neil Coleman