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The Closer Online blog

Get Closer every day!

Welcome to the brand spanking new Closer Online blog.

The wondrous web team that is Louise, left, and Olivia, right, will be posting every day with all the goss from the Closer office.

We’ll be discussing what’s hot, what’s not and, of course, asking for YOUR opinions on the stories making the headlines.

Plus we’ll be filling you in on the latest from Closer Online and Closer Diets – to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Posted by Louise Jupp

Maybe it’s the gloomy weather, or perhaps I just needed a bit of February cheer but last week I decided to treat myself to a spot of pampering.

I wasn’t sure what would ‘cure’ my winter blues but felt confident a luxury spa treatment wouldn’t hurt!

Following a lunch-break browsing the web for some of the capital’s swankiest pampering places, I opted for a one-hour aromatherapy facial at The Landmark London hotel’s gorgeous new spa.

Apparently it attracts celebs in their droves and who am I to argue with the A-list?

The treatment started off with a thorough skin consultation. The therapist even let me sniff all the lotions and potions to decide which scented moisturisers I’d like used – brilliant!

Next, my skin was cleansed and exfoliated before a nourishing mask was applied. After a relaxing neck and shoulder massage the mask was removed and my skin was plumped with three different moisturisers.

The therapist used acupressure, lymphatic drainage and oriental head massage techniques and I can report that the experience was nothing short of D.I.V.I.N.E!

In fact I loved it so much I’ve managed to wangle an exclusive offer for you lovely Closer Online readers. Click HERE to find out more!

For prices and more information about the spa visit www.landmarklondon.co.uk

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Posted by Louise Jupp

Move over Jay-Z, there’s a hot new act in town! You’ve got to see this video of sizzlin’ new rap star P-Hizzle.

Not heard of her? Well, allow us to introduce Paris Hilton’s hip-hop-loving alter-ego.

In what must be the weirdest video we’ve seen this week, La Hilton freestyles with none other than Snoop Dog.

In her trademark squeaky voice, she raps: “Yo what’s up? My name’s P Hizzle.

“I’m chillin’ in the clizzle with my homeboy Snoop Dizzle.

“He’s sexy, he’s fine, he’s the man of our time.

“I love him, I love being in the club, I’m serving drinks, and I’m a thug!”

Erm ... probably best not to give up the day job just yet Paris!



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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Posted by Olivia Ebeling

Closer readers, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The Closerdiets Team is currently looking for three lovely ladies to feature as real life success stories in the legendary Closer magazine and, of course, online!

Want to shed a few pounds? Tone up a little? Then why not join our fabulous dieting service and see for yourself how easy losing weight can be!

We are so convinced that you'll achieve your goals with Closerdiets within six months that we offer the next six months for absolutely free* to anyone who isn't completely happy with their results!

If you have more than a stone to lose, then we want to hear from you! With 16 different meal plans to choose from, each of which can be tailored to your individual lifestyle and weight loss requirements, dieting doesn't have to be a chore, and as one of our real life success stories you could star in your very own Closer photo shoot!

To celebrate your success we will give you the makeover of a lifetime and show off your newly transformed figure in a selection of stylish outfits.

You will be the star of a big feature in the magazine and on the website and become an inspiration to thousands of like-minded dieters across the nation!

If you are interested and think you could be the right lady for the job, simply email our Online Editor at louise.jupp@closermag.co.uk, including your contact details and a recent photograph.

Don't be shy, join the dieting success!

*Terms and conditions apply

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Posted by Olivia Ebeling

Updating the celebrity news in the morning is usually one of the Closer web team's favourite jobs - come on, who doesn't love a bit of gossip - but this Monday morning our 'showbiz fix' has left Louise and myself feeling rather gloomy.

Although I have never been a big fan of Jade Goody, I can't help but feel genuinely sad as news broke over the weekend that she might pass away as soon as in a couple of months.

I think we have all got used to 'larger-than-life' Jade being around and sharing the ups and downs of her rollercoaster life with us, whether we cared or not. And regardless of what you think of her, the fact that she will leave behind two young sons is incredibly sad.

Lots of people have been criticising the fact that Jade is talking in detail to the media about her illness and it's progression but I think if it helps her to raise the money to set up her children for the future then it is not up to us to judge her.

We wish Jade and her family all the strength they need to get trough this difficult time and hope that the time they have left together will be as happy and special as it can be under these tragic circumstances.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Posted by Louise Jupp

Fancy a giggle or indeed a hearty guffaw? Then take my advice and watch this hiiiii-larious video of Tom Cruise throwing some shapes during an appearance on Black Entertainment Television.

Yes, yes, I know it’s an oldie but it’s a goodie! And if you’ve ever needed confirmation that Mr Cruise is down with the kids, then it’s vital you see this.

I’m not sure what’s funnier, the fact Tom looks so incredibly out of place in his stacked heels and a sensible suit, or that he seems to be busting out some sort of ‘air motorbike’ move?

Bless Tom, he always gets into the spirit of things doesn’t he. They’ll be some ferocious ‘dad dancing’ at Suri’s wedding, no doubt about that!

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Posted by Olivia Ebeling

So... Friday 13th, eh? The 'doom and gloom' date is a fitting way to end a week that has, quite frankly, been all over the shop!

Closer HQ has been manic, the weather has been rather hideous and I've come down with a cold... so I think it is fair to blame one of the afore-mentioned (or actually all of them) for the fact that I have failed my healthy eating regime in spectacular style!

Chocolate, crisps, booze... you name it, I have been stuffing my face with it! My personalised Closerdiets meal plan has been left abandoned and I am positively dreading my weekly weigh - in reminder, because the amount of calories I have consumed this week equals the national income of a small country!

So, to get back on track and cheer myself up a bit I decided to try a new beauty treatment that has been causing quite a buzz in the cosmetic industry of late.

The Collin Diet Kick Start Treatment is said to be the perfect way to start a new weight loss regime, especially if you have a more significant amount to lose. It is designed to stimulate your circulation as well as your lymphatic and digestive systems, which means it is also a great way to fight even stubborn cellulite.

The treatment started with a stimulating sea salt scrub which got rid of any dead skin cells and got my circulation going. I then enjoyed a gentle lymphatic drainage massage which helps to remove all the toxins I have spent weeks putting into my body.

The next part of the treatment was a non-invasive Colonic irrigation massage - yes, I know what you're thinking, but I can assure you there were no watering-hoses or rubber gloves involved!! The therapist basically performed some very gentle massaging movements over my abdomen to improve digestion and the general functioning of the intestine and colon. Sounds scarier than it is, honest!

The last part of the treatment was a lower body-wrap, which meant that I was smothered with a very refreshing (read: cold) paste consisting of Algo Marine Powder (Seaweed, I suspect) and a cooling concentrate that accelerates the draining process. The low temperature of the mask means that the body has to heat up, and, in the process, burns calories.

After fifteen minutes the mask had dried into a rubber-like consistency and could simply be peeled off! The last stage of the treatment saw the Collin Draining Balm being massaged into the skin to encourage long-term water drainage and improve the skin's structure.

After 60 minutes of pampering I have to say I felt totally invigorated and refreshed - and utterly chilled out. To be honest, I'm finding it a bit hard to worry about deadlines and meetings right now... what a perfect way start to the weekend!

For more information on prices and salon locations go to www.collin.ltd.uk

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Posted by Olivia Ebeling

You might have noticed that the Closer Online team are quite partial to a bit of Girls Aloud - in fact, speaking for myself, GA are my favourite thing after Ham, Cheese and Pickle sandwiches - so you can imagine how delighted I was to stumble across a documentary about our fave girl band on Channel 5 last night.

Girls Aloud: Where Did It All Go Right? tried to find out how exactly five rather chavvy girls who won a reality TV talent contest turned, against all odds, into Britain's biggest girl band.

Delving deep into the archives of showbiz history, the programme treated Girls Aloud fans to exclusive video footage of Kimberley and Nadine performing in school plays, photos of a gap-toothed Cheryl as a child model and insights into Sarah and Nicola's lives before they were famous.

My favourite bit, however, was an old clip from Ghost Hunting With Girls Aloud, when the fab five joined Yvette Fielding to explore various haunted locations in 2006.

Cheryl Cole has turned into a massive super star in the last year, but the programme really reminded me just why I love her so much. Whilst Nicola ran out of the building at the first sign of ghostly activity and Sarah turned into an emotional wreck, feisty Chezza was having none of it and actually picked a fight with a ghost.

Well known for being gobby, this is classic Cheryl at her best - first she takes the mickey out of a petrified Sarah before turning on the unsuspecting spirit, telling him 'to tap the f***in' table' if he is present.

I love this clip so much I thought I'd share it with you - watch from 1:20 minutes to see Mrs Cole take on the evil spirit of the squire!

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Posted by Louise Jupp

Jeez! Have you seen the make-under pics of Jodie Marsh? It’s amazing what a bit of slap – or in this case lack of slap – can do for a woman. I think she looks so much better ‘natural’.

What do you reckon? I interviewed Jodie twice when I worked for a newspaper and I was surprised to discover she’s actually very pretty.

For the first interview I met her for breakfast in a café in the East End of London and she was wearing next to no make-up and had her hair tied back sensibly. I returned to the office and raved to my colleagues about how demure she is in real life.

The second time I met her was in our newspaper office and she turned up for the 9am interview direct from a night out, absolutely caked in slap and wearing an outfit that left .. erm … little to the imagination shall we say!

It’s fair to say my workmates ribbed me for weeks for defining Ms Marsh’s style as ‘demure’. You can watch the results of Jodie’s makeover on Monday, February 23 on BBC3 at 8.30pm on Snog Marry Avoid.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Posted by Louise Jupp

Hoorah it’s Tuesday! So, why the heck am I so excitable on a cold, bleak, winter’s afternoon? It’s a fair question. Well, the reason I’m excited is because the latest edition of the magazine is out, that’s why! I’ve always been a big fan of Closer, even before I joined the team and had to say that. The juicy showbiz news, the weird and wonderful real life stories, the celebrity dieters – what’s not to love?

So, you can imagine my extreme excitement when I began working here last year and had the chance to read my fave magazine before it hit the newsstands!

This week’s issue, out today, is as fabulous as ever. Our exclusive interview with Kate Thornton – in which she says she’ll never speak to Simon Cowell again - was picked up by the newspapers today. And quotes from our chat with Alex Curran, in which she discussed how the credit crunch is affecting her and Steven, are everywhere too. It’s brilliant to see our magazine making the headlines!

Have you enjoyed this week's mag? If you’ve not picked up a copy yet, then what are you waiting for?!

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