Single photographer ‘made’ herself a family after mum’s nagging

Lifestyle

May 26, 2014

Every single gal is all too familiar with the nagging and prying from well-meaning family members.

‘When are you going to settle down with a nice man?’ is the question that’s dreaded by every girl sans beau at family weddings and trips home.

Well, one woman grew so tired of being pestered about settling down that she decided to take matters into her own hands.

Suzanne Heintz has been photographing her imaginary life with a mannequin husband and child – from proposal, to wedding, to family holidays – for 14 years now.

The 42-year-old American photographer presents her work in a funny and thought-provoking series of snaps called ‘The Playing House Project: Life Once Removed’.

Suzanne was tired of the pressure to conform to expectations for a ‘woman her age to have a ring on her finger’.

“People said: “You’re such a nice girl, why aren’t you married?” explains Suzanne.

“Even my Mother must have thought she was setting me straight when she said: “Suzy, there’s nobody perfect out there. You just need to PICK somebody, if you’re going to settle down.

“I snapped back, ‘Mom! It’s not like I can go out and BUY a family! I can’t just MAKE it happen!” But then, I found a way. I bought a beautiful family… of mannequins,” said the photographer.

Suzanne was raised in the Mormon Church in New York, which she said was her first experience of the role of women as mum and homemaker.

“Seeing me work with the mannequins is such a peculiar and funny thing to witness, that people are immediately disarmed. As soon as that happens, their mind is open and impressionable.

“I thought it was high time to call this nonsense out publicly, because this notion of insufficiency is not just about me, nor exclusively about women in regards to marriage. It’s about anyone whose life doesn’t look the way it ‘should’” she said.

New ‘naggy’ Facebook button lets friends ask why you’re single

Lifestyle

May 21, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Most single gals dread the moment they’re asked about their relationship status.

And some cheeky so-and-so’s go as far as to ask WHY you’re single – to which you list work commitment, toxic exes, ‘standards’ and just generally revelling in your single fabulousness!

Well, now a new Facebook button lets your friends ask you if and WHY you’re single, and vice versa!

The ‘ask’ button appears on the profiles of users who have left their relationship status blank.

Once you’re sent an ‘ask’ request, you’ll receive a notification that says: ‘Hello! I am wondering about your relationship!’

You can either ignore it or respond, with the option of sending it back to you directly or sharing it with the general public.

While the social media site has had an option to ‘ask’ for a friend’s phone number, address and email for a while now, the relationship status ‘ask’ button is a new development – and not everyone is happy about it.

One person wrote on Twitter, “If Facebook wasn’t already the biggest invasion of privacy, you can now “ask” people about their relationship status.”

Others called it ‘naggy’ with one person writing, “How awkward is that Facebook devoted a single button to ask your friends why they’re single?”

Hmmmm…we’re not sure how we feel about this ourselves!

S! TV SHOWBIZ: The truth behind Kourtney Kardashian’s pregnancy

Apr 30, 2014

by Amber Saunders

SHEmazing! TV offers you your daily 90 Second Update rounding up the showbiz news!

Today’s highlights include the truth behind Kourtney Kardashian’s pregnancy, what Matt Damon could be in the running for and Jay-Z in legal battle.

Watch the video for the full report.

4 problems only single women will understand

Relationships

Apr 30, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Being single can be awesome but like anything, there can be downsides.

Phone dies
Nothing can be more awkward for a single gal, than eating alone in public. This problem is only made worse when your mobile phone suddenly decides to die. What can you do but eat your meal in silence and just stare into space, hoping at the same time, that no one is staring at you.

First dates
You’ve gotten to the stage where you would nearly rather stay in than go on another dreaded first date. It’s nothing like the movies and there are no jokes about splitting the bill.

Be less picky
A common phrase uttered by our loved ones, but usually comes from those who are in a happy relationships and haven’t been on the horrible dating scene in years.

Pity
Some of your friends act like being single is the worst thing that can happen to anyone. Even after explaining in some detail that you are quite happy with your single status, you still receive those annoying pitying looks.

16 reasons to be the single girl in your group

Relationships

Apr 17, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Some girls out there will cry if they are the last single one standing but not to worry – there are many reasons you should be grateful that you are the only single girl in the group.

1. You are constantly reminded of why you shouldn’t be in a relationship

2. Independence

3. You can save money and spend it on yourself

4. No relationship fights

5. No cheating

6. You get the pick of guys on nights out as your friends are all taken

7. You don’t have to share your takeaway with anyone

8. No jealousy

9. No hating another frenemie girl who’s hitting on your boyfriend

10. You can talk to the opposite sex without upsetting your BF

11. You’re alone not lonely

12. Establishing your standards

13. You don’t need your other half to have a good night out

14. You can talk to whoever you want whenever you want

15. You aren’t that girl that starts the beginning of every sentence with “me and my boyfriend”

16. No hostility towards you as no one hates your other half

MORAL OF THE STORY: If you are the single one in a group of taken girls, your nights will not be spent like this…

via our content partners CT

Ed Sheeran reveals teaser of new single Sing

Celebrity

Apr 6, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Ed Sheeran is back and has revealed a teaser of his new single ahead of its release tomorrow.

Fans of the A-Team singer will be rushing to have a sneak peek at his new single Sing on his YouTube channel.

The single, which is produced by Grammy award-winning artist Pharrell Williams, will feature on his forthcoming studio album titled X; or ‘multiply’.

The singer first announced the single on Friday on his Instagram saying, “Lots of other stuff happening this weekend leading up to it, so watch this space…. #sing.”

The song will go on sale upon release in all countries except the UK, Ireland, Germany and Australia – where the track will instead be released as part of an EP in a month’s time.

“Just the way that the countries radio’s work, but you’ll get a full EP of cool s**t further down the line,” the singer explained.

Something tells us it’ll be worth the wait.

Pop star has a team to help her find a man

Celebrity

Apr 4, 2014

by Amber Saunders

We would never have guessed that pint-sized pop star Kylie Minogue would have any trouble finding a man, but it turns out she’s just as clueless as the rest of us.

The Into The Blue singer said she has struggled to find everlasting love and relies on an actual team of people to find her a suitable boyfriend.

Speaking on The Graham Norton Show, which airs tonight, single Kylie, 45, revealed that “not that many” men ask her out, and that she relies on her team to find her love.

She told the TV host, “I have a team, my people, and there are a few whispers down the corridor and it’s stuff like that.

“It’s not vetting, but you kind of have to have your eyes open. It’s as awkward for me as it is for anyone,” she added.

Reasons Ryan Gosling is the perfect man

Relationships

Feb 6, 2014

by Amber Saunders

1. He’ll always encourage you
Ryan’s encouraging words can now be found on lots of workout gear – genius!

2. He understands women
Ryan says he “thinks like a girl” because he was raised by his mom and sister. He’ll know we aren’t actually fine just because we say we are – yay!

3. He’ll never give up on you
This scene is just so perfect … even after the 14th time of seeing it.

4. He’s officially the best kisser
Ryan and Rachel McAdams won the MTV award for Best Kiss from The Notebook.

5. The obvious
In the words of Emma Stone in Crazy Stupid Love, it’s like he’s photoshopped.

Five things single women are sick of hearing

Relationships

Feb 5, 2014

by Amber Saunders

1. Don’t worry, you’ll find someone eventually.
Will I now? Thanks so much for your input and belief in my love life, it means soooo much. They often don’t even recognise the sarcasm when you say this. Sigh.

2. There’s always sperm donors.
Why, will they go out with me?

3. What about that guy? Or how about that one?
Do you mean the one that looks like a serial killer or the one with the v-neck down to his bellybutton? Either way, we’ll pass.

4. How’s the love life?
This one is mostly heard at weddings or Christmas time and is usually uttered by older relatives who can’t seem to fathom the presence of a 26-year-old single woman.

5. You don’t need anyone.
We know.