Looking For Harvey Weinstein

Work At What You Love

2011-11-09T14:59:00.000Z

and never work again. It is true however sometimes the transition from the life you have created, mortgage, credit card bills, car payment etc. keeps you stuck doing something you hate.
Probably the most fantastic thing that happened when we lost everything and commenced our comeback from homelessness was having the freedom to do absolutely anything. Ironically our natural urge to rush and take any job for survival and become trapped again in the system was not to be, we were too old. We were forced to do something else to survive. From our passion for fashion and styling came The Hollywood Look For Less show, teaching the women of our forgotten generation all was not lost, even if money was tight. Who would have thought we could create this amazing show and life with no money and a bunch of second clothes from charity shops. You see, once you put your back into something you are good at and really believe in, then get some momentum behind it, amazing things can happen. It is our goal to get a TV platform to help women rediscover their power, not an easy challenge in middle age, but undaunted we continue to work towards that. We have found the secrets to youth, beauty, style and happiness without money for real, valuable, relevant information particularly now as everyone is feeling the pinch financially. Women 40 plus feel neglected in the style stakes, the High Street has forgotten this 5.7 billion pound market and we know this audience is sick of being ignored so we keep shouting.

It is funny thing, change. Shirley, my mentor and lifecoach has a great analogy. When you decide to stop changing make sure you are ecstatic with everything you are, everything you think and everything you have because that is where you stay, stuck. (quite a frightening thought when put like that) We are afraid of change in the most part because we think we know best but be open because with it comes the most extraordinary insight and growth. You only ever know what you know until you know something new. When you change you find things you believed with all your heart to be true (and would have argued black and blue to defend) are quite simply not reality. As we all face the impact of a world that has run out of money one thing that is always true, things could always be worse. So be grateful, bold and recognise if you are unhappy at work you do have the power within.

Times Change but Dreams Stay The Same

2011-05-23T16:52:00.003+01:00

It is very interesting to come back to this blog I started writing in 2004 and then rereading the last few entries in 2007. Lot's has happened since then particularly Venus Cow a free resource for anyone looking to help themselves to a lot of happiness. Looking For Harvey Weinstein has not sold a million yet but we continue to work towards that goal and everytime someone orders a copy we smile, not because of the money, anyone will tell you few get rich from writing a book but because we are one sale closer to the dream and if you can sell one of anything you can sell a million.
For those of you who haven't yet read the book, our dream of producing a TV smash is still alive and kicking. Real dreams never leave us, we just didn't have the time to focus our attention on it but just recently something happened out of the blue that shows hard work is never wasted and learning to be patient is a valuable skill.
In 2005 we pitched Mark Bos, (How Clean Is Your House) a senior executive at TalkBack Thames some concept or other around budget lifestyle. Six years later, yep you've probably heard the TV business is slow, we get a three word email from Camilla Lewis, commissioner Factual saying "Hilarious, come in."

So the meeting is on Thursday. We are not thinking too much about it. These days, where dreams are concerned we very much recommend going with the flow. We will do our best and accept the outcome as meant to be this time and in this circumstance, whatever happens.

We know now when you want something you
"You just gotta keep screaming til they hear you out." Tinie Tempah.

Doing Is What Makes The Dream Come True

2007-04-08T15:08:00.001+01:00

If you've got a dream, do something, ain't enough to dream, do something. You can make it happen, it all depends on you. Doing is what makes the dream come true.

I do want to share a chain of events which show quite catagorically, in a glimpse, how dreams manifest into reality. The Girls show every day their action based philosophy does produce results and you don't have to be Einstein to connect the dots. They can teach you how to do the same, whatever it may be you want to achieve.

Intention

Sell a million copies of Looking For Harvey Weinstein.

Action

1. Watch Dragon's Den realise product must be in distribution to get it into retail stores.
2. Get product into distribution.
3. Allign with Cancer Research, UK to help promote their charity shop chain.
4. Open flagship store in Statford Upon Avon, 6th April, 2007.
5. Receive attention from the press.
6. Invited guests on BBC radio show, get to plug Looking For Harvey Weinstein and local retailers.
7. Meet another presenter while in the radio station, get invited back on 18th April, to talk about the book for an hour.
8. Take book into all the local stores, tell them about the upcoming media exposure for the title and how they can buy it. Yes we are back to distribution.
9. Book signing events to be marketed on the radio.
10. Sales, sales and more sales.

"Rome wasn't built in a day" but is was built; a brick at a time.

Becoming a best selling author with a hit TV series? Exactly how ridiculous is that?

Would you think your nearest and dearest has lost their mind when confiding in you their lofty far reaching aspirations or would you be understanding and supportive when your mother confides in you her dream to take up show jumping and compete at Hickstead?

The truth.

"Never happen." you likely scoff as you lock up the drinks cabinet and throw away the key.

Don't worry however as you are not alone and unless you have been brave enough to pursue your own goals and ambitions to completion you have insufficient vision or insight to offer. Human beings tend to follow the pack, better to crush someone else's dream than face your own right, as accepting you only have one life; a finite amount of time to get on with it, and time is slipping by daily is very tough indeed.

When embarking on any personal development goal-

Rule number one is Keep Stum.

"Strength of numbers is the delight of the timid. The valiant in spirit glory in fighting alone." was Gandi's more eloquent way of conveying the same message.

In short, share your dream in the hope of finding moral support for it and at best you'll be convinced your plan is impossible, stupid or both, at worst marched off to the nearest nut house by your loved ones.

Once you have decided upon your goal, lose weight, stop smoking, run a marathon it becomes your intention. How you make your goal or dream manifest into your reality is a four step process. Check out Dr. Wayne Dyer.

To get what I want I must really, really, really, really want it.

Step 1. I really wish...........................you fill in the blank. Then see yourself in the wish. Everything you make happen for yourself begins with a wish.

Step 2. I really desire........................... After creating the picture of the wish ask for it out loud but in private remember.

Step 3. I really intend...............................No room for messing about here. After wishing and asking make a statement of intention.

"I intend to bring this picture into my world with the help and cooperation of (whatever you prefer to name the greater energy that created you) There is no room for provisos or doubt.

Step 4. I am really passionate about............................................ Be unwilling to allow anyone or anything to steer you from your passionate purpose. Tell no one of what you intend to produce in your life.

Those who get what they want from life are not blessed or charmed they are simply focused and most importantly passionate about what they want to achieve and always remember
"Rome wasn't built in a day."

If you give up your goal you must face a truth about yourself, you didn't really, really, really, really want it, now did you.

"A" Lister Get's Hollywood Makeover With A Difference.

2007-02-23T12:43:00.000Z

There's been a hive of activity in the Ministry Of Common Sense, newspaper interviews, photo shoots, TV appearances but that hasn't stopped the Girls donning their do gooder high heels and treking off to another UK town to show the locals looking swanky doesn't have to break the bank.

Combining research for their new book,

"The Desperate Housewive's Guide To The Best Of British Charity Shops, (Eco fashion for the green shopaholic)"

out later this year with their new way to get high, they headed off to Stamford to find out exactly what the historic Lincolnshire town had to offer in the way of budget bazaars.

They found six charity shops in total and although no B-BOCS ere awarded (the sort after accolade that separates the designer shoppers's penny paradise from the rest). Help The Aged did win the prize when it came to merchandising. At first glance even the charity shopping experts could have mistaken this shop for a retail store. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and clearly take great pride in the work they do. Even though it is on a voluntary basis. The find of the day, a pair of brand new Roberto Vianni boots for £6.00.

The Girls did blow the remainder of their £20.00 budget in Cancer Research on wait for it, six items. Although the store was unable to boast any couture bargains, scoring three out of a possible six for the current stock displayed, the Girls did find several new high street items with tickets still attached and the selection and condition of the shoes available was excellent.

The Girls met Jacqui Burgess, regional manager for the charity and look forward to opening Cancer Research's premier flagship store at 10.00am on 2nd March, 2007, 7 King Street, Saffron Walden, Essex with a camera crew in tow of course. A little bit of free publicity never goes a miss and will hopefully let lots more people into this best kept secret. The Girls heard on the grape vine it's pretty posh so there's a good chance wealthy WAG's philanthropy may be responsible for stocking the shelves. It's certainly a new spin on WAGs boutique. Could be the Girls have an ulterior motive, first dibs on the booty?

The public are invited but they will need to be quick to beat these two eagle eyed experts to the cash register. As it's Oscar week and charity shopper Helen Mirren tipped to scoop the big one, the Girls have a surprise celebrity make over planned so even the nose of the child catcher couldn't compete when it comes to sniffing out D&G from twenty yards. hope to see you there.

Pride Comes Before A Fall.

2007-02-15T14:21:00.000Z

It's extremely hard not to get excited when you have fought with every ounce of strength you have to make something happen when it finally does.

Imagine the Girls about to sit down to their regular plate of vegetable something and receiving the call saying a national newspaper is about to tell the world they are the newly appointed life coaches on The Trisha Goddard Show. It has only taken goodness knows how many years, emails, letters, press releases and scams of all shapes and sizes in a previous life to get anyone to listen and finally they have cracked the media.

Do they

a. Get drunk, high or both?
b. Drop dead of shock? or
c. Carry on munching their healthy, low cost, low calorie lunch?

Recent statistics per Dr. Gillian McKeith declare one billion obese people in the world exceed the 800 million starving and as good portion of them live here in the UK
the Girls opt for c. however shock value aside that is not the only only reason for their new found inner peace and sense of calm.

What they now teach is not new, in fact Common Sense has been spun for centuries by all kinds of people from all walks of life. Zen Buddhism is one of the earlier common sense advocates dating from the sixth century. The word enlightenment is often used with the misconception once you've "got it", like common sense, everything will be fantastic.

"Before enlightenment
chopping wood
carrying water

After enlightenment
chopping wood
carrying water "

but from this basic proverb it's easy to see you don't attain it, it's not a readily available commodity, you just realize it i.e. Eureka, the light bulb goes on. When you do everything changes yet nothing has actually changed at all.

When the newspaper prints the Girls story in the next few days, (I can't say exactly when and where.........it's exclusive and top secret) 5 million people will know about their achievements but nothing will change in their lives because they choose not to be affected. While they are grateful for the article it doesn't change who they are as people or what they will do tomorrow. They no longer measure themselves by their achievement. Success or failure by society's limited yard stick no longer makes or breaks the people they have become.

When you are able to disconnect from the idea material wealth, stuff, can make you happy a great pressure is lifted. Materialism is causing so much trouble it has been detailed as a sickness reaching epidemic levels in the western world in the bestselling book Affulenza by John De Graaf. Detaching from money as the all incompassing solution to any problem is even more critical when you are going through personal difficulty. You must disconnect from the stress of the situation and move away from it. Logically if you sit in a cowpat you'll never escape the stench.

Don't be afraid of failure. Anything you want to accomplish takes time. If it were easy there would be no road to happiness and that would be the greatest tragedy of all. No one ever regrets the things they did when their time's up. It is the things they didn't do that causes real regret. So if you can remember the immortal words of another expert in common sense, on the subject of the brave in pursuit of happiness or anyone with a goal, Mahatma Gandi,

"First they ignore you,
then they laugh at you,
then they oppose you
then they say they were with you all along."

That just about sums up the Girls' relationship with the British press over the last few years. A final word of common sense wisdom from anon,

"Everything comes to he who waits."

and well done Take That, love the message.

Charity Is On The Red Carpet

2007-02-14T14:08:00.000Z

It is not only celebrities who have been busy over the last few days, the Baftas, then the Grammys, the SAGs and this evening the Brits. The red carpet's all but worn out and not by the Girl's second hand Manolo Blaniks or Loubutins. (the one's with the distinctive red soles.) yet. Even Kylie found her gold hot pants and they're now in the V and A before being recycled yet again. We suspect they'll go for more than 50p, the original price Kylie paid. The stars are catching on but the snobbery surrounding the unmentionables still exists. Perhaps it's the high street giants keeping these best kept secrets out of the press. Corruption in the corporations? Not I said the sparrow with my bow and arrow.

The Girls, undaunted by the luke warm response to charity shops from the toffee nosed ranks of the fashionistas from which they have thankfully risen, have started their own awards extravaganza The Brocs, Best Of British Charity Shops and the Oscars are just around the corner. Will 2007 be their year?

Having found themselves homeless and penniless after a string of disasterous choices the designer wardrobes they were used to are history. Give these women a problem and they'll find a solution, particularly when it comes to looking fantastic. The jewel in their depleted crown has become other people's cast offs. The joy of rooting through old cardies and turquoise anoraks to find a needle in a haystack, a high that beats weed they assure me. Now free and viceless, a huge thank you goes out to all the other crazy shopaholic women, shadows of their former selves, victims to their obsession for retail who fill the charity shops with the by product of their addiction, brand new designer treasures, tickets still attached. The Girls are eternally grateful for all the amazing donations people make but are genuinely happy to help anyone overcome their madness. It is possible to get over any addiction, they've mastered them all and now coach others to do the same everyday.

Anyway their jaunts up and down the country in search of the creme de la creme has lead to the first Broc to be awarded. Before I announce the winner I would like to point out the five criteria the stores are judged on and how the points awarded.

1. Cleanliness and smell. (Yes or No)

Everyone's fear of a bad charity shopping experience is a bad smell. It doesn't matter if it's the staff, the customers or the merchandise (or a combination of all three) a bad smell will leave you running for the hills. If the store can't pass the smell test it's out of the running for the BROC.

2. Window Design. (1-3)

Is the window well dressed? Does it entice the customer in?

3. Store Merchandising. (1-3)

Is the store visually appealling. Is the store well laid out. Are the displays interesting and current. Are the clothes colour coordinated. Are sizes organized and clearly marked.

4. Quality of merchandise. (1-6)

Quality varies hugely. A score of one indicts mostly no name brands. Two would indicate mostly inexpensive high street brands eg. Primark, New Look. Dorethy Perkins. Three, middle range high street, eg. Marks and Spencers. Four, designer high street, eg. Karen Miller, Hobbs, Jigsaw, French Connection, Morgan. Five, boutique, eg Ted Baker, Bench, Versus, Armani. Six couture, eg. Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, Channel.

5. Staff. (1-3)

Do the staff care about their job or are they just getting through their community service?

6. Price. (1-4)

One indicates expensive, two average, three, very reasonable and four down right cheap.

The Girls are looking are looking for stores that score in excess of ten out of a possible twenty and of course pass the sniff test.

Harrogate, North Yorkshire plays host to 7 soon to be eight charity shops, with a Sue Ryder store opening soon opposite Shelter but the prize of the beautiful spa town is Dr. Barnados with a score of 14. The staff make this wonderful charity shop a pleasure to visit. Well done.

If you are a charity shopper yourself and not ashamed to admit it you may have met the mad pair and no they are not American although their outlandish clothes sometimes lead people to make that assumption. You know what they say about those that ASS U ME. Just because they don't look like everyone else doesn't mean they must be American. If you'd been there (or read their book) you'd never make that mistake. Rarely are they ever spotted in leisure suits and sneakers unless by cross country runners in the bleak mid winter.

Keep reading for the best of the best when it comes to charity shopping and watch out all you fashion disasters, they are coming to a town near you.

Out With The Old And In With The New

2007-02-05T09:59:00.000Z

Last Friday The Girls headed out of the country and to the big city, London. In the olden days travelling to Chelsea in their ancient car would have been unthinkable for a start off. The ex ego maniacs so preoccupied with their image and the imaginary perception of others would have meant they missed out. How sad. This trip however had none of those depressing, negative vibes. Seeing their old stomping ground with detachment and no preconceptions was eye opening.

Sitting lunching in Langans on the Old Brompton Road surrounded by celebrities, with Christies just up the road at number 85 was something they would have killed for in the past. This time, clear headed they recognised Tom Cruise and Jerry Hall smiling at them for exactly what they really are, fakes dining for free in the form of two dimensional black and whites. Oh yes, anyone can say they sat next to Tom and not be called a liar. How do you think Peter Shepherd gets away with charging a tenner for one tiny crepe. Well he did buy his share off Michael Caine. That name still pulls in the punters thirty years on even though culinary genius and founding partner Peter Langan is long dead. Think about how much batter ten quid would buy and you get a vague inkling of how much the wise take us all for celebrity spotting desperados.

Celebrity stalking has now entered a new era for The Girls. They only do it now with an official invite. Fortunately with their TV career moving out of first gear they hope it won't be long before they are shaking hands in the big league, on the Punch sorry Richard and Judy show.

With the business over by three, (things actually get accomplished when alcohol doesn't figure) The Girls had time to meander down The Kings Road with the beautiful people. Being able to focus is an advantage when people watching, another reason to avoid boozing at lunch, but the dramatic conclusion of the day was collectively how thin everyone was. For a country where sixty percent of the population is obese, there was no sign of it there. It was quite a pleasant surprise for the Girls to be catapulted back into stylish land and be able to admire the self control in others instead of the self worth. Clearly not everyone is stuffing themselves into oblivion.

Changing your behaviour is an overwhelming, daunting task for all of us until we have done it. Then like anything else, in retrospect, we can't believe it took us as long as it did. Once you lose the weight, stop smoking, in fact accomplish anything for yourself you can't believe you didn't do it years ago. The reason most fail to accomplish their goals is being unable to face them as their truth in the first place. The key is being able to detach yourself from the "I" (the you) you don't like and view the "I" you from an objective place, effectively through someone elses eyes. It takes time and dedication to see yourself as others see you. Well we all think we're fantastic don't we but that is just our self preservation mechanism, the ego at work. If it painted a clear and realistic picture many would have actually aspired to being a twenty stone, balding librarian with a heart condition from a 40 a day smoking addiction and a penchant for kebabs.

The interesting thing for me is we can immediately change our behaviour and break our patterns if the media tell us to. As a society overnight we have detached from Jade Goody and attached to Shilpa Shetty. Shilpa was on the front page of every British newspaper this weekend. We are still at war? The fashion industry would crumble in a heap if the majority of us didn't buy into trends, hipster belts out, wide waist belts in. We even follow like sheep when it comes to where we live, where we go on holiday and even what we eat. But why?

The truth is very few of us have the sense we were born with let alone the where with all to use it. The mistake we all make is looking outward for fulfillment and inward only to help ourselves.
If we are able to reverse this in everything we do, look outward to help others and inward for our personal fulfillment we'd find we would get on much better. yes that does mean not being selfish so I suppose it's a tough one to sell, even when happiness is the prize. The problems arise for anyone who's a sheep. The latter means thinking for yourself and ceasing to follow the herd. I guess we don't want to be happy that much. Baa!!!

If you are the 1% this has struck a cord with, the first question you need to answer truthfully is, "Are you a sheep?" Then when you've found the courage to answer yes, rejoice in the fact you are on your way.

Marketing Mania

2007-01-31T19:02:00.000Z

Living the dream is one thing, getting others to buy into your product or service is another particularly if you've been brave enough to give up your security blanket, the corner office and are broke. Don't let that put you off. Freedom and security sit at opposite ends of the stratosphere and to pull off the dream you need all the freedom you can get your hands on. Giving up the security is imperative. Without long term objectives and the time available to work towards them you'll get nowhere. He who dares wins I'm afraid. The key I'm told is believing in yourself. How exactly you do that. Well that's why the Girls have a job.

In the conventional world money is power but thinking you are rendered useless without it, I'm assured, is the biggest mistake people make. When you step out of the box you have to get creative when it comes to marketing and their are countless tools available, the biggest being the internet, at your disposal.

Focusing and staying on course is hard but rewards come gradually and learning to be patient is critical. Remember, Strength of numbers is the delight of the timid. The valiant in spirit glory in fighting alone. Gandhi's words roughly translated as keep your mouth shut while living the dream. Allowing people to tell you you're crazy only takes you off course and wastes your energy justifying your behaviour.

Looking good is critical to maintain a positive self image. Unfortunately it's a fact everyone you meet forms an opinion of you within the first five seconds, sorry, we are a judgemental lot but dressing to impress doesn't have to cost the earth as The Girls have proved time and time again.
They got a greenlight at the big meeting, the outfits less than £15.00 each and they've got the receipts to prove it.

Getting It Away

2007-01-30T11:43:00.000Z

It may not be Hollywood but getting in front of the "greenlight executive" isn't straight forward whatever planet you may be on. Things can always go wrong even when you are more prepped than a seven course dinner.

Up with the larks The Girls were leaving nothing to chance, everything that could be done the night before was and four hours to drive the hundred and twenty miles, even in their hundred and twenty year old car left room for an international incident on the way. One thing that hasn't changed, they still deplore lateness, in their minds there's no way round the fact, it makes you look like a loser and I'm inclined to agree.

Like I said however when you step into the Twilight Zone you can end up off course without ever understanding why. Sixty miles off course some might say takes some doing, particularly with two pages of directions, a road atlas and having been there before but hey ho, sometimes these things are sent to try us, test our wits, survival of the fitness etc. Learning to stay focused and keep ones cool in a crisis, an essential skill when living the dream and I challenge anyone to say this pair are not experts at that. You'd have to be to still be standing after the life they've had.

Needless to say everything happens for a reason and although I can't say too much about their fantastic meeting, (everything is top secret in T.V. land until you get it away and that doesn't mean what you think it does) you can find out more at the website.

More Research.

2007-01-28T10:21:00.000Z

Long gone are the days of swanky Saturday night dinner parties. Non drinking, non smoking, poor vegetarians don't get invited. Change doesn't always gel with old aquaintances especially when there's nothing to gain except sound, unwanted advice but with the make or break meeting less than forty eight hours away, The Girls wanted nothing more than to curl up on the leopard print sofa and watch the box anyway. That scene just doesn't do it for them anymore and you can trust me on that.

After their daily constitution, a three mile run and a plate of brown rice and vegetables, (some may consider the bodies of Claudia Schiffer and Elizabeth Hurley respectively, a lofty goal for these well over forty gals, but as they prove every day anything is possible if you are prepared to make sacrifices. Model, model and more modelling, literally) a little voyeurism in the form of Celebrity Big Brother, their sinful treat. Did I mention they have also given up chocolate in all it's glorious forms.

I must say, considering this daily dose of caged "B" celebrities is attracting over five million viewers I think the British public have gone completely mad. Either that or there is simply nothing else on, chalk another one up for The Girls in their quest for TV stardom. When they can make an international incident out of Jade Goody put my head under the covers. That said, I am fascinated how the Channel 4 producers have managed to cast their very own version of Aladdin with Shilpa Shetty and Ian (H) from some "I lost my heart to a starship trooper" 80's dance troop, in the lead roles, holding hands and gazing adoringly into one another's eyes, without informing anyone of their undercover plot. Admittedly Shilpa makes a convincing Jasmine but Ian as leading man? What are the clandestine bedtime soirees, planned rendevues in India and "I love yous" all about. I don't understand. Isn't he gay?

Enter stage left Dirk Benedict, aka The Face, Jasmine's father of course in this theatrical debacle. Well he's old enough to be. It doesn't seem to keep him down though. I've never seen a man so happy with a large fish. Who could have known? He's had a good old go at winning Jasmine's heart. Clearly no one's informed him he's the Dad. With the "A" team's theme tune constantly pumped into the house it's not surprising the Face is in a time warp. Bless him.

Now it's a shame Widow Twanky, (Cleo Rocco) got booted out on Friday but I must say if it was a choice between her and The Genie, (you guessed it Jermaine Jackson) who would you pick? He doesn't have a lamp but everyone wants three wishes granted from him, namely to fly of on his magic carpet to Never Never Land. Would Jermaine introduce someone who thought Billie Jean King, the tennis player, the inspiration for his brother's mega hit? I think not.

The cast would not be complete with our two darlings Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd. Who knows, a different cast, different year, different stage and they may have been promoted to the Ugly Sisters but they have kept us entertained in their own unique style as that old favorite, The Pantomine Horse, poor Danielle bringing up the rear. It's not surprising she was devasted when she "lost her head" in Friday's eviction but there are more shocks to come when she find's out she's been publically dumped by Teddy Sheringham and everyone knows it except her.

Oh no he didn't. Oh yes he did.

Charity Shopping is the new Cheap and Chic

2007-01-27T10:14:00.000Z

I have to hand it to The Girls for resourceful they most certainly are. Only they could put a lifetime spent supporting couture and paying full retail to good use long after being scratched off Coutts and Co's cocktail party guest list. Looking like you've just stepped off the catwalk in this season's hottest look is no mean feat when your budget is £20.00 but The Girls have proved time and time again where there's a will there's way and are now showing the British public on The Trisha Show, charity shopping is cheap, sexy and for everyone.

Yesterday was no exception with two outfits to put together for the big meeting on Monday. After scanning through a couple of glossies for ideas they set off for Wigston. (tried to find a link, sorry) Long gone are the days spent out snobbing the assistants in Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys but The Girls have never looked back. Their local high street boasts a Scope, Age Concern, Help The Aged, Mind, Oxfam and Cancer Research and by walking the three miles there and back (at least 10,000 steps, TV puts on 10lbs) they add the £2.60 return bus fare each to the budget, pair of shoes or if they are lucky perhaps a jacket.

It is quite a change for the pair of bossy, ball busters but on actually seeing the fruits of their labours I'm amazed the general public are not camping out waiting for the doors to open, particularly on a Friday. It appears Friday is the best day to go as all the new stock is out in preparation for the weekend.

The find of the day had to be a pure silk Ferre shirt for £1.25 (gasp!!! it's true, photos to follow) but the carriers were so loaded down after just 60 minutes The Girls truly were a pair of bag ladies for the trek home, great for the arms they assured me. To my complete surprise this particular Oxfam shop could have been confused with a Morgan boutique for the day, where the stock had come from I have no idea, (either Mischa Barton's a massive philantropist or some woman needs serious help) but without blinking The Girls picked up the lot, all eight pieces for less than twenty pounds. By my calculations there was at least five hundred pounds worth of brand new kit there. A beautiful Oasis jacket from Scope, £2.99, funky shoes from Help The Aged for £2.00, a couple of tops off the pound rail in Mind, The Girls were high as kites and charity shopping doesn't come with a government health warning even though it is highly addictive. I succumbed. I had to fight off that pair of vultures but I did see them first, Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses with dust bag and case for £3.00, I gave five and told them to keep the change. If it's good enough for Helen Mirran, spokesperson for The British Heart Foundation and recently preported to buying all her clothes from charity shops when she travels, it's good enough for me. Victoria Beckham (did I miss something; Selfridges, a charity shop?) will struggle in Los Angeles, no charity there Posh but with all those Hollywood celebrities happy to help it wont be long before the Girls get one to makeover for real.

Preparing The Pitch

2007-01-26T10:43:00.000Z

In the olden days a meeting with a TV executive would mean the weekend before spent with a crate of wine and a carrier bag of chronic but not anymore. Although The Girls have always been experts at getting in front of the right people they have finally learned not to squander those not so rare opportunities.

When preparation meets opportunity you get luck in the Ministry Of Common Sense so this week has been spent sussing out the competition already on air, deciding upon costumes for maximum impact, meditation, exercise and loads of sleep. Yeah right I hear you scoff but on my honour, the transformation is remarkable, too dramatic to maintain if it were not the truth. I remember only too well what they used to be like and still have the evidence to prove it.

After checking out the melee of makeover madams British TV has to offer it is not a stretch to suggest The Girls will end up in their much sort after starring roles, bullying obese, drunken, couch sloths into an about turn all in the name of happiness and doing so on no money, a prescription anyone can sign up for providing they have the stomach for it.

Nicky Hamilton-Jones, does a decent job (although the candidates do have a tendency to end up looking like transvestites) taking wrinkly, well past their sell by date ladies and a £50,000 budget then turning back the clock but how hard is that really and it's not going to work for you if your skint. Once your past the point of no return, no amount of brazil nuts and water are going to leave you looking like Elizabeth Hurley, even if you can give up the 40 fags and 8 gin and tonics you need to get you through the day.

The Diet Doctors, Channel Five's answer to Gillian McKeith are a joke. A pair of talking horses with clip boards, light boxes and stethoscopes if you ask me and a fat bloke losing two stone in a year and getting a wet suit to fit him is hardly a dramatic, inspirational, life changing event worthy of prime time placement. Pussy footing around the fact he was morbidly obese and showing him a pigs trachea to explain his sleep apnea clearly didn't really work. OK he lost a bit but he was eating 5000 calories a day. Whatever happened to the truth, not politically correct I grant you but I guarantee the more direct approach of you are going to die if you don't stop stuffing yourself would have produced the desired result of beached whale to scuba instructor marketed in this weeks trailer. It's manufactured rubbish starring two drips in Marks and Spencers (and nothing against Marks and Spencers, they make lovely food) if you ask me and if they can get on TV anyone can.

So The Girls will spend this weekend sipping herb tea, relaxing and eating Porridge and not because it's high in maganese and great for gout, (it's low calorie, fills you up and costs 99 pence for a big box) in preparation to meet their TV hot shot, the man behind The Race. Will he be the one to take them to the top. Only time will tell.

TV personalities?

2007-01-25T15:54:00.000Z

Well anything is truly possible. Who'd have thought those champagne guzzling, joint rolling maniacs could reinvent themselves and turn up on the British box life coaching the overweight drunkards they defended to the hilt in Los Angeles. Isn't that the pot calling the kettle?

I must say I was stunned to hear they have actually given up everything, I repeat everything. We, in that I mean The Girls, are still not recognizing shopping as an addiction I see but they have cleverly masqueraded their now one and only TRUE vice by only shopping in what the Brits call their charity shops, justifiable as philanthropy not psychosis. I must say they look good on it considering the image of two mad fashionistas rumaging through someone elses cast offs hardly conjures up visions of Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gautier at the Harrods sale. More like Steptoe and son picking up a bargain down Camden Lock.

So what has actually happened to them since we last met. I'm not sure but something has certainly had a hand in rewiring their processing and I don't think it's human. I can attest to the fact they are living on virtually nothing, possibly why the fags, booze, pot and finally food had to go, yes they are both looking remarkably svelte and even more remarkably pictures of health considering they left L.A. like two middle age baggages, one half dead, the lucky one, the other on a stretcher.

It has been a while since their wild and wonderful times at E! Entertainment and I'm sure Jeff Shore knew it was only a matter of time but now they have actually made their dream a reality they are proving their tried and tested formula on anyone else with a dream. Who'd have ever believed these two self obsessed, materialistic, over eating, over drinking, over smoking, cannabis campaigners could actually turn into Californians, OK that's a stretch but Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra in drag? Like I said anything is truly possible.

The Girls have already been let loose on a handful of unhappy Brits and shown them how to be happy without money. I'd recommend if you have celebrity status of any sort, watch out, because even clean and sober these two celebrity stalkers still come with a government health warning.

From New York To the Trisha Goddard Show

2007-01-24T18:14:00.000Z

A massive thank you to Peter Quinones, our hero in New York for his work on the spectacular Bohemiam Aesthetic. Ok so we are biased but the articles are cultured, thought provoking, well written and honest, a rare quality these days.

Yes, before you say anything, it was a surprise a review on the little pink book was included in the January issue. We put it down to genuine amazement at best, a favorable key word search didn't hinder either.

That said we are extremely grateful more and more people are slowly but surely hearing our version of events in Hollywood and suffice to say the wounds are healing nicely now we have a regular strand on the UK's leading daytime chat show. Maybe we'll persuade the producer's to let us give Harvey a charity shop make over.

If you are in the U.K. watch out for us

The Trisha Goddard Show 9th Feb, Channel 5. 10.30am. and "Love Your Life Living For Less"
and if you would like a Hollywood charity makeover all you have to do is call the show.

2006-10-01T10:54:00.000+01:00

Got A Problem? Odds Against You?

2006-09-18T15:20:00.000+01:00

That does sound like the tag line for the Ministry Of Common Sense but oh no, it was The Equalizer's Robert McCall, that sexy CIA operative who just popped it in the classified section in the 1980's and came to the rescue of a Charlie's Angel look a like in distress every week.

Well it turns out the show was one of Harvey's favorites and he's spending, well a lot, making it into a feature. Perhaps he'll finally see the connection between the real equalizing of life we do every day. Never really thought of ourselves in that light, good fighting evil, lone champions against unconquerable giants and paradoxically we're the Charlie's Angel look alikes.

We have said sorry for the misunderstanding. We are still awaiting his reply. We'll keep you posted. If you haven't heard the gossip yet..................................

"Touch It" By Nick Hutchins

2006-09-12T19:06:00.000+01:00

Yet another protege of the Ministry, Nick Hutchins talks about his music to Tony Wadsworth on BBC Radio Leicester.

With a good old dose of common sense, once again anything is truly possible for local taxi driver turned music producer.

Nick's first single, Touch It, got it's first of soon to be many radio plays, the lyrics inspired by a lifetime of bad choices and tough breaks. Not prepared to abandon his dream and propelled by the force of his genius he's broken through the system, given up the material security of a job he hates and is now working full time as an artist and producer.

If you would like to find out more about his music and the work he is doing through Leicester College to help other artists realise their dreams get in touch.

Free Tarot Reading

2006-09-09T10:04:00.000+01:00

Free reading from Fraggle Rock.

The Ladies Of All Saints, Blaby love Looking For Harvey!

2006-09-09T09:44:00.000+01:00

"God works in mysterious ways" the only words on the lips of the fabulous group of ladies at the friendship group in Blaby, Leicestershire last Monday evening.

They were unsure what to expect after inviting us to speak at their first meeting after the summer and to begin with we think it's safe to say were a little trepidacious to say the least. In reality we are unlikely church speakers considering our views on religion.

It was Mary's fault (front, 2nd from the left). She'd heard us talking privately at The Blaby Tea Rooms and fascinated by our conversation, asked if we ever spoke publically and would we consider speaking to her group. We can't tell you what we said, you had to be there, but we think the picture speaks for itself at the end of the evening. Sometimes you just have to change the way you look at things and the things you look at change; in this case beyond recognition.

Saving The World One By One

2006-09-06T11:16:00.000+01:00

The Ministry Of Common Sense offers individual custom made personal programs for anyone in trouble/neurosis who truly wants to get better. It is funded solely by the sale of our extremely funny book Looking For Harvey Weinstein. Find out more, how to contact us and how you can purchase a copy on our website.

The Philosophy

We are Evangelists For Genius. Everything taught in the Ministry makes sense. Everyone who comes in is a genius. We teach people to find their genius and use it productively and positively. There are few rules, no judging and no blaming although be prepared to face your own truth.

It doesn't matter what is making you unhappy our program works for everyone, that is guaranteed but is dynamic (always changing) and personal to you. You don't always get what you want but you get what you need.

We have worked with people with drug and alcohol difficulties, homelessness, problems with weight, eating disorders, problems in marriage, divorce, problems with kids. It doesn't matter what is the cause of your misery, if you want to be happy, this is the place to come. No problem is too big and equally none is too small. Remember there are few rules:

NO JUDGING.
NO BLAMING.

Thank you so much to the BBC and our trusted producer and friend at Inside Out, Sally Bowman for her genius in highlighting the work. We are etnerally grateful.

Great To Be In Good Weinstein Company

2006-08-02T17:48:00.000+01:00

Looks like our friend and mentor is back in business. Maybe now he will make our movie.

Inside Out BBC One

2006-08-01T11:55:00.000+01:00

The Ministry Of Common Sense; is about brutal truth packaged in Common Sense.

It's a bit like electric shock treatment, short and sharp, a wake up call.
The philosophy is always positive even though it can be seen as negative by some. Facing one's truth begins with facing one's fears and taking responsibility for your life and your contribution. Easier said than done of course.

The presenters and teachers, who offer their free life coaching service to anyone brave enough to make eye contact, smile and confess their foibles on camera, ask the question SPOOF or REALITY?

Original, forward thinking and totally out of the box this six year reality journey from Hollywood to Leicester hits the UK through television.
Expect the unexpected in this mental, makeover show.
Reality Tales Of The Unexpected and Sometimes Unexplainable.

Mission Statement-Model On Genius.

Ministry Of Common Sense Profiles

John (48), Jan (53) Together on and off for the last five years. Not intimate. Never been good in that department. He's a sex maniac, she's frigid.
He hates every single thing about her and she can't stand him or his bad habits. He refuses to change. She is calling it a day unless he does. They have both ended the relationship more times than they have been out to dinner together. Their common denominator-both desperate.

Mission Statement -Better to be alone than wish you were alone.

Stephanie (25) Single and desperate to look like Twiggy. She wants to capture a man, wear skinny jeans and have fun like all her friends. She has tried “everything” to lose weight finally convincing herself being fat a predisposed condition. Her daily calorie intake, approx 5000. She snacks, between three hefty meals of fast food, on crisps, cakes and chocolate. All comfort eating whenever she faces her truth.

Mission Statement-Food=FAT, Healthy diet and exercise=THIN
You are what you eat. The truth, Eat like a pig and you'll look like one.

Steve (27)
Spent most of his teens and early twenties randomly poking anyone willing usually pissed or high. Recently found himself still single and sober sitting next to potentially the girl of his dreams.
With limited social skills and a bad reputation he goes in for the kill and gets knocked back. Humiliated, devastated he immediately turns back to drugs, alcohol and random bonking.

Mission Statement -Thinking About Sex=GOOD, Randon Sex=BAD
Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.

Sandra (38), sad and alone. Life consists of nine hours per day indulging in erotic, flirtatious encounters with complete strangers over the internet.

Mission Statement -Get A Life.

Vernon (24) Destined to be the next Charlie Parker, recently homeless, his only possession his saxophone which comes in handy every day as he busks for tips outside Marks and Spencers in Leicester town centre. He has one set of clothes and everyday its a struggle not to pawn the sax to buy food or get a room for the night. With a ten quid makeover in Scope, some ego boosting about the music and a simple introduction to a local business owner he gets a Saturday night slot entertaining diners, living his dream and gets back on the ladder.

Mission Statement -You've got to be in it to win it.

Well done to our friend Chico for Living his Dream.

2006-02-24T21:35:00.000Z

Here we are in the South of France at the Cannes film festival with hunk Chico still looking for Harvey but having some eye candy along the way.

Chico Time has just made it to number one in the UK chart and we are so pleased for him. He may seem like another over night sucess to most but we can tell you he has worked really hard and managed to catch the attention of folk like Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell, no easy feat.

It is true that anything is possible if you focus and Chico is living proof of that, well done from us.

2006-02-24T21:29:00.000Z

It ain't what you wear it's the way that you wear it.

Charity Shop Challenge

2006-02-24T20:40:00.000Z

With the Oxfam store in Mayfair, London opening to huge media attention, loads of celebrity presence and good news on the home front, an article in the Leicester Mercury yesterday, things are on the up and up. Harvey was in London for the BAFTA'a, possibly a quick rendezvous with Ms Chapman, the "Head and Shoulders Girl" and back to Los Angeles in preparation for the Oscars. We're sure he's ecstatic about the way the movie business is going. The low budget, meaningful films he built his career on are clearly back in vogue. Not surprising really, everyone wants the truth eventually.

The book has found a place on the shelves of "The Pink Shop" in Countesthorpe, All That Glitters. What a fitting embarkation. Every journey starts with a tiny step. The pink bazaar is an expression of Molly, the owner, who not only gives the window shopper visual delights, but for anyone who needs a present, a card or just a pick me up, she's available with expertise on her hand picked merchandise. Contact her on allthatglitters@aol.com.

Check it out Tom Pegden's article.

With the Golden Globes, the Brits and now the BAFTAs out the way who'll be the first to go Charity Shop to the Oscars? Harvey? Unlikely he's got Georgina dressing him along with his stable of starlets, Cate Blanchett and the spectacular Renee Zellweger (could she have looked any better last Sunday) to name just a couple. Ok probably us. We'll keep working on it.