Clare Staples: Our Amazing Night At The American Idol Final

I may have said it before, that other days and nights were our best ever, but what’s a dog to do when things keep getting better and surpasing expectations?
At 3pm we got in the car and drove to the Nokia Theatre. It was crazy – red carpet and police and so many people screaming. So [...]

Clare Staples: We’ll Be At The American Idol Final Tonight!

We are in such a good mood today. We had some great news and it made us so happy. It’s the best feeling in the world when you’ve worked so hard to make something happen and it finally pays off. It makes all the blood, sweat and tears  worthwhile.
The most amazing thing is when something [...]

Clare Staples: Happy Times!

Clare spoke to a friend at the weekend who was having bad thoughts about something that had happened to them.
She suggested that they think of five happy times they had, five of their best memories, and whenever the bad thought came, to simply swap it for the good thoughts.
Well, the friend thought and thought and said [...]

I Won’t Be At The School Reunion

I’m currently sitting in my pyjamas eating melba toast and pritzels at 1.30 in the morning. It’s been a fun weekend. The first half involved sledging at top speed down a hill in Grant Park. This was followed by hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows in Toast, a cosy little cafe that I spend [...]

Wow, What A Handsome Chap!

Kisses, Hugs And Girly Chats In LA

Mr Big is a dog who lives in London and Los Angeles with Clare Staples and Paul McKenna. He is a regular contributor to this website, and lives an exciting life as you’ll discover.
We got back to LA safely and arrived back at the house to find the wonderful Kate Buckley happily esconsed in the guest room. She [...]

New York, New York

Mr Big is a dog who lives in London and Los Angeles with his owner Clare and dad Paul McKenna. He lives an exciting life as you’ll discover!
After our new year celebrations, we left the baking sun of Barbados and headed for the wintry snow of New York City.
The change was lovely. We get so much [...]

Can A Man Be A Platonic Friend?

One of the most popular movies ever made is When Harry Met Sally, starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, which poses the age old question – can a man and a woman ever be platonic friends? Women say yes, men say no – what’s the truth?
Men frequently pretend to be content with a platonic relationship, [...]

Glamour And Opulence

Mr Big is a dog who lives in London and Los Angeles with his owner Clare and dad Paul McKenna. He lives an exciting life as you’ll discover!
Well, Happy New Year everybody. And what an incredible way to start a new year for us. It was hardly a secret that we were spending it with Simon [...]

Please Say Happy Birthday To Dan

A message from New York Journalist Julia Allison.
As regular readers of my website know, Dan is my beloved high school boyfriend, with whom I’ve stayed close over the years, and who was diagnosed with cancer (Hodgkin’s disease) a little bit after his 25th birthday. He turned 26 on Saturday 20th September.
Dan’s had a tough year, to say the least.  [...]

Chums 4 Mums

Take a Break magazine has launched a support network for mums with children of any age. Register your details at www.takeabreak.co.uk/chums4mums to find friends in your area.

Feeling Stuck?

A (very wise) friend sent me these words today.
Unpleasant events reveal new paths. Cast aside whatever is hindering your progress and make a new start. Turn the leaf, sow new seeds, wear new clothes, change your appearance, move house, and get out there and dance!
Wow, I’ve been trying to think of an equally wise response all day, but [...]

I Like This Quote

I never told you that I think you’re a great person. You made a difference in my life. I’m so happy to know you. You made me become a more confident person. I’m sure you’ll do great things in your life and I’ll be next to you until we’re two old ladies remembering past times.
Imagine how therapeutic [...]

The Detox Has Begun

Good evening! This photo represents my last night on the JD for a month. Scroll down to discover why!

Today is the first day of my detox. Yippee. I’ve been waiting for this for two weeks. Seriously. I’m so happy to be detoxing. Although it pains me greatly that I won’t get to sniff my favourite tipple [...]

Yay, I’m Going Dancing Tonight!

Yay, the weekend is here! I’ll be going out to the Barbican for a girls night out of dancing and partying! The Barbican is a fab place in Plymouth with restaurants and bars overlooking a harbour.
In summer, revellers drink and eat outside, under parasols, with live music and dancing. More about Plymouth Barbican here. Will upload pictures later. Have [...]

Flights Of Fancy

I am tempted to jump on a train and go to a city I’ve never been before. Just for the hell of it. Why not? I get these flights of fancy sometimes that make me want to take off.
Sometimes you’ve got to let everything go, and do something exciting to liven up an otherwise dull week. [...]

10 Ways To Feel Great

Open the windows in your office or house, even when it’s cold outside. A 10 minute blast of fresh air will lift your mood.
Connect with at least one person a day. By phone or in person, not email. Human contact is the best booster.
Get back to nature. Walk in the park. Plant some flowers in [...]

Beckham Top Choice For Best Bud

According to a recent poll, David Beckham is the guy most British men would choose as their best mate.
The survey, carried out by Maxim magazine to celebrate the launch of new game Army of TwoT from Electronic Arts, asked guys which celeb they’d most like to befriend. Beckham come top of the list with 27%, followed by [...]

People Watching

A sunny but mild day. I wrote on and off this morning, then walked into Plymouth City Centre with Louise, for coffee and cream cake. It was a 45 minute walk there and 45 minutes back but worth it because the air was fresh (and I needed the exercise). I need to remove myself from my desk occasionally or [...]

Food at Mine

Dine at Mine is a great way to have fun with family and friends while raising money for Cancer Research. When you invite friends over for a meal, and they make a donation, you get a fun night out and Cancer Research gets a boost. Call for more info +44 (0)8701 60 20 40 or [...]