• Number of enquiries for caravans and motorhomes also shoots up

London, 21st March 2010 – Despite our exit from recession and the awful weather experienced so far this year, new research from free classifieds website, VivaStreet.co.uk, has shown that credit-crunched Brits are continuing to look close to home for their holidays – with holiday home rentals, caravan and campervan rental enquires all at record levels.

In the lead-up to Easter, VivaStreet has seen an 87% increase in enquiries for holiday homes in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same quarter in 2009. February and March also saw holiday home enquires up by 110% compared to the previous two months.

The number of enquiries for caravans for sale has shot up

UK holiday rentals were all the rage in 2009, after cash-strapped families chose to stay home for their family holidays rather then head off to popular short-haul destinations such as Spain and the Med. As a result, VivaStreet saw enquires for holiday rentals surge by 65% last year compared to 2008.

Unsurprisingly, more and more UK holiday homes are being made available to meet this soaring demand, with the number of holiday rentals advertised on VivaStreet last year increasing by 67% compared to the previous year.

The weak pound and the continuing impact of the recession on household finances mean that foreign travel is still out of reach for many. It is, however, terrific news for the UK tourism industry.

Alongside the surge in interest for holiday rentals, the number of enquiries for motorhomes, campervans and caravans for sale has shot up, too, with VivaStreet seeing the number of enquiries double in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.

In 2009, the number of enquiries for campervans, caravans and motorhomes for sale on VivaStreet increased by 114% compared to 2008.

And again, people have been quick to meet this demand: the number of caravans and motorhomes for sale on the site soared by an astonishing 239% in 2009 compared to 2008.

Yannick Pons, VivaStreet.co.uk CEO, comments:

“The traditional British holiday made a major comeback last year, thanks to tightened purse strings around the country. Government statistics also show that holiday visits abroad by UK residents dropped by 16% in 2009.

“Our research suggests that this Easter will see even more interest in domestic holidays, which might not be great news for the beleaguered airline industry but will delight the UK’s tourism hotspots.

“And despite disdain for caravans from the likes of Top Gear, it seems interest in caravanning and motorhomes has never been higher. The canny British public are clearly keeping their eyes open for ways to go on holiday without the expense of airline tickets and hotels.”

Free classifieds website, VivaStreet.co.uk, saw a massive surge in enquiries across the UK last year for astrology readings, mediums and psychics – up an astounding 438% on 2008.

In the past couple of months, this interest in the paranormal has become even more pronounced: enquiries for psychic and spiritual services in January and February were up 39% compared to the previous two months and double that of the same period in 2009.

Unsurprisingly, more and more psychics and clairvoyants are advertising to meet this soaring demand, as well as people offering Reiki healing and Tarot reading: the number of such ads posted on VivaStreet.co.uk last year jumped by 169% from 2008.

These days, readings and meetings aren’t just carried out face-to-face and over the phone but even online through, for example, Skype and other instant messaging technologies.

Bristol-based psychic, Aleksandra Lech, is witnessing the rise in enquiries first hand.

“Interest in astrology readings, tarot and spiritual guidance generally is definitely on the rise,” she says, “and I have no doubt that the difficult economic conditions are one of the main reasons for this. Many people feel insecure at the moment and are looking for new ways to cope with this and to find out what the future has in store for them.”

Yannick Pons, VivaStreet.co.uk CEO, comments:

“Back in Victorian Britain, interest in psychics and paranormal phenomena was widespread. Packed crowds would watch the stage shows of mediums and spiritualists and even celebrities of the time, such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, became involved.

“The modern popularity of psychics like Derek Acorah and the increasing number of TV programmes dedicated to the paranormal demonstrate that the Brits of today are not so different from their Victorian ancestors.

“Our research suggests that belief in the paranormal isn’t that unusual any more, especially as people hit by the recession look for answers and a way of coping with their financial woes. Church attendances may be in decline, but public interest in spirituality is apparently very much on the rise.”

It’s not our first choice of course to enrol on, but if you’ve ever wanted to massage a stranger’s colon and relieve their ‘sluggish circulation’ then you’ll be keen to hear about a series of courses running in Cardiff in our classes section. The Colon Massage Accredited Course is ‘predominantly practical-based’ so you can get stuck straight in. So to speak.

If you’re planning on cutting down a tree in your back garden this weekend, but haven’t got a Homebase or B&Q nearby (God forbid), for £6 you can purchase this prehistoric hand axe dating back to ‘circa 50,000 BC’ in our memorabilia and collectables section. And who knows? Once that old oak is down and cut up into logs maybe you could sell the axe to the British Museum for several grand?

We’re not telling porkies when we say you can adopt a Gloucester Old Spot pig for as little as £35 per month, receive updates and pretty pictures of the beast and then, six months down the line, ‘take delivery of your pig either butchered or whole’. If you’re planning a pig roast in the summer, then this is perfect for you. And if pork isn’t your food of choice, there’s plenty more nosh in our food and wine section.

If you’re a lover of Lepidoptera — flying insects to you and me — then look no further. On the memorabilia section of Vivastreet.co.uk, you can buy a gorgeous Orange Tip butterfly for a pound (it’s dead, btw). All you need now is a pin and a small glass case.  And a life.

Love working in the fresh air, live in Kent and looking to earn some extra lolly? Then why not apply for the position of ‘bird scarer’ in our jobs section. It’s an early start but then it has to be if you’re going to ensure that the early bird doesn’t get the worm — well, prize marrow!

Top rates of pay in Leeds are promised if you’re, errr, prepared to take off your top while doing the dishes, ironing and bleaching the loo. The gentleman in question, ‘ClassyBloke’ (real class), wants a topless cleaner, although stipulates that he prefers busty ladies. Has the man no shame?

— Ends —

We know how tough it is out there at the moment for the all those people out of work, but don’t give up, there are definitely jobs out there which could match your skills. VivaStreet.co.uk has seen the number of new full-time jobs posted on the site increase threefold in the past six months and that’s positive news for those of you out there actively looking for work.

We currently have a huge variety of jobs on the site, both full-time (2,624 new jobs) and part-time positions, from childcare and nanny jobs to marketing and accountancy jobs.

And for those of you specifically looking for part-time positions, we have 7,151 new part-time jobs currently posted on the website.

Finally, don’t forget you can post your CV on the website for free and create alerts so that you’re the first to hear whenever a hot new job is posted on the website.

Good luck!

So, what makes that perfect Valentine’s evening? The truth is it’s not about what you do necessarily but how you do it. The key to success is forward planning – which means if you haven’t actually planned your Valentine’s Day evening yet, time is running out!

A lot of people like the “I can’t tell you where we’re going tonight, it’s a secret” approach, but this is fraught with dangers, particularly if you think you know your partner, then you take him/her for a night at the dogs, only to find out they hate dogs and gambling – ouch! It’s probably much better to plan your evening together, so that you’re sure whatever you do, you’ll both enjoy it. Also, a word of advice on the cash front boys – the reality is that girls still like a little chivalry; so put your calculators away for one evening, and pay for the whole thing. Believe me, she’ll love you for it… and isn’t that the point of the whole evening!?

Now if you’re planning a simple evening out – a meal followed by a film perhaps, then you’d better book up somewhere the moment you’ve stopped reading this rather amusing blog! Valentine’s Day is probably the busiest evening in the calendar for restaurants and cinemas . So, you need to book in advance, or you’ll be having your romantic evening at a Little Chef off the M25, lovely.

Depending on how adventurous/romantic/brave you are, will determine how much time and effort you put into the whole Valentine’s Day experience. If you prefer to play it safe, then a nice meal, a bunch of flowers, then home in time for Match of the Day… oops, sorry, I meant, Dirty Dancing on ITV2 … could be the perfect evening!

However, the more adventurous amongst you, have probably already booked ahead, and are planning to whisk your loved one off to Paris/Grimsby/Stoke Newington for the weekend. If that’s the case, make sure eveything’s in place, the flights, hotel, things to do while you’re away.  Believe me, a little consideration like this goes a long way to ensuring that everything runs smoothly and there are no needless arguments. This is meant to be a romantic weekend, not three hour delays, stuck at one of Ryanair’s “in the middle of no-where” airports, 200 miles from Paris.

Finally, have a little Valentine’s Day gift ready to surprise your partner with during the evening… if everything’s gone swimmingly, then it will be the icing on the cake. It doesn’t have to be much, but trust me, it will cap off the perfect evening!!

To be honest, if they could get away with it, most men would happily just buy their girlfriend/fiancee/wife a box of choccies and a cheap card from the local service station, on the way home from work. Unfortunately, there’s no avoiding it chaps – your loved ones will want sooooo much more than choccies, naff cards and a bunch of roses bought over the counter at Tescos! Don’t worry, it’s not too late to save yourself from spending a night in the doghouse… if you act now!

And because over here at Vivastreet, we care about the welfare of our users and particular those male users who could be spending a night in the doghouse, we thought we’d lend a helping hand if you’re in desperate need of some Valentine’s gift ideas inspiration. Vivastreet has set up a special category for one week only dedicated to love!!! Yep boys, your salvation, and more importantly a happy girlfriend, is just a click away. So, don’t delay, find a Valentine’s gift today, in our special category, which is listed in our Buy and Sell section on the Vivastreet Homepage.

Good luck!

The new year is a good time to consider relocating

With the new year comes an opportunity for fresh starts and new beginnings, and in our previous post we showed you lots of ways you can dust off those cobwebs and kick start a brand new you.

However some of us may be considering a bigger life change than simply losing a few pounds or getting a new hairstyle. Maybe you’re thinking about a complete change of scene, and upping sticks and moving homes. Well, the new year is the perfect time to think about relocating as more people put their homes on the market once the chaos of Christmas is out of the way.

Here at VivaStreet we have a wealth of properties for sale and for rent, from tiny pied-a-terres and studios to this luxury five-bedroom house. Perhaps you have had enough of city life and have always dreamt of living near the sea. We’re happy to report that you could go and make that dream a reality with this lovely 1930′s property in Devon, complete with panoramic sea views. Or for those who prefer a more tranquil water location, then take a look at this gorgeous house which has its own canalside private mooring. Heaven!

For the more ambitious, we also have a section specially dedicated to land for sale for those looking to build their own home. If you are in the fortunate position of having a sum of spare cash you’re looking to invest wisely, you could do much worse than considering purchasing land. Take a look at our investment land section where you will see an array of different types of land for sale from building plots on the Scottish borders to cheap land in Bulgaria.

Which leads us smoothly on to the option of relocating abroad. Our overseas property selection is extensive, with properties for sale in Europe and beyond. We list a huge number of homes on the market, from farmhouses in Italy and France, to ski chalets in Austria and villas in Cyprus. This farmhouse in Brittany kills two birds with one stone, as it comes complete with an established cattery business – ideal for those wishing to relocate asap!

So what are you waiting for? You may be saying au revoir to cold Blighty before you know it!

Let VivaStreet help you write this year's New Year's Resolutions

It’s that time of year again when it’s out with the old, in with the new. The start of a new year is the perfect excuse for a spring clean in all areas of our lives. For most of us it’s time to make some changes as we resolve to get healthy, tone up that ever expanding waistline, and sort our lives out. So whatever your New Year’s resolutions are – and even if you haven’t decided what they are yet – VivaStreet is here to help you firm up your very own realistic and achievable goals for 2010.

One of the first things we all think about doing after making a pig of ourselves over the festive season, is to shed those extra pounds. Here at VivaStreet we have all manner of ideas of how you can get in shape. Perhaps you’re thinking about getting your diet in check by joining WeightWatchers. You can find your local group which meets in your area right here on VivaStreet. But the food is of course only one aspect. We need to get our backsides off the sofa too! Whether you’re into circuit training, boxing, or maybe getting yourself your own personal trainer, you’ll be tightening up that belt buckle or dropping a dress size in no time. And how about (perhaps for the more uninhibited among us!) belly dancing, or even pole-dancing! There are all sorts of ways you can get yourself looking trim.

Another thing many of us want to do with the coming of a new year is to ditch the cigarettes. Well instead of going down the tried (and often failed) route of nicotine patches, why not try hypnotherapy? It has worked for many people wishing to kick the habit once and for all. While you’re at it, you can use these electronic cigarettes to get you through the tough moments en route to quitting.

If you feel like you could do with taking a look at your whole life, then have you ever thought about enlisting a life coach? By having a few sessions with one could really help you identify and unlock any issues you have been having, and give you some tips as to how to improve your life.  But if all that’s a bit much, then you could begin with some self-help books to get you started.  This self-help e-book is a great way to begin exploring for yourself whatever stresses have been getting you down.

And finally, the new year provides the perfect reason to give yourself a kick-start and learn a new skill. How about brushing up on your IT know-how by taking  a computer skills course? Or how about French or Spanish classes? Check out which courses are being run in your local area and you’ll be Parlez-vous-ing francais before you know it, and speaking like a native in time for 2010′s summer holiday!

So however you want to improve your life, just remember that there’s no time like the present, and that you will always miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take!

Grab yourself a hat and scarf to stay warm this winter

We’re all feeling the cold here at VivaStreet as the weather has suddenly plummeted and a seriously chilly spell has taken over the country. It even looks like we may be in for a white Christmas!

While we’re all trying to keep warm and avoid coming down with the sniffles, we still want to look stylish in the big freeze. So instead of digging out your holey old winter woollens from the back of the wardrobe, why not take a look at our large selection of winter wear to help get you through this cold snap.

We’ve got everything to help you feel cosy, from cashmere scarves for your extremities to this gorgeous thermal vest for what’s underneath.

You can’t help but feel toasty in one of these gorgeous fleeces, but how about a sheepskin coat? No longer the reserve of dodgy car salesmen from the 1970′s, they can’t fail to keep you warm and they guarantee to make you look stylish at the same time.

Ski gear is the perfect way to make sure you don’t catch cold when the temperature drops, and despite its name it doesn’t have to be reserved for the slopes. Check out this ski jacket, for example, which promises to keep you warm without looking out of place while you’re wandering along the high street.

Meanwhile, let’s not forget our feet! You can’t go wrong with Ugg boots to ensure your tootsies don’t freeze. Even though they’ve been around a few years, they’re still all the rage and look so stylish with jeans, leggings or a skirt. But this year why not check out the latest line in Uggs….. cardy Uggs. A cardigan for your feet = perfect!

But this cold weather isn’t just affecting our own bodies. Don’t forget poor little Fido, who wants to keep warm this winter too! Have a look at these cute little dog coats and make the pooch in your life happy.

Hopefully this cold weather will be gone as quickly as it has arrived. In the meantime, wrap up and stay warm!

This Christmas hamper would make the perfect festive gift

Christmas is about many things; giving and receiving gifts, singing Christmas carols, spending time with the relatives and watching yet another James Bond film being just some of them. Well, there’s one thing the festive season most certainly is about, and that’s eating! Yes, it’s that time of year when most of us have to resort to loosening the belt buckle by a notch or two after some serious over-indulgence.

If you’re the unlucky one lumbered with the task of having to cook for the extended family on Christmas day and you’re dreading the thought, then don’t despair. VivaStreet is Santa’s very own little helper, and can advise on everything from where to buy turkeys, to how to cheat and buy a ready-made Christmas cake! It’s your veritable one-stop Christmas food shop!

We have some gorgeous luxury hampers on offer, which would make the perfect gift and guarantee to keep the family quiet for several days. They contain all the Christmas essentials, from cranberry sauce to Christmas pudding, and come as a fantastic reusable woven wicker basket.

If you need a little bit of guidance on how to rustle up the perfect festive feast, then why not pick up this Gary Rhodes cookbook, which is full of tips on how to impress your guests. Of course you can use it long after the Christmas season has passed.

Admittedly, even with the help of dear old Gary Rhodes, some of us just aren’t as au fait in the kitchen as we would like to be. We don’t know about you, but here at VivaStreet the mere words ‘dinner party’ are enough to get us into a tizz! But yet again, there’s no need to panic. VivaStreet has just the thing. Have you ever thought about what it’s like to hire a chef? This could be the answer to your prayers – let them sweat over the Christmas spread while you sit back and relax with your glass of mulled wine. We love this idea too – cookery class gift vouchers. They make the perfect Christmas present for a loved one who has always dreamed of being able to cook like a pro.

But let’s not forget one of the most important things…the grog! Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without some mulled wine, and Santa will never forgive you if he doesn’t get his annual glass of port or sherry. VivaStreet’s food and wine section has endless ideas for what booze to fill up the cupboards with. This case of wine, for example, will keep the family happy until the supermarkets re-open.

So make the most of the opportunity to over-indulge before you make your New Year’s resolution to lose those extra pounds. Bon appetit!

You don't need to build a huge wind turbine to save energy in your home

The Climate Change Conference is going on in Copenhagen as we speak, where world leaders are gathering together to discuss setting targets for cutting carbon emissions in order for us to clean up our act and save the planet.

There is much that should be done on a national and international level, but there is also a lot that can be done on a smaller scale, and that starts with each and every one of us making changes in our own homes.

As well as small things like turning off lights in empty rooms, using energy saving light bulbs and taking showers instead of baths, did you know that there are ways we can actually CREATE our own energy in order to help the planet?

Probably the most well-known methods of creating energy are wind and solar power. But don’t worry, you don’t need to set up huge wind turbines in your back garden to get started (the neighbours probably wouldn’t be too impressed anyway!) First of all, making your own solar panels is surprisingly easy. You can easily start generating energy in your home by placing some simple solar panels on your roof. Get your hands on this step by step guide to see what we mean.  And did you ever think you would be able to build your own electricity generator? Well, it’s not as difficult as you might think. You can choose between solar or wind power, or both, and can work towards one day ‘unplugging’ your house from your electricity supplier, and generating all of your own energy. And we’re talking renewable energy here, as it’s straight from mother nature herself. Imagine being able to save money AND save the planet at the same time!

But it’s not all about solar or wind power. Did you know that you can also create electricity to power your home by using magnets? We have guides on the site on just how to make your own magnetic power generator, which create free energy and don’t require a resource like wind or solar energy to function.

So if you feel like you’d like to give renewable energy a go, but just want to test it out on a small scale first, then take a look at these solar powered garden lights. They recharge by sunlight during the day and then contain enough energy to switch on at dusk. Impressive stuff!

Clearly there’s no time like the present for each of us to do our bit to fight global warming, and that means starting by saving, and even creating, energy in our own homes. There’s plenty that we can all be doing to cut our fuel consumption, which is not only good news for the planet but also great for our wallets too!

We’re witnessing a new trend within the property market which is impacting on landlords and tenants alike.

The so-called weekday renters, or ‘tempers,’ are those for whom the daily commute to work has become a bit too much of a drag. Perhaps the journey is a little too long or expensive, public transport is too unpredictable, or even long working hours are making the journey home at the end of the day almost pointless. Whatever the reason, property owners across the country are seeing a surge in demand from professionals looking to rent a room from Monday to Friday. Landlords are cottoning on to the idea, and have started to make available weekday rooms for those looking for a place to crash after a long day in the office.

As people choose to hang on to their jobs, at least until the recession is thoroughly behind us, property ‘temping’ is becoming a great option for those who, faced with a significant daily commute, want to spend a little less time staring out of the train window. It’s worth bearing in mind that flatshares have come a long way from the outdated notion of having to pay over the odds for a thin-walled dingy bedsit, and in fact they are increasingly becoming the smart choice for professionals. Luckily here at VivaStreet we have a number of flatshares to suit every budget and location.

As well, why not explore whether your budget stretches to renting a property on a more full-time basis, in case long working hours on a Friday (or even after work drinking!) make the idea of sleeping over close to work a little more appealing, and a lot less tiring.

And finally, for those for whom even a weekly or fortnightly commute is still too much, then don’t forget we have a huge amount of properties for sale if you’re considering upping sticks completely.  It’s clear that whatever your budget, location or working situation, VivaStreet has a range of options to suit your needs, so there’s no need to put up with an exhausting daily commute any longer!

Looking for love? Vivastreet is here to help ...

It’s that time of year again when everyone seems to be talking about how they’re going to spend the festive season, and, more importantly, who they’re going to spend it with. Families make plans to get together and couples look forward to snuggling up with each other under a cashmere blanket in front of a roaring fire. Well, as much as we love Christmas and all the fun and good times that come with it, we know that there are some people who perhaps haven’t been too lucky in the love and romance stakes this year, and who are not fortunate enough to be able to curl up with a loved one this winter.

One thing’s for sure, it’s not easy to meet that special someone, especially when everyone around you seems to be already married or sprouting offspring. Are there any good ones left?!

Well, VivaStreet is here to help. We have a huge amount of singletons on the site all looking to meet a friend, lover, or soulmate.  We have men looking for women, women looking for men, women looking for women, and so on. It’s so easy to sign up and – most importantly – it’s all free! Currently, the number of single men looking for love is far outweighing the amount of women we have signed up, so come on single ladies, what are you waiting for… you could make some man a fantastic Christmas cracker!

Online dating is what all the cool singletons do these days, and it’s as normal as swapping numbers with someone down the local boozer. So if you are single, then why not give it a go. We may not be able to promise that you will meet the love of your life, but you will certainly get chatting to some new people  who may become firm friends. And for those of you who are already in a relationship, then don’t worry, there’s still lots of opportunity to make new friends, as many people sign up to VivaStreet who are just looking for friendship.

So why not give yourself the best chance possible of meeting the future man or woman of your dreams?

Just remember to stay safe. VivaStreet encourages users to be very cautious in giving out personal information, and to always tell a friend where and when you have arranged to meet someone.

This year we’re all feeling the pinch a little more than normal, and the majority of us are not looking to be uber-extravagant with the Christmas gifts. This is especially the case as we still have to buy presents for the whole family, including brother Ben, sister Emily, Mum and Dad, old Auntie Maude and Spot the dog… So why not let VivaStreet do the hard work for you in suggesting the top ten affordable Christmas presents to get your hands on this year.

1. First of all, we’ve got loads of cheap Nintendo on offer, and it’s the perfect gift to bring the whole family together and have fun. Get your hands on the Wii Fit so all the family can start to work off those one-too-many mince pies!
2. Brother Ben will just love this Canon EOS 35mm camera, complete with accessories including flash, zoom lens and carrying case.
3. This cool go-kart will be perfect for little Harry to show off to his friends, and will provide many years of fun, lasting him until he’s about 12 years old.
4. Why is is that all boys dream of being rock stars? Let cousin Jack indulge his musical fantasies with this fantastic second-hand drum kit…although the neighbours may not be so pleased!
5. How about treating your sister to a piano lesson gift voucher? You know how she has always dreamed of playing along to her favourite tunes. Choose from a range of instrumental and singing teachers and give the gift of a lesson for Christmas.
6. After working hard to cook Christmas lunch for the whole family, Mum definitely deserves some pampering. You’ll be forever in her good books with this cheap spa break.
7. Auntie Maude will just adore this antique tea set, in fine bone china.
8. Dad will love this! Take a look at these personalised gifts, ranging from personalised magazine and newspaper covers, to fantasy images, where, by simply emailing in a photo of your Dad, you can have him transformed into a Medieval knight, a footballing legend, or a Star Trek captain!
9. Perfect for uncle Pete, this “Really Stupid joke book” is  only £3!  If it’s all getting a bit tense being stuck in the same small living room as the entire family, then let Pete break the tension with this collection of silly jokes.
10. And finally not forgetting the pet pooch, Spot, because it’s his Christmas too. He wants to look cool among his doggie chums in the park, so why not treat him to some professional grooming from this mobile dog pampering service.

Happy Christmas shopping!

England's 1966 World Cup

Thousands of football fans will be glued to television screens across the country at 17.55 GMT this evening, as the World Cup Finals draw takes place in South Africa. As usual the English media has already started speculating as to whether this will at last be the World Cup when we put to bed the 1966 label…
Hopes are high, but of course every team needs a little bit of luck and it would help the England cause if:

1. Brazil send their Under 21 team to the World Cup Finals
2. Germany forget how to take penalties – because we know for certain that we’re going to draw them in the quarters or semi-finals
3. We avoid Portugal, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Ivory Coast
4. Rooney or Beckham don’t break their metatarsals six weeks before the World Cup kicks off
5. It rains all tournament!

So, what about the draw? Who do we want to avoid and who would raise a smile on every England football fan’s face? The first stage is to avoid the Group of Death – which this time around would probably comprise of Portugal, Ivory Coast and the USA/Mexico. Ideally we’d like to draw New Zealand, Slovakia and Algeria – but you just know the draw is going to throw up some hum-dingers… so don’t be surprised if Death is wearing an England shirt and sharpening his scythe on Rooney’s head come 6pm!

Just to enter into the spirit of the day, we’ve been trawling the Vivastreet site for anything World Cup related. How about a night out in the company of some of the England 1966 World Cup winners.

Or, if you’re planning to head out the World Cup Finals next year, it’s probably worth booking up your World Cup accommodation in South Africa now before it’s too late.

Lastly, once tickets for the World Cup go on sale, they’ll be snapped up in the first 24 hours…. so be quick! If you miss out, don’t worry, check out Vivastreet for World Cup 2010 tickets – you just might be one of the lucky ones who gets the chance to watch England lift the World Cup in South Africa.

Go on boys – make us all proud… and we’ll even forgive you for earning ridiculous amounts of cash, having beautiful WAGS and living the perfect lives, while the rest of us earn pittance, doing jobs we despise haha….. jealous? – absolutely!!

Perhaps free diving is a step too far, but if you have always yearned to explore the ocean beneath the waves rather than from the comfort of a yacht (because of course all our Vivastreet users have their own yachts!), then how about donning a pair of flippers and trying a little scuba diving? We’ve got some great diving equipment for sale if you have always fancied giving the sport a go. We’ve got diving accessories, such as this diving regulator, and even some rather natty diving clothing, such as this fab ladies’ diving jacket, to help you stay stylish even when those around you are more interested in eating plankton than checking out your aquatic sartorial elegance.

Get the body you want with this new fitness class led by qualified instructors

But what if this extreme sport is a bit too extreme for you? Well, if you want to stay active without having to break the bank to buy expensive equipment, have a look at our fitness training section, where you will find all sorts of opportunities and ideas for how to get fit – and stay fit – for life. No-one is going to mess with you after you’ve taken part in this attitude fitness one day event, for example. And have you ever thought about taking part in a boot camp? It involves little more than a good pair of trainers and a will of steel, and it’s where those in-the-know go to if they want to fight the flab, tone up their muscles and generally look hot-to-trot! You’ll find loads of like-minded individuals and may even make some friends along the way.

For those of you for whom boot camp or fitness training is still a little too strenuous, don’t worry, we still have options for you.  If hitting a small white ball around a park is about as much as you can handle, then why not invest in some golf training to improve your handicap and get to grips with your swing. Judging by the number of pensioners who converge on my local course at the weekend, it’s not what you’d call an extreme sport. But believe me, when you’ve just taken seven to get out of a bunker, the blood will definitely be pumping round the body!

So what are you waiting for? Quit piling on the pounds and get yourself off that sofa! And don’t kid yourself that playing Wii Fit while tucking into a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken is going to get you into the best shape of your life. There’s no time like the present and there’s no excuse for not getting in shape for this year’s Christmas party!

VivaStreet has a wealth of music and singing teachers to help you sing like a superstar

For those of you who don’t know your Jedward from your JLS, well, you must have been hiding under a rock for the past few weeks. X-Factor mania has yet again taken hold of the UK, dividing the nation over which contestant deserves to be knocked out, and which deserves to go through to the next round. For all the talk about the outfits, the hair do’s and have/haven’t they had Botox, the real question people are really asking is this: “Can they actually sing?”

Whatever the answer is, if – like us – all this singing and dancing has left you wishing you could get up on stage and perform, but you feel like you may be lacking some of the necessary coordination, rhythm, vocal expertise, then have no fear, VivaStreet is here to help. You need look no further than VivaStreet’s very own Dance, Music and Acting classes section where you will find a wealth of singing teachers, piano teachers, and in fact all sorts of tutors who can help turn your musical dreams into reality. Whether you need help with your singing ability (or lack of) or have always fancied yourself as a bit of a dancer, we’ve got all sorts of performing arts experts to help you get your footwork sorted and your vocal chords in tune.

Perhaps you have always harboured a desire to sing like Mariah or Frank, or maybe you’re thinking “actually I played a pretty mean fiddle” when I was younger, time to set the screeching cats free……..or maybe what you’re really dreaming of is getting up on stage and auditioning for X-Factor yourself!

So once you’ve got a few tunes under your belt and you’re ready to belt out a medley of show tunes, pop songs or rock classics, then check out the local artists and local musicians section of VivaStreet where you will be able to find some similarly inclined individuals – or rather some “desperate to be famous” individuals – within your area who are ready to perform with you! Who knows, the next Take That may just be a few clicks away! Whatever the results, you’ll certainly be able to impress your colleagues at this year’s karaoke Christmas party.

And after you’ve spent some time investing in your musical interests, if you’re still not convinced you’ve got what it takes to get up and perform, then take the simple option and hire a professional! If you’re putting on an event or party anytime soon, whether it’s a wedding pianist, a tribute band or an Irish dancing group you’re looking for, then here at VivaStreet we have every type of musician for hire just for you in our local artists section.

White kittens for sale at VivaStreet

What is it with Mariah Carey? She sings like an angel, but turns into a stroppy teenager when she doesn’t get her own way. The queen of divas’ demands are legendary, and woe betide those who stand up to her.  But that’s exactly what happened when MC agreed to turn on the Christmas lights at London’s Westfield shopping centre.

Not content with the 100 white doves cooing around her, the high-maintenance chanteuse, who has been making a series of promotional appearances in the capital, apparently asked for 20 white kittens to surround her as she played the part of fairy godmother, turning on the lights with her magic wand. No small request then!

To be fair, the Westfield shopping centre did their best to accommodate MC’s needs, but when it became clear that finding 20 pure white kittens, was as likely as England scoring a try at Twickers, the health and safety bods stepped in and banned her request. Good old health and safety – they’ve actually gone up in my estimations for standing up to the shrill one!

Now, while we support MC’s love of animals, here at VivaStreet we’re fully aware that animals, including kittens, are for life, and not just for Christmas – or a one-off event, Mariah! So if you’re in the market for a little bundle of fluffy fun, then check out our pets for sale section, where you will find everything from guinea pigs to puppies.

While we may not be able to offer 20 white kittens in one go, we can promise you a menagerie of different feline friends for sale, including these two white kittens, or how about this adorable white female kitten, all looking to go to good homes. And don’t forget, we don’t just offer kittens. We have a number of older cats for sale who, for whatever reason, are all looking to be welcomed into new homes by caring, supportive owners.

So if, like Mariah, white is most definitely your thing, but maybe you’re not so crazy on cats, then we have a everything from white bulldog puppies, to white baby rabbits for sale and even white racing pigeons! Whether you’re a cat or a dog lover, or prefer something a little smaller and fluffier that doesn’t need quite so much exercise or grooming, at VivaStreet we have every type of white, four-legged or -winged friend for you! Just puurrrfect for completing your very own white Christmas!

Stunning holiday villa in Barbados

Believe it or not it’s just over five weeks until Christmas – that means five weeks to buy presents, stock up on food and five weeks before your house in invaded by screaming kids!!

For many, Christmas has become one long stress. It should be a time to relax with the family, recharge the batteries and slob in front of the tv watching the Wizard of Oz. That’s going to be pretty hard to do with a house full of testosterone fueled teenagers, demanding that you play them at Super Mario Bros on the Wii… and then taking great pleasure in kicking your butt!

Enough is enough. You’ve worked hard this year and you deserve some time off. Here’s an idea – how about cancelling Christmas this year and heading off for some much needed winter sun and more importantly, peace and quiet.

Sounds like a good idea? Well there’s no time to waste. Tell everyone you’ve got a crisis at work and you’re going to have to spend the whole of Christmas tied to your desk, saving the company from going to the wall. Then go to our holiday rentals abroad section and book an apartment in the Seychelles for Christmas. You won’t regret it and I’m sure the family will understand! And if they don’t – just buy them some very nice presents, after all the difference between anger and happiness is a 32 inch flat screen HD television!

Currently we have 360 holiday apartments in Spain, 468 rental apartments in Italy and if you would rather stay closer to home, we have 1282 holiday rentals in the UK.

And how about treating yourself and the wife? After all you deserve it…. This stunning three bedroom holiday villa in Barbados comes with its own private pool and is only 150 yards from the beach. Very nice!

New Jimmy Choo Handbag

It’s official; we’re a nation of handbag addicts. This season’s main designer collections have yet to hit the shops and, guess what, they’re already sold out! It’s obvious we just can’t wait to get our hands on the latest designer offering, whether that be a tote, shoulder bag or clutch.

The craze for the ‘it-bag’ began several years ago with designers such as Chloe, Christian Dior and Balenciaga creating fashion frenzies with the Paddington, Saddle and Lariat respectively. Baguette anyone?

Of course fashion junkies’ habits are only worsened upon seeing their favourite celebrity sporting the latest handbag must-have in all the fashion mags. It’s claimed Posh Spice is the proud owner of several Hermes Birkin bags, all at several thousand pounds a pop. But before we say Marc Jacobs, there really is no need to trek down to the nearest department store and blow the budget on the latest essential arm-candy. Here at VivaStreet there is no such thing as waiting lists or queuing around the block to get the designer look for yourself, with our wealth of designer bags for sale.

Whether you opt for something classic and understated, like Posh with her Birkin bags, or whether you prefer something more glamorous and adventurous, at VivaStreet we have the perfect handbag to suit every taste. For only £50, you can snap up this stunning Lulu & Red handbag. Or, for a real show-stopper, how about this Chanel handbag. One for the Christmas list perhaps, but certainly something that will turn heads and go on looking stylish for years to come.

And for those of us who favour a more ‘old-school’ look, then we even have, ahem, bags in the style of your old school satchel, but in an uber cool, updated version of the one you used to throw your Maths books into all those years ago. Right now the school satchel is enjoying a revival and they can be seen hanging from the shoulders of achingly cool A-listers including Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Biel. For men and women alike, leather satchels are definitely a front-runner for the title of this season’s it-bag.

Meanwhile, does the man in your life need a bit of smartening up? A little more masculine than a ‘manbag,’ this shoulder bag will make the most fashion-phobic male the envy of his mates. And finally, who said functional couldn’t be stylish with this gorgeous messenger bag.

So what’s on your shopping list this Christmas? Whether it’s a monogrammed tote or a leather-look clutch, at VivaStreet we’ve got just the thing to update your look.

Brighten up your outside space with Christmas decoration

Even though it feels like summer ended only five minutes ago, already shops up and down the country are stocked full to the brim with all things bright and sparkly, and the dark nights of winter are being lit up by twinkly festive lights across our towns and cities.

The Christmas lights in London’s Oxford and Regent Streets were turned on with traditional celebration and gusto last week, brightening up our streets and office buildings. We don’t know about you, but all these seasonal illuminations are turning our thoughts to just how we could liven up our own home and outdoor space, for Christmas time and beyond. Well, here at VivaStreet we have just the thing to inspire and spark your imagination!

For a bit of festive fun, why not get in the mood by decorating your house or flat with these outdoor Christmas decorations? But before we get too carried away, if all this Christmas talk is a bit too much too soon, then look no further than VivaStreet’s own house and garden section where we have an array of general ideas for how you could brighten up your home.

No matter how big or small your garden may be, you’ll be sure to find something in our garden accessories section, which promises to make your outdoors look a little less tired and a lot more stylish all year round. You can find anything from  outdoor lights – perfect for everything from a small yard to a large lawn – to garden statues…… to hot tubs! Who would have thought a simple garden mirror could make your patio look so stylish? And isn’t it time that the poor old garden shed, which has been on its last legs for years, was relegated to the bonfire in the sky to make way for a gorgeous new summerhouse?

So, giving your outside space a bit of a makeover isn’t something that should be left to the experts. There is so much fun to be had in experimenting with a new look, so let VivaStreet help you lighten up and brighten up!

Go on, live the dream!

They’re in the money!!!! The lucky Brits who scooped the EuroMillions Lottery over the weekend can begin to make their dreams a reality by deciding just how to spend their share of the £90m jackpot. However, while the majority of us may not be in that fortunate position – yet! – here at VivaStreet we can still help you live like a millionaire, if only for a day.

You don’t have to amass a personal fortune to feel like a lottery winner, as shown by our great range of luxury experiences just a click away – how about travelling in luxury with a trip on the Orient Express or if you fancy stretching out, what about hiring a private limo for the day to take the girlfriends to the races!

Okay, so jetting off in a private plane to a spa in the Maldives may be out of reach for us lottery hopefuls, but we do have some fantastic spa breaks currently on offer on the site. And if you want to arrive in style at your spa retreat, then you could do a lot worse than to hire a Ferrari for a day or two. No-one’s going to know you hired it for the day – and we won’t tell if you don’t!!

Lastly, the private yacht is the ultimate play thing of the rich and famous – well, we might be able to help at least get you on the water! We have a whole section devoted to boats for sale. Now we can’t promise a sleek Sunseeker with heli pad, sun deck and a master bedroom the size of a small country, but for £5,000 you can pick yourself up a nice little motorboat with plenty of character. And you know what, if you splash on a little fake tan, throw on a pair of Speedos and crack open a bottle of Tesco’s best value champers, you’ll feel like you’re in Monaco, even if you’re moored up in Southampton Docks.. honest!!

Who wants to be a millionaire anyway!

Go on, live the dream!

Vintage style pointy bra

Sales of vintage style pointy bras have experienced a significant boost as, according to retail reports, the curvy look is back, with the wafer thin supermodel look relegated to the bargain bin. The trend, as advocated by Madonna who famously sported the designs of fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier during the 1980s, is being revived once more as sales of the conical bra have increased significantly over the last year.

Women are embracing the style of 1950s starlets such as Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe, in an unashamed celebration of their femininity. However it’s not just all frills and lace, as in fact sophisticated technology goes into the design of each conical bra, with the design inspired by that used in the aircraft carriers.

So if you want to emulate the look of those silver screen bombshells who donned a pointy bra to show off their assets, there’s no need to trek out to the shops and hunt for a style that suits you, as here at VivaStreet.co.uk we have a vast selection of lingerie for sale. However we don’t just specialise in underwear, if the complete vintage look is your thing then we have lots of clothing and accessories for sale in our buy and sell section. Happy hunting!

Don't end up with an old banger - do your homework!

According to the latest figures, UK used car prices have started to fall back after 11 months of continuous price rises. It appears that demand in the UK has peaked – so this is a great time to buy a used car if you’re thinking of trading in your old banger for something a little more sleek.

The UK car sector was on its knees 12 months ago, but has been buoyed by the Government’s car scrappage scheme, which incentivised car owners with a £2,000 discount off a new car if they traded-in their old car. This scheme pretty much saved the industry at a time when costs were rising, sales were falling and many car dealerships were struggling to survive. The car scrappage scheme has now been extended beyond 2009.

Evidence suggests that the scheme is slowly running out of steam, and even though the Government has just announced that the scheme will be extended, the positive impact on second hand car prices is expected to be minimal, with experts predicting that prices will continue to fall.

Which is good news for people looking to buy a quality used car. This is the perfect time to take advantage of a buyer’s market and pick yourself up a very nice motor. However, remember with any purchase, and particularly when it comes to second hand cars, it’s important to make sure you know what you’re buying – so do your homework.

Here’s a few tips courtesy of the AA, that you should follow before you commit to a purchase:-

1/ Budget realistically – don’t forget to include the cost of insurance, tax and any work that needs doing, in the price

2/ Do your homework – check out a price guide to make sure the vehicle isn’t overpriced

3/ Never view a car in the rain, in poor light or at night

4/ Ask the owner about the service history and check the service record

5/ Insist on seeing the V5 vehicle registration document

6/ Check the seller has a current MOT certificate and certificate of insurance

7/ Be careful – if a car appears just too cheap then there’s probably a reason why. Try and do a thorough check of the vehicle

8/ Check the handbook – how does the security system work? what keys come with the vehicle

9/ Test drive the vehicle before committing to buying it

10/ and finally HAGGLE… you just never know, with a little effort you could knock a big chunk of cash off the price

There really are some bargains to be found out there – and Vivastreet is the perfectly place to start your search for a second hand car , with more than 4,000 vehicles currently being advertised in our used cars for sale section. Happy hunting and good luck!!!

I don’t know about you but lately here at VivaStreet we just have no idea what clothes to put on in the morning. Hat and scarf, T-shirt and shorts, or a combination of the lot?

This changeable weather is leaving us in a clothing quandary – not that we’re complaining, mind you. This week, Britain is in for a treat, as unseasonably warm weather looks set to hang around until the weekend, with temperatures soaring to a balmy 21C across the country!

One thing’s for sure though, these warm days are unlikely to stick around for long, driving us back to our mittens and scarves before you can say Jack Frost.

Don’t worry – why not pop onto Vivastreet and pick up some bargain winter woollies in our second hand clothes section. Or if you’re looking to sell off those jumpers and shirts you’ve never worn, and free up a little space to hang the Santa Claus outfit, then we have thousands of visitors every day browsing on our buy and sell section. In fact it’s one of our most popular sections on the website!

If you’re in need of a little inspiration for your Halloween costume this year, why not take your look from the millions of Michael Jackson devotees who recently took to the streets to re-enact the superstar’s classic Thriller video? Just in time for Halloween, fans gathered in cities around the globe for a synchronised dance-off complete with fake blood, scars and ghoulish outfits.

Desperate to take the prize for best outfit at this year’s Halloween party? Well Vivastreet is creaking with spooky Halloween fancy dress outfits – you can find everything you need on our website to complete that spine-tingling look. We’ve got plenty of spooky goings-on, with everything from latex devils masks, Beetlejuice face masks, to witches hats and witches broomsticks.

Plus if you feel like showing off your dance moves by putting on your very own version of Thriller, you can always check out what dance classes are happening in your local area to brush up on your moves…

It’s tough at the moment for those people out of work but there are jobs out there despite reports suggesting otherwise.  VivaStreet.co.uk has seen a 46% rise in the number of new full-time jobs posted on the site and that’s great news for those of you out there actively looking for work.

We currently have a huge variety of jobs on the site, both full-time and part-time positions, from childcare and nanny jobs to marketing and accountancy jobs.

For those of you specifically looking for part-time positions, in September alone, there were 2,696 new part-time jobs advertised on the website.

Also, don’t forget you can post your CV on the website for free and create alerts so that you’re the first to hear whenever a hot new job is posted on the website.

Good luck!

Adorable black kitten ready for new home

This little chap has some equally adorable brothers, all ready for new loving homes. They’re 9 weeks old, fully weaned with a healthy mother. They’re also used to being around children and other pets.

We have plenty of kittens for sale and cats for sale on the Vivastreet website right now – just remember, as cute as they are, pets are for life, and at Vivastreet.co.uk we want our pets for sale to go to good homes!

According to London Underground, the most commonly forgotten objects last year, were books (36,852), bags (28,550) and items of clothing (27,174).

On the Vivastreet website,  we have our very own lost and found section, which at the moment seems to be devoted to reuniting  missing cats and lost dogs with their owners.

Take this ad.. the owner is offering a £1000 reward for the safe return of ‘Gizzy’

Have you seen this cat??? ***£1000 REWARD*** Lost White Cat

Still Missing – ‘Gizzy’
Male. 2 years old. Microchipped.
All white with grey marking on top of head only.
Long body / bushy tail.
Needs to be reunited with sister.
Missing from the Elburton area.