Anne-Marie

I feel like I’m better at looking at myself in the mirror and not hating what I see. I’ve accepted that this is me and if I want a bigger bum I should work out more. And I just can’t be bothered to work out more so I have to accept that it’s not going to happen!

“I follow a lot of Instagram pages with girls in bikinis showing their cellulite and their body rolls and double chins and I’m like: ‘Yes, this is what we need!’ It’s what I needed when I was 13 onwards. Hopefully my 30s will be more carefree and me just doing what I want,” Anne-Marie revealed.

BRAND POWERHOUSE

This year, Anne-Marie has also lent her name and partnered with some of the biggest fashion and make-up brands. In her 30’s Anne-Marie has said it is all about diversifying into art and fashion – 2 of

her biggest passions beside music.

She has curated a collection of clothes and accessories with high-street brand, New Look, that encourages fun, creativity and confidence. Each piece was designed by the singer to be “worn your way – as a statement of your individuality and an extension of your own personal style,” according to the singer.

The collection is packed full of faux fur, bold prints and playful silhouettes with pink as the main colourway. It’s an uplifting collection that brims with colour. It’s comfy, cool and served with a unique edge. The collection was so well received by the public, key pieces sold out within a day of launch. Expect more from Anne-Marie and New Look soon. This collaboration is set to last.

ACCLAIMED AUTHOR

Not many people know this... Anne-Marie is also an accomplished author. She was fed up with being told... you need to go on this diet, you need to behave this way, or you probably shouldn’t wear this outfit comes (the list goes on!) she decided to write an empowering, no-nonsense practical guide to taking care of yourself and taking on the world.

‘You Deserve Better’ is a must-read book that doesn’t give you fluffy promises about self-care but speaks honestly about body image, mental health, being successful at work and more. It’s described as “advice that every person needs to hear to be happier in themselves and in the world!”

Well done Anne-Marie. We salute you.

There are still tickets available for Anne-Marie’s Wembley Concert on 11th May and a limited number for her Newmarket Racecourse Concert on 29th July. See www.iamannemarie.com to buy tickets.

FEATURES THE KEY TO UNLOCKING EVERLASTING LOVE

With Valentine’s Day just round the corner we thought we’d put trivial gifts and naff cards to one side and concentrate on the real crux of the matter… what makes a relationship work? With divorce rates sky rocketing to near the 50% mark we spoke to couples that have stood the test of time and questioned what really makes love last?

FRIENDSHIP IS AS IMPORTANT AS LOVE

When asked the question: “What’s the secret to a long, happy marriage?” a common answer from people in long marriages was: “I married my best friend.” Similarly, from those whose marriages did not succeed, you all too often hear: “Well, we were good at love, but we never learned how to be friends.”

You have to be friends and share common interests. Whether that is something as trivial as both sharing hobbies or having the same sense of humour, when looks start to fade it’s the true friendship union you have that will make you last.

James Hall, a 54-year-old investment banker said, “The secret to my successful 20-year long marriage is I married my best friend. After a string of frivolous relationships with model types, who to be honest never stimulated me intellectually, I met my wife who was a partner in a law firm, she had a cracking sense of humour and the guttsiest personality and we just clicked and became friends. After 6 months she was transferred to the States for work that I just knew I had to have her by my side. To cut a long story short after a flight out and romantic proposal – she felt the same, said “yes” and we have never looked back.

SHARE SIMILAR CORE VALUES

Opposites may attract, but they don’t always make for great and lasting marriages. You are much more likely to have a satisfying companionship for life when you and your partner are fundamentally similar. And the most important thing to look for is similarity in your core values.

Take Emma Sylvester, who at 87 has been married for 58 years. As she put it with a smile, “It’s quite an achievement.”

“I didn’t know it when I got married, but in retrospect I know it’s important to have the same basic values. In other words, if you’re a free spender, marry somebody who understands that. If you’re frugal, you need to marry somebody who understands

THE KEY TO UNLOCKING EVERLASTING LOVE