Machines in hotel toilets unacceptable

Dear Betsy, I went to the ladies powder room the other day at a five star hotel. Just as I was about to sit on the throne I noticed something bright. There on the wall above the toilet was a small machine with a flashing light. It scared me. What was it?

Why was a 'working' machine positioned on the wall behind me? I felt my privacy was being invaded, did it have a camera in it? Was my most private moment being recorded? Was Big Brother now watching us in the loo?

I couldn't relax enough to use the facilities and had to leave in frustration and some discomfort. I asked the receptionist about it and was told it was an automatic air conditioner and nothing to worry about. What a joke, nothing to worry about?

It scared me and I won't use those loos ever again. Who knows what else that machine could be doing? I urge the hotel to reconsider and go back to using a good old manual air conditioner.

A.R.

Dear A.R,

Being the curious cat that I am, I have visited the loos and I know exactly what you mean!

Scary is the word I would use and I did not feel at all comfortable either. I took along a friend and didn't tell her about the machines and she let out a yell when she realised she was not alone in the loo!

I agree with you entirely and as much as I understand the need for an air conditioner, there are other machines which perform this function without giving us girls the heebie jeebies! I think the positioning of the machines on the wall just above the toilet, is unfortunate too. Perhaps they could reposition them or I have a better idea, just remove the batteries! Hi-tech in the toilet stall just isn't done in my opinion.

I also hate those automatic taps and soap dispensers. They drive me mad as they don't always work and you have to keep moving your hands around until you hit the right spot to send the signal to get it to work.

What's wrong with normal taps and soap dispensers? While we are on the subject, those hot air hand drying machines are awful too. Give me good old paper towels any day, but please can you not position the dispensers so high up the wall that as you reach for a towel the water runs all down your arms and ruins your blouse?

Forget the hi-tech machines and invest in some decent make-up friendly lighting instead. Right girls? It is obvious most ladies loos are designed and equipped by men or very tall women who don't wear make up!

Dear Betsy,

I am a size 18 to 20 and want to buy some new trousers. These days all the shops have skinny jeans and narrow-ankled trousers. I have tried them on but they don't look good on me. What shape and style of trousers would suit me and make me look slimmer?

Deena.

Dear Deena,

Yes skinny jeans are in fashion, but so are those wide-legged flat fronted trousers (side zip) that are flattering to your shape. You will find them in most shops including Marks and Spencers, Debenhams and New Look. This is a flattering comfortable shape and suitable for work as well as social events, and you can't really say that about the skinny styles. The other shape that you would find flattering is what we call 'boot cut' trousers. These are a regular shape until they get to the knee where they flare out into a wider shape to the ankle. This shape helps give the illusion of longer slimmer legs and most girls would put that on their wish list!

Wear the trousers with high heels to max the slimming effect and stick to darker colours like chocolate, navy and black rather than beige or white.

Take time to try lots of trousers on and when you find the perfect pair, you could always have them copied in different colours, at your local tailor. Black velvet is one of this winter's must have evening fabrics and a cleverly cut pair of black velvet trousers could prove to be one of your most versatile garments this season. Look out for stretchy velvet in the fabric shops, very comfortable and forgiving and great when travelling as no matter how long it has been stuffed in your suitcase, it comes out looking great.

BETSY SAYS RELAX

It's official, gossiping is good for you! We girls have known this for years, and now scientists at the University of Michigan have proven it. The results showed that a good 10 minute gossip can boost your brain power, memory capability and improve how well you perform tasks. I always knew that Sudoku was over rated! Get chattering, but according to the boffins, remember, we only need 10 minutes to reap the benefits. I bet you can't limit yourself, girls!