Finally, the sun is shining - I’m definitely more of a spring and summer kind of girl, I love the springtime, days are longer, nights are lighter, we start to spend more time outdoors and we just seem to feel more upbeat - The winter clothes are packed away and we start thinking about updating our wardrobe, this season’s trends are so feminine and delicate you’ll truly be spoilt for choice – We particularly love the soft pastels of lilac and pink that are filling the shops right now, turn to page 21 for some of our favourite pieces.
Love chocolate? Then you’ll love our chocolate Easter egg round-up (page 32) and no, you don’t have to share!
Did you know there’s a difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin? Dry skin is caused by a lack of oil in your skin, whereas dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water in your skin, page 8 shows you the tell-tale signs so you know what to look for.
We’ve got the perfect Easter feast for you which includes Lamb Meatballs (page 28) and White Spelt Pistachio and Lime Bundt Cake (page30) – Enjoy!
We’re spoiling you with our luxury travel choices –Whether it’s The Maldives, or Santorini, Lake Como or the English Countryside, there’s something for everyone, page 45 tells you more.
Until Next Month
1. Floral Dress, POA, Monsoon
2. Tissot Mother of Pearl Watch, £295, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
www.abbottlyon.com
Don’t forget to join us on social media, we love getting to know you!
Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk07507 602401
Advertising: jane@affinitymag.co.uk
Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk
Kimberley Medd, Head of Clinic at Face the Future, discusses the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin.
"Dry skin is caused by a lack of oil in your skin, whereas dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water in your skin. It can be hard to tell if your skin is dry or dehydrated (or both!), but there are a few little tell-tale signs you can look out for.
Dry skin characteristics: Roughness, Flaking, Cracked skin, Scaling, Loose skin.
Dehydrated skin characteristics: Less elasticity (your skin will take a while to ‘snap back’ if pinched), Fine lines, Cracked lips, Itchiness.
Sometimes it can be really hard to find a balance with your skin and keep it feeling hydrated and healthy, Kimberley shares her best tips on how to keep your skin healthily hydrated, always.
Your skin is made up of 30% water, and although drinking plenty of water won’t hydrate your skin alone, it will help your body to stay hydrated and will also help to support your essential functions, too.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it forces water out of your body and makes it harder to hydrate again afterwards. If you’ve experienced a heavy night of drinking, you’ll know that familiar dehydrated feeling the next morning, and you’ll have most likely seen the effects on your skin, too. So, whilst you might not want to cut alcohol out completely, it’s a great idea to limit your intake and ensure you drink water in between alcoholic drinks to help your body hold onto that hydration.
Cementing a proper skincare routine that’s tailored just for your skin type will make a world of difference to how your skin both looks and feels. A proper skincare routine ensures that your skin gets the vital ingredients it needs, when it needs it. It also helps to support your skin with the ageing process – aiding cell renewal and repair to leave you with a radiant complexion.
If you’re wondering how to hydrate skin from the inside, then supplements are another great option. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, your skin is supported from within.
You might not think that getting an early night has any impact on the moisture content of your skin, but actually, better quality sleep has been linked with increased moisture barrier recovery. And with a strong moisture barrier, your skin is able to retain moisture and hold onto hydration much more effectively. Not to mention, your skin cells renew and
repair during the night, so the better and more consistent your sleep pattern, the better your skin will look and feel.
Weekly exfoliation is really helpful in sloughing away dead skin cells and other impurities that have built up on your skin. It allows you to give your skin a deep cleanse which means that your skincare products can properly penetrate your skin and work at a deeper level. It also helps to promote skin regeneration which in turn improves the texture and tone of your skin. It’s important that your exfoliator isn’t harsh on your skin and that it doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils. From chemical exfoliators that utilise ingredients like glycolic acid, to physical exfoliators that have texture from ingredients like microparticles, or even coffee, to help remove the debris, there are many options to choose from.
Salty foods may taste great, but they’re actually super dehydrating for your skin too. If you have a diet that’s too high in sodium, you’ll notice the changes in your skin such as irritation and itchiness.
There are many different ingredients that help to replenish the hydration in your skin – great sources are avocado, shea butter, coconut, and even honey. With fatty acids and plenty of vitamins, these natural ingredients can help your skin to stay hydrated, leaving you with suppler, smoother, more radiant looking skin.
What you put into your body really does show on the outside, too, so eating a healthy diet of nourishing foods really helps to improve your skin. Healthy fats from sources like salmon, sardines, and tuna are full of essential fatty acids that help to boost your skin’s natural moisture. Other great options are seeds and nuts – especially almonds, flax, macadamia, pumpkin, and walnuts.
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays helps to keep your skin healthy and your natural skin barrier strong. The sun’s harmful rays damage your skin barrier, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture and hold hydration. It’s important to wear SPF daily, even on cloudy, rainy days, as UV rays are always present.
We know that hot baths and showers feel amazing –especially when you’ve been outside on a cold wintery day, but they’re actually a key culprit in stripping your skin of essential oils and moisture, leaving your skin barrier impaired and unable to retain moisture quite so well. Lukewarm baths and showers that don’t last very long are the best for your skin.
www.facethefuture.co.uk
Kalyx Beyond has launched its new 24-carat gold-infused skincare range. The collection includes the 24K Gold Cleansing Powder (£100), 24K Gold Mist (£111), and 24K Gold Concentrate (£144) each with an accompanying mindfulness ritual designed to enhance the transformative power of the products. For first-time users, there’s the 24K Discovery Set (£96), a travelfriendly set that includes the 24K Gold Cleansing Powder (5g), 24K Gold Mist (10ml), and 24K Gold Concentrate (5ml) in a vegan leather bag for luxury skincare on-the-go. All Kalyx Beyond's 24carat gold skincare range is available via kalyxbeyond.com.
Cheekbone Shimmer
Skin doesn’t have to be glittery to glow - BPerfect’s Radiant Glow Skin Perfector (£16.95) achieves an airbrushed glow to the skin in seconds, with light-reflecting pigments and skinoptimising ingredients.
Instead of a traditional highlighter, the Radiant Glow Skin Perfector is a skincare-makeup hybrid that boosts skin's luminosity right away and over time, with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & Camellia Oil. The Radiant Glow Skin Perfector is part of the BPerfect X Ekin-Su Collection and has multiple uses including - wearing alone for a natural skinperfecting glow - as a primer under foundation - combine with your favourite moisturiser or as a highlight for the face & body.
Iconic KVD Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipsticks (£19, Boots) have a new evolved formula for hyperlightweight comfort. all-day and transferproof wear. The bold shades are packed with pigment for a justswiped look that lasts all day and includes shades: Wolfsbane, Pale Harlequin, Night Heron, Medusa’s Head, Living Stone, Ghost Bloom, Dragon Bones and Calytrix.
Elizabeth Arden started a revolution with their Ceramide Capsules – single-dose serums tailored to individual concerns making skincare effortless.
Elizabeth Arden has now added their NEW Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Creams and NEW Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Eye Cream.
The new ultra-light, fast-absorbing formulas include agedefying 3D Technology to Firm, Intensely Hydrate and Tighten. Powered by Ceramides, Tetrapeptides and Edelweiss Extract for visibly lifted, firmer skin, more defined facial contour, and younger-looking eyes.
Products include Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Day Cream (£66), Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Day Cream SPF 15 (£66), Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Night Cream (£68), Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Eye Cream (£48). www.elizabetharden.co.uk.
24-Carat Mindful Skincare
With as many as 10-25% of people reported to be experiencing bloating regularly, it is a common issue that affects people in their day-to-day life. But with so many of us leading a busy lifestyle, how can we reduce the impact that it has on our daily lives?
Which foods can commonly cause bloating?
Fried foods, highly processed foods or high-fat foods can all contribute to bloating. Some people may also feel bloated after eating foods like chickpeas, lentils and beans as they can be more gas-producing. Some may be surprised to hear that chewing gum can contribute to bloating due to some of the sweeteners it contains.
Some people may also feel bloated after eating foods like onions, garlic, apples amongst other fruits and vegetables because they have some highly fermentable carbohydrates that can contribute to bloating. Some of these highly fermentable carbohydrates can also be found in wheat and dairy products. However, it's key to remember that people can react to different foods, and it is important to rule out medical causes for symptoms and get advice from a dietitian before cutting foods out of the diet.
Which drinks can commonly cause bloating?
Dietitian Cristian Costas tells us that “Alcohol, caffeinated drinks and fizzy or sugary drinks can all contribute to bloating. Furthermore, drinking with a straw can at times contribute to bloating too, as more air is swallowed when this is done. Fruit juices may also contribute to bloating due to having a high proportion of fruit sugars that can enter our digestive system at one time.”
Are there any foods which can aid with bloating, or prevent it?
You should take their time with chewing food, as eating quickly can result in swallowing more air, also don’t overdo it with portions of food, as filling the stomach up too much can contribute to feeling
bloated. Increasing foods with higher amounts of fibre gradually can also help to reduce bloating, mainly by improving gut transit. You can try gradually adding more seeds into your diet (like linseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc) as well as nuts, whole grain sources of fibre and more fruits and vegetables with skin on them. Oats can also be beneficial.
Are there any drinks which can aid with bloating, or prevent it?
Keeping well hydrated can really help as this can help prevent constipation and help fibre work better within our gut once it is increased in the diet. People can also make some smoothies with some sources of fibre mentioned above to help gut transit.
What are the signs you should be concerned by bloating, and what could it indicate?
Bloating will not always be caused by food and sometimes even if it’s caused by food, it is worth investigating things further to see if there is a medical condition contributing to the problem. If your bloating is regular and persists for more than 3 weeks it is worth getting it checked with a doctor, especially if it’s accompanied by other digestive symptoms.
Some common causes of bloating can be constipation, food intolerances and irritable bowel syndrome. However, bloating can also be caused by other medical conditions like coeliac disease, which is an autoimmune condition where gluten can induce digestive symptoms and cause gut damage. To test for it with accuracy it is important that gluten is not removed from the diet prior to testing. This is why it is important to seek advice from a doctor and/or dietitian with regards to your symptoms before making changes to your diet.
For more information on bloating please visit, uktherapyrooms.co.uk
I’ve heard people say that as you get older time seems to fly by and in some ways that’s right but in other ways, it feels very wrong.
Certainly, the time it takes to do things seems to have increased considerably. When children were small we used to have a 5-second rule, you know when a biscuit falls on the floor for example but I must confess we’ve had to lengthen that – no way on earth can we bend down even with our oohs and aahs as ageing joints creak, and get back up again in 5 seconds so now we have a 30 second or so rule depending on where the dropped item is relative to our position.
Almost all daily tasks seem to take a bit longer – just a bit but when you add all the bits of time together well I suppose time is flying as there is less free time in the day. I can assure you there is no such thing as a ‘quick’ shower or indeed a quick anything but one of the longest most drawn-out activities is managing to leave the house.
It sounds so simple – you decide on a course of action whether that’s a walk or a visit to the shops and then you prepare to go. I mean I have to confess that sometimes making the decision can take a while but that’s not the major problem – the real time-consuming part comes after you’ve made the decision – it’s all the actions you need to take to make that decision a reality and actually leave the house.
Let’s be honest its hard to be spontaneous when you have to find a coat, boots, scarf, gloves, hat, umbrella and possibly add a few other layers as well. Each of these involves a decision and that is a lot of decisions. Raincoat or warmer coat, Uggs, wellies or some other type of
footwear. When it comes to accessories – do you match or just go for warmth – this is the best option at my age. Then of course you might need to gather bags if you are going to the shop – maybe you are depositing bottles to recycle on the way (which is guaranteed to delay departure significantly) maybe you have coupons to use. Oh, my goodness, I know that they save money but invariably when I take ages to find them, they are out of date anyway!
But one of the biggest bugbears for us is the keys. House key, car key, front door or back door all seem to present much more of a challenge than they should. Yes of course we have a system for keys! We have this great little hook system and when we come into the house we put all keys on the hooks. So, it is a complete and utter mystery that whenever we want to find said keys they aren’t actually on the hooks! Strange because we all swear blind we left them on the hooks so we must simply put it down to gremlins!
Then, as we can all acknowledge the need to save money and energy in the home, there is always the last-minute dash around the house to turn off lights or heaters. Money needs gathering too – mostly these days it tends to be cards – which of course are all neatly gathered together in a purse or wallet but you do then have to find said purse or wallet which usually involves further searching and let me tell you if you do all this while dressed to cope with chilly weather it is enough to cause you to break out into a hot sweat.
But of course, we eventually get ourselves assembled and then guess what – it’s taken so long we need to go to the toilet again.
This month’s must have gifts and accessories
Luxe Mini Starburst Crystal Earrings, £59.99, www.abbottlyon.com.
Spring
£30, www.biscuiteers.com .
White Gold, Topaz Earrings, £122, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com Sweatshirt, £46, www.laredoute.co.uk
Shaun
www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
Silk Scarf, £16, Accessorize
Leane Pearl & Silver Ring, £195,
Fossil Scarlette Watch, £179, www.fossilgroup.com
Basket Bag, £100, Monsoon
Hoff Trainers, £135, www.thehoffbrand.com
JLo Bra & Briefs, £68, www.intimissimi.com
Macarons,
Pink Sandals, £40, Very
Cocktail Shaker, £24.50, Oliver Bonas
Enamel Name Necklace, £89, www.abbottlyon.com
Straw Fedora, £35, FatFace
There was a time, centuries ago and in some parts of the world still today when everyone did nearly everything for themselves. Think of a crofter or subsistence farmer who will grow most of their own food, possibly building their own homes and not purchasing much at all. It's how society used to be but it is obviously very different today. Today we ‘outsource’ to have most of our needs met, we have supermarkets, most of us have central heating rather than a simple fire, we buy clothes rather than make them or mend them, have hairdos and manicures and many, especially celebrities, will even outsource social media postings.
But there are some things that will always remain an inside job.
It’s a common theme in these articles that although we can’t control situations we can always control how we respond to those situations. There may still be some elements of outsourcing – perhaps some therapy or classes for yoga or meditation but in essence, when it comes to happiness and peace they remain firmly inside jobs.
To begin you need to be in touch with your feelings. Work out the things that bring you peace and happiness and do more of these. Things like meditation or mindfulness help lots of people feel calmer and more at peace. Happiness is often felt by doing things you enjoy or spending time with people you care about. No wonder most of us feel more relaxed on holiday because usually, we do things we enjoy whether that is hiking up a mountain or lying by a pool –happiness is an individual thing and often with people we care about.
Another important aspect is to work out what robs you of your happiness and peace and limit those things – whether that’s social media, watching the news or being around negative people.
Your happiness and peace are worth protecting so it’s worth eliminating or at least reducing things that rob you of your peace and happiness.
But of course, there are some situations that we just find ourselves in and we have to live through them, things like financial insecurity, relationships issues, health scares or a thousand other things and of course, they can take a toll on our happiness and peace, until we can learn that happiness and peace are inside jobs. While we can’t say
external situations don’t matter we can try and limit the impact they have upon us. Obviously, many situations can be changed and if something is changeable and it's robbing us of our peace and happiness then we should definitely work to change it. But if we can’t then what we can change is the way we respond.
It starts with our thoughts, followed by our words and actions. How we frame a situation, and what we think about what is happening will determine how we feel about it. We can be very negative, we can think that the world is against us or out to get us but the fact is that bad stuff happens – bad stuff even happens to good people. If we can stay positive focus on any good things that will help us maintain our peace.
So, changing our thoughts about the situation can be the first step to regaining peace and happiness.
But our words count too – if we go around telling ourselves and others what a terrible time we are having that seriously isn’t going to help. Having a good cry, and being honest with a friend about how you feel is fine but if we are constantly being negative with what we say it certainly won’t make us feel calm and happy.
Then there are our actions. We will find it very hard to be positive, peaceful and happy if we are stressed out and over-busy. So, we need to build into our lives some regular self-care. We need to have the mindset that this is not an optional extra it is a necessity, and then we need to do it. Make time to be kind to yourself to recharge your batteries and do this regularly.
Shifting our viewpoint from one where it’s sort of up to life or the universe or others to keep us happy and at peace to one where we realise it is all on us can bring about a massive change. Letting go of the anxiety about situations we can’t change is really helpful. It can also be useful to think of the world as a big echo chamber – what we give out will find its way back to us so get into the habit of giving out the right ‘vibes’.
If you are seeking peace and happiness don’t look outside, look inwards. Take care of yourself and practise gratitude and kindness. Focus on positivity and finding your own calm. A life with inner peace and happiness is possible whatever the circumstances.
For more about limiting beliefs and manifesting check out my book Make it Magnificent available from Amazon.
fragrance can bring you sunshine and flower petals whether or not the sun decides to shine.
Calvin Klein Eternity Moment Eau de Parfum, £29, Superdrug
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush, £87.50, www.thefragranceshop.co.uk
Givenchy Irresistible Eau de Parfum, £98, www.fragrancedirect.co.uk
Hugo Boss The Scent, £44.99, www.perfumedirect.com
Jimmy Choo Eau deParfum, Blossom, £55, www.thefragranceshop.co.uk
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette, £52, Superdrug
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Paradise, £79, www.thefragranceshop.co.uk
Tom Ford Rose Prick, £161.99, www.perfumedirect.com
John Lewis
Checked shirts - The staple for a low-key luxe look. Pair with jeans, add a tank top, stiletto heels or trainers, there’s a look for everyone.
£16, Peacocks
£17.50, F&F
£25.99, New Look
£35, Pour Moi
£38, John Lewis
£40, Tog 24
£49.50, Fatface
£170, Stussy
£195, Selfridges
Apricot
It’s time to ‘spring-clean’ your wardrobe and introduce the soft pastel hues of lilac and pink to your fashion must-haves
Earrings, £12, John Lewis
Gola Trainers, £65, Oliver Bonas
Kurt Geiger Bag, £259, Selfridges
REISS
Midi Dress, £85, Oliver Bonas
Oversized Blazer, £37.99, New Look
Patterned Dress, £14, Primark
Satin Cowl Neck Dress, £29.99, New Look Shirt Dress, £30, Cotton Traders
Tiered Dress, POA, Monsoon
Wrap Dress, £110, Aspiga
For an outfit that needs little more than your favourite handbag and shoes, shirt dresses give you a style that is both casual and formal an ideal work outfit or a perfect look for drinks with the girls.
£20, Very
£29.99, H&M
£34.99, H&M
£35.99, New Look
£49, River Island
£49.99, H&M
£225, Selfridges
£280, Selfridges
Lipsy
£30, Very
Look blooming beautiful and don’t forget the accessories when it comes to florals this springtime, whether it’s earrings or a necklace, bracelet or ring you’ll be sure to blossom
Bracelet, £14, Very
Cherry Blossom Ring, £995, Selfridges
Earrings, £16, Lipsy
Floral Brooch, £325, John Lewis
Floral Choker, £22.99, Zara
Floral Earrings, £17.99, Zara
Floral Esrrings, £180, Kate Spade
Lipsy Earrings, £16, Lipsy
Time to enjoy the bounties of the Cornish coast this Easter and beyond with a spectacular selection of sustainably caught fresh fish from Rick Stein’s Online Fishmongers (www.shop.rickstein.com).
Boxes include fresh whole fish and shellfish – sent straight to your door for the ultimate seafood feast bursting with flavour.
The Fresh Fish Box from Cornwall (£80) includes a generous selection of five species to feed the whole family. Tuck into six scallops which can be grilled to make the perfect starter, followed by two hake portions, four sea bass fillets, two dressed crabs and diced fish mix, alongside Stein’s mustard mayonnaise.
Bringing tasty, cocktail-bar-worthy drinks straight to your door, the team at Boozy have perfected their authentic pre-mixed cocktail recipes, so all you have to do is add ice and your chosen mixer.
Offering two products - Pre Mixed Cocktails (8 flavours, from £5.99) and Cocktail Gift Sets (8 flavours, from £29.99) available from www.boozy.co.uk.
Introducing The Egg Royale, (£29, Harvey Nichols)a chocolate egg like no other. Experience the most indulgent and rich chocolate alcoholic cream liqueur made from the finest cocoa and vanilla and blended with real cream packaged inside a beautiful glass egg.
Perfect as a unique Easter gift the glass egg can be found sitting in an art-deco style box with a beautiful foil printed handle. Delicious served straight over ice, in a cocktail or even to add a boozy kick to your Easter chocolate cake!
Cocktail O’clock
Egg Royale
Stein’s at Home
“These juicy lamb meatballs are loaded with Middle Eastern flavours and take minutes to prepare and sear”
Ingredients
1kg Lamb mince
1tbsp Ras el hanout
1tbsp Sweet paprika
1tbsp Ginger, grated
1tbsp Garlic, grated
1 bunch Fresh coriander
1 tsp Sea salt
1 Egg
Roasted red peppers
Red chicory
Cherry tomatoes on the vine
1 Lemon, halved widthways
Harissa Dip
1 tbsp Harissa paste
3 tbsp Mayonnaise
Juice of half a lemon
Cous Cous
200g Cous cous
200ml Chicken stock
1 bunch Parsley
1 bunch Coriander
1 bunch Mint
1 bunch Wild garlic leaves
(optional)
Pre heat oven to 200C/fan/180C/gas 6.
Combine the lamb mince, spices and one egg in a bowl. With wet hands, shape mini balls out of the mixture.
Pop in the oven or put on the BBQ if the weather allows. Cook for approx. 20-25 minutes in the oven, turning halfway through and a similar time on the BBQ. Check they are no longer pink and any juices run clear.
In the meantime, grill the lemons fruit side down until caramelised and set aside. Grill the cherry tomatoes on the vine direct and set aside.
For the dip, put the ingredients in a small bowl and mix together. Put the cous cous in a bowl and bring the stock up to the boil. Pour over the cous cous and cover with a tight reusable lid or cling film and leave for five minutes. Fluff up the cous cous well with the fork and add the chopped herbs, leaving some for scattering over at the end.
To serve, arrange the cous cous, chicory and roasted red pepper on a plate and place the meatballs on top. Spoon the harissa dip over in dollops and garnish with remaining herbs.
50g Trewithen Dairy Salted Butter
1 Leek, finely chopped
2 Shallots, finely chopped
3 rashers Smoked Bacon
1 tbsp Plain Flour
50ml Dry Cider
250ml Fish Stock
250ml Whole Milk
2 tbsp Trewithen Dairy Cornish Clotted
Cream
Pinch of Saffron
Small bunch of fresh Parsley, chopped
3 Eggs - 2 hard-boiled and chopped, 1 beaten
1 pack of Puff Pastry
6 Mackerel, butterflied with heads left on intact (backbone and tail removed)
Salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 180c.
Melt the butter in a pan over a low heat, before sweating down the shallots, leek and bacon for approx 10 minutes.
Add the flour and cook for a couple of minutes. Slowly pour in the cider and fish stock, while stirring well. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the milk and the clotted cream and continue to stir until you have a thick sauce. Add the saffron and seasoning. Gently stir through the parsley and hard boiled eggs.
Roll out the pastry until it’s about the thickness of a pound coin. Fill a deep pie dish with half the sauce, then arrange the fish carefully over so the heads will poke out of the top. Pour over the remaining sauce.
Drape the pastry gently over the pie tin, then cut slits over the top for the fish heads to poke through. Gently ease each head through the slits until it rests securely over the pie tin. Tuck the pastry over the pie tin sides.
Brush the pastry with the beaten egg to glaze the top, before popping it into the preheated oven for approx 45 minutes or until the pastry is golden.
Recipe by www.trewithendairy.co.uk
“This iconic Cornish dish is the perfect centrepiece for your dinner table - and don’t worry, you don’t have to eat the heads”
Ingredients
“This cake is perfect for any special occasion especially Easter”
150g Doves Farm Organic White Spelt Flour
½ tsp Doves Farm Bicarbonate of Soda
150g pistachios
150g butter
150g caster sugar
3 tbsp lime, grated rind
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp lime juice
Oil for tin
Pistachio and Lime Icing
2 tbsp pistachios
2 tbsp lime juice
125g icing sugar
Method
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C /Fan 160°C / 350°F / Gas 4. Rub some oil around the inside of a metal Bundt tin or silicone mould. Measure the flour and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl, stir to combine and sieve into another bowl. Put the pistachios into a kitchen blender and pulse until they are the size of ground almonds. Chop the butter into cubes and put them into a mixing bowl, add the sugar and beat together until smooth, then grate the lime into the bowl. Break the eggs into the bowl, one at a time, tip the flour into the bowl and stir to combine. Add the milk and stir again. Transfer the ground pistachios to the mixing bowl, add lime juice and mix well. Tip the mixture into the Bundt tin and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the sponge springs back when touched. Leave to cool in the tin for 20 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
Pistachio and Lime Icing
Chop the pistachios. Squeeze the lime juice then measure the icing sugar into a bowl, add some of the lime juice and stir to combine. Continue adding lime juice and stirring until the icing is just runny enough to pour.
Pour the icing over the top of the cold cake allowing it to run down the sides. Scatter the chopped pistachios over the top of the cake. Allow the icing to set before serving. Recipe by www.dovesfarm.co.uk
As the evenings are getting lighter, you can’t beat a chilled glass of Chardonnay. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, there’s something for all budgets and occasions at Tesco this spring.
Chardonnay
Gerard Bertrand reveals the history of South of France greatest terroirs. 1130 pays tribute to the first fortification of Carcassonne city, a medieval jewel classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With notes of citrus, white flowers, honey and peach is ideal at 10-12°c as an aperitif, with fish or white meat.
£12.00
With ripe citrus flavours and a delicate mousse, this dry Champagne is made from Chardonnay grapes only. Serve it as an aperitif or with smoked salmon blinis. £28.00
Chardonnay
Dry with complex notes of stone fruits and vanilla oak with an elegant minerality and a classic, balanced lengthy finish. Serve lightly chilled with fresh seafood, pasta or grilled fish.
£15.00
This is a fresh, delicate un-oaked wine with apple and citrus flavours and a long, classic mineral finish. A lovely accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish cakes.
£13.50
Chardonnay
A lively and fresh Chardonnay which bursts with lemon, spiced pineapple and juicy stone fruit flavours. Best served chilled with grilled chicken, soups or hearty fish dishes.
£8.00
Tesco Finest Brooks Road
Gerard Bertrand Cite De Carcassonne
Tesco Finest Vintage Champagne
Wairau Cove Gisborne
Tesco Finest Chablis
Box of Praline eggs,
Is it even Easter without a bit of chocolate? We’ve shopped some of our favourites, so all you have to do is enjoy!
£16.90, www.marcolini.co.uk
Butlers White Chocolate Truffle Egg, £13.99, Selfridges Heston Speckled Eggs, £6,
Hotel Chocolat Extra Thick Patisserie Egg, £30, Hotel Chocolat
Lindt Gold Bunny Milk Chocolate Egg, £12, www.lindt.co.uk
Praline Ganache Easter Egg Selection Box, £175, Fortnum & Mason
Burrows of Bunnies, £9.99, The Chocolate Gifting Company
Charbonnel et Walker Egg Shaped Champagne Truffles, £22, Johnlewis
Hand-Painted Bunny Easter Egg, £100, Fortnum & Mason
Lakrids by Bulow Crispy Caramel Egg, £24, www.lakridsbybulow.co.uk
Lindt Gold Bunny, £4.50
Charbonnel et Walker Egg with Truffles, £35.99, Selfridges
Chocolate Egg Assortment, £6.99, Butlers
With the Odyssey Bavaria Black on Dover White design influences from across the ages and continents, combine to create a beautiful range of tiles (£6.85 per tile) to decorate your home with.
Monochrome décor, neutral yet timeless, subtle yet striking. A monochromatic colour scheme still remains one of the most popular interior trends to date. Embrace this staple design trend and make your space more stylish. Because trends come and go, but muted monochrome decor will never go out of fashion.
Timelessly stylish and wonderfully versatile, a black vase (£12, George Home) adds style and sophistication to any room. Perfect for displaying a single stem or full bouquet, real or faux – It’s time to make a statement.
Mirror, £129, Marks & Spencer
Framed Print, £49, Cult Furniture
The Rodeo 3 Seater Leather Sofa (£1,229, Cuckooland) is a gorgeous piece of Dutch designed furniture; stylish, modern and sure to look utterly fabulous in your living room. If you need ample seating, there's also a 2 seater, a single armchair and a pouffe - so you can rest assured there'll be a seat for everyone! Fling on some squidgy cushions and a throw for ultimate comfort, this is Hygge at its best.
Inspired by cave dwellings from across the world, the organic shapes of this wall cabinet from cuckooland lend themselves perfectly to this shelving unit. With 8 separate compartments, you can display treasures from your travels, picture frames and mementos for you to reminisce over again and again. Finished with a wash of colour, the gorgeous wood grain and natural patterns peek through bringing an extra element to this gorgeous design.
Kingston Dressing Table, £569.99, www.my-furniture.com
Porter Armchair, £399.99, www.my-furniture.com
Table Lamp, £30, George Home
Hop alongside the Easter Bunny to add a little Easter décor to your interiors
Bunny Mug, £13, Wrendale
Easter Egg Tins, £13.95, Annabel James
Easter Plate, £6.99, TK Maxx
Easter Wreath, £39.99, Sophie Allport
Egg Ornament Poster, £13.95, Desenio
Egg Tower, £9.99, Homesense
Emma Bridgewater Easter Egg Bowl, £42, Daisy Park
For almost 70 years, AGATHA CHRISTIE’S THE MOUSETRAP has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats.
In 1952, Agatha Christie's sprawling and intricate new whodunnit, The Mousetrap (based on her radio play, Three Blind Mice), opened in the West End on a very strict condition; no audience or press member was to ever give away the plot of the show.
Christie herself was not altogether positive as to the play's run, giving it eight months 'at most', so perhaps her edict seemed fair at the time. But it is a testament to theatre audiences that The Mousetrap has endured at St. Martin's Theatre, continually running for 70 years. Now it's on your way to Milton Keynes Theatre - as long as you keep the ending a secret!
Six decades have done nothing to dull The Mousetrap. As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at remote countryside Monkswell Manor. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst! One by one, the suspicious
characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? Can you solve this world-famous mystery for yourself?
This thrilling West End production is THE genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time… case closed!
Wonder why you haven't seen the film? The secrecy around the plot wasn't the only condition laid down by Dame Agatha. A film adaptation is only allowed six months after the West End production closes and given that it has been going strong for over 60 years without any sign of ending, that doesn't look all that likely any time soon!
For almost 70 years, AGATHA CHRISTIE’S THE MOUSETRAP has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats, will you be able to solve it?
Mousetrap comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday 22 –Saturday 27 May. Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes
Time to transition your long sleeve shirts to a short sleeve version, to keep cool and casual this springtime.
Blue Gingham Shirt, £45, John Lewis
Charcoal Shirt, £80, Far Afield
Geo Print Shirt, £44, FatFace
Green Check Shirt, £64.95, Barbour
Green Shirt, £80, Far Afield
HUGO Shirt, £89, John Lewis
Leaf Print Shirt, £44, Fatface Orange Stripe Shirt, £60, Tommy Hilfiger
Superdry
At the time of writing, there has been a lot of talk about the ownership situation at Manchester United and as someone that spent plenty of time at that wonderful football club as a youngster, I have always had a rich affinity for everything to do with the Red Devils.
I don’t personally think that United are that far away from challenging at the top of the Premier League again. There are a lot of talented players at the club and a change in ownership will not just enhance the financial kitty, but I think it will also boost the morale amongst the supporters because I think there is a lot of animosity towards the Glazers.
Having said all of that, they have spent a lot of money on the pitch in their time as owners and a number of different managers have had a go at restoring them to previous glories. I think it just goes to show what a wonderful job that Sir Alex Ferguson did at the helm.
For us at Peterborough, his son Darren gave us renewed hope at a time when we required it. We had won eight out of 13 games at the time this column was sent off and that is a remarkable turnaround from where we were previously.
We have a lot of talented players within the squad who are now reaching their potential and I am sure that there will be plenty of offers for them in the summer. It promises to be an interesting summer for us on and off the pitch, but nothing will surprise me in football anymore.
One of the things that I have always loved during my football career is supporting the youth at Peterborough United, ever since I walked through the door in the mid1990s, I have always made time for those starting out in the game.
Even now I try and make sure I watch the under-21s and under-18s as much as I can and they have had a really good season. I love watching natural ability and we have a lot of players who have a real chance in the game if they apply themselves well.
That is the thing in football. You can have all the ability in the world, but you have to have the right attitude. The reason why Cristiano Ronaldo is still representing his country and scoring goals at club level is because of the way he looks after himself. You can say the same about Lionel Messi too.
They work so hard at their craft. It is so important. It is what I always tell players just starting their careers, make the right decisions, be good people and then you will get rewarded with your talent.
Enjoy the football!
follows the path of traditional architecture, resembling the traditional settlements of the island. Its suites and rooms are nestled in Santorini’s natural architecture. All the materials, styles, and textures found within the resort have existed in Santorini for centuries.
It is the island’s unique history that has shaped NOŪS. The world-famous murals found in the archaeological site of Akrotiri define the colour palette of the resort. Earthy, terracotta shades and vibrant warm colours are used in all the rooms and communal areas. The traditional ‘kouloura’ – the sui generis way of knitting the vines that is typical on the island – has become an interesting decoration feature in a far more modern way.
NOŪS is all about originality. An extensive collection of works of Art by 12 contemporary Greek artists is found in all its rooms and communal areas. The regenerative but also destructive nature of volcanoes is the inspiration behind the collection, an invisible thread that connects the history of Santorini with NOŪS. At the same time, a series of modern design furniture (by designers such as Doshi & Levien, Konstantin Grcic, Faye Toogood etc.) are located in all areas. Their timeless character complements the naturally minimalist style of the Aegean Sea, creating a modern temple of well-being.
There are 119 rooms at the resort, most of which have private pools. Spaciousness is a key feature in all accommodation types. Every room, bungalow and suite are designed to make guests feel comfortable. Each, separate “neighbourhood” of
given to landscape architecture. It is designed so that most rooms have their own large private gardens, but also it aims at creating green, cool oasis for everyone.
The food offerings are based on top quality, local produce. The fresh ingredients, come from both Santorini and the rest of Greece. Their rich flavours, together with the cooking techniques of the local community, become a true inspiration for the chefs of NOŪS.
Acknowledging the rising global interest for the Santorini vineyard, the resort gives its guests the opportunity to get acquainted with the local wine produced by taking part in wine tastings that are held in the special Wine Cellar area.
There is an exceptional spa with 5 treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam bath, cold tank, gym, and a special outdoor yoga area. The team of highly trained therapists guides the guests of NOŪS through a personal journey of wellness. With the majestic balance between man and nature that has shaped Santorini as a starting point, they suggest a series of personalized treatments for body and mind that are available exclusively at the resort. Most of them are based on raw materials which are local to Santorini, such as the special grape varieties of the island. In addition, in the spa area, guests will find the Vitamin Bar, a healthy spot where they can try fresh salads and juices, cereal bars, smoothies and of course traditional products of Santorini.
For more information or to book, visit www.yeshotels.gr/nous-santorini
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, Lake Como, is ready to celebrate its 150th anniversary. For a century and a half, this renowned ‘Grand Dame’ hotel has been the preferred destination of royals and celebrities looking for a peaceful haven in the North of Italy. Today, its 94 rooms and suites welcome an international clientele each year between April and November, offering a retreat that’s both relaxing and luxurious, immersed in nature and surrounded by the “grand and glam” allure of days-gone-by.
A work of art in itself, the neoclassical building is filled with Italian marble, illuminated by antique Murano glass chandeliers and ornamented by original frescoes. It is unique - and this emphasizes the importance of its century-and-a-half milestone: a property beautifully preserved over the course of its years, which continues to provide all the top-level modern comforts expected from a luxury destination through sensitive yearly renovations.
The Bucher family has owned and cared for the villa since 1918. Jan Bucher, 4th-generation General Manager says of the upcoming season: “we are expecting a bumper season and already have many dates when the hotel is already fully-booked. The staff are arranging multiple small surprises for our guests, and a dedicated team is planning a summer party for
guests from all over the world”.
A special 7-course menu has been created for Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni’s 150th anniversary season by Executive Chef Ettore Bocchia, retracing the key moments of the last 150 years of Italian history.
Enthusiasm is also growing among the 170 staff at the villa, some of whom have been working there for much of their careers so that they have many meaningful memories to share: from the visit of a friendly George Lucas during the filming of Star Wars, to Helmut Newton’s famous fashion shoots; from the convention headed by NASA astronauts in collaboration with the CERN of Geneva, to numerous vintage and luxury cars’ exhibitions. This is a hotel stuffed full of history and memories from the distant and more recent past, as well as bright hopes and expectations of new ones to be forged in the bright years to come.
Nightly rates at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni start from €577 for a Classic Park View Room.
For more information, visit www.villaserbelloni.com/en/
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, is delighted to launch the ‘Go it Alone at Gili’ package, a spoiling set of new offerings specially curated for solo travellers. From photography masterclasses and snorkelling with the island’s marine biologist to sensory supper in the dark with toes in the sand, there is nowhere better on earth to switch off solo style, learn a new skill and reconnect with oneself this season.
We have seen growing numbers of solo adventurers flocking to our island paradise in recent years to enjoy the stunning natural beauty, abundant activities, world-class dining and spa,’ said Gili Lankanfushi’s General Manager, Nicolas Khairallah. ‘With this in mind, we have sought to elevate the experience even further with an exclusive new range of expert-led activities which guarantee to take our guests on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.”
Enjoying an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, 'no news, no shoes' philosophy. The award-winning eco-resort celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2022, following a complete refurbishment of all 45 villas in 2019.
Alongside the new activities, solo travellers will receive a range of added benefits including complimentary return speedboat transfers, an 11% reduction on all items from the Gili boutique, daily sunrise yoga sessions, complimentary spa access and water sports. The ‘Go it Alone at Gili’ experiences include:
Gili Lankanfushi’s sensory supper sees diners transported to a secret island location to embark on a true gourmet adventure. With blindfold at the ready, feet in the sand and cutlery in hand, individuals are invited to take a leap of faith as their private chef serves up a surprise menu. Once the blindfolds are on, the diner will experience a heightening of all other senses, from the inviting aromas of the food to the sound of the lapping waves, before they are invited to guess the dishes as they savour each flavour – with no distractions!
Solo travellers will feel the weight of the world melt away as they enter Gili Lankanfushi’s tranquil overwater Meera Spa. Here, a blissful 120-minute stress-alleviating massage awaits, taking place in one of the spa’s famous glass-bottomed treatment rooms. Following their treatment, guests can enjoy a restorative spa juice made with ingredients from Gili’s organic garden, healthy Gili cuisine and free access to the steam and sauna facilities. Those wishing to indulge in further soul searching can book additional holistic therapies including meditation, reiki, crystal and ancient singing bowl sessions, and enjoy daily complimentary sunrise yoga sessions.
For a truly unforgettable experience, individuals will have the opportunity to spend a magical night with just the stars for
company on their very own star bed. Upon request, the Mr/Mrs Friday private butlers can make up the daybeds on the private roof terrace of each villa with luxurious linens, setting the scene with candlelight, champagne for one and strawberries. Best night’s sleep of one’s life, guaranteed!
Maldivian
At Gili Lankanfushi, aspiring chefs can return home with the ultimate souvenir… A few new recipes to bring home! Under the expert guidance of Chef Hari and his talented culinary team, guests will learn how to create traditional Maldivian fish curries, sushi rolls, and their favourite signature dishes, before enjoying the fruits of their labour with classmates.
Accompanied by Gili Lankanfushi’s resident marine biologist, adventurers will don a snorkelling mask and a pair of fins and head to the 15-metre drop-off zone at the edge of the house reef. There, they will discover vibrant coral walls inhabited by small sharks and colourful schools of fish, turtles, and rays. The expert guide will help snorkellers identify the array of aquatic life, day and night, and explain the significance of Gili’s Coral Line projects and other ecological underwater initiatives.
Gili Goes Photogenic Island Excursion
Budding photographers will revel in the opportunity to capture their tranquil surroundings during Gili Lankanfushi’s photography masterclass! Camera-in-hand and accompanied by the island’s resident photographer extraordinaire, guests will be taken to the most picturesque spots on the island, where sea life, flora and fauna thrive, and taught the necessary techniques to create precious keepsakes from their trip.
Castaways can make like Robinson Crusoe with this bucket-list opportunity to spot local wildlife, eat canapés and enjoy a drink or two with fellow explorers as they enjoy a two-hour sunset sailing experience. Departing at dusk to coincide with the migration of the dolphin from the atoll to catch their supper in the deep sea, sailors will create memories to last a lifetime aboard this traditional Maldivian Dhoni cruise.
Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic ecodesign, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, 'no news, no shoes' philosophy. The awardwinning eco-resort celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2022, following a complete refurbishment of all 45 villas in 2019.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,397/$1,722 based on a one-person staying in a Villa Suite with breakfast included.
For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com
Is there anything cosier than on a dull, murky day snuggling up outside in front of a fire, wrapped in a blanket sipping on a creamy hot chocolate? Add to that an indulgent warm hydrotherapy pool, where bubbles gently massage your tired body and the day is set for one of complete rest, relaxation and rejuvenation!
After a hectic few months, I’d taken myself away for a couple of days to The Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes Resort to luxuriate in their newly launched ELEMIS Super Glow Day which includes a whole day of spa use, a 45-minute Y Spa Glow facial using ELEMIS products, a sharing mezze lunch platter, and a free ELEMIS gift.
Y Spa is the perfect place to get some ME time back, whether it’s for half a day, a whole day or even overnight, you’re guaranteed to come away feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the world and anything it throws at you.
With its Hydrotherapy Pool, hot and medium heat saunas, steam rooms, experience showers, ice wall and relaxation rooms, you’ll find yourself doing absolutely nothing and the only decision you’ll have to make is “Where to next?”
For me though, nothing beats just sitting in the bubbling hydrotherapy pool, as the water wraps itself around my body and the bubbles gently massage away any tension – add a glass of a different type of bubbles and I’m in pure girlie heaven.
Hubbie also likes it hot, but not in the water, his choice is the “Some like it Hot” Sauna, housed in a wooden cabin, made with one-hundred-year-old logs overlooking the hydrotherapy pool (great for all you men wanting to keep an eye on your lady and how many glasses of champagne she indulges in) and heated to 85 degrees or above, it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted though!
Lunch is served in the form of the most delicious mezze platter that includes superfood salad, falafel, Greek feta, olives, red pepper hummus, tzatziki, focaccia, flat breads and a lemon & rosemary chicken skewer, mouthwateringly delicious and finished off with the appetising dessert of the day.
All this eating is hard work, so we headed to the chill-out area for a little snooze on the water beds, (oooh I could have stayed here all day), for a while before our treatment. The calming ambience makes you feel as if you really have escaped from the real world.
The ELEMIS Y Spa Glow Facial is a luxurious pampering facial, aimed at resurfacing and moisture-boosting your skin, unlocking a healthy glow from within. The therapist’s skilled hands use soft careful massage techniques as they cleanse, tone, and moisture your skin. A facemask is then applied and a blissful scalp and shoulder massage ensues as the pampering indulgence just gets better and better. Dimmed lights, beautiful aromas and soothing music add to the whole ambience of peace and tranquillity.
Once finished, I literally floated out of the spa to the reception where it was time to check in and head to our room. The Waterfront Hotel is home to 105 stylish rooms and includes a junior suite, deluxe and superior rooms. Our elegant deluxe room was decorated in warm, earthy tones to create an aura of calm and serenity.
Dinner is served in the newly refurbished The Gravel Pit Brasserie & Bar, with its fresh, modern hues and impressive views over the lake, it’s the perfect place for drinks with friends, a romantic meal or a family gettogether, with the added bonus that when the nicer weather arrives there’s a spacious terrace for alfresco living.
We pondered over the menu whilst sipping on a glass of refreshing Zinfandel Rosé wine and began our dining experience with salt & pepper squid cooked perfectly and full of mouthwatering flavours and duck bon bons which proved to be another flavourful hit.
Stone bass served with garlic crushed potatoes, roasted fennel and a smoked bacon sauce was a real treat to the taste buds and the Sirloin steak served with chunky chips, onion rosti and confit tomatoes was delightfully appetising and cooked to perfection.
The dessert menu looked so tempting, that all my good intentions went out of the window.
The chocolate cheesecake was a real delight as was hubby’s choice of apple tart Tatin served with spiced rum and raisin ice cream, the ideal way to end a perfect day of decadent relaxation.
After retiring to our room and a restful night’s sleep a hearty breakfast was consumed leaving us ready to face the reality of everyday life once again but believe me in the words of Arnie “I’ll be back!”
The ELEMIS Super Glow Day is priced at £129 per person.
Prices start from £42 per person for a half-day spa package.
An overnight Stay at The Waterfront Hotel starts from *£149 per room.
*Prices may vary than those shown.
For more details on other packages, special offers and dinner reservations please visit: www.thewaterfronthotel.co.uk
approaches than at The Nest, a luxury glamping retreat in the heart of Lincolnshire.
Inspired by camping in Kenya, these three unique lodges combine comfort, style and sophistication, with the charm and serene feeling of being at one with nature, without compromising creature comforts.
‘Pinkfoot’, ‘Cuckoo’ and ‘Teal’ Lodges each sleep up to 6 guests and are positioned far enough apart to provide total privacy for sole use as a family or group of friends, but close enough for exclusive use of all three. Each lodge offers a king-size master room with lake views and direct access to the outdoors, as well as a twin room and a separate king-size cabin bunk.. A large bathroom with an egg-shaped bathtub, offers the perfect place to soak in, whilst White Company linen and amenities combined with quality pillows, duvets and blankets provide the perfect setup for a good night sleep and real home from home feel.
The focal point of each lodge is the vast living room/kitchen, which comes fully equipped with all the mod-cons, crockery and cutlery you’d expect. A large wood-burning stove not only keeps the lodge warm in any weather but is a combined cooker and stove, allowing you to cook up a feast any time of day. A large dining table for 6 and deep-set sofas provide the perfect place to catch up with friends, enjoy cosy family nights in, or simply kick back, relax and take in the breath-taking views of the lake and fields beyond.
deck, providing the perfect setting for a morning coffee, alfresco breakfast, a sundowner or an outdoor supper setting.
Guests can pre-order from a menu of tasty homemade hampers, perfect for any meal of the day. From a BBQ pack, complete with outdoor reared Lincolnshire sausages, prime beef burgers, free range chicken drumsticks and soft white buns, to an Italian Deli with a selection of charcuterie and cheeses and a Seafood Supper consisting of oysters, smoked salmon and prawns. As well as an assortment of breakfast classics, including outdoor-reared bacon and sausages, free-range eggs, locally baked bread, milk and juices. However, for those nights you simply don’t want to cook, head off to the local pubs, which won’t disappoint.
Whilst staying at The Nest, guests are encouraged to enjoy all the facilities on-site, including detailed walking maps, wild swimming in the lake, in-lodge spa treatments (including facials and massages), toasting marshmallows, wood-fired hot tub hire, fishing, a film and firepit night, boating, bird watching, board games and much more!
Prices start from £750 for 4 nights based on 6 guests. To book your stay from 31st March, visit www.thenestglamping.co.uk
Aries (21 March – 19 April)
This is a period of growth as well as some form of blossoming or fruition. Ambitions to study, teach, travel, write, move or export your ideas will take off largely thanks to your friend, or an intriguing team effort. Love and other social activities help to enhance a healthy self-image and suggest the ability to enliven romance in an existing partnership, or the strengthening of ties with a romantic partner.
Favourable Dates: April 6, 7, 15, 16, 24, 25
Favourable Colours: Yellow & Purple
(K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this monthTaurus (20 April – 20 May)
You are more willing than usual to work diligently for money, and your natural talents are likely to be utilised more in the work you do and appreciated by others. On the career side, you will be full of life and this will reflect in work. More security in your job is likely. This month is the time for gaining social strength and your faith and your belief system. Reduce the emotional temperature when making health decisions.
Favourable Dates: April 4, 5, 13, 14, 22, 23
Favourable Colours: Red & Black
Gemini (21 May – 20 June)
Your higher mind is expanding, and you might be considering furthering your education or simply broadening your knowledge in a more informal manner. You will have a happy time on the personal front. You will win the hearts of all your loved ones by showing them love and affection. This month should help you make watertight plans for your mind, body and spirit in a way which serves all of them, at the same time.
Favourable Dates: April 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23
Favourable Colours: Red & Blue
Cancer (21 June – 22 July)
You are more inspired this month, and your personality fairly bubbles with bursts of enthusiasm. You are making breaks from elements from your past that have limited your freedom or that have kept you from expressing your individuality. This is a time when you are more willing to take personal risks. Your ability to do the right thing instinctually will get you everywhere now. You are drawn to people who are free-spirited at this point in your life.
Favourable Dates: April 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26
Favourable Colours: Red & Green
Leo (23 July – 22 August)
You have a greater desire to get away, expand your horizons, and broaden your life experiences. Your ideals are higher than usual, teaching may be part of the picture and your cultural and spiritual awareness increases. You recognize exactly where you have been overdoing your expectations, and you find new ways to nurture faith, hope, and vision. You will have a good money inflow and you will spend lavishly for your comfort.
Favourable Dates: April 5, 9, 14, 18, 23, 27
Favourable Colours: Grey & Green
Virgo (23 August – 22 September)
You will have special charisma and magnetism this month. A healthy perspective on your life helps to keep everyday stresses from getting to you too much. You have a strong interest in broadening your mental experiences, possibly through higher education, travel, exposure to different cultures, or exploring different philosophies of life. Stirring in you is the desire to make radical changes to the manner in which you go after you want in life.
Favourable Dates: April 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25
Favourable Colours: Grey & Blue
Libra (23 September – 22 October)
This month striking a balance between your attention to your career and to your family life is necessary. Taking steps to improve your family and home life as well as your career and public life will be in order. Partners are no longer simply for amusement or mirrors of your ego. You are bound to reach a broader audience if you do, and the feedback will feed the flames of your own inspiration.Favourable
Dates: April 4, 8, 13, 17, 22, 26
Favourable Colours: White & Red
Scorpio (23 October – 21 November)
Work done behind the scenes may be revealed or incorporated into your career or public life this month. Some of you may find that your career is moving towards a more service-oriented direction. You have a strong ability to see each person for who they are as unique individuals, and this helps endear you to others. Passion and intensity in affairs of the heart or with your hobbies can run rampant and enthusiasm overflows.
Favourable Dates: April 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27
Favourable Colours: Blue & Red
Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December)
This month has the potential for being a relaxed, fortunate, and hopeful time for you. You are greeting life with a fresh, can-do attitude. It’s an excellent period for travel, higher education, communications, and higher learning. Fundamental changes in your domestic situation and career orientation are likely.You may come into the limelight in a positive fashion. Authority figures, elders or influential people in your life tend to support and respect you during this cycle.
Favourable Dates: April 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22
Favourable Colours: Yellow & White
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)
This period in your life is a time for learning about your personal limits as well as your inner strength. Carry these lessons as you move beyond this phase, because how you handle your life now will make all the difference. Working hard at self-improvement ultimately leads to replacing your old spirit with a regenerated one. You will be one step closer to knowing where you are headed, and you will have rebuilt faith in yourself.
Favourable Dates: April 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25
Favourable Colours: Red & White
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)
You have a strong interest in broadening your mental experiences, possibly through higher education, travel, exposure to different cultures, or exploring different philosophies of life. Decisions made will satisfy your head, as well as your heart. If involved in a casual love relationship, a pressure emerges concerning the need for evaluating your commitments. Thequantity in the relationship department will tend to be replaced with quality, and this process involves time, soul-searching, frustration, and eventual fulfilment.
Favourable Dates: April 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23
Favourable Colours: Red & Purple
Pisces (19 February – 20 March)
Your ability to move forward on a direct path without as much doubt is increased. You are more able to inspire confidence in others as a result. You are likely to make changes in your life that break you out of your usual routines. Acquaintances, siblings, or casual friends and communications may be catalysts for this new selfexpression. The learning of new skills, the pursuit of new ventures and the alteration of daily routines in work and health will contribute.
Favourable Dates: April 4, 9, 13, 18, 22, 27
Favourable Colours: Blue & Red
manishastroconsultant
manish@manishastrologer.com
Keep your friends close and your neighbours closer. Ciara has it all - a loving husband, well-behaved children and an immaculate home. But behind the filters, her reality is far from what it seems.
Mishti is stuck in a loveless marriage, raising her daughter in a country that is too cold, among children who look nothing like her.
Lauren is mostly happy, despite being judged for letting her kids run naked, wild and free.
Then Ciara is found murdered in her pristine home and suddenly everyone is a suspect. Hushed whispers, secret rendezvous and bloody betrayals. Everyone has their dirty laundry, but this goes beyond gossip. This is all-out war. A deliciously scandalous page-turner about the dark side of suburbia that peels back the layers of Ciara's instaperfect life to reveal friendships gone rotten, manipulation masquerading as love and families riddled with lies.
Missing
Missing, is a thrilling roller-coaster mystery that makes you wonder how well you know those closest to you. When her mother (Nia Long) disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend, June's (Storm Reid) search for answers is hindered by international red tape. Stuck thousands of miles away in Los Angeles, June creatively uses all the latest technology at her fingertips to try and find her before it's too late. But as she digs deeper, her digital sleuthing raises more questions than answers and when June unravels secrets about her mum, she discovers that she never really knew her at all.
Release Date: 21 April
In this homage to Agatha Christie, set in England, an amateur detective finds herself caught up in a real-life whodunit! Miranda Green (Mischa Barton) is summoned to the remote mansion of billionaire Lewis Findley along with five mysterious strangers What do they all have in common? What’s become of their absent host? And who just murdered one of the guests in cold blood? Now Miranda must hunt for hidden clues, interview witnesses, and find the killer before she becomes the next victim!
Release Date: 25 April
