Aug2014

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AUGUST 2014 ISSUE 39

FREE

www.affinitymag.co.uk

August 2014

Manage your mind We show you how to stop worrying

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ANOTHER EXCITING NEW RANGE

Superfoods What are they?

Adrenaline Junkie Argan Oil

The new JetLev will leave you flying

The summer body must have

BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON

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Affinity

Wedding Showcase Sunday 2nd November 2014

THE CORN EXCHANGE

St. Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1LE

Exclusive Fashion Show by Estilo Moda Doors Open: 11am ‐ 3pm FREE entry, bubbles, canapés and goodie bag plus a free copy of Af?inity Weddings Magazine for all Brides!

Everything you need for the perfect wedding all under one roof www.af initymag.co.uk

af inityweddingmag@gmail.com

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NEVER UNDERSOLD POLICY

we will not be beaten on price for a true ‘like for like’ package

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Welcome...

Are you a thrill seeker always on the lookout for the next adrenalin rush? Well look no further than page 66 where we bring you the new JetLev experience on offer at Ride Leisure, Wyboston Lakes – you’ll literally be flying!

If luxury and fine dining is more your thing then turn to page 48 to read what we thought about The Wernher Restaurant at Luton Hoo Hotel or page 39 where we visited The Manor at Weston on the Green you’ll love the decadence of both.

Cellulite!! The word every woman hates to hear We have two sets of Murad’s latest creams that smooth out your dimply bits to giveaway, turn to page18 To see how to enter.

Our “50 Shades of Pink” Charity Ball in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer is now SOLD OUT which is great news for us but not for you - if you haven’t reserved your place, we do have a reserve list if you want to put your details on it, just get in touch.

Until Next Month Enjoy the sunshine

Jane x

Cover Image: Amy Child’s Dorothy Perkins

Editor: Jane Fry affinitymagjanef@gmail.com 01234 215523 - 07507 602401 Advertising Manager: Julia Crofts Beds / Northants affinitymagjuliac@gmail.com 07966 696784 Advertising Manager: Jean Winfield Milton Keynes / Bucks affinity@jeaniusconsulting.com 01908 827340 - 07970702443 Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk www.affinitymag.co.uk

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All adverts are printed in good faith. Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.Printed in the UK by Regal Litho 01908 270400

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CONTENTS 12 Foot fetish 16 Pillow proof blow dry 23 Picks of the Month

24 Tired all the time?

26 Midlife madness 32 Fashion edit

36 Manage your mind 44 Summer dining 51 Mellow yellow

56 62 68 71 72

Turn up the heat Summer smells Magical Mercedes Budding ballerina Spectacular Sporades

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Are you in Perfect Balance?

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ithin natural health circles we speak a lot about achieving a natural acid-alkaline balance within the body allowing for optimum health and the prevention of many diseases. It is also known as pH balance, with acidity and alkalinity measured on a continuum with 0 being completely acidic and 14 being completely alkaline. Our blood needs to be very slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.35 -7.45 something which the body naturally regulates constantly. However, the hydrochloric acid in our stomach raises the pH to between 1.5 to 3.5 in order to break down and process the food we eat.

Amaranth, quinoa and millet are the most alkalising of the whole grains.

But why is this so significant? Our Western diet, rich in red meats, wheat, sugars and dairy products inclines us to be overly acidic. And, the waste by-products of digestion find their way into the circulatory system and eventually if we cannot eliminate them efficiently the body will become overwhelmed causing them to lodge in our tissue. So they need to be neutralised to bring the blood back to its natural balance. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium act as alkaline buffers to help neutralise the acid wastes.

Ensure a regular bowel movement, at least once per day.

Chronic constipation builds acidic wastes in the body and should not be ignored.

Green vegetable juices can work wonders, including carrot, spinach, cucumber, celery and parsley juices.

Meditation, Tai Chi and gentle yoga all help to keep the body supple and the mind calm. As constant stress and anger, suppresses optimum digestion which leads to a build-up of acidic waste, which the body cannot eliminate efficiently.

Avoid: Red meat , or eat it very occasionally – perhaps once a month.

All white sugar, which is incredibly acidic.

If we drink it regularly, fizzy drinks, especially all colas, the phospheric acid simply strips minerals from our bones.

This build-up of acid can lead to numerous health problems, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, arthritis and osteoporosis, lethargy and chronic fatigue, diabetes, hormonal imbalances and poor digestion and assimilation of nutrition and muscle and joint pain from the build-up of lactic acid.

Stress anger, frustration all leave the body with an acidic tendency.

Both tea and coffee in excess potentially strips the body of valuable minerals

Ways to help your PH Balance: Drink Oolong and Green Tea

Some nuts, particularly Brazil nuts and almonds are particularly good for alkalising for the body.

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Carolyn Woods Herbalist and Naturopath 07944886502 www.vedatherapeutics.co.uk

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Foot Fetish Summer is well and truly here which means they’re out!!! Yes those things that are often neglected are on display for the next couple of months so make sure yours are prepped and looking fabulous!

Blue Hue

Slate Grey alacartelondon.com

Ice Ice Baby £6.95 Benecos

Dare to Bare

Magnolia .alacartelondon.com

Royal Marine alacartelondon.com

Summer Sun

Inka alacartelondon.com

Mighty Orange £6.95 Benecos

Peach Sorbet £6.95 Benecos

Shimmer alacartelondon.com

Tropical Cocktails

Candy alacartelondon.com

Yellow Flame £10.50 Jessica

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Oh La La £6.95 Benecos

Vixen Velvet alacartelondon.com

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Argan Magic With August being the busiest month for holidays, we need to make sure our body is ready for the summer sun - Argan Oil is a truly remarkable product. It can be used for hair, skin and nails to give our body the perfect base for that sun kissed look 1. Face Moisturizer - After cleansing morning and/or night, massage a few drops of Argan Oil directly onto your face and neck. Since argan is considered a dry oil, it absorbs quickly and is not greasy. If you want to use it as a serum, apply your night cream after the oil absorbs into the skin.

2. Cuticle and Heel Softener – Massage a few drops of Argan Oil into your cuticles to soften, moisturize and encourage nail growth. Use as an overnight treatment to nourish cracked heels by working a good amount into your feet and toes. Cover with socks and wake up to supple feet.

3. Hydrating Toner – Add a few drops of Argan Oil to your favourite facial toner to hydrate and tone simultaneously. You can make your own toner by adding a few drops of argan oil to rose or orange-blossom water.

4 Rejuvenating & Brightening Face Mask – Add a few drops of Argan Oil to your store-bought mask.

Alternatively, make your own mask by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 3 teaspoons of Greek-style yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey and 3 drops of argan oil in a bowl. Apply on a clean, dry face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

5. Face Glow – Add a drop or two of Argan Oil to your foundation, bronzer or tinted moisturizer for a dewy, luminous glow.

Argan Oil is excellent for taming wild hair and split ends and can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Holistic benefits include skin and hair rejuvenation, easily absorbed into the skin, protection against free radical damage and high in anti-oxidants.

Billed as a miracle oil by beauticians and skincare specialists Argan Oil naturally contains tocepherols, including vitamin E to help to neutralise free radicals on the skin and scalp, omega 6 to prevent hair breakage and saponins to soften the hair and skin.

Jen's Rich Skin is the UKs leading provider of 100% organic Argan Oil. This oil is lovingly produced in the traditional Berber way, hand milled by Moroccan artisans.

Only the finest Argan nuts are individually harvested to create the oil and produced by hand, so that you can experience the true holistic benefits of the oil.

An essential beauty product that should be found in everyone’s bathroom! jensrichskin.com 14

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Welcomes The Pillow Proof Blow Dry

E

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veryone knows that great hairstyles usually begin with a great blow dry and Regis hair salon on Sunset Walk at centre:mk are ensuring that everyone can have a fabulous blow dry experience with the launch of their Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Bar

life of the blow dry and continues to absorb oil to refresh hair and roots.

The result – I look fabulous I just need somewhere to go now!!

The time? 30 minutes after I first stepped through the salon door !

With the trend for express beauty growing stronger, Regis are proud that all looks on their Pillow Proof Blow dry Menu can be achieved in less than 30 minutes using Redken’s three step styling programme.

The next morning my hair was still full of body and looked as if I had stepped out of a salon!

Imagine a 30 minute blow dry in your lunch hour – VOILA you can meet friends straight after work, go on a date, or a business function without worrying about your hair! Is it too good to be true? I have a spare half hour, Let me pop along to see!

A Pillow Proof Blow Dry is £25, and Regis are offering £5 off for anyone buying Pillow Proof products!

Regis Sunset Walk CentreMK 01908 696331

The Blow Dry Bar has a dedicated space in the salon and everything from the chair to the brushes is hot PINK, which I love, lets be honest who doesn't love pink?

Kirstie Steward, salon manager told me “It’s all about the products we use, which in turn creates a really quick process. It is perfect for modern women with a busy lifestyle, with fast appointments perfect for meetings and lunch breaks.”

So my 30 minutes begins, my hair is shampooed and conditioned as normal and then I am on the PINK chair waiting to be transformed. First Redken Pillow Proof Primer is used, I normally let my hair dry naturally as it takes so long to blow dry but with the Blow Dry Express Primer my hair dries quickly and with a gorgeous smooth finish, Next comes the styling, the products used here are what are recommended by your stylist to suit your hair, this then adds control, texture, volume, curl, enhance or shine – something I need all of! Finally, using the Redken PillowProof products, it extends the

WIN! WIN! WIN! READERS COMPETITION! Regis are offering TWO lucky Affinity readers the chance to win A Pillow Proof Blow Dry, just tell us one of the products used and send your answer to affinitymagcomp@gmail.com by 22nd August 2014

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WIN! WIN! WIN!

We have teamed up with Murad the experts in skin care to bring you two amazing body creams that will leave your skin feeling firmer with a smooth cellulite free appearance!

Body Firming Cream - This patented, ultra-rich body cream improves resiliency and tone by increasing skin firmness by 40% in 15 minutes while restoring maximum moisture.

It includes Vitamin C, Shea Butter, Oat Beta Glucan and Soy Flour which all together increases skins elasticity, hydrates and moisturuses and firms and tones skin for a youthful, smooth cellulitefree appearance.

Firm and Tone Serum - This uniquely powerful serum improves the overall appearance of dimpled skin.

Increases skin elasticity, boosts skin firmness and enhances skin smoothness.

We are offering TWO lucky readers the chance to win these miracle creams, just tell us who these products are made by and send your answer to affinitymagcomp@gmail.com by 25th August 2014 – Good Luck!

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Veda Therapeutics Carolyn wood Herbal Medicine - Ayuverda Naturopathy - Therapeutic Massage - Ear Acupuncture

Herbalist (Dip Herb) Naturopath (Dip ND) MAMH, MANP, ITEC

As a herbalist and naturopath I can help you with

• Immunity • Skin Conditions • Digestive Complaints • Hormonal imbalances • Heart health & Circulation • Energy & Wellbeing • Insomnia • Depression • Other chronic health conditions • Acute coughs & colds

07944 886502 carolyn612@btinternet.com www.vedatherapeutics.co.uk

PART TIME CLEANERS REQUIRED

01234 302408 07701 086394

www.brightnclean.co.uk

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Superfoods What are they?

Superfoods are foods or powders that are much richer in vitamins, minerals, nutrients, electrolytes and phytonutrients than other foods. They also have far fewer calories than every day food and are a quick and easy way to get some serious nutrients into your body, help boost your natural energy levels, protect your immune system and provide a host of other healthy benefits.

Cacao YES, chocolate is a superfood! It is filled with two things that we love: antioxidants and chocolatey flavor! But I am not talking about the sugary, packaged chocolate bars you find at the supermarket, I'm talking about the real, original, raw, pure cacao. You can use the beans, which are quite bitter or you can find it in powder in any health food store to make amazing desserts

Basically, superfoods are great for your body; they are all natural and are filled with many nutrients that our bodies crave but don’t receive.

The antioxidants boost your immune system which helps to resist those nasty colds and sickness.

We take a look at the 10 top Superfoods you should be eating:

Flaxseeds and Oil Flaxseeds (or linseeds) and their oil are one of the richest source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for our health as our body doesn't produce them on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids help to fight and prevent inflammation and many degenerative conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, etc Add two to three tablespoons of whole seeds per serving, if you are simply adding the flax seed to an individual meal.

Maca Powder Maca is a root that comes from Peru. You will mainly find it as powder because it doesn’t grow in all climates - so, it is dried and powdered to be exported in the rest of the world.

Maca is amazing for balancing hormones and is beneficial to both women (relief of PMS symptoms and menopause) and men (enhanced fertility). Maca is also a great adaptogen that helps decrease stress levels, enhance strength, stamina and libido as well as providing great energy and endurance. It works with the rhythms and needs of your own body.

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Spirulina Spirulina is a Blue-Green Algae, which thrives in alkaline lakes. It contains over 65% of complete protein (300% more than fish, meat or poultry, with 0 cholesterol). It is also very rich in chlorophyl, iron (about 58 times more than spinach), antioxydants, beta-carotene and essential fatty acid Omega 3 and 6.

You can add maca powder to breakfast muesli, smoothies, juices, desserts, etc.

It is especially recommended to anyone who has recently taken on the challenge to eat vegetarian, and great for people who have digestive issues, as it helps improve the absorption of nutrients in your body.

Coconut Oil If you are exercising for weight loss then coconut oil will be an important ingredient for you. The fatty acids in this superfood fight body fat by converting it into energy that boosts metabolism as opposed to saturated fats that add body fat. Use one tablespoon of coconut oil in your smoothie for breakfast and you should notice less of yourself in the mirror in no time.

Hempseeds and Oil Hempseeds and oil are one of the rare complete source of protein (33% to 37% of its weight) and are packed with life-force energy and enzymes. They are rich in Omega-3, 6 and 9 which are all very important for brain functions and considered a quality beautifying oil.

Hempseeds and oil are great to boost your immune system and bring balance in your essential fatty acids.

Use the oil in in your dressings and sprinkle the seeds on your cereals, fruits, smoothies or salads, they are delicious!

Chia Seeds Chia seeds are a complete protein, rich in fibre, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and manganese. Just one tablespoon of chia seeds contains 5 grams of fibre. So adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to your breakfast (cereals, smoothies, juices, etc.) is a great way to increase your fibre intake.

Acai Acai is a purple berry grown in the Amazonian rainforests; loaded with antioxidants that boost your body’s energy and its ability to focus. Their protein and fiber will also keep you feeling full making the Acai berry (or powder) a weight fighting superhero. Delicious in smoothies.

They are also very rich in vitamin C, Omega 3 and 6 and antioxidants. They absorb lots of water (about 10 times their weight).

Goji Berries Perhaps one of the tastiest of all superfoods Goji berries are known for their healing strength.

They are probably one of the most nutritious berry-fruit found on the planet. Offering a complete source of protein and amino acids, they contain lots of trace minerals as well as vitamins B1, B2, B6, E and C. They are extremely rich in antioxidant, which protects you from the ageing process.

Camu Powder The Camu berry is one of the world's most abundant sources of vitamin C - as much as 60 times more C per serving than an orange. This antioxidant rich berry from the Amazon is also a plentiful source of potassium, calcium, protein, beta carotene, amino acids and powerful phytochemicals.

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Treatment of the Month

Environ Hydra Boost Therapy penetration of the serums and maximise the moisturising effect. Whilst this was done, I was treated to a relaxing arm, hand massage. The mask is left on for approximately 20 minutes; once removed my skin was clear and glowing and felt incredible!

When I was offered the chance to try out the new Hydraboost facial by Environ at Beauty by Roxanne I wasn’t sure what to expect especially as it begins with a skin scan.

Powerful imaging technology scanned my skin to highlight my most problematic areas, UV damage, wrinkles and other skin concerns, this accuracy then allows your therapist to personalise your facial.

The philosophy of Environ is not about quick fixes but long-term solutions and Roxanne discusses with you the different treatment plans that will get the best out of your skin.

Environ are so sure you will see a difference in your skin after three months, they invite you back to compare your before and after pictures – I’m hooked!

After cleansing, a serum was applied to my face (apparantly our daily skincare only penetrates the top two layers of the skin, and not the active cells underneath!). A 'probe' was then slowly massaged over my skin. This emits different waves and pulses, which helps the serum to sink in much deeper and therefore more effectively.

This was followed by a deliciously cool, hydrating masque, painted over my entire face, including eyes and lips (don't worry, if you're claustrophobic, you can skip the eye/mouth bit). Electrodes were then attached to deliver a pulsed current to further increase the

The next skin scanning event at Beauty by Roxanne is on Wednesday 20th August between 1pm and 8pm, an appointment is necessary and a deposit of £10 is required, which can be redeemed on the day towards products or treatments.

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Beauty by Roxanne 07872146804 www.beautybyroxanne.co.u

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Hotel Chocolat Summer Collection £39, Hotel Chocolat

Bomb Cosmetics Face Wash £7.99, Bomb Cosmetics

Lizi’s Granola On the Go £1.29 Sainsbury’s

Cymbal Headphones £95 www.wesc.com

Gold Plated, Crystal and Czech Stone Bracelet £98, J Crew (net-a-porter)

Varby LED Table Lamp £10 Ikea

Revo Flat Top Sunglasses £12, Accessorize

Codorníu Rosado NV Limited Edition Bottle £9.49, Sainsburys

TanOrganic’s Organic Duo Bronzer £29.99 Holland & Barrett

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

Primavera Inca Nut Face Oil £19 www.primaveralife.co.uk

AFFINITY HOT PICKS

Flared Dress £39.99 H & M

Delicious Vermin! by Rosie Barham £14.99 Amazon

Bomb Cosmetics Honolulu Clay Mask Bomb Cosmetics

Unicorn Cushion £145 www.miafleur.com

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Help!

I’m Always Soooo Tired!

Getting plenty of sleep but still exhausted? Before you blame your busy lifestyle, learn more about what might be at the root of your unexplained fatigue

D

o you jump out of bed in the morning invigorated, ready to start the new day, or crawl out from under the covers already looking forward to going back to bed?

caused by an obvious or relatively minor problem, which is easy to fix, but very occasionally it may be the sign of something more serious.

If it’s the latter, you’re not alone. It’s easy to blame the lives we lead, with work commitments, childcare and household chores to cope with, it’s no wonder that tiredness is a common complaint.

This sounds simple but one of the most common causes of fatigue is not getting enough sleep. Around a third of us have bouts of insomnia. If you’re fond of burning the midnight oil, lack of sleep may be causing fatigue. Your age also has a lot to do with sleep requirements. Babies need about sixteen hours a day and teenagers about nine. Most adults

Fatigue may not always be down to burning the candle at both ends or overfilling our days, it is often

Lack of sleep

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Food Intolerance

need seven to eight hours a night, but some may need as little as five or as much as ten hours sleep a day. Generally speaking, the older you get, the less sleep you need.

Food intolerance can make you feel sleepy. If your tiredness gets worse after eating certain things you may have food intolerance. You can ask your GP about a supervised elimination diet or try cutting out certain trigger foods yourself to see if you feel any better.

Eating too little

It’s another obvious cause of fatigue. Not eating enough or having the wrong foods can be a problem. If you start your day with doughnuts, your blood sugar will peak and crash, leaving you sluggish. So always eat a healthy breakfast. Try to include protein and complex carbohydrates, like eggs and wholemeal toast, to keep your energy levels stable.

Diabetes

When you’ve got diabetes the sugar stays in the bloodstream instead of entering the body’s cells, where it would have been converted to energy. The result is your body runs out of energy despite having enough to eat. Diabetes UK says one of the main undiagnosed symptoms of diabetes can include extreme tiredness. If you have persistent fatigue, ask your GP about having a blood test for diabetes. There are a variety of treatments available that may include lifestyle alterations, insulin therapy and other medications.

Anaemia

Anaemia is one of the top causes of feeling constantly run-down. It happens when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to your tissues and organs. It’s easily diagnosed with a blood test.

Heart Disease

Underactive Thyroid

When everyday tasks like cleaning the house or climbing the stairs leave you feeling exhausted, it can be a sign that your heart is not up to the job. It could be an early sign of heart disease. Seek medical advice. There are lifestyle changes, medication and therapeutic procedures to get heart disease under control.

The thyroid is a small gland in your neck. It controls your metabolism - the speed at which your body converts fuel to energy. When it is underactive and your metabolism functions too slowly you may feel sluggish and put on weight.

Depression

According to the charity Thyroid UK, hypothyroidism is four to five times more common in women than men, particularly in the over 40 age group. A blood test confirms if you have low thyroid levels and synthetic hormones can bring your levels back up to normal.

Depression doesn’t only cause emotional symptoms, it can cause physical symptoms as well.

Fatigue, headaches and loss of appetite are among the most common physical symptoms. If you feel tired and down for more than a couple of weeks seek medical advice. If you treat the depression the fatigue should lift as well.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

If your fatigue lasts more than six months and is so bad that you can’t manage your daily activities, chronic fatigue syndrome (also called myalgic encephalopathy or ME) is a possibility. It can have various symptoms but the main one is persistent, unexplained exhaustion.

Glandular Fever

Glandular fever is a common viral infection that causes tiredness as well as a fever, sore and swollen glands. Teenagers and young adults are most prone to it. In the main, symptoms clear up within four to six weeks, but the fatigue can linger for several more months.

The NHS suggests around 250,000 people in the UK have this condition.

There’s no quick fix for CFS but people with the condition often benefit from changing their daily routines, learning better sleep habits and starting gentle exercise.

Sometimes it’s obvious why you’re feeling tired.

Often people are living very busy lives and have high and sometimes unrealistic expectations of what they should be able to achieve in a day. This is often coupled with late nights and early mornings and lack of relaxation.

Sleep Apnoea

Some people think they’re getting enough shuteye but this condition robs you of sleep sometimes without you even knowing about it. Sleep apnoea briefly stops your breathing many times during the night. Each interruption disrupts your sleep for a moment, but you may not be aware of it. The result is you’re sleep-deprived, despite spending a full eight hours plus in bed, and feel exhausted during the day.

The key is not to dismiss your mild symptoms of fatigue when you first notice them. Instead, take the first step and figure out the cause of your fatigue.

If you are still worried, you should contact your GP to get it checked out.

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www.webmd.boots.com

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Midlife

Madness

Old Bag Issues!

For most of the ladies I know bags are important, old or new, big or small, designer or budget they are not only functional but form an important part of many outfits. I am not going to ask how many you have in your wardrobe but I think most women reading this will have more than one, for very obvious and important reasons, because a bag is so much more than a bag!

grown up children is that you no longer need to worry about having an Elastoplast, something to pacify or amuse or anything of that ilk, in fact I just need stuff for me. So that means I could have a small bag and change it regularly thus eliminating half eaten bananas and enabling me to co-ordinate bag with outfit – every ‘fashionistas’ dream!

But I must confess to a few bag issues – I resisted the urge to say baggage!

But then I hit a new problem – having bought several on trend, smaller bags in a range of styles and colours, I discover that the small bags don’t seem able to take all the stuff I still need just for me. But how can that be possible?

I don’t see myself as particularly high maintenance, but I do need to take a purse (which is growing due to the ridiculous amount of loyalty cards that seem part of the essential money saving kit these days.) Then I need specs, (thankfully not denture glue yet!) and the usually girly clutter of lippy, scent, brush and, of course, tissues. It’s a challenge fitting this into many of the bags I have bought.

And it gets worse ..... think about devices, don’t be shocked, I am talking simply of mobile phone – how did I ever venture out without a phone, how did I live without a phone? Then of course, there is the tablet which is also becoming essential to business, if not life, and then my kindle, yes it is smaller than a book BUT it still means there is too much for my small trendy bags.

When working I found there were very strict criteria for my bag – it had to be large enough to carry all my personal stuff (more on that later) plus fit in my work diary and laptop and have room to squash in either a packed lunch (moderate in size and of course healthy!!) or at least a snack (massive and usually chocolate). It also had to be a colour that would go with most work outfits so black or brown was usually the choice.

But now that I don’t have the day job, I feel somewhat adrift in the sea of bags.

My inner fashion goddess dictates that I get a brightly coloured, interesting bag; there are some gorgeous ones around, and I have been tempted, and caved on one or two occasions. But if I wear it with black outfits I feel everyone just fixates on the bag and if I wear it with something more colourful I worry I look like a cross between an explosion in a crayon factory or an advert for smarties!

So do I go for fashion and leave some ‘stuff’ behind (knowing they will be the things I need, like the umbrella and I return resembling a drowned rat on a bad hair day!)

Or do I lug around a bag the size of small case and just accept I will develop one shoulder lower than the other.

I soooo want to be the person that can say to any request “oh yes I’ve got one of those!” But who am I kidding, that could never happen anyway because I have discovered that whatever the size of the bag, the universal bag-law dictates that you will never be able to find what you are looking for. Keys, phone or lippy, tiny clutch or big tote much rooting around in that old bag will be required!

Then there is the vexed issue of size, always important to us ladies I know! When at work I accepted it was a bit like carrying hand luggage all day but without the pleasant anticipation of a flight. It brought back memories of early motherhood when you could be relied upon to find spare ,nappies, wet wipes, drinks, snacks tissues and even the odd toy and book in the depths of my bag, (along with half chewed sweets, mouldy bananas, used tissues and goodness knows what else)! But one of the delights of 26

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New Horizons L

ast month I touched upon all of the hobbies and fun things I have planned, but this time I wanted to just talk about one thing that Martin and myself did that will have a profound effect on us for the rest of our lives. The 70th anniversary of the DDay landings in Normandy.

heads or a wartime jeep or tank overtaking us with authentic looking GIs hanging out of the back!

We had never really been into the whole “let’s dress up and recreate the past” vibe, thinking it slightly sad to be honest, but it gradually dawned on us that these people were keeping the past alive and that the escapism they felt was all part of the same spirit that I was trying to capture in my flight from the corporate dollar. This was all about a better world, where you looked after each other and would even die for your friend on a foreign beach. A better, more caring, time.

In early June we boarded a ferry, with our mountain bikes, in Portsmouth for a six hour crossing to Caen for a trip we had been planning for over two years. On that occasion, we made sure we had some time to visit Arromanches and learn a little bit about the famous Mulberry harbours that lie out to sea there and the sacrifices made by brave allied forces in Operation Overlord. Like most people we had all seen Saving Private Ryan and the Longest Day but to be honest, we were scratching the surface of the story.

So as I say, we were determined to come back for the 70th celebrations.

That night we walked down the hill from our accommodation into the town of Arromanches and joined the celebrations taking place outside the bars and restaurants. We expected the Vets (who are mostly in their 90’s) to be tucked up in bed by this time, but not at all! They were leading the singing and the reminiscing and were so happy to speak to the crowd about their part in one of the most daring invasions in history. As we heard snippets of their conversation, tears started to flow all around, not least our own.

We arrived on the 5th, after an uneventful crossing and the first sight that greeted us was a Dakota flying overhead, practicing for that night’s enactment of the parachute drop over Pegasus Bridge. And from that moment on it was one highlight after another of some of the most moving, life affirming sights. We have never cried as much on a holiday!

We were determined to cycle along as many of the beaches as we could, from Sword where we landed through Juno and Gold and onto Omaha (Utah was a long way by bike so that was one for the future), but first we needed to cycle to Arromanches for our accommodation.

So just a simple quick 20 miles or so you might think? Not a bit of it, every five minutes we were stopped in our tracks by an impromptu ceremony involving veterans or the sight of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over our

The actual day itself, 6th June, just got better – meeting Huw Edwards on the beach, shortly before he broadcast to the nation, Chris Evans as well, live on Radio 2, and hundreds of those military vehicles lined up for inspection. Martin is now completely taken with the idea of owning a WW2 jeep by the way!

30

Our final memory of Normandy will be cycling away from Pegasus Bridge with a Lancaster tipping its wings in tribute as final farewell. A trip never to be forgotten and one that we will never top in terms of emotion and sheer spectacle.

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Let's Play

Lemon Playsuit £22 Accessorize

Khaki Playsuit £34 Topshop

Bandeau Playsuit £28 Lipsy

Lace Panel Playsuit £22 Fashion Union

Black Flower Print6 Playsuit £16.99 Blue Inc

laredoute

Festival Playsuit £5 Primark

Playsuit £30 Miss Selfridge

Strawberry Print Bandeau Playsuit £14.99 Missguided

Tie Dye Playsuit £8 Matalan

Playsuit £26 Lipsy

Tribal Playsuit £22 Very

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Jump for Joy

Jumpsuit £32 Lipsy

Miss Selfridge Jeanetta Printed Playsuit £30 Fashion Union

Rochelle Humes Jumpsuit £55 Very

Leaf Print Wide Leg Jumpsuit £13 Primark Monochrome Jumpsuit £24,99 Missguided Multicolour Jumpsuit £17.99 Blue Inc

Tropical Print Playsuit £26 Fashion Union Slinky Jumpsuit £19.99 Missguided

Yellow Jumpsuit £15 Primark

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:41 Page 33

Maxi Madness

Lemon Maxi Dress £29.99 Missguided

Black Stripe Maxi £18 Dorothy Perkins

Tropical Print Maxi £49 M&Co

Debenhams

Definitions Floral Print Maxi £55 Very Maxi Dress £39 Miss Selfridge

Triangle Tyle Print Maxi Dress £29 Apricot

Dress £48 Wallis

Embroidered White Dress £12 Primark

Leaf Crochet Maxi Dress £49 Accessorize

Maxi Dress £55 Wallis

Snake Print Maxi £30 Fashion Union

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:42 Page 34

g n i n r a e L to Manage Your Mind

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I

’ve talked before about how important our thoughts are to our life and as I work with clients this is often re-enforced.

principles – even for fairly simple decisions. So if it’s a new job, will it help you get where you want to go in life or will it detract from the things that you consider are really important. Will it mean more or less of the things you value? Sometimes it is even worth jotting down a few thoughts. Or discussing the decision with people whose opinions you value.

I’m sure many reading this will have had the experience of a racing mind when our thoughts, usually negative and often accompanied by a sense of panic, seem to take on a life of their own and be harder to control than a ferocious wild animal. They literally can tear us up and demolish any sense of peace and serenity. Sometimes the cause is obvious, we worry about situations that cause us concern, finances, relationships, pressure at work, family members, illness – the list is long and varied. But we also all know that worrying doesn’t achieve anything and it is extremely exhausting and frustrating.

It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.

Roy Disney

But when you worry it may not be about a decision, it may be about a situation that feels out of your control – maybe choices other family members are making that are causing concern, but as we are aware we can’t live the lives of others and worrying certainly won’t change things. But it’s a sure fire thing that if you tell yourself not to think about a problem (or a pink elephant) that is definitely what you will think about. Also if there is a situation that worries us, often we find that all sorts of things seem to remind us of it even when we are not thinking about it. That is due to the reticular activating device in the brain which is a kind of filter that gets us to notice certain things rather than others. This means we notice things that seem relevant to us at the time, so it can feel that the whole world is conspiring against us to make us worry.

A Day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work.

John Lubbock

So, worry can have a really negative impact upon us and often we can see the futility of it yet we are often unable to control it. Obviously worry is sometimes justified, though even then it rarely solves things, but sometimes, even as we are awake or unable to concentrate because of worrying, we can acknowledge that what we are worrying about isn’t actually that important. Also when we worry it is hard to be productive and of course worry doesn’t just happen at night. Worry can stop us being effective in many areas of life, rob us of peace and vitality and have a negative impact on our emotional and physical health as well as our relationships.

If you find yourself stuck in ever decreasing circles of worry, then try the following tips :• If it’s at night try jotting down your thoughts then putting them in a drawer – sometimes this can give a message to our brains to leave it till morning.

• Talk about it – to a friend or colleague, somehow giving ourselves the chance to voice our thoughts can make it less likely they will ‘take over’ our minds later on.

• Sometimes worry just feels like a big blur – try to work out exactly what your worry is and try to be as specific as possible.

• Try making a mind map of the ‘problem’ to help find what specifically is the main worry • Practice the skill of clearing your mind by either some mindfulness exercises or some meditation.

• If night times are worse then try some relaxation before you try to get to sleep, then, if you find yourself waking in the night repeat the relaxation exercises • Avoid things that can disrupt sleep like caffeine alcohol or overstimulation (electronic games or even suspense filled films) before bed time.

• Tell yourself the truth – worry won’t change the outcome but then do something to actively try and help yourself.

Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow – it empties today of its strength.

Corrie ten Boom

So why do we worry? Well like lots of things we can get into the habit of it – and the brain is apt to repeat patterns we have gone through before.

Sometimes the worry can create a feeling that we are doing something about a problem but if we are honest with ourselves, not many clear, insightful or creative thoughts come from a night (or day) of worrying. In fact the opposite is true, a sound night’s sleep is more likely to give us a mind that is rested and alert, able to focus on a problem with greater clarity.

Many people worry about decisions in particular, and the root of the worry is usually a fear that somehow they will make the wrong decision. Whilst that is understandable to a degree, and certainly big decisions deserve some thought and consideration, getting into a twist is rarely helpful and indecision, while comforting for a time, can actually become a decision by default.

If your problem has a solution – then why worry about it.

If your problem doesn’t have a solution – then why worry about it.

Chinese proverb

When you have a choice to make and don’t make it that is in itself a choice.

William James

For help managing anxiety contact Attuned Education 07921193479 or email info@attunededucation

So what can you do? Where decisions are involved it is often helpful to think about the underlying values or 37

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50 Shades of Pink

Charity Ball

In aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Saturday 11th October 2014 Arrival 7.00pm – 1.00am The Sharnbrook Hotel A6 Park Lane, Sharnbrook, Beds, MK44 1LX A PINK Drinks and Canapé Reception A Sumptious Three Course Meal Exclusive Auction, Raffle, Entertainment and much more

Tickets £50 per person For tickets and sponsorship enquiries contact: Jane Fry – 01234 215523 / 07507 602401 jane@affinitymag.co.uk

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:42 Page 37

A Taste of

The Manor

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The Manor

.....Weston-on-the-Green

N

estled in the lush Oxfordshire countryside a stones throw from the Cotswolds is The Manor at Weston on the Green, a perfect getaway and dining destination. The 900 year old country house hotel offers guests a luxurious and relaxing escape with the finest food and wine.

Boasting a heated hidden outdoor pool, tennis court, croquet lawn and extensive beautifully landscaped gardens including a picturesque knot garden, think Alice in Wonderland and you won’t be far off!

The hotel features 28 elegant en suite rooms, decorated in light refreshing tones and furnished with an electic mix of modern and antique pieces.

The building itself still has many of the original Saxon and Tudor designs intact, it also appears in the Domesday Book and has been frequented by royalty throughout the ages. There are many stories to tell from within the walls – including that of Maud, a local nun who fell in love with a monk and met a sticky end, Housekeeping staff are convinced her ghost still wanders the halls!

We didn’t run into Maud but we were lucky enough to enjoy an exquisite dining experience sampling a selection of fine food from Executive Head Chef Larry Jayasekara whose resume is most impressive with experience in some of the UK’s most renowed Michelin starred restaurants with past mentors including Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing and Raymond Blanc. He has taken inspiration from the history of the property incorporating historical twists into the regularly changing menu.

Our dining experience took place in the original Minstrels

Gallery, overlooking the Baron’s Hall where dinner is usually served. Baron’s Hall is an old monastry that dates back to as far as 1066. It has been carefully restored reinstating the original linen fold oak panelling and striking stained glass windows. The Minstrels Gallery can offer an intimate dining experience for parties of up to 10 people.

Wine and canapés began our dining experience, followed by a menu that consisted of imaginative, fresh, creative and truly delicious food.

Razor Clams, Cauliflower – Charred Cornish Mackerel, Gooseberries, Chorizo – Heritage Tomato, Goats Curd, Pine Nuts – Cornish Turbo, Seaweed, Girolles, Caviar – Herdwick Lamb, Peas, Pomme Cocotte, Bacon – White Peach, Jasmine Tea, Fresh Almond – Grand Cru Chocolate, Black Cherry, Hazelnut.

The food was an absolute delight to my tastebuds, everything was cooked perfectly and as each dish came out it became my favourite. Larry certainly showcased his talents which may explain why he has reached the finals of The National Chef of the Year this October.

As for retiring for the night we had to come home as all the rooms were booked, the majority to the Top Gear Team – well if it’s good enough for them - it just means I’ll have to revisit!

The Manor at Weston on the Green Oxfordshire OX25 3QL 01869 350621 www.themanorweston.com

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Be part of Affinity the PREMIUM FREE Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Affinity has become the regions most loved and widely read magazine

Our distribution and readership is extensive Advertise with us in print and online and gain new customers by putting your business in front of our readers

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Herbed Chicken, Feta & Peach Salad 44

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“

“

Dill, mint and basil really bring this bulghar wheat dish to life- use a ready-cooked chicken to save time and add the herbs and dressing at the last minute

Ingredients 200ml vegetable stock, made with freshly boiled water 125g bulghar wheat Meat from a roughly 900g ready-roasted smoked or unsmoked whole chicken (about 550g ready-roasted chicken breasts), not too fridge-cold 2 ripe yellow-fleshed peaches 25g pack mint 25g pack dill Handful basil (optional) 50g toasted pecan halves, some left whole 100g feta cheese, crumbled For the Dressing Zest and juice 2 limes (about 4 tbsp juice) 1 tsp rice vinegar (or use white wine vinegar and a pinch of sugar) 3 tbsp mild olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tsp golden caster sugar 1 heaped tsp wholegrain mustard

Villa Maria Private Bin Rose 2013 This wine is approachable and food friendly with aromas of ripe berry fruit.

Enjoy this refreshing, delightfully dry Rose chilled as an aperitif. £9.99, Tesco, Majestic, Bargain Booze

Method Pour the boiling-hot stock over the bulghar in a large bowl. Cover with cling film and set aside for 15-20 minutes until the stock has been totally absorbed and the grains are tender.

Meanwhile, slice or tear the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and cut each peach into 12 wedges. Whisk the dressing ingredients together with some seasoning.

When the bulghar looks dry and has swollen up in the bowl, remove the cling film. Fluff it up with a fork and let cool.

Roughly chop the herbs just before serving, then toss into the bulghar. Spread over a large platter, then top with the chicken, peaches, pecans and feta. Roughly toss everything together a little. Drizzle over the dressing to serve. www.bbcgoodfood.com

Les Pins Couches Rose 2013 A light, refreshing dry rosé with abundant, yet subtle red fruit characters, dominated by powerful aromas reminiscent of the Mediterranean scrubland (garrigue). On the palate notes of black olives, herbs and fresh fruit evoke the taste of the Mediterranean coast. The beautiful and aptly named 'Blue Coast' in a glass £9.99, The Whalley Wine Shop, Cambridge Wine Merchants

Joseph Mellot Sancerre Le Rabault Rosé 2013 This wine is salmon pink in colour which is typical of the Pinot Noir grapes and a lot of fresh fruit. It may be served cold but not too chilled. £16.99, Famous Wines, Eagle Wines, The Leamington Wine Company

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:42 Page 44

White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake Ingredients

Method

400g Soft cheese e.g.

Philadelphia cheese 100ml Cream 2 Gelatine sheets 200g white chocolate 15-25 fresh raspberries 50g Sugar 1 Packet digestive biscuits 100g butter (melted)

First, for the base, blend the biscuits into a find powder, then mix in the butter.

Press the mix into the base of a greased 20cm springform tin.

Makes 6-8

For the filling, start by soaking your gelatine leaves in cold water for 20 minutes. Whilst that is soaking, heat up the cream to a simmer and mix in your white chocolate until completely melted.

Once the chocolate is melted, drain the gelatine and then add it to the cream as well as the sugar. Ensuring it is fully combined and smooth, take the cream of the heat.

Put the soft cheese into a large mixing bowl and beat in the cream mix until a smooth, glossy consistency is reached.

Pour this mix into your spring form tin.

Finish by randomly placing your raspberries into the cheesecake.

Leave this to set for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight

This sweet is brought to you by the Chef The Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant, Sharnbrook, Beds 46

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Steak night Wednesdays Selection of prime cut steaks available from £18.95. Price to include a free dessert from our a la carte menu and a glass of house wine We are still doing “Buy 1 get 1 free” on main courses every Tuesday all day, 12pm- 9pm!

Join us for our monthly pudding nights! £15.00 for a main course and as many delicious desserts as you can squeeze in!

4th July and 8th August

Afternoon Teas We are now doing traditional afternoon teas by the river! Served 2.00pm til 5.00pm daily.

Full afternoon tea, including pot of tea/coffee, a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with cream and jam, selection of cakes and macaroons, £9.95 Sweet afternoon tea, including pot of tea/coffee, homemade scones with cream and jam, selection of cakes and macaroons, £7.00 Champagne afternoon tea, including glass of champagne, a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with cream and jam, selection of cakes and macaroons, £16.95

01234 781678 info@millhouse-riverside.co.uk www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk millhouse_hotel Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant Mill Road, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1NP

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:42 Page 46

Exquisite Dining at The Wernher Restaurant F

once seated, we were offered a glass of Champagne (my kind of restaurant!) Whilst sipping this, we mulled over the menus and enjoyed the delicious canapes that had been brought to us.

On arrival we were shown attentively to our table where,

Once choices were made, the somalier came over and discussed wine options with us – (I am particularly fussy when it comes to wine, normally only drinking rose or bubbles, I explained my tastes and he informed me he had the perfect bottle of white wine that would accompany our meal perfectly and I would love it – a very bold

or exquisite fine dining, there can be few more spectacular settings than The Wernher Restaurant set in the 18th Century Luton Hoo Hotel. Unashamed opulence with floor-to-ceiling marble panels, glittering chandeliers and sweeping views of the surrounding parkland, offer an unforgettable dining experience with exquisite food and flawless service as standard. Our experience certainly lived up to expectations and was definitely memorable.

48

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:42 Page 47

statement, but he was right it was an absolute treat to my tastebuds.

Service from everyone was attentive without being overbearing, and the knowledge from each individual was impressive!

Before our starters amuse-bouche was served which was full of flavour with the sweetest baby tomatoes I have ever tasted Beetroot marinated fillet of salmon with baby salad, roasted lime & tarragon dressing and a crab and lobster tian with tomato & vodka jam, avocado and spring onion salsa were our starters and ... WOW ... what starters they were, presentation was perfect, in fact the food looked too good to eat – the complimentary taste of the beetroot was evident in the salmon and was just divine, the tarragon dressing complimented the flavours perfectly – the crab and lobster tian certainly didn’t disappoint either and was full of flavour, it was a taste bud heaven.

Spiced and roast loin of monkfish, spring onion and saffron rosti, sautéed Swiss chard, roast red peppers finished with coriander and coconut cream was my choice of mains; the fish was meaty and the red pepper sauce sweet and delightful.

Charcoal smoked roast whole pigeon with warm puy lentils, baby carrots, pickled walnut and sherry vinegar dressing was the other choice, the beautiful, gamey taste of the smoked pigeon was exquisite and the best pigeon dish my husband has ever tasted.

The menu is creative and makes you want to sample every dish on it, unfortunately that wasn’t possible, so we opted, with what little room we had left, for desserts of rhubarb and custard cheesecake with yogurt and rosemary ice cream and iced banana parfait with a duo of pistachio both desserts, in one word, were heavenly.

Coffee and homemade chocolates completed the perfect evening.

With exquisite food and flawless service the Wernher Restaurant certainly offered us an unforgettable dining experience that we will definitely be repeating.

The Wernher Restaurant Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa 01582 698888 www.lutonhoo.co.uk

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Mellow Yellow

wallpaperdirect

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Orbit Fabric Recliner £1195 Darlings of Chelsea

Lemons Tea Towel £11 Maiden

Paulette Jade Wooden Candlestick £16 Berry Red

Yellow Acapulco Sofa £699 Boqa

Enamel Folklore Bowl £30 Berry Red

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Union Jack Cushion George @ Asda

Felt Applique Cushion £45 House of Fraser

Ferm Living Bird Leaves Silk Cushion £59 Cloudberry Living

Yellow Meshed Bowl Great British Designs Yellow Oak Table Lamp £75 Hunkydory Home

Glass Votive £3 Sainsburys at Home

French Two Drawer Bedside Table £390 Out There Interiors

Retro Telephone £39.95 Cuckooland

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:42 Page 52

Light up Your Senses B

omb Cosmetics have an endless selection of candles. From fresh glass candles to quintessential tea cups, rustic paint pots and dainty tins. There is a plethora of scents to indulge in. They’re all hand poured and contain pure essential oils and enticing fragrances to help uplift your mood.

Appley Ever After

With scents such as Passion Fruit Fandango, Scones & Cream, Nature’s Candy, Queen of Lemon Tarts, Appley Ever After, and Cherry Glow to name but a few, you will be spoilt for choice what smell to choose and believe me the smell is exactly what it says on the tin, You’ll be sure to find a fragrance that you love and remember they smell good enough to eat – don’t!

Prices start from £6.99

Midnight Kiss

Cherry Glow

Queen of Lemon Tarts

www.bombcosmetics.co.uk

Raindrops on Roses

Passionfruit Sundae

Scones & Cream

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:54 Page 53

G. Butler

Loft and Garage Conversion Specialist We will provide a service from planning to completion █ █ █ █ █ █

Over 23 years experience Free quotes Professional advice Design, planning & construction available All work fully insured Local business

01234 327205 07801 880557 www.loftconversionsbedfordshire.co.uk

The space above your head is the room you have always dreamed of

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:42 Page 54

Santa Lucia Cast Iron Chimenea £77 Primrose

Fire Pit £25 Dobbies

Turn up the

HEAT Havana Cast Iron & Steel Chiminea £89 White Stores

Mexican Clay Chiminea £49 White Stores Tangier Fire Pit £279 Marks & Spencer

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:42 Page 55

Menu Fire Basket £125 Black by Design

Seattle Fireplace £99 Dunelm

Firebowl £39 Idyll Home

Mexican Clay Chiminea Sun Kissed £49 White Stores

Gardeco Extra Large Espiral Chimenea £101.99 Corban Direct

Rustic Clay Chiminea £189 White Stores

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:42 Page 56

Time to BBQ!

We can't get enough of dining al fresco in the summer sunshine! With our fabulous choice of barbecues you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner outdoors!

Jamie Oliver The Park Portable BBQ £55 John Lewis

Banquet 4 Burner Gas BBQ £219 Primrose

Cadac BraaiMaxx 2-Burner Gas BBQ £1,500 John Lewis Lucio Folding Portable BBQ Fire Bowl £69.95 White Stores

Grill BBQ £129 Cuckooland

Weber Spirit Premium Gourmet S320 BBQ £849 John Lewis

BBQ Bucket in Neon Pink £55 Out there Interiors

Weber Master Touch Gourmet BBQ £249 John Lewis

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Paul Smith Sunshine

by Paul Smith £31 Debenhams Azure by Bentley £43 House of Fraser Hugo Music Man Limited Edition by Hugo Boss £37 Boots

Summer Smells We bring you a round up of the lighter, brighter and fresher fragrances that are a crucial part of your summer style.

Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford £142 John Lewis Cedrat Enivrant by Atelier Cologne £85 Selfridges

4711 Cologne £15.95 allbeauty.com

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Stimulating Summer £40 Debenhams

Legend Special Edition by Mont Blanc £52 House of Fraser

Dior Homme Eau for Men by Christian Dior £66 Debenhams

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:43 Page 61

Fry’s Footie Corner

S

o August is upon us and this brings the start of the new domestic campaign. Everybody is very optimistic about their team’s chances of gaining promotion and being successful. In the transfer market, there is certainly a lack of money in the Football League with up to 900 players released last year. I get 30 text messages a day from agents asking if their clients can come in on trial.

Everyone in the Football League is cutting their squads and there will be so many players on the scrapheap. The only money exchanging hands is in the Premier League where 99% of the deals involve foreign players so the money is going out of the country.

There are more foreign managers and more foreign owners. The British coach or manager spends a lot of time earning their qualifications, which are very costly, but unfortunately clubs are not willing to give these bright, young and up and coming managers a chance.

Because of the 50% rule in League Two and the 60% rule in League One, where you can only spend that percentage of your income on player wages, it is making it more difficult for clubs to sign more and more players.

If they do, they will be given a transfer embargo. This is a good idea in my opinion because it will stop clubs going bust.

It has been the most difficult summer for transfers ever.

There has been little money exchanging hands and this I predict, will get even worse this time next season.

There will come a point in the future when no clubs will have transfer fees and will rely on free transfers.

However, it is still a fascinating season ahead.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and many others will feel they have a realistic chance of being successful. It will be another exciting Premier League for everyone to look forward to.

The Championship will be just as exciting with the rewards of getting into the Premier League valued at around £120 million. Everyone will be breaking the bank trying to get there. If I have to make a quick prediction, I will say that Manchester City will win the Premier League again, Derby County will lift the Championship, I can’t pick my own club Peterborough, so will tip Bristol City in League One and I feel Luton Town will get back to back promotions in League Two. However, judging from my World Cup predictions, I wouldn’t take any notice of me.

Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Barry Fry 63

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:43 Page 62

All About...

august2014.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 23/07/2014 20:43 Page 63

Dan Mullen

“We caught up with Dan Mullen MD of Steadfast Roofing to find out what amongst other things his last ever meal would be!”

Age: 47

Occupation: MD - Steadfast Roofing Limited

If I take a look in your fridge what would I find?

I don't know, I only look in the fridge for milk!

Describe yourself in three words?

Determined, Focused and Independent

If you could meet anyone in the worl, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them?

My dad and ask him how he coped with 5 naughty sons!

What makes you stand out in a crowd?

I wouldn't stand out, I'd be at the back of the crowd!

Your top three movies?

Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill and anything with Uma Thurman in!

If you were a biscuit what would you be?

Chocolate Hobnob

Your most extravagant purchase and why?

'Moneypit Manor!' in Sharnbrook, it speaks for itself!

Why - ask the wife!

Who is your inspiration/role model?

My dad Leo

If you could be anyone or anything what would it be?

Uma Thurman's husband!

What is the one gadget you couldn't live without?

My Nespresso Coffee Machine Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Retired, living here in summer and abroad in the winter

Describe your ideal woman?

Scandinavian and 6ft tall! French speaking would be a plus

What actor would you have play you in a film?

Ben Kingsley

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?

Yacht, Uma Thurman and a Butler!

What do you do to relax?

Gym

What would you do if you had a time machine?

Go to the sixties and buy vast amounts of property in Mayfair.

What would your last meal be?

Fillet Steak, Chips & Peas

You can’t leave the house without?

A car!

65

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Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane?

No it’s the ‘New’ JetLev Experience at Ride Leisure, Wyboston Lakes!

E

absolutely delighted, most of us at Ride Leisure are thrill seekers so we are also very excited about trying it out for ourselves!”

verybody dreams about flying through the air like their favourite action hero at some point in their life...and now it's possible with the new JetLev-Flyer - a futuristic jet pack.

I’m not so much of a thrill seeker, so I simply kicked off my shoes, stepped into the speedboat and watched from afar! But I have to say it did look great fun and if you are an adrenaline junkie and are on the lookout for a fantastic, heart-stopping experience then I would say this is for you!

Ride Leisure located at Wyboston Lakes have added the newly launched JetLev-Flyer to their long list of experiences. This new experience is an exclusive for Ride Leisure and Wyboston Lakes and will propel you to speeds of 50mph and dizzy heights of 10m!!

Ride Leisure offer many more thrilling experiences including, wake boarding, water skiing, banana boating, jet skiing, including stand-up superjet boats and Zego (the latest powerboat activity from New Zealand). On land you can try your hand at an extensive 4 x 4 off road course or ride quad bikes. Hovercraft trips on land and water are also available.

So what is the JetLev? It’s a custom made personal flying machine that combines a powerful engine with a water nozzle repulsion force enabling it to achieve stable controlled flights.

You are taught by a highly trained professional flight instructor who shows you the special procedures of take off, flight, turn, hover, land and dive. If you wish to fly tandem with an instructor you simply buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Adam Clements of Ride Leisure told us “We are thrilled to have been selected by JetLev out of all the UK water sports venues; it’s a great opportunity for us and we are

Whether you’re seeking thrills as an individual or want to hold a corporate event here, Ride Leisure has it all – just remember who else can boast that they can fly unless they’re Superman! www.rideleisure.co.uk 66

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THE NEW GENERATION T

the default specification of the car. This means COMAND Online, heated front seats and the ambient lighting system are all fitted as standard (helping towards a saving of £5,695 over the model it replaces). Two option packs are available – Premium Pack (comprising an electric sunroof, a seat memory package, a reversing camera and split/folding seats) and a Premium Plus Pack, featuring the same equipment as the Premium Pack but adding a Harman Kardon sound system and Keyless Go. The Premium Pack costs £2,395 and £2,095 respectively for the Coupé and Shooting Brake and the Premium Plus Pack costs £3,595 and £3,195.

he new generation CLS Coupé and Shooting Brake are set to arrive in the UK in September – featuring a new look and packed with new technology which is fitted as standard the new car promises to deliver even better value and lower emissions, as well as being the fastest and most efficient generation of CLS yet.

The range now starts with a new engine – the CLS 220 BlueTEC. Powered by a 2.1-litre diesel engine, the new addition generates 177 hp and 129 g/km of CO2. The second diesel model is the six-cylinder 350 BlueTEC – producing 258 hp and emitting 142 g/km. The CLS 350 BlueTEC engine is linked, for the first time, to an all-new nine-speed gearbox as standard – lowering CO2 by 18 g/km Across the new CLS range there are significant upgrades in the technologies fitted, with AMG Line now becoming

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The equipment line-up on the CLS 63 AMG S is even more comprehensive – with an electric sunroof, Keyless Go, the ambient lighting system, a Harmon Kardon sound system, a reversing camera, split folding rear seats and a powered tailgate being fitted as standard, saving a total of £4,115.

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Likewise, on every CLS a new eight-inch tablet-style screen is fitted as standard, running the latest ‘NTG 5’ software allowing new Mercedes-Benz apps, including the Mercedes Me system, to be downloaded and used in the car. LED Multibeam headlights are also fitted to the new CLS as standard – allowing benchmark visibility at night without dazzling other road users.

Prices start from £46,500 RRP OTR for the CLS 220 BlueTEC and £48,080 RRP OTR for the Shooting Brake variant

The new generation CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake are available to order from July with the first deliveries taking place in September.

To book a test drive or to find out more contact: Mercedes Benz of Bedford Ampthill Road Bedford MK42 9QZ 01234 910676 69

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Welcome to the musings of Yummy Mummy. Living in Bedford she is married to ‘The Husband’ and together they have 4 children - Rafferty, 9, Violet, 7, Roman, 6 and Clementine, 2.

All my views are my own and are not intended to offend anyone but alas I may frustrate you as I certainly do myself and no doubt those around me at times. I would love to hear from you, your views, questions or indeed just to share your experiences of trying to be a Yummy Mummy. Email me at info@affinitymag.co.uk

Middle School

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hat time of year is here again – the long school summer holiday! However I actually look forward to spending some time with the children that is free from the school run rush as well as getting to the various activities that happen in term time. And an extra reason for not wanting the holidays to end is because the eldest is off to middle school – my firstborn, who is still my baby, is growing up fast.

It only seems like the other week that the application form was submitted and the lower school started to introduce them to their new school with a series of visits, activities and parent meetings. And here we are, school uniform all ordered ready to start in just six weeks.

I remember his first day in the nursery unit at his lower school very well, he started part time in the January before going full time in September and it was a great introduction to school. I didn’t have time to stress or worry about his first day, we had just moved house and I called the school to add him to the list (as we originally applied to a school that was local to our old house) and was told he could start in two weeks in the nursery class! The day arrived and off he went, all excited whilst I worried at home, however, as often happens when I picked him up, he had a lovely day without a thought for me back home!

This set the pattern for the next five and half years, indeed sometimes when I pick them up early from after-school club they are not best pleased to see me!

I appreciate that this isn’t always the case for some 70

parents whose children, for whatever reason, do not enjoy school, so I realise that I am lucky that my children are all happy with school. Of course I have had my reasons to sometimes pop in for a chat with the teacher, I have to keep my ‘nightmare parent badge’ polished – well I wouldn’t be fulfilling my parental duties if I didn’t get involved!

For his last ever homework he has had to put together a memory book and as we look through the photos of his ‘journey’ through the school I cannot believe the difference from the baby faced four year old to the handsome big boy of nine he is now. Mind you he enjoys his cuddles with me and still calls me Mummy, but he does refer to me to his friends as ‘my Mum’ but I am preparing myself for the moment in the not too distant future when it will just be ‘Mum’ all the time.

Also I will miss walking him to the school gate and waving him in and also all the interaction you get with lower schools – assemblies, reading with children, fun activity days they will all become a thing of the past! Therefore I better make the most of his leavers assembly as I will no doubt, along with all the other mums, blub all the way though it! That’s a sure fire way to ensure he has no worries about starting middle school knowing he can leave his embarrassing mum not just at the school gate, but out of sight at the end of the road!

Yummy Mummy

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Budding Ballerina E

very little girl dreams of becoming a ballerina - now you can embrace and encourage her dreams with this delightful BALLERINA BEDDING Collection by former principal ballerina Darcey Bussell.

Indulge your budding ballerina with designs in a colour palette of soft pinks, lilac and blue pastels, available in single and double quilt cover sets, including housewife pillowcases. So whether she's practising ballet techniques or dancing the dream, bedtime will always be sweet for your little girl.

Add more ballerina style to your little girl's room with the exquisitely embroidered Ballet Shoes cushion in the palest of pinks, with its tiny bows and grey satin ribbon.

Complete the theme with the beautifully embroidered Ticketcushion, featuring the date of Darcey's final ballet performance.

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The Sporades

something for everyone

Welcome to the Sporades group of islands, nestled in the azure blue Aegean Sea. Here you will find the three main islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.

Skiathos the smallest of island of the Sporades group,

Early booking is always advised at the stunning Blue Suites Hotel. It is surrounded by a pine-tree forest and right on the blue flag beach of Panormos. With just 16 suites this unique, beachfront hotel is a great choice for those wanting a relaxing holiday in a picturesque bay. All rooms are tastefully decorated overlooking the beautiful seashore. This area is exceptionally pretty, where the lush green pine trees meet the crystal clear blue sea.

one of the locations chosen for the hit movie 'Mamma Mia', is a truly beautiful island. With over 65 beaches most easily accessible by road it’s perfect for beach lovers. The south coast is a succession of superb sandy beaches with Koukounaries on the southwest tip of the island recently being voted one of the best beaches in the world.

Alonissos offers peace and relaxation, something that is apparent the moment you step ashore and only a 75 minute boat journey from the island of Skiathos.

The picturesque main town of Skiathos, with its whitewashed houses that run up from the port overlooks the Castle of Bourzi and two harbours: one for the yachts and ferries, the other providing a haven for the fishing boats and excursion boats, lined with open-air tavernas, cafes, restaurants and bars. The interior of the island is incredibly lush and green, covered with olive groves and pine forests.

Alonissos is a tiny gem in the Aegean. It is a green, fertile island with only one town and three villages. A tranquil, peaceful retreat offering true Greek tradition and charm.

Holidays to Alonissos are perfect for relaxation with long leisurely days of Greek sunshine.

Why not sample the luxury Aries Villas named Sagittarius, Leo and Capricorn, all are situated on the hillside just 5 minutes drive from Skiathos Town and the airport. Each of the private villas offer stunning panoramic sea views, with their own private pools and beautiful landscaped gardens for the ultimate VIP holiday experience.

You will arrive at the port of Patitiri, the capital of the island, situated in an idyllic bay sheltered by cliffs and rock formations. The old town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets and bougainvillea clad houses. Along the pretty harbourside there are shops, tavernas and restaurants. Venture further inland and you will discover wonderful wooded hillsides, deep pine woods and an abundance of fruit orchards.

The island also has countless delightful coves and bays, most of them shingle and pebble. Megalos Mourtias lies within walking distance of the town and has panoramic views across to Skopelos.

Skopelos is the largest and greenest in the Sporades

with lush pine-covered mountains sweeping down to sheltered beaches and coves. It is simply beautiful and traditionally Greek, one of the main reasons why it was chosen as a location for the blockbuster movie 'Mamma Mia'.

Just a short trip (45 mins) by hydrofoil from Skiathos brings you to the main town and harbour of Skopelos.

Seven white churches and white Pelion slate roofed houses, cascade down the hillside from the ruins of the Venetian castle above. The old town is a maze of quaint cobbled streets and steps, with virtually a church on every corner – there are 125 in the town alone. The bustling harbour front is very cosmopolitan with cafes, bars and tavernas and a large selection of restaurants invite you to taste the traditional cuisine and local fish and produce.

Why not try the stylish 4 Epoches hotel situated in the lovely village of Steni Vala. The property is set amidst the olive groves, just 300 metres from Glyfa Beach and a few minutes walk to the harbour side tavernas. The hotel has just 20 rooms, all centred on the inviting oval shaped swimming pool. Rooms are contemporary designed with modern furnishings and overlook the sea or the garden.

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To find out costs and for more details of these holidays call Eagle Travel on 01234 348882

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Toe Tapping Top Hat

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D

irect from its tremendous success in London, winning three Olivier awards for Best New Musical, Best Choreography, Best Costumes and the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out, this spectacular West End production will be embarking on a 47-week UK tour from this August.

Top Hat brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious, tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the stage in one of the greatest dance musicals of all time.

In “Top Hat” we follow Jerry Travers as he arrives in London to appear in a stage show from producer Horace Hardwick.

But this being a screwball comedy things do not go according to plan and pretty soon a case of mistaken identity and romance sends things off course. Travers attempts to win the heart of Dale Tremond but she mistakes him for Hardwick – a married man – meaning that his advances horrify her as he attempts to gain her hand in marriage.

Packed full of Irving Berlin’s greatest hits including, Cheek to Cheek, Top Hat, White Tie & Tails, Let’s Face the Music & Dance and Puttin’ on the Ritz, Top Hat tells the story of Broadway sensation Jerry Travers who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl Dale Tremont. An uplifting and hilarious romantic comedy celebrating 1930s song, style and romance, Top Hat dazzles with over 200 beautiful costumes, breathtaking dance and a love story that will set the pulse racing!

Tues 26th August – Sat 6th September Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 8717652 www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

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What’s on August 2014

Mon 21st July – Tues 2nd September Summer fun at Woodside Holiday fun including tractor rides, meet and feed the animals, animal handling and demonstrations with reptiles, owls and much more, chick and bunny cuddling, indoor play barn, outdoor play areas, crazy golf, funfair rides, trampolines, sandpit, treasure hunt, sweet & lollipop scramble. Farm shop and poultry centre.

Open 9am-5.30pm £8 per person. Under 2’s free Mancroft Rd, Aley Green, nr. Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 4DG

and play at this annual event - MK Play Day. There will be lots of games and activities and fun to be had by all. MK Play Day is run and organised by a range of local organisations Campbell Park, Avebury Blvd, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK9 3NZ www.theparkstrust.com

Fri 8th - Sun 10th August Summer Open Air Cinema Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa Watch some of your favourite iconic films in a setting like no other at the new open air cinema this summer.

Set in the stunning surrounds of the South Lake on the 1,065 acre estate, guests are invited to bring their own blankets and refreshments and enjoy a choice of films, a couple of which were shot on location at Luton Hoo. A pre-cinema 2 course menu will also be available in Adam’s Brasserie, our relaxed Country Club restaurant, for just £19.50.

Entrance £12 per person.

Gates Open: 7.30pm - Film Starts: 9pm www.lutonhoo.co.uk/summer-open-air-cinema

Sat 2nd August Cople Music Festival Proms in the playing field . Bands, Hog Roast, BBQ, Bars. Grand finale of 'Proms' music with Boneventura Bottone and local choir. Bring your chairs, blankets and flags.

Doors open 4pm , Entrance £2 for adults, under 16 years free.

Playing field, Grange Lane, Cople, Bedfordshire MK44 3TH Sat 2nd – Sat 30th August Jo Atherton’s Flotsam Tapestries Exhibition Bromham Mill ‘Flotsam Weaving’ is the latest exhibition in the Gallery of the 18th Century watermill, showcasing a striking collection of weaving created with material found on beaches around the world.

Balloons from France, Italian plastic shipping tags, fishing gear from the Netherlands, toys from the USA and even lobster trap tags from Canada have all found their way into Jo’s intricate tapestries www.flotsamweaving.com

Sun10thAugust WW1 Commemoration Airshow 2014 marks the centenary of the beginning of the First World War. As our nation prepares to come together to mark this anniversary, Shuttleworth holds this very special airshow to commemorate and remember the lives of those who lived, fought and died in the First World War. Shuttleworth has the largest and most impressive collection of genuine airworthy WWI aircraft in Europe. There will be live music and reenactment groups. All facilities will be open, children’s craft ‘creation station’, restaurant, trading stalls, gift shop and children’s Jubilee playground. In addition we are delighted to give our visitors access to the newly restored and reopened Swiss Garden. Gate opens at: 9am Approx. flying display begins at: 2pm Ticket prices: £25 on gate / £20 online, children under 16 free when accompanied by a paying adult www.shuttleworth.org

Sat 2nd August – Tues 7th September Summer Beach at Middleton Hall, Centre MK As the weather becomes more unsettled you can guarantee the climate will be great at the indoor beach in thecentre:mk, you will find over 160 tons of sand at Middleton Hall for the whole family to enjoy. Scrunch between your toes, build sandcastles, chill out with a coffee on a deckchair and loads more. What a perfect way to take a break from all that shopping!

Sun 10th August St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger Summer Fete 11am – 4.30pm Held in the grounds and the 19 acre field behind the hospice with steam engine rides, stalls, games, BBQ, hog roast, cream teas, fun dog show, Classic Car display, archery. The Nearly New shop will be open plus so much more….

Entrance fees Adults (17+) £2.50 Children 6-16 £1.00 Children 0-5 FREE Parking FREE

Tues 5th August Peter Pan and The Lost Boys 6.30pm Grab your skateboard and prepare yourself for a fast and frenzied journey back to your childhood…Heartbreak’s innovative adaptation of the iconic classic Peter Pan gives audiences a chance to join the gang - team up with the Lost Boys and let your imagination run wild in a skate park full of fun and adventure. Join The Lost Boys as they stage an overnight protest to save their local skate park and find yourself whisked away to Neverland. Whether you’re 5 or 95, this energetic and enthralling adaptation guarantees audiences an enchanting experience full of magic, laughter and excitement.

Langley Park, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire SL0 0LS www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk

Fri 15th August Proms in the Park 8pm Campbell Park, Central Milton Keynes The Parks Trust and MK City Orchestra present an evening of great classical favourites followed by a firework display. £12/adults, £8/child, £32 family www.theparkstrust.com

Wed 6th August MK Playday Biggest free playday in Milton Keynes. Come and join in the fun

Sat 16th – Sun 17th August Frosts Chilli Festival at Willington Garden Centre Whether you like it ‘meek & mild’ or ‘hot & spicy’, Frosts have a

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sizzling bank holiday weekend lined up for you! Join us on this weekend for our free Chilli Festival at Frosts Willington in Bedfordshire, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before...with exhibitors from around the country, traditional Mexican live music, live cooking demonstrations, tastings galore and don’t forget plenty of chilli plants to admire and buy – over the course of a weekend the people of Bedford and the surrounding areas really do enjoy a free 'festival of fire'! Exhibitors will be bringing chilli inspired products from the UK and around the world to tantalise and tempt you! We will have Mexican music to entertain you and with live chilli cooking demonstrations Free Entry www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk Sat 16th – Sun 17th August Roman Weekend 10am – 5pm Join us for a fabulous re-enactment weekend, with historical falconry displays; cookery demonstrations, and a chance to explore the life of a Roman metalworker. See a Roman village depicting Roman Life, with artisans ranging from potter, brickmakers, apothecaries, surgeons, coin strikers and much more.

Try your hand at throwing a Roman pot and learn more about Roman gardens. The Ermine Street Guard will be in the Gardens demonstrating Roman military tactics throughout the weekend, which side will you support? There will also be a chance to have your hair dressed in the Roman Style!

Free Event Waddesdon Manor Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH

Sat 23rd August Kempston Fun Day 12pm – 5pm Addison Howard Park, Kempston Bedford Lions Club will be organising Kempston Fun Day for the 6th year in 2014 and will be running it in association with Kempston Rotary Club. The event has been running for many years and aims to provide fun and entertainment for families in Kempston and Bedford with charity and trade stalls, displays, arena events, fairground rides and refreshments. Profits are distributed to local needy people and organisations.

The event is open to the public from 12 noon but stalls can set up from 8a.m. It finishes by 5 p.m. There is no admission charge but there is a charge of £1 for car parking. www.bedfordlions.org.uk Sat 23rd August Addison Centre Open Day 11am Morning coffee, rolls, Afternoon tea, cakes, licensed bar, various stalls, books, local history, FREE afternoon tea dance (2pm – 4pm) www.addison-centre.org

Fri 29th August Summer Soiree 6.30pm The Waterfront, Wyboston Lakes Enjoy an evening of live music, cocktails and great food.

Cocktail and mini grilled canapés on arriva.l Saxophonist from 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm Live music from Sugar Soul and a DJ until 12.00am Giant paella and a mini dessert selection Champagne and cocktail tent £29.95 per person includes 1 cocktail on arrival, mini grilled canapés, paella and a mini dessert selection plus an evening of entertainment 0333 7007 667 www.wybostonlakesbooking.co.uk/eventsbooking

Sun 31st August Bromham Fun Day and 5k Fun Run 12pm Bromham Village Hall All activities, run and BBQ free office@bromham.org

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A quiet night in...

For Once in my Life by Marianne Kavanagh

Everyone has a soul mate‌but what if you never find each other?

Meet Tess. A vintage clothes-obsessive, she's trapped in a frighteningly grown-up job she loathes. Still, she's been dating the gorgeous accountant Dominic since university, and has a perfectly lovely flat, which she shares with her best friend, Kirsty. But if her life is so perfect, why does she tear up whenever anyone mentions her future?

Meet George. He's a brilliant jazz musician who spends almost as much time breaking up fights between his bickering band mates as he does about living up to his stockbroker girlfriend’s very high expectations. For a guy who has always believed in romance, the grim practicalities of twenty-something life have come as something of a shock. When did his dreams become afterthoughts?

Follow Tess and George through a decade of bad dates, chaotic dinner parties, magical birthdays, dead-end jobs, romantic misalliances, and lots of starting over. For Once in My Life is a charming and intelligent modern comedy of manners, friendship, and missed connections.

Sin City 2 (A Dame to Kill For) An A-list cast revisit the crime-infested streets of Frank Miller's acclaimed graphic novels for more ultra-stylish hard-boiled tales. Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller's long-awaited sequel to 2005's visually stunning 'Sin City' weaves together four of Miller's thrillingly noir-ish stories. Returning cast members include Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke and Jessica Alba. They're joined by Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a gambler who loses more than his shirt, Eva Green as a femme fatale, and many more.

Release Date: 29th August

The Two Faces of January Based on Patricia Highsmith's 1964 novel, in 1962, American couple Chester MacFarland (Mortensen) and his wife Colette (Kirstin Dunst) tour Greece and visit the Acropolis of Athens.

There, they meet Rydal (Isaac), who works as a tour guide but scams tourists in the process. The MacFarlands invite Rydal to dinner, and Rydal, entranced by the couple's wealth and beauty, accepts their invitation. While Rydal visits the MacFarlands' hotel, Chester presses him to help move an unconscious body. Rydal helps, but eventually gets caught up in ensuing events. He also becomes infatuated with Colette and runs the risk of provoking Chester's anger.

Release Date: 1st September

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Affinity

Wedding Showcase Sunday 2nd November 2014

THE CORN EXCHANGE

St. Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1LE

Exclusive Fashion Show by Estilo Moda Doors Open: 11am - 3pm FREE entry, bubbles, canapés and goodie bag plus a free copy of Affinity Weddings Magazine for all Brides!

Everything you need for the perfect wedding all under one roof www.affinitymag.co.uk

affinityweddingmag@gmail.com

july2014 Cover .qxp_Layout 1 copy 12/06/2014 15:17 Page 1

JULY 2014 ISSUE 38

FREE www.affinitymag.co.uk

July 2014

We have it all...

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ANOTHER EXCITING NEW RANGE

Everything you need for Fathers day

A piece of Heaven

We visit Huma Island in the Philippines

BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON