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PRICELESS
www.affinitymag.co.uk AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 135
Beach Retreat
Let the seaside inspire your interiors
WWW.AFFINITYMAGAZINE.CO.UK
MIGHTY MINDSETS
Don't let your mindset limit your possibilities
A TASTE OF SUMMER
Mouth-watering recipes you'll love
FASHION FORWARD
Stylish styles for effortless chic
UK COASTAL DREAMS in Christchurch, Dorset ISSUE 135
Have you tried Co-Working? We show you how
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LETTER EDITOR’S
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How lucky have we been with such glorious weather, let’s hope it continues through the rest of the summer.
August is the month when we’re all in holiday mode, whether it’s just taking some me time, jetting off for a weekend or a two-week indulgent beach break, it doesn’t matter as long as you manage a little R&R – We certainly did when we took a little break to Christchurch in Dorset, staying at the luxurious Captains Club Hotel & Spa turn to page 47 to read all about our staycation.
Summer is also a time when we all make the most of outside living, it’s when we decide to pour ourselves a chilled glass of wine and just enjoy. It’s an extension of our indoor living space, and most of our dining is done alfresco, we have some great recipes (page 32) that are perfect to serve to family and friends this summertime.
With essential expenses like housing, food and fuel at an all-time high, we thought we’d try to get some expert advice about budgeting our money and spoke to financial expert Brean Horne who shares his six steps to budgeting with us, turn to page 20 to read his tips Enjoy the summer!
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Jane x 1. Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne, £112, www.jomalone.co.uk 2. Kate Spade Rooftop Garden Wedges, £190, www.allsole.com 3. Cleansing Sea Salt Scrub, £42, www.christopherobin.co.uk 4. Bottega Veneta Sunglasses, £295, www.coggles.com 5. Fruit Salad Bracelet, £140, Pura Utz Don’t forget to join us on social media, we love getting to know you!
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Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 07507 602401 Advertising: jane@affinitymag.co.uk Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk
@affinitymagz
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.
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Contents 52 Affinity
40
August 2022
8 12 14 17 21 25 27 31 38 45 52 56 62
Mighty Mindsets Beauty News Boost Your Mood 10 Years Younger Quench Your Thirst Zest For Life Finishing Touches Foodie News Beach Retreat Pool Party Imagining Wellness A Corner Less Troden Weekend Starts Hers
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On The Cover Roman Originals
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Mighty Mindsets I’ve talked a lot about mindsets before – principally because in my experience they are vitally important to our experience of life. There is a story told about elephants – untethered but each with rope attached to their legs – when asked why it is they don’t just walk away the herder said that if the tether is put on when they are small and they learn they can’t run away, that learning sticks and they believe they can’t run away even when they can. That is what a mindset – a belief we have - can do. It can limit us. stop us doing things that are entirely possible simply because we have learned to think it is not possible. So, what are the mindsets that really make a difference? To be honest there is a whole bunch of them but I’ve tried to pick the ones that I think can have the greatest impact on our health and happiness. A Mindset for Self-Care When it comes to health, one of the most important mindsets is around self-care. Put simply we need to develop a mindset that will allow and support us to take care of ourselves. By that I mean getting enough rest and sleep, the right food, some exercise and making time for those allimportant things that make our life fun and soul sing. We can all do that, surely. But no, how often have you not done something that you want to because you feel sitting for half an hour reading a book, or saying no to a night out, because we feel guilty about it or feel somehow, we’ll let someone else down. If it just happens occasionally that’s fine but I have come across some people who find it incredibly tough to do anything for themselves as somehow, they think it’s selfish. If this resonates with you then start by affirming that you are important that your needs count too and taking care of yourself is the responsible thing to do.
A Mindset for Abundance We all have different ideas about what abundance would be in our own lives – it could be wealth or financial security, or it could be finding a soul mate or a rewarding job. An abundant mindset allows us to think abundantly! The universe is abundant yet so often we think (and speak) in terms of lack. We haven’t enough money, we can’t get a job we want, we never meet the right people. The key to shifting this mindset is developing an attitude of
gratitude. What we think, and feel, we attract. So being grateful for what we have will usually allow us to ‘attract’ more of what we regard as good things. Start noticing what you do actually have, literally counting your blessings and see if things change.
A Mindset for Growth We all know that life can throw us curved balls and it can feel like a shower of not very nice stuff! It’s easy to look around and think, first that others don’t have to cope with half of what you do (which might well not be true) and secondly that its unfair. But thinking these things certainly doesn’t make them go away – though the resentment, anger or frustration we feel can certainly drain us of our positivity and energy. Again, it’s down to your mindset. Instead of considering the situation and negative impact it may have if you can reframe that and think instead about what you might learn from this, in what ways might you grow from this experience you will experience it differently. Many of us can look back and acknowledge that, while not always pleasant, it’s during experiences of adversity or challenge that the most growth can occur. Think about a butterfly, I bet the caterpillar doesn’t think ‘who hoo time in a cocoon’ but it is through that process that growth and changes happen, and it is only though that experience that a caterpillar will emerge as a butterfly. Personal Responsibility Mindset It takes courage but when you can accept that you alone are responsible for your life – maybe not for what has happened to you but how you have responded – it can be immensely liberating. Along the way you will have to develop some selfacceptance, and some kindness. Don’t beat yourself for things you’ve done, they are in the past and chances are you can’t change them. But starting now you can take control of your own life – yes you can. If you think you have some unhelpful mindsets that are limiting how you live then checkout my book about Mindsets ‘Make it Magnificent’ by Sheila Mulvenney, available on Amazon.
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Co-Working at The Landing Pad In today’s dynamic world, being static can be dreadful. Sometimes, the key to a productivity boost is just a change in working environment, which is why co-working seems to be more common than not these days – they’re certainly more equipped to deal with administrative needs than working out of a café!
Being self-employed with a home office I’ve certainly tried out a few of these spaces, but none seem to match the stylish high standards of ‘The Landing Pad’ at The Waterfront Hotel in Wyboston. The space here is extremely flexible, whether it’s a private meeting room, a hot desk space or single person booth they’ve got it all as well as little luxury extras such as cosy corners to eat and converse in.
There’s a fully equipped modern sleek kitchen that includes a Tassimo coffee machine, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and anything else you can think of that’s an essential in kitchens of today. All the areas are bright and airy with an aesthetic of cool white, calming deep blues and natural wood colours, in fact you could be mistaken by thinking I’m describing a swish apartment complex in a swanky part of London, minus the beds! Unfortunately, you can’t stay the night here – well not in the coworking space, you can always check into the actual hotel though! Whether you want your space for a one-off day, a few days a month or every day for the next month there’s a range of options that suit everyone.
It’s a brilliant platform where nothing is too much trouble, there’s even a snack van that turns up every day between 12/12.30 (a bell is rang so no fear of missing it), this dynamic space is inspiring and the calming ambience makes it the ideal working environment.
I love unique and quirky concepts, so The Landing Pad fits the bill for me. It is far more than a coworking space – It is an environment designed to nurture you as you work and provides unprecedented convenience, with all the perks of flexible workspace options, it really delivers in every aspect possible for a co-working space.
For more information, or to explore the various packages on offer, visit www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/landing-pad/coworking-space.aspx
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Beauty NEWS Nourish & Tint
Looking for the perfect nude to add a little polish to lips without looking overdone? Sann Nourish & Tint Lip Serum in Morning Dew (£24, www.sannbeauty.com)combi nes colour and care. The formula melts into your lips and gives a gorgeous sheer shade. The colour can be built up for more intensity if desired.
Cool as a Cucumber
Pixi’s Clarity and Detox Range is enriched with cucumber and just perfect for keeping cool this summertime. The range includes Pixi Clarity Lotion (£24.00) a light, waterbased moisturiser enriched with cucumber to cool, refresh and hydrate, Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches (£22.00) cooling eye patches are packed full of cooling cucumber, coconut water and caffeine and Pixi Clarity Mist (£16.00) your go-to for a boost of hydration, with of course cucumber, cica and hyaluronic acid all available from www.pixibeauty.co.uk
Summertime Saviour
Murad’s new Correct & Protect Serum feels and corrects like a serum and protects with SPF 45 (£68, www.murad.co.uk) Carotenoid technology reflects UV light for instant glow and acts as a powerful antioxidant to brighten and reduce visible discolouration while the beetroot extract quickly hydrates the skin. The amazingly sheer SPF delivers broad-spectrum, mineralbased UV protection that doesn’t leave a white cast for truly radiant skin.
Midnight Facial
Wake up to your dreamiest skin ever with this luxurious sleeping night cream Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial (£40, www.uk.elemis.com).Perfect for all skin types, this balancing Prebiotic gel-cream works through the night to drench dull-looking skin in a cocoon of nourishing hydration. Light enough for daily use yet decadent enough to feel like a treat, this bedtime beauty minimises the visible signs of fatigue and helps improve the appearance of skin tone. The complexion is left looking radiant and replenished with moisture.
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Boost Your Mood with
These Five Mood-Boosting Exercises There are plenty of steps that can be taken to help improve your mood, besides rewatching favourite box sets and stocking up on sweet treats!
Serotonin is a hormone produced in the body which signals to the brain when we’re feeling happy and there are plenty of ways to stimulate the body’s production of this important hormone. From getting more sunlight and listening to music, to spending time with friends and family and eating healthy foods, for those in the know there’s always a way to enjoy a natural pick-me-up. One of the quickest and most effective ways to help your body produce serotonin is to break a sweat and many forms of exercise will even allow you to incorporate some of the other serotonin-boosters previously mentioned into your workout, too. The five exercises below are particularly effective for stimulating the production and release of serotonin. For those extra serotonin boosts, try these exercises outside in the sunshine and pop some headphones in so you can listen to your favourite uplifting tunes while you workout.
DANCING Dancing is a great form of aerobic exercise that gets the blood pumping and the heartrate up. Pair the physical challenges of this energetic activity with the mood-boosting benefits of music and you’ve already ticked two of the serotonin product boxes, meaning you’re onto winner. What’s more, dancing is something that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy, so regardless of whether you’re a salsa-pro or you’ve got two left feet, simply having a go is enough to burn some serious calories and get the serotonin flowing. For a next-level dancing challenge, why not get on board with this season’s latest social media craze and challenge yourself to learn a TikTok dance routine. RUNNING Running is one of those love it or hate it exercises that really divides people, but like many things in life, it can become enjoyable
with a little practice. Running is one of the best ways to produce serotonin naturally and so if you can stick with it past those first few runs, you’ll reap huge rewards. For those struggling to keep at it, there are resources available that can help you structure your running development, such as the NHS Couch to 5K which provides a guide to gently building up stamina and fitness in short achievable sessions over a series of weeks.
CYCLING For those that simply loathe the idea of pounding the pavements another option with similar mood-boosting benefits is cycling. Whether you’re living with a housemate or looking for ways to occupy the kids, cycling is something that can be hugely enjoyable as a group activity. Remember, the harder you work the more serotonin your body will produce, so if you’re in need of a bigger boost, opt for a more challenging route with inclines or simply take the longer route. YOGA Yoga is a fantastic way to reduce anxiety and stress levels thanks to its combination of calming breathing techniques and musclerelaxing stretches that release physical tension. The combination of deep targeted breathing and slow stretching helps to relieve physical tension in the body and slow down the heart-rate, both of which aid relaxation and will have you feeling better in no time.
A BRISK WALK Sometimes it’s easy to forget that walking is exercise and, just like other activities that get you moving, walking also helps the body produce happy endorphins. Ideal for those who are new to exercise or are living with injuries, a brisk walk can help transform a bad day into a good day by stimulating the production of serotonin – and as an added bonus, 30 minutes of brisk walking will also burn between 100-300 calories. For additional pick-me-up benefits, why not plug into some music on your walk while you enjoy the sunshine and take in the beauty of nature, which in itself is a fantastic mood-booster.
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Ten Years Younger Did you know there are approximately 42 muscles in your face, and they need just as much love and care as the rest of our bodies! Which is why when the lovely Eliana invited me to visit The Guinot Beauty Rooms in the village of Great Denham, Bedfordshire to try out one of the new Guinot treatments, it would have been rude of me to refuse. Guinot has applied all the latest scientific advances and discoveries to skin biology to offer treatments that are not only based on cutting-edge skincare techniques but also help you feel relaxed, pampered and rejuvenated.
Walking into the treatment room, you immediately feel relaxed and the knowledge that Eliana has on keeping your skin and body young is mesmerising. After a consultation and me telling her my biggest concern was lines and wrinkles she suggested the best treatment for me would be the ‘Age Summum Treatment’, it is said to be the alternative to plastic surgery for treating fine lines, loss of firmness and lack of radiance –perfect for a needle phobic like myself.
My face is thoroughly cleansed using a dermabrasion exfoliating cream which rejuvenates the skins appearance by eliminating dead cells and stimulating the production of young cells. Next Anti-Ageing Regenerating Serum is gently massaged into my skin. This works to boost cellular regeneration and collagen synthesis.
Then came the best bit for me, a facial massage like no other, using magical strokes, gentle pinches here and there and expert movements this skilfully crafted massage technique helps the active ingredients penetrate deep into my skin, helping to improve my facial contours whilst helping the powerful actives to absorb further into my skin.
And finally, an anti-ageing sheet mask that has been saturated in serum is applied, this is the final step to tightening the skin, fighting against slackening and producing a radiant, glowing complexion. Now for the big reveal – WOW! My complexion is glowing, my fine lines are less visible and I feel radiant.
It really does do what it says on the tin, the best alternative to plastic surgery – I love it and will be adding one of these treatments into my schedule every 6 weeks, and if my own eyes weren’t proof enough, before-and-after pics don't lie. The Age Summum Treatment is price at £75 for 60 minutes. To book or for more information, visit www.guinot.beauty or phone 01234 247414.
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Midlife Madness The idea is that parents try to do the right thing by their children, and don’t get me wrong I had loving parents for whom I am incredibly grateful for but it seems every single parent whatever their ethics tells their children a lot of lies.
I’m not even talking about the big ones (one involving teeth and the other reindeers) to avoid any child who may come across this and be disillusioned, but all the rest. Thinking about it recently it seems there are an awful lot.
I started thinking about this when great grandpa was exhorting 12 year old grandson to eat salad saying if he didn’t a certain appendage would drop off!!!! Can’t say I’d particularly heard that one before but I have heard so very many more. I must have consumed a veritable mountain of burnt toast in the solid belief that it would make my hair curl. I now discover burnt food is thought to be carcinogenic AND my hair has remained as straight as a die all my life unless twisted and manipulated to within an inch of its life with chemicals or curlers of some kind.
We’ve probably all (if older than 30) been told that watching too much television will give us square eyes! Really!! Anatomically impossible I’m sure and given the millions of people who watch TV (and of course numerous other screens now) it is clearly a lie. Have you ever seen a person with square eyes? I think not! While talking of eyes we’ve probably all been warned of the peril of reading in the dark – which might cause eye strain but nothing too terrible, and warned that sitting too close to the TV will cause damage – another untruth – apparently young children can focus up close without eye strain!
And as for carrots – well it has never been a hardship to eat them as I love most vegetables but given the amount I’ve eaten seeing in the dark should be my superpower!! Another great porky pie is that telling lies makes your nose grow – okay it happened to Pinocchio but we must remember that he was a wooden toy!!! Then many families have a few individual ones – I heard recently about one family saying to their kids that the ice cream van plays music when they are OUT of ice cream. It would never have worked on me – if I heard the ice cream van I’d perch and look out of the window wishing destruction on the kids who were allowed ice cream – and would therefore have seen other kids leaving with ice cream!! If you are a parent you do really need to think these untruths through a bit first. Then almost every family has some reason why you need to NOT exercise/play/have fun just after you’ve eaten – whilst the specifics might vary the outcomes of committing such a heinous crime are always dire!! But then there are also a couple of biggies! I am not given to peeing in a swimming pool – but if ever I did have the urge I would be far too terrified to - as I’d be convinced that my pee would be purple (or red or whatever colour our unscrupulous parents may have told us). I’m not saying it’s a bad thing to discourage children to pee in pools obviously that’s good I just have questions about the tactics. Another whopper is that storks deliver babies – I get that some may ask questions when they are maybe a bit too young to cope with the truth but there are lies and whoppers. How many times have you seen a stork in the UK? In my experience, kids ask a lot of questions and the ‘lies’ have to become ever more elaborate to cope with these. So, I’d venture to suggest there’d be some mileage in telling the truth- radical I know!
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Colour Block Dress, £99, Karen Millen .jpeg
LONGINES Diamond Watch, £2,540, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
AFFINITY HOT PICKS
Timber Fire Lantern, £179.99, Dobbies
Seagrass Plant Pots, £79, Cult Furniture
Rose Gold Coloured Stones Necklace, £1,535.00, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
Cubic Earrings, £50, Kate Spade .jpeg
This month’s must have gifts and accessories
Jo Malone Elderflower & Gooseberry Candle, £50, www.jomalone.co.uk
Karl Lagerfield Basket, £126, www.thehut.com
Scorpion Necklace, £39, Karen Millen
Joyful Colours Bracelet, £69, COEUR DE LION
Lemon Bowl, £42, Emma Bridgewater
Lime Heels, £90, Dune London jpg
Round Mirror, £159, Cult Furniture
Jacquard Dress, £40, Accessorize
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Six Simple Steps For Budgeting Your Money As the cost of living continues to rise, many are facing increased financial pressure.
goes into the savings and debt repayment category. • Child care or other expenses you need so you can work
Brean Horne, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet believes creating a budget can help to balance your income with your financial commitments and aspirations. She shares her simple step-by-step guide for making a budget with us here:
Even if your necessities fall under the 50% cap, revisiting these fixed expenses occasionally is smart. You may find a better cell phone plan, an opportunity to refinance your mortgage or less expensive car insurance.
With essential expenses like housing, food, energy and fuel at an all-time high, careful financial planning is becoming more critical than ever.
What is a budget?
A budget is a plan for every pound you have, allowing you more financial freedom and much less stress. Here’s how to set up and then manage your budget.
Step 1 Calculate your monthly income and pick a budgeting method to help you monitor your progress. Any budget must cover all of your needs, including savings for emergencies and the future. Budgeting plan examples include the envelope system and the zero-based budget:
The envelope system is when you take the different types of expenses you have and sort them into categories. You can decide how broad or specific to be here. You can have a general “going out” envelope, for example, or you can have a “movies” envelope, a “restaurants” envelope and a “drinks” envelope. Zero-based budgeting is a method that has you allocate all of your money to expenses, savings and debt payments. The goal is that your income minus your expenditures equal zero by the end of the month. You can build your zero-based budget with an app such as Goodbudget — or a good old spreadsheet or pen and paper.
Step 2 Once your plan is confirmed, start by allowing up to 50% of your income for needs. Your needs should include:
• Food shopping • Rent/Mortgage payments • Basic utilities • Transportation • Insurance • Minimum loan payments. Anything beyond the minimum
If your absolute essentials overshoot the 50% mark, you may need to dip into the “wants” portion of your budget for a while. It’s not the end of the world, but you'll have to adjust your spending.
Step 3 Leave 30% of your income for wants. Whilst separating wants from needs can be difficult, life is all about balance and every budget needs some wiggle room. In general, needs are essential for you to live and work, whereas typical wants include dinners out, gifts, travel and entertainment.
If you're eager to get out of debt as fast as you can, you may decide your wants can wait until you have some savings or your debts are under control. But your budget shouldn't be so austere that you can never buy anything just for fun. Step 4 Try to commit 20% of your income to savings and debt repayment. This 20% should be put away for the unexpected - maybe a car fine, or a household repair. Make sure you think of the bigger financial picture; that may mean two-stepping between savings and debt repayment to accomplish your most pressing goals. Step 5 Also, try to automate your savings so the money you’ve allocated for a specific purpose gets there with minimal effort on your part. An online support group or financial advisor can help so that you're held accountable for choices that blow the budget.
Step 6 Finally, track your progress. Always ensure you record your spending or use online budgeting and savings tools and if you slowly start to notice your bank account feeling a lot more healthy, then your plan is working! If not, it may be worth rethinking the type of budgeting plan you use and starting fresh. Remember, budgeting is a long-term process and something that can’t be rushed, so be patient and persistent! www.nerdwallet.com/uk/current-accounts
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Quench Your Thirst If you’re fed up with having dull and tiredlooking skin, vitamin C is your skin saviour. It will make skin appear smoother, healthier and brighter, what’s not to love?
Pure Glow Brightening Cream, £11.50, www.fadeout.com
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cream, £35.99. www.feelUnique.com RoC Multi Correxion Revive & Glow Night Serum Capsules, £35.99, www.FeelUnique.com
RoC Multi Correxion Revive and Glo, £13.49, www.feelUnique.com
Pixi-Vitamin-C-Lotion, £24, www.pixibeaury.co.uk RoC Multi Correxion Revive & Glow Daily Serum, £35.99, www.FeelUnique.com
Murad Environmental Shield Essential C Moisture Cream, £65, Murad
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum, £52.80, www.lookfantastic.com
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FASHION
Very
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SKIRT INTO SUMMER We’ve got the summer skirts you need to help you stand out from the fashion crowds all summer long
Broderie Frill Skurt, £23, Quiz
Pink Flower Skirt, £23.99, New Look
Floral Skirt, £149, Ralph Lauren
Green Skirt, £79.99, TK Maxx
Very
Green Frill Skirt, £17.99, New Look
Leaf Skirt, £65, Boden
Flower Crotchet Skirt, £9.99, TK Maxx
Skirt, £180, Sarvin
Tiered Skirt, £99, AllSaints
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ZEST FOR LIFE
Clementine, tangerine, marmalade or carrot, whatever delicious shade you want to call it, bright, zesty orange is the colour of the moment
Bag, £28, Very
Chiffon Shirt, £34, River Island Scalloped Belt, £19.50, Oliver Bonas
Crinkle Trousers, £20, Very
VERY
Geo Shirt, £17.50, F&F
Ruched Skirt, £13, Primark
Kaftan Dress, £65, NoLoGo
Satin Dress, £41.99, Threadbare
Rib Vest, £17.99, Mango
Frill Dress, £16 GEORGE
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SHOP THE STYLE Blue and white patterned pieces will take you right through summer, whether it’s a garden party, family BBQ or alfresco fun you’ll look chic and stylish throughout.
Bag, £5, Primark
Blue Enamel Hoops, £30, Seol + Gold
Abstract Dress, £89, John Lewis
Floral Maxi Dress, £28, Matalan
John Lewis
Halterneck Dress, £55, Very
Ruffle Dress, £32, Lipsy
Midi Dress, £44.99, M&Co
Frill Blouse, £23.99, New Look
Midi Skirt, £29.99, M&Co
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THE FINISHING TOUCH
Add the finishing touch to your outfit with a statement of gold
Cuff Bracelet, £225, Monica Vinader 18ct Rose Gold & Diamond Necklet, £14,500, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
Bracelet, £79, Seol + Gold
Leaf Ring, £450, John Lewis
Link Bracelet, £55, Astrid & Miyu Crossover Ring, £125, John Lewis
Sunburst Necklace, £315, Kate Spade
Chain Bracelet, £105, Leah Alexandra
Heart Necklace, £22, Oliver Bonas
Vintage Hoops, £35, John Lewis
Fern Earrings, £46, Bryony Bel
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food & drink
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FOODIE NEWS Haute Couture Hydration
Sizzle this Summer
With barbecue season calling, a new range of meat from Farm Wilder means you can now sizzle the summer away knowing that with every mouthful you are helping rare wildlife - the cuckoo, butterflies, orchids, moths, bees and dragonflies - to thrive, and pastures and woodlands to flourish. What’s more, each meat package is labelled, so you know exactly where and how the animal has been reared. Prices start from £3.95, www.farmwilder.co.uk
Hello Summer
Just perfect for cocktails in the sun, spirits are looking high for summertime with premium mixer brand London Essence’s new Pink Grapefruit Soda (£22 for 24 bottles, www.shop.londonessenceco.com) This refreshing new soda has been created to elevate any premium tequila, vodka or rum to provide a light yet elegant take on the popular Paloma, Mojito or Vodka Soda cocktails. Alternatively, it also works to create a beautifully well-balanced non-alcoholic cocktail for those looking for something even lighter this summer.
air up’s reusable smart water bottle transforms plain tap water into delicious flavours with just one sniff. The innovative water bottle flavours water using scent alone and transforms plain tap water into one of 25 different flavours. The bottles (prices start from £29.95, www.uk.air-up.com) come in a variety of colours and styles from hot pink to ocean blue or electric orange, as well as offering a variety of coloured mouthpieces and straps to make your bottle enhance your outfit rather than cluttering up your beach bag this summer and with flavours range from Lime and Orange-Passionfruit to Cola and Iced Coffee with many others in between what’s not to love?
Afternoon Tea Reinvented
There are very few places that can reinvent the traditional afternoon tea, but Pastry Chefs Jamie Warley and Andrea Vivien have done just this at Sofitel London St James. They have developed a playful and imaginative approach to children’s’ afternoon tea, adding theatre and an interactive element to the grown-up tradition. A painter’s easel will arrive at the table, equipped with a biscuit to decorate with an edible painter’s palette and paint. Other highlights include a marshmallow burger served with churros as fries and strawberry milkshake, followed by freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam. Prepared and served fresh each day, guests can expect savoury dishes on the new summer menu such as Tomato, burrata and focaccia; Aubergine and smoked feta tart; Shrimp beignet with dill Mayonnaise; “La frite Piémontaise”, followed by Cheese scones with horseradish butter. Afternoon Tea is served in the Rose Lounge from Friday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm. For more information or to book, visit www.sofitelstjames.com/en/afternoon-tea.html
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QUINOA SALAD WITH AVOCADO PUREE
“This ultra-flavourful quinoa salad from Ioannis Grammenos, Executive Chef at Heliot Steak House is not only packed with superfoods it’s delicious too” Ingredients
Method
To make the stock, put all the ingredients in the pot and bring them to boil. Let it simmer for 1 hour and then pass through a fine sieve. To make the avocado puree, put the peeled avocado, lime juice, olive oil and salt in a blender and blend it to smooth consistency. Pass through a fine sieve, check for seasoning and adjust if needed. To prepare the quinoa, put the veg stock and the raw quinoa in a big pot over a high head and let it boil for 20 minutes. Once cooked let it rest for 20 minutes, then drain and leave it for another 20 minutes until the water has completely drained. In a big bowl, mix the quinoa with the chopped grilled vine tomato, grapes, mint, basil and parsley and add extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning. For a sharing dish, add the avocado puree on the top of the salad and the micro herbs to garnish, or make four separate servings.
250g quinoa 100g organic vine tomatoes 100g grapes 8g mint 8g basil Extra virgin olive oil 50ml freshly squeezed orange juice Micro herbs Veg Stock 2 Onion 1 Leeks 3 Carrots Parsley stems 1 fennel 1 litre of water
Avocado Puree 30g lime juice 3 avocados 10g Olive Oil Salt to taste
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PAN FRIED SALMON with
SWEET POTATO PUREE & CHAMPAGNE SAUCE “This delicious salmon dish from Ioannis Grammenos, Executive Chef at Heliot Steak House is a perfect dish for enjoying alfresco this summertime”
Ingredients
4 x 180g salmon fillet Greek extra virgin Olive oil Salt & pepper 150g raw kale Sunflower oil For the puree 500g white potatoes 500g sweet potatoes 80g butter 2 sprigs of thyme 3-4 tbsp of oat milk Salt
Champagne sauce 1 shallot finely chopped 50ml olive oil 400g white wine 400g champagne Jacquard 200g double cream Pinch of saffron Salt
Method
Puree - Preheat the oven on 180c, pierce the sweet potatoes all over with a fork, place on a baking tray and cook them for 50 minutes or until soft. The sweet potatoes will produce a delicious, caramelised flavour. In a small pot, add the white peeled potatoes and thyme, and boil until soft and flaking. In a food processor puree the white and sweet potatoes with butter, milk and salt and blend until smooth. Champagne sauce - In a sauce pot over a medium heat add the olive oil and the shallots and sweat them off until golden brown. Add the white wine and wait until the alcohol evaporates. Next add the dry champagne Brut and wait until reduced by half. Add the double cream and reduce by half again. Add the saffron and cook for a few minutes. Season and pass through a fine strainer. Salmon - Wash the kale and deep fry until crispy. In a non-stick pan, add the olive oil and add the salmon skin side down, pressing it down with a spatula. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Fry for 3 – 5 minutes until the skin is golden. Remove the salmon from the pan and place on non-stick baking tray, skin side up, and bake for 8 min at 180c. To plate, add the hot sweet potato puree, pour the champagne sauce around the puree, top with salmon and then the crispy kale. .
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STRAWBERRY MERINGUE ROULADE “This easy strawberry meringue roulade is the perfect summery dessert, that just melts in the mouth”
Ingredients
5 egg whites 275g/10oz caster sugar 20g/2oz flaked almonds
For the filling 150ml/5fl oz double cream 200ml/7fl oz Greek-style yoghurt 225g/8oz strawberries, hulled icing sugar, for dusting
Method Preheat oven to 200C / 180 Fan. Lay out a baking sheet with parchment paper. Separate the eggs and beat the egg whites with 70g of sugar and salt. Beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar and vanilla until frothy. Carefully remove the egg whites and the egg yolk. Mix flour with starch and baking powder and sift over the dough. Brush onto the baking tray. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Spread a dishcloth and spray with water. Pour the finished biscuit and baking paper onto the tea towel. Sprinkle baking paper with cold water and gently peel off after a few seconds. Roll up the dough with the tea towel and allow to cool. Meanwhile, Cut 300g of strawberries into small pieces. Beat the cream with sugar and cream until stiff. Mix in 2 tbsp of strawberry jam and about 200g of strawberries. Refrigerate. Roll out the biscuit and spread with 3 tbsp strawberry jam and the strawberry cream. Carefully roll up the roll and spread with the remaining cream. Garnish with the remaining strawberries.
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Alfresco Rosé Summer evening BBQ’s and garden parties are the perfect settings to serve your guests one of these delicious rose wines selected by Tesco to sweeten up your evenings in the sun.
Crocodile Diamante Rose Delicate and fresh with a pale pink hue £10.00
Mirabeau La Folie Sparkling Rose A delicious, sparkling Rosé with the elegant red fruit aromas typical of the pink wines from the South of France and perfect for any occasion that calls for celebration. £14.00
La Gioiosa Prosecco Rose Millesimato The Prosecco Rosé has a pomegranate nuance edged with soft pink reflections. The nose is subtle and fresh, offering hints of small red fruits.. On the palate, it is silky and full, presenting a very pleasant balance between the fruity and floral notes. £10.00
Mirabeau Pure Provence Rose Lovingly referred to as ‘Provence in a Glass' this rosé wine was inspired by long, languid days on the Côte d'Azur. Brilliant powdery pink colour, with violet reflexes. Clean and expressive, displaying aromas of peach, lychee, passion fruit and flint. £15.50
Studio By Miraval Mediterranean Rose Very pale pink colour. Nose of fresh fruit and citrus fruit. Fleshy palate with notes of citrus and white flowers and a long finish with salinity £12.00
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interiors
Next
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BEACH RETREAT “Let the seaside inspire you to give your home a relaxed coastal, carefree vibe” Add an elegant coastal vibe to your bathroom with these elongated brick shaped ceramic wall tiles (£20.95 per Sqm, www.wallsandfloors.co.uk) that have a rustic bumpy surface and a gloss finish. Mix and match the colours for best results!
Jute Placemats, £25, National Trust
Bud Vase, £6.50, The National Trust
Featuring imagery from around the Isle of Wight, lobster pots, buoys, helms, anchors and rope floats around a central nautical compass this Oxford Cushion (£99, www.xvstripes.com) is a unique design that will create the perfect coastal style for any interior.
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Coastal Seascape Art Print, £5.00, Abstract House
Let the seaside in with Dunelm and create your own cosy corner with this large sideboard (£449) and other coastal accessories.
Seashells Throw, £104, J.J.Textile
Hyacinth Side Table, £169, Beaumonde
Mix and match the cushions on your sofa (Next) add a coastal picture and a few accessories and your beach retreat is complete.
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BRING THE SEASIDE HOME
“Deckchairs are nostalgic of days spent at the seaside or in the park having a picnic. And now you can bring that feeling straight to your garden this summer with our pick of the best”
Perkins & Morley
Flower & Hearts Deckchair, £155, Storigraphic
Parsley & Butterfly Deckchair, £149.99, Perkins & Morley
Fringed Deck Chair, £250, Cox & Cox .jpeg
Lemon Deckchair, £58, Habitat
Floral Deckchair Perkins & Morley
Wave Deckchair, £175, Oliver Bonas
Striped Deckchair, £119.99, Gardenesque
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Fry’s Footie Corner
If I am being completely honest, I thought the transfer window would be quiet this time around as clubs battle to come to terms with the income loss during Covid, but it appears, certainly at the top level, that the spending sprees are very much continuing. Manchester City didn’t really need to strengthen but have done so with the arrival of Erling Haaland and while the fee involved to bring him to the Premier League wasn’t huge given his goal record, his wages that have been reported are incredible.
Arsenal have splashed the cash too with the arrival of Jesus from City and he could well be a shrewd acquisition, while Tottenham Hotspur have also not been short of opening the chequebook with Richarlison among their big-money signings.
Even the clubs who you wouldn’t expect to threaten the top six have spent money. New boys Nottingham Forest seem to have arranged a spend of £15m on every player they have signed during the close-season and Southampton have also been busy too. I guess what it indicates is that clubs are not afraid to speculate to accumulate and with even more money from TV revenue, you can understand to an extent why there hasn’t been a downturn in fees, but certainly within the EFL and in particular League’s One and Two, there has been a knock-on effect.
However, despite those restrictions, my co-owners at Peterborough United have continued to back their manager with five new signings supplementing what we already have. At the time of writing, I am sure that there will be one high profile departure, there has to be, but we feel we have a really good squad to attack League One and try and get back to the Championship at the first time of asking. I have been in football a very long time. As a player, as a manger, as a chairman, as an owner and now as a Director of Football and the passion I have for the game hasn’t wavered during the years. I am just as excited ahead of a new season now as I was when I first started. Football is in my blood. I can’t wait for the real stuff to get underway.
Pre-season is always a strange time. I have been in charge of sides that have won every game in pre-season and then got relegated and I have been in teams that have lost every warm-up game and got promoted. As long as you get the fitness into the players, results don’t really matter. It is how you start the league season that matters, although in truth, it is often how you end the season that really matters. Enjoy the football, wherever you watch it!
Barry
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Pool Party
“Whether you don a shirt for a dose of ironic cool or spice up a bad taste party with a seriously obnoxious print, you need at least one tropical shirt to hang around the pool in”
Leaf Print Shirt, £29.99, TK Maxx Floral Print Shirt, £40, John Lewis
Floral Shirt, £24.99, TK Maxx Floral Navy Shirt, £25, Marks & Spencer
Floral Shirt, £21.99, Threadbare
Lemon Shirt, £10, Primark
Pineapple Shirt, £12.99, TK Maxx Jungle Shirt, £65, Penguin
Threadbare
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TRAVEL
Dorset
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COASTAL DREAMS IN
CHRISTCHURCH, DORSET We all want that holiday feeling. You know the one. That feeling that you're somewhere else, away from the daily grind, able to truly relax, whether it’s a gorgeous sunny day or a blustery autumn afternoon, we’ve found the perfect place right here on our doorstep - Christchurch in Dorset, nestled between two rivers and home to the largest parish church in England, it really is Olde England at its best. A walk around the cobbled streets of Christchurch itself leads you to boutique shops, pavement cafes, seafood restaurants and the ruins of the towns historic castle, most with quayside views. It’s here at the quayside that you can hire a self-drive leisure boat from Quayside Leisure to steer yourself up and down the beautiful River Stour, enjoying the peaceful ambience of the water lapping against the boat or drooling over the multimillion pound houses all lining this idyllic stretch of water. Christchurch has so many beautiful places to stay, whether it’s a self-catering cottage, luxurious hotel, a glamping pod, or historic country house, the choice is yours. We decided to stay at The Captains Club Hotel and Spa situated directly on the banks of the River Stour, not only are the views stunning so is the sleek, smooth and ultra-modern design. There are a host of luxury offerings here including spa treatments, champagne on the terrace, cocktails at the bar, seafood for dinner and rooms with the most spectacular views.
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Throughout the hotel the style is chic and contemporary, with soft furnishings in blues, whites and yellows creating a nod towards the maritime surroundings. Sleek furnishings adorn the uncluttered spaces and floor to ceiling windows entice you to just sit and while away the hours watching the boats sail past. The hotel has 29 rooms and suites, all of which face towards the river. We were lucky enough to be staying in a luxurious two-bedroom suite, complete with cinema room, two bathrooms and a living space that incorporates a fully fitted kitchen area that is far larger than any luxury apartment in London. The suite has nautical influences and textures subtly added to the décor, think blue and white coastal cushions, deep blue and grey hues on the walls, and leather blue arm chairs all which blend together effortlessly to create a stylish and innovative space to relax and unwind in.
And of course, each room (except for the cinema room) has floor to ceiling windows that give you access to views over the water day and night – it really is an indulgent treat and the most ideal space to literally sit by the window, glass of wine in hand and watch the calm flow of the river below.
Dining is another delight in Christchurch, there are so many amazing restaurants to choose from especially if you’re a seafood lover, but don’t worry if you’re not there’s still plenty of delicious food available everywhere.
On our first night we decided to dine in the hotel’s restaurant, aptly named ‘Captain’s Table’ offering award-winning dining that obviously includes a great selection of fish and seafood. We began our evening with a cool glass of Olivier Coste Rosé as we tempted our taste buds with the freshest prawn cocktail and scallop dishes, both of which had an array of delightful flavours to whet our appetite. Catch of the day (seabass) and seafood linguine followed, the portions were incredibly generous and boasted plenty of sumptuous mouth-watering fish and seafood to devour. The strong flavours and textures were the perfect way to elevate the palette.
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Continuing with the seafood and fish theme a visit to The Noisy Lobster, situated on the stunning Avon beach in Mudeford is just perfect for a lunchtime or evening feast. Be sure to try the oysters with a passionfruit mignonette oil or the Noisy Platter for one that includes a half lobster with garlic & herb butter, seared scallops, tempura prawns, rocket & pink onion salad, the array of flavours are amazing, and if you’re not such a seafood lover like me why not opt for the traditional beer battered fish and chips, regardless of whatever you choose you’re guaranteed the ultimate treat on your palette. The idyllic views of Mudeford Bay and the Isle of Wight add to the ambience of this little gem, providing the perfect backdrop for your wining and dining experience and of course once you’ve finished it’s a must to grab an ice cream from the parlour outside and sit on the beach watching the world go by for a few hours.
If you want to head out a little further then Westbeach restaurant housed within the promenade on the golden sands of Bournemouth is the place to go.
Using locally sourced ingredients, including of course fresh seafood and fish, the menu is another mouthwatering delight.
Delicious honey baked Danish feta and a perfectly cooked steak were my choices, whereas hubbie opted for lots of small plates so he could explore the different textures and tastes each dish offered. Dishes included crispy whitebait, smoked mackerel pate, salt and pepper crispy squid and tiger prawns, all dishes were expertly delivered and produced bursts of flavour that was simply delicious.
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Along with all the appetizing dining, there’s something for everyone here in Christchurch – be sure to explore the traditional fishing village of Mudeford for olde worlde charm. You’ll see signs of the fishing heritage everywhere, whether it’s the boats, quaint fishermen’s cottages or the children hanging over the quayside with their buckets and nets crabbing. It’s also from here that you can get the ferry to take you across to Hengisbury Head, an unspoilt beach surrounded by sand dunes, and almost 300 colourful beach huts. Unlike other beach huts these ones are residential and can be
stayed in overnight from April to October. Many of the huts are like tiny houses with kitchens and bedrooms upstairs! (I sense this could be my next trip). If you feel like walking follow the paths to the top of the Headland to get spectacular panoramic views of, Christchurch Harbour, Mudeford Sandbank, Mudeford Quay, Poole Bay and across to the Needles on the Isle of Wight, or if like me you prefer just to sit amongst the dunes, watching the sea lap against the rocks its perfect, grab a drink from the nearby Beach House Café and just enjoy the serenity.
Christchurch and the surrounding areas of Dorset are one of my favourite places to visit, sometimes I have to remind myself I am still in England, the scenery is simply stunning. There’s a beach around every corner, hidden coves, harbours, history, traditional towns and of course fresh fish and seafood. You can do as much or as little as you want, if you’re an adrenalin junkie then try out kayaking or water-skiing, and for the less adventurous, just sit back eat, drink and enjoy the sand in your toes and the sea breeze on your face. BOOK IT
The Captains Club Hotel & Spa – Prices start from £239 for a double/twin room and from £400 for an apartment. Dogs are welcome in certain rooms. www.captainsclubhotel.com Quay Leisure Boat Hire – Boat hire starts from £25 for half hour and £35 for an hour. www.willowwaymarina.co.uk/boat-hire
The Noisy Lobster – For bookings please visit, www.avonbeach.noisylobster.co.uk Westbeach – For bookings please visit, www.west-beach.co.uk
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REIMAGINING WELLNESS at SHINTA MANI WILD Staying true to its name, the Cambodian luxury jungle camp Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection, has created an allinclusive wellness program to ignite your adventurous spirit and reconnect with the wisdom of nature. Arrival into the camp is by a 400m zip line over the forest canopy, a river and waterfalls into the appropriately named Landing Zone Bar where you are met by the General Manager and your Bensley Adventure Butler.
The three-night stay is available for groups of two to six adults and includes unlimited Khmer Tonics Spa treatments, healthy plant forward cuisine and beverages, yoga and/or fitness classes, forest bathing, breath-walking, trail running and a WILD spa experience learning ancient Khmer beauty practices and how to make your own body products from nature.
One of the highlights of your wellness stay is yoga at sunrise atop the 7-storey far east zip-line tower which looks out over the forest canopy. Witness the jungle's transition from night to day in this epic location with a guided walk to the zip line tower followed by yoga at sunrise and an adrenalin filled 400m zip line ride to Headquarters to enjoy a hearty and healthy breakfast.
Described by Bensley as a “utopia of sustainability”, Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection's comprehensive
Shifting gears to bring you a raw and immersive wild wellness stay like no other, the 'Wellness at WILD' threenight stay enhances the original WILD experience and is tailored to suit your wellness needs. Choose one of three carefully designed programs – ReWILD (for fitness enthusiasts including activities such as trail running, mountain biking and fit-yoga classes), Reconnect (for health-minded travellers who enjoy a balanced wellness lifestyle) and Restore (for those needing some time out to rest and recover from stress).
Perched over 1.5km of river and waterfalls, Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection's 14 one-bedroom tents (100sqm) and one two-bedroom tent (140sqm) were meticulously designed to evoke designer and co-owner Bill Bensley's vision of what it might have been like on a luxury safari in the jungles of Cambodia with Jacky O', who travelled throughout the Kingdom with King Sihanouk in 1967. Creative luxury adventures include exploring the untrammelled waterways of Southeast Asia's last wild estuarine ecosystem aboard a custom Bensley-designed expedition boat; or joining armed Wildlife Alliance rangers on anti-poaching patrols. Ever changing menus are inspired by sustainably foraged wild edible plants, as the camp's Executive Chef guides guests through the forest to discover – and taste – Cambodia's natural larder.
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conservation and community programs are spearheaded by the Shinta Mani Foundation and include the provision of long-term employment opportunities to local inhabitants where there is minimal infrastructure and fewer work prospects. Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection, in conjunction with the Foundation, nurtures its natural environment through partnerships with respected conservation NGO Wildlife Alliance. This extreme exercise in ingenuity enables guests to explore this pristine wilderness, while making the lowest possible impact on the land, offering an all-inclusive luxury adventure with intimate access to one of Asia's most stunning forest ecosystems. The Three-Night all-inclusive Wellness at WILD stay includes:
Round trip private airport transfers Three nights’ accommodation in a luxurious Bensleydesigned tent Healthy plant forward cuisine tailored to your dietary needs All beverages including health inspired cocktails or mocktails Unlimited Khmer Tonics Spa treatments including a Post Travel Recovery Massage on your day of arrival Yoga or fitness classes Meditations, forest bathing and breath-walking A WILD Spa experience Herbal outdoor bath ritual Half-day pontoon boat experience Wildlife Alliance Anti-poaching patrol BOOK IT
Rates start from USD1,900 per tent per night (based on twin or double occupancy) plus applicable service charge and government taxes. Rates are inclusive of all food and beverage; private guided activities and excursions; unlimited spa treatments; personal Bensley Adventure Butler services and land transfers from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville airports. Helicopter transfers are additional.
A minimum three-night stay is required and a minimum age of 10 years. Rates are valid to 31 October 2022. www.shintamani.com
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A
A SPARKLING STAY At ROYAL CHAMPAGNE HOTEL & SPA
s temperatures soar in Europe, and travellers rejoice at the long-awaited return of travel normality, hotels in the Mediterranean are spilling over, and several time-tested favourite summer destinations are overbooked with eager tourists making up for lost time. It is for this reason, that we raise a glass to the arrival of summer by booking a last-minute escape to explore one of the world’s finest wine regions, in a lesser-trodden, beautiful alternative to the Med during peak season.
Embracing the lush bounty of the wineries and the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Site, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is the Champagne region’s first contemporary luxury hotel, located in the middle of the vineyards that stripe the hills of Épernay and the historic city of Reims. Oenophiles visiting this summer can delight in a range of bespoke packages, including the hotel’s brandnew Champagne Chauffeur offering, and an exclusive experience in partnership with Philipponnat Champagne in celebration of the House’s 500th anniversary. For those seeking pure relaxation, there is also the hotel’s Royal Sleep package, promising sounder slumbers and a full recharge from city life. With boundless outdoor space to spread out and bountiful nature awaiting exploration, Champagne is a beautifully chic, less traditional summer vacation destination.
Hitch a Ride Through French Countryside with a Champagne Chauffeur Service
Led by José Vandevoir, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa’s Champagne Concierge team is on hand to create bespoke and personal guest itineraries, based on seasonal local events and carefully tailoring to individual interests. The hotel recently launched a brand-new Champagne Chauffer package, meaning guests will have exclusive access to a dedicated driver to transport them through the scenic region to sample the very best, and highly unique, Champagnes that the destination has to offer, as part of a journey that has been expertly curated prior to arrival. As part of the package, visitors can also delight in a gastronomic dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Royal, as well as a private tasting with one of the hotel’s sommeliers. BOOK IT: Rates for the new Champagne Chauffer package start from €2,696 (currently approx. £2,304) for two guests staying in a Junior Suite Toast to the 500TH Anniversary of Philipponnat Champagne
To celebrate the 500th anniversary of renowned
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Philipponnat Champagne, enthusiasts visiting Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa this summer can enjoy exclusive access to the Philipponnat domaine. Established in the heart of the Champagne winegrowing area, the House possesses a truly unique heritage. Over five centuries, the Philipponnat family has left its mark on the soil of the region and in the 16th century, the family’s ancestors were winegrowers, merchants, and suppliers to the court of Louis XIV. Guests booking this package will be greeted at the hotel with a bottle of limited edition Philipponnat Champagne, in addition to a special book celebrating the House’s 500th anniversary. During a visit to the domaine, visitors can enjoy a stroll in Clos des Goisses, a magical walled vineyard with perfect sun exposure and spectacular slopes, making it the first in the region to have become a single plot cuvée. Before delighting in a tasting, guests can visit the historic 18th century cellars, quarried out of chalk, to learn more about the different stages of the Champagne-making process. Back at the hotel, foodies can then indulge in a mouth-watering dinner at Michelin-starred Le Royal with a signature menu prepared by Chef extraordinaire, Jean-Denis Rieubland, accompanied by the 1522 L.V. "Long Vieillissement" cuvée from Philipponnat Champagne. BOOK IT: Rates start from €2,820 (currently approx. £2,410) for two guests, including a two-night stay in a Junior Suite, a bottle of limited-edition Champagne and anniversary book, breakfast in Le Bellevue, exclusive access to the Philipponnat domaine and dinner at Le Royal
Reset a Tired Mind and Experience the Ultimate Night’s Sleep
For those wishing to reap every benefit of Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa’s tranquil environment, guests can indulge in an experiential package designed to provide the most serene night’s sleep. The ‘Royal Sleep Experience’ includes a stay in one of the hotel’s soundproofed Junior Suites with blackout curtains and tailor-made pillows; a one-hour candle massage, made with specially adapted wax to soften and soothe the skin; and a uniquely tailored light menu to delight in at Le Bellevue restaurant. A ‘Royal Sleep Kit’ will also be placed in the suite upon arrival, which includes a satin sleep mask; Morphée meditation box; sleep infusion herbal tea; and the AIME Sleep & Glow Kit with the AIME Sleep & Glow Mist, made from sleep-enhancing essential oils. To conclude the experience, the hotel team will spray the sleeping mist at turndown before preparing the melatonin drops and the homemade herbal tea and sweet delicacies, the perfect recipe for a restful night’s sleep. After a restorative night, breakfast beckons at Le Bellevue restaurant, or, in the comfort of one’s suite. BOOK IT: The Royal Sleep Experience package starts at €1,042 (currently approx. £896) per room, per night and is available year-round For more information or to book, visit www.royalchampagne.com
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A CORNER LESS TRODDEN With increasing flight cancellations and refuelling strikes set to scupper international travel plans this summer, those looking for a stress-and-flight-free holiday need look no further than a little off-the-radar corner of the UK in North Lincolnshire where Sawcliffe Manor is located. Travel chaos melts into oblivion when entering this sanctuary space complete with natural spa and gateway to a 400-acre nature reserve that is home to a herd of wild Exmoor ponies where guests are encouraged to roam and connect to nature. Accommodation ranges from three beautiful cottages Rose, Hare and Plum - that can sleep up to six or eight people respectively, to the ancient Manor House where individual rooms can be booked from Sunday to Thursday and for exclusive use at the weekend for up to 24 people; to one of the UK’s largest yurts with its own cosy wood burner and kitchen for the ultimate glamping option.
The Elwes family have been living in Manor House for 500 years with the house itself dating back to the 11th century. It has recently been lovingly restored by the family to the highest specs and is now an interior design dream with a combination of family antiques, William Morris fabrics and a natural spa crafted by local artisans from spruce, a tree renowned for its healing properties. A copper bath suite has recently been opened in the natural spa where unique and indulgence treatments such as a milk bath can be enjoyed, hailed for its moisturising and healing properties.
Farmhouse breakfast baskets piled high with fresh produce including Lincolnshire sausages, eggs from the resident hens and homemade jam apples from the surrounding orchard welcome guests at check-in. Dining options include AGA dinners, wholesome meals that just need to be popped into the AGA oven for an effortless, gourmet dinner and alfresco pizza evenings using the
wood-fired pizza oven. For those celebrating a special occasion, the ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ afternoon teas are a fun and scrumptious way to celebrate.
Memorable activities at Sawcliffe Manor include axe throwing, archery, live willow weaving and how to build a fire. While other more popular UK destinations are chosen as UK staycations, Sawcliffe Manor is proving the point why North Lincolnshire should be considered as a surprising and unexpected choice for a UK staycation for its wild walks, locally sourced delicious food and a chance to explore a new corner of England - at a much lower price point. In the local environs, there is much to explore when staying at Sawcliffe Manor for an extended stay from a Michelin-starred restaurant to Europe’s largest antique centre. With flight chaos and higher living costs, Sawcliffe Manor offers a brilliant opportunity for a special holiday without having to fly or pay the world for it. BOOK IT
Nightly rates at Hare, Rose and Plum Cottage start from £80 per night on room only basis.
Nightly rates at the Manor House start from £900 per night on a bed and breakfast basis based on 16 people sharing (an additional cost of £80 per person is included for extra guests - the Manor House can accommodate up to 24 people). Rooms in the Manor House can be booked individually from Sunday to Thursday with nightly rates starting from £80 per night on room only basis. For more information, or to book visit www.sawcliffemanor.com
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Get Ready To ‘Turn Back Time’ Six decades of stardom, over a hundred million records sold. Legend, icon, Queen. She is Cher and this is her show.
Music icon turned Hollywood royalty, the Grammy®, Oscar®, Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning Queen of re-invention has conquered it all. It’s now time to turn back time with this fiercely fabulous kick-ass new musical, from the writer of Jersey Boys.
The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame, flying in the face of convention at every turn. This HUGE new production features a fresh take on her show-stopping costumes which earned her the title of "the ruler of outré reinvention" (VOGUE). In a dazzling glitter fest sparkling with Cher’s signature wit and style to the sounds of her biggest hits, including If I Could Turn Back Time, Strong Enough, Gypsies Tramps and Thieves, The Shoop Shoop Song, I Got You Babe, and Believe.
Written by Tony award-winning Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), this brand new UK production is directed by Arlene Phillips (Grease, Starlight Express), choreographed by Oti Mabuse (double Strictly Come Dancing winner), with costumes by Gabriella Slade (Spice World Tour, SIX). “All of us invent ourselves. Some of us just have more imagination than others” - Cher
The Cher Show plays at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday to Saturday 13 August. Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes Book now for a joyous party musical fit for the Queen of pop.
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STARS Manish Kumar Arora (K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month
Leo (23 July – 22 August) You’re more practical and hard-working, and you believe in your abilities. You can focus on what needs to be done and do it without rushing. You can accomplish more as a result. You may do something new in your career, or see a boss, mentor, or parent in the spotlight. This is a month in which you are more likely to establish, or solidify, a significant partnership; or you could be enhancing an existing relationship. Favourable Dates: August 7, 10, 16, 19, 25, 28 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow
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Virgo (23 August – 22 September) You can see an increase in your sense of safety and security, as well as your confidence and self-esteem. You could begin a new money-making venture, and it’s something you pursue for some time. Opportunities to increase your income can come to you and you have to make some choices. You can develop a new financial plan and tweak your finances so you’re more secure. Favourable Dates: August 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Green & Blue
Libra (23 September – 22 October) You may feel like you’re stifled in your career, or that something is holding you back from pursuing or achieving your goals. You may not see as many opportunities for you to pursue your goals, get further in your career, or succeed as you’ve seen in the past. However, a deep faith that everything will work out in the end, is with you now. This is a time when you would try to get rid yourself of selfdestructive tendencies and deep-seated fears. Favourable Dates: August 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 Favourable Colours: White & Purple Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) You can learn new things, keep a packed social calendar, and have lots of new ideas that you want to share. You’re curious about the world, and you can spend more time travelling, but short distances. You may come across as more analytical, chatty, or intellectual. You feel sensual and want to engage your senses and experience life through your senses. You respond to physical stimuli, and connect with the world around you. Favourable Dates: August 6, 7, 15, 17, 24, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) You can focus more on your finances, and work at having more income. You can come across as more calm, stubborn, and earthy. You can be more sensual and indulgent, especially when you’re emotional. You want to connect more with people below the surface, craving more intimacy in your life, but you can be too intense at times. Passion increases, as does your sex drive. Favourable Dates: August 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: Purple & White
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) You can keep going on in your life lugging it all around, and you can’t keep avoiding the issues that you keep hidden away from your conscious mind. This is the time to face them and deal with it. If single, you could meet someone through your career or through theirs. If attached, you can be more traditional with your love tokens, but also less affectionate. Favourable Dates: August 3, 7, 12 17, 21, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) You keep lists of everything you want to get done, and you pride yourself in checking everything off. You enjoy succeeding at the goals you set for yourself. The more you succeed in life, the better you feel about yourself. You enjoy setting goals for yourself, but need a little push to get going with them. You can make a good first impression on someone, especially professionally, and feel more
comfortable in the public eye. Favourable Dates: August 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 Favourable Colours: Blue & Red
Pisces (19 February – 20 March) You pursue your goals with enthusiasm and zeal, and you’re desperate to achieve something. The more you do achieve, the greater confidence you have. You can be more intimate with your loved ones, but also too clingy at times. You enjoy spending time, getting work done and accomplishing those little tasks that pile up. If single, you’re drawn to people who seem intense and deep, and who exude power and authority. Favourable Dates: August 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours: Purple & Green Aries (21 March – 19 April) You can embark on a new path in your career, and you’re excited about the opportunities you’re presented with along the way. You can come up with new goals for you to achieve, and have the opportunity to succeed quickly. You would take creative risks, as well as personal ones, with your newfound confidence. You are also more able to get in touch with your subconscious mind in this month. Favourable Dates: August 3, 10, 12, 19, 21, 28 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow Taurus (20 April – 20 May) You are likely to expand your career pursuits and business connections. Opportunities on the career front can come seemingly out of the blue, and sometimes come from past connections. You enjoy an increasing feeling of hope and optimism. Love is pleasurable and exciting at once. Love affairs are going through some tests, but overall any transformations that you are experiencing during this month are easier to digest and to understand. Favourable Dates: August 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & White Gemini (21 May – 20 June) You will keep busy with all sorts of everyday activities, and are deeply involved in your work and routines. Charity, giving anonymously, volunteering, and helping others without expectation of reward will be most satisfying during this cycle. I t’s also time to balance your life with some down time. If involved in a casual love relationship, a pressure emerges concerning the need for evaluating your commitments. you may face some difficulties satisfying your libido or encountering problems with intimacy. Favourable Dates: August 2, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25 Favourable Colours: Red & Grey
Cancer (21 June – 22 July) You are stronger and more self-sufficient. You are likely taking more creative risks this month in an effort to pursue dreams that suit your deepest needs. This is an excellent period for romance. However, you may need to give freedom to your romantic partner instead of expecting him or her to follow a script of your own making. You can use this surge of emotional energy to make positive changes to your routines. Favourable Dates: August 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Grey
manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com
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Weekend Starts Here.... Truly, Darkly, Deeply by Victoria Selman 12-year-old Sophie and her mother, AmeliaRose, move to London from Massachusetts where they meet the charismatic Matty Melgren, who quickly becomes an intrinsic part of their lives. But as the relationship between the two adults fractures, a serial killer begins targeting young women with a striking resemblance to Amelia-Rose. When Matty is eventually sent down for multiple murders, questions remain as to his guilt—questions which ultimately destroy both women. Nearly twenty years later, Sophie receives a letter from Battlemouth Prison informing her Matty is dying and wants to meet. It looks like Sophie might finally get the answers she craves. But will the truth set her free—or bury her deeper?
The Forgiven Speeding through the Moroccan desert to attend an old friend’s lavish weekend party, wealthy Londoners David and Jo Henninger (Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain) are involved in a tragic accident with a local teenage boy. Arriving late at the grand villa with the debauched party raging, the couple attempts to cover up the incident with the collusion of the local police. But when the boy’s father arrives seeking justice, the stage is set for a tension-filled culture clash in which David and Jo must come to terms with their fateful act and its shattering consequences. Release Date: 2nd September
Last Seen Alive This conspiracy thriller starts when a man is driving his wife, whom he is in the midst of divorcing, to her parent's house. The wife disappears mysteriously when the pair stopped at a gas station. The man pleads for the help of the police and his inlaws to find his wife. As time passes, people start to suspect that he is responsible for his wife's disappearance. He must run from the authorities while depending on the criminal subculture in his town to teach him how to survive while searching for his wife. Release Date: 9th August
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PRICELESS
www.affinitymag.co.uk AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 135
Beach Retreat
Let the seaside inspire your interiors
WWW.AFFINITYMAGAZINE.CO.UK
MIGHTY MINDSETS
Don't let your mindset limit your possibilities
A TASTE OF SUMMER
Mouth-watering recipes you'll love
FASHION FORWARD
Stylish styles for effortless chic
UK COASTAL DREAMS in Christchurch, Dorset ISSUE 135
Have you tried Co-Working? We show you how
