June2015

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Available in Silver, Gold or Rose Gold plated silver Medallions

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Personal messages Photo-engraving Pre-selected designs Natural stones Or ‘Dancers’

JUNE 2015 ISSUE 49

FREE www.affinitymag.co.uk

June 2015

Morelli’s Gelato

Covent Gardens Hidden Treasure

Botanical Genius Celebrate world Gin day with our pick of the best

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US

We are 4 years old

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

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Saturday June 20th Saturday July 25th

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Welcome...

Hi Everyone Did you know that not only is it Fathers Day this month (21st June), for all you Gin lovers out there it is also National Gin Day on the 13th – I never knew there were so many to choose from – Turn to page 44 to see which one’s your favourite!

Happy Birthday to us! – Yes your favourite luxury lifestyle magazine is 4 years old – WOW doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun and fun is certainly what we have in store for you this month!

We bring you a round up of the Summer shows at Milton Keynes Theatre (page 60), along with some of our favourite things to do this month (page 72).

Finally, don’t forget to visit our website for extra features and competitions www.affinitymag.co.uk.

Happy Father’s Day to my Dad!

School Summer holidays will soon be upon us, and for those of you deciding where to go on your family holiday why not visit Florida and stay in the brand new LEGOLAND Hotel – kids young and old will love it page 68 tells you more.

Jane x

FANCY WORKING FOR US? We are looking for ADVERTISING SALES people to join our team and help us grow our monthly publication as well as our Bi annual Wedding Magazine, get in touch if this is you!

Cover Image: Look Again Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Advertising Manager: Julia Crofts affinitymagjuliac@gmail.com 07966 696784 Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk www.affinitymag.co.uk facebook.com/AffinityMag @affinitymagz

linkedin.com/pub/jane-zita-fry

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 Post Baby Body 17 Fake It 20 Treatment of the Month

24 Socialite 26 The Magic of Mushrooms 34 No Frogs Here

39 Foodie News 42 Pimms O’Clcok 48 Perfect Picnic

W k t 52 56 58 62 70

Salad Style Spider Book Open Father’s Day Gifts All About...

Time for a Pamper

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What does your kitchen mean to you?

Ltd

GERMAN handleless kitchens NOW installed

Forget the sales hype just give us a try, you WILL be pleasantly surprised

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D

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Flower Bandeau £8 Accessorize

Butterfly Hair Clips TBC Accessorize

Hair Extras

PopBands £8 (pack 5) YSpa and

Embroidered Knot Alice Band £19 Accessorize

Henry Holland Scarf £18 Debenhams

Diva Butterfly Aliceband £7.50 Miss Selfridge

martina-dimitrova

Willow Scrunchie £4 White Stuff Gold Daisy Head Chain £3.99 New Look

Tropical Print Headscarf £4 Primark

Straw Visor £16 Oliver Bonas

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Make your Post-Baby Body Feel Like Royalty

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aving a baby is a major life changing experience, and even after their six-week GP check many women still have unanswered questions.

spasm, causing symptoms of pain, urgency and difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels. This is why it’s so important to seek instruction from an expert.

6. Be smart when loving your new baby – simple actions such as feeding, changing, bathing and soothing your baby can all put unwelcome pressure on your back and pelvis. A few top tips – try not to lift anything heavier than your baby for the first six weeks, think about keeping your tummy muscles gently engaged and your pelvis directly under your shoulders when soothing your baby.

Camilla Lawrence, Women’s Health Physiotherapist at Six Physio shares her expert advice with us on how women can safely and quickly get their body back to feeling great!

The 10 things you need to know which will transform your postnatal experience:

1. Getting assessed by an expert will enhance your entire postnatal experience – a full assessment of your back and pelvis, posture, and pelvic floor and abdominal muscle function will identify areas, which are recovering, and areas of weakness or tension. These areas all affect your sleep quality, bonding with your baby, sexual function and getting back to normal levels of activity exercise postpartum.

7. When to have sex again – the big question! It is important to remember that everyone is different and there's no normal time when you should aim to have sex by. A survey has shown that 29% of women had resumed sex within a month of their baby’s birth, and almost 60% within eight weeks. This left 40% who took longer, 3% of them took over a year.[1] The most important thing is to wait until you are physically and emotionally ready.

2. 30% of women have ongoing urinary incontinence post pregnancy – and 50% have some form of prolapse after childbirth. This is caused by weakness or tension in the pelvic floor muscles from pregnancy and child birth.

However the good news is that this can be treated!

8. Hormones during pregnancy and breast feeding may put you at increased risk of injury – the hormone Relaxin increases the flexibility of your soft tissues and joints and can remain in the body for up to six months after delivery, making you prone to joint strains or sprains. The hormones produced when breast feeding can also have an effect on your soft tissues which is why it is important to really build up your muscle strength and core stability before you return to impact exercise.

3. 40-60% of postpartum women complain of ongoing back and pelvic pain following pregnancy whilst common, this pain should never be seen as ‘normal’. If your pain is not settling by itself within one week of giving birth then seek a specialist therapist for treatment.

9. Start with low impact exercise – This will address the areas that you will be weak in such as core, back and glutes. Try to leave six weeks after your delivery (or up to eight weeks after a C-section) before starting low-impact cardio such as swimming or a cross trainer. Accompany exercise with core- strengthening and conditioning work such as postnatal Pilates and light weights.

4. 30% of women who try to contract their pelvic floor muscles, do so incorrectly - common mistakes include tensing the buttocks and thighs, instead of the pelvic floor muscles, and breath holding. At best this will mean your pelvic floor strength won’t improve, at worst it could mean that you could actually be straining and weakening your pelvic floor further. Seek instruction from an expert to ensure you know how to do the exercises properly.

5. It’s not just muscle weakness – In some women, the pelvic floor also becomes ‘overactive’ or over-tense (like a muscle spasm). Kegal pelvic floor exercises for these women can actually be detrimental and worsen the

10. You can go back to being a gym-bunny – but first optimise your core strength and control before re-starting high-impact exercise, such as jogging, running, aerobics, and team sports. Ensure you are pain free before gradually getting back to this around three months postpartum.

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www.sixphysio.com

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Decadence in a Glass

Penhaligon’s New Vaara Hand & Body Cream is housed in a decadent glass jar that looks too good to open!

The heart of Vaara belongs to the gardens of Balsamand, the Maharaja's summer palace, with two glorious roses blended elegantly with a billowing white note of Indian magnolia, a touch of freesia and a whisper of iris. The fragrance settles into a luscious combination of honey, white musks and resins dripping over an aromatic base of tonka, cedarwood and sandalwood. Once applied to skin, this cream will envelope you in a cloud of fragrance.

BEAUTY UPDATES Wonder Prime

We love Percy and Reed hair products and this new addition is no different, their Wonder Prime Light provides the prepping and priming benefits of their Wonder Balm in a lightweight sprayon leave-in lotion.

This innovative formula is designed to detangle, nourish and perfect hair, creating a smooth, f l a w l e s s foundation for superior styling.

Spray throughout damp, towel dried hair from 20cm away, ensuring coverage from roots to ends.

Wonder Prime Light is priced at £18

Eau So Fresh This limited edition Daisy Eau So Fresh Sorbet from Marc Jacobs is a luscious blend of sparkling fruits and a sheer floralcy that is both delicate and feminine. The bottle, as usual, is fun and eye-catching with jewel-toned translucent petals that convey the delectable spring and summertime treat, Sorbet.

Priced from £45 this is a must to add to for your fragrance collection for the summer.

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Scrub those Lips

KISS Cosmetics brings us its Scrub Stick. Specially formulated as an exfoliator for the lips, Scrub Stick is a sugary, lip exfoliating balm which comes in a chunky stick designed to smooth and soothe flaky dry lips, as well as moisturise. The Scrub Stick is priced at £6.50 from kisscosmetics.co.uk

Good Enough to Eat Loving the recently launched Premium Virgin Coconut Oil from Strella available in two sizes, 500ml and travel sized 5ml and priced at £16.74 and £2.25 from strellaskincare-fragrance.com Packaged in beautiful tissue paper, each 500ml product is delivered with a comprehensive guide on how to use, hints and tips for use with make up for longevity, well being, hair masks, tired eye treatments and much more. Just Perfect!

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Fake it

It’s that time of year again when our white bodies need to be uncovered – but I hear you cry ‘we’re not ready’ – fear not reach for a bottle of one of our favourite Fake Tans and no one will tell the difference between fake or real!

Tan Organic Original Self Tan £19.99 TanOrganic

Kissed by Mii Tanning Mousse £23.95 Gerrard International

James Read Sleep Mask Tan £25 John Lewis

He - Shi Ageless Tanning Balm £22.50 Debenhams

Sienna X Self Tan Gradual Glowing £15.95 Debenhams St_Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse £30.64 Boots

Autograph TAN Self Tan Oil £12.50 Marks & Spencer

Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner £19.99 Boots

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Midlife Madness Me and My Devices

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may have mentioned before that while I sometimes find it frustrating I do actually like experimenting with the latest technological stuff. In fact I feel myself becoming increasingly dependent on my various ‘devices’ which are, obviously, all essential for particular things at particular times, without never quite knowing which one you are going to need next, so it’s best to have them all to hand. Well, when I say to hand, the phone should definitely have a ‘lead’ as it can disappear so quickly, one minute I am using it and the next it seems to ‘apparate’ in truly wizard style to the furthest corner of the hand bag or even, if at home, to another room, which I swear blind I haven’t been in. I think actually there is a separate device you can get to find your phone, but honestly I’d probably lose that too, so I won’t be investing.

We’d planned a bike ride so after a bit of catching up on the next episode of Scandal and checking social media you know the newsfeed but also of course for business my reach and engagement etc – I am sure you are all keeping up with me, I got up and dressed in what I thought was sensible wear for a bike ride through the Bedfordshire countryside with thunderstorms.

But when I got downstairs he gave me that look (I am sure you all know it - or something similar), it sort of says with just a raise of the eyebrows, maybe even just one, ‘What the hell have you done?” He had the same look when I dyed my hair red, suggested we cancel sky sports, dared to suggest that football was just a game, and suggested that the children learned to drive in his car. It’s a heady cocktail of ‘how dare you’ and ‘have you taken leave of your senses’ but mixed with just a little pity – you know the ahh sweet she’s just a child, or losing her mind, or the very worst ……..a woman!

The other day I was in bed enjoying a much deserved ‘lie in’ whilst surrounded by various devices – none of which I hasten to add came from the internet, Anne Summers or the movie set of 50 Shades, but all of which had a purpose.

I like to check emails on my laptop, social media on my phone and watch catch up TV on my tablet. So as I was checking all this I was reliably informed by my weather app that there would be thunderstorms. It seemed a bit strange but hey if the app says so it must be true – it’s technology so it must be right!

I explained that my app had told me, had flashed the message to me, that there would indeed be thunderstorms so although it was currently a blue sky and blazing sunshine, it was obviously going to change.

Of course he had to see the app, which was thankfully still flashing with forked lightning, he checked his app which bore a much closer resemblance to the actual weather in the actual real world, well back garden in Bedfordshire!

Strange indeed, he then slid the app to London, thunderstorms, Cambridge, thunderstorms, Budapest, thunderstorms, Barcelona, Faro and even LA and yes all thunderstorms.

What I found really fascinating was my phone screen weather app actually had lightening that flashed across the screen, I must confess I was fascinated, so had to keep checking every few minutes to see if the lightening was still there flashing on the screen, It did amuse me. I wanted to see what snow and rain would do and did contemplate looking up places where there might in fact be precipitation just to find out how far technology could actually take this - but I reminded myself just in time that I was actually in bed in my PJ’s and certainly wouldn’t want to be rained on. Being flashed at, well, that was ok, I’m talking lightening remember!

“Hmm” he said knowingly and insisted that the app be uninstalled and reinstalled. I mean, honestly isn’t that just the equivalent of phoning IT support when there is a problem and being told to turn it off and turn it on again!!!! But of course it worked! Meanwhile, he sent me off to go and peel off my cagoule and waterproof trousers and grab my sunglasses!!

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Urban Decay The Stockpile £160, Selfridges

Limited Edition Palm Tree Leaf Print Bag £40, River Island

L’OCCITANE Figuier & Osmanthus Limited Edition Fragrance £28, Debenhams

AFFINITY Fendi Pink Leather & Crystal Sandals £1,530, Fendi

Floral Loungewear From £20 - £32, jockey.co.uk

Jacinta Dress £189, fennwrightmanson.com

HOT PICKS

LAB2 Makeup Brushes From £5.99 - £18.99, Superdrug

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

Launer London Traviata Patent Lilac Leather Jo Malone White Lilac and Rhubarb Charity Candle £42, John Lewis Handbag £1450, launer.com

Dower & Hall Orissa Beaded Bracelet £95, DowerandHall.com

Wild Elderflower Spritz £1.99, Whole Foods

Tresor Paris Lilac Flip Flop Charm £19, .tresorparis.co.uk

At Home in the Whole Food Kitchen by £25, Amy Chaplin

Large Heart Carnival heart Light £39.95 Prezzybox.com

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Treatment of the Month

Lime and Ginger Salt Glow Body Scrub

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feel your senses lifted and your body invigorated.

his month sees us all thinking about getting our bodies ready for the beach, whether it’s the sun kissed glow from the actual sun or from a bottle there’s no disputing we need a smooth base – so before you start the first thing to do is get rid of all the dead skin cells that are lingering on your body!

Once washed off a moisturiser is applied which leaves your skin feeling silky-smooth and glowing all ready for that tan whether real or fake!

It is recommended to have a body scrub/exfoliation at least once a month, this is definitely one scrub I would recommend to try time after time

I found the perfect treatment for this at Y Spa in Wyboston Lakes in the form of an Invigorating deep cleanse Lime and Ginger Salt Glow Body Scrub.

After light body brushing which encourages circulation a warm oil was applied all over my body.

The lime and ginger scrub followed this. This scrub removes dead skin cells, boosts circulation, moistures and smooths the skin. As the scrub is applied you can

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Lime and Ginger Glow £40 for 25 minutes Y Spa Wyboston Lakes 0333 7007 667 www.yspa.co.uk

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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

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How to Create a Radiant Mind J

acqueline Hurst, mind expert, life coach and founder of The Life Class, shares her top tips for achieving a more radiant peace of mind.

A Radiant Mind is a Happy Mind Happiness is a feeling, and feelings are created by thoughts. You have total control of how you feel by choosing the right thoughts – it's about choosing thoughts that create 'happy', if you like. Look for the positive, look for evidence to prove the positive, and challenge your mind. Your thoughts are the key to creating happiness.

Treat Yourself the Way you Treat the People you Love When creating a radiant mind, self-care is super important. When you love others you treat them well and with respect. Radiance glows when you give. Yet are you giving to you? When you treat yourself with respect this helps to create wonderful positive feelings created from your radiant mind. You have to believe and act on the belief that YOU ARE WORTH IT. A radiant mind means partaking in activities that nourish your soul. Whether it’s an early night, a great movie, a hot bath, lovely candles or a good book, you owe it to yourself to incorporate these things into your life. Doing the things you love breeds happiness and radiance. It’s a conscious way of telling yourself that you are taking care of yourself. Doing the things you really love to do is you being kind to you. Schedule it, organize it and do it. You will thank yourself for it – trust me.

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Exercise your Mind and your Body Challenging your thoughts is a great way to exercise your mind daily. Exercise itself helps with this. It releases endorphins and makes you feel great. In other words start to move your body and create a really radiant mind. When it comes to exercise, do something you love to do. There is no use going on a treadmill if you hate it, as it will just slip away from your daily life. Instead try new things and go for exercise that makes you feel great. There are so many different types of exercise from zumba to yoga. Find the time to make this happen and the radiance will grow.

Stop Judging Yourself Speaking to yourself in a negative way is simply mean. We are all learning and growing, and no one gets it right all the time, and neither do they have a perfect life. When you give up on beating yourself up that’s when the real love comes in and the radiance flows. If you wouldn’t speak to someone you love the way you speak to yourself then it’s time to lock that stuff down and change your tune. Think of a baby learning to walk. It falls down a lot and it simply gets back up again, smiling, and gives it another go. It doesn’t berate itself. The tip here is this – when you judge yourself, you miss the lesson.

Learn to Say No Saying ‘no’ does not make you unlikeable or mean. It doesn’t make you a bad person; it makes you clever. If you really want to love you, you will take care of you and not people-please. A radiant mind is a strong mind. Loving yourself means respecting yourself and that means that you are your priority. You don’t ever have to do anything, it’s always a choice. And in that respect you can choose to say no.

Give yourself some self-respect and time, and you will be amazed at how things change, how much more time you have and how great your ‘self’ will feel when you start to put you first. www.thelifeclass.com 23

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A Made Up But Brilliant Concept Can Help Grow Your Business If we stop to think about it….

“Blogging” is a rather a silly word. It sounds like something the “youth” of today do to while away hours or people who are all about me, me, me do as another tool to talk about…me, me, me!

What Is Blogging?

It started in the 90’s as a way to share thoughts, an extension of diary writing. Today, it’s a collection of articles which are updated regularly and categorically targeted to a particular niche or industry.

For businesses its a communication tool between you, your customers and potential customers. Blogging provides them with highly valuable content, keeping them up-to-date with useful information, such as the latest industry news or special offers that they shouldn’t miss out on.

The Facts

• In 1999, there were just 23 blogs.

Today, there are over 1.5 billion blogs on the internet.

• A blog post is powerful enough to influence a purchase.

• Businesses that blog get more visitors to their website.

• According to Search Engine Journal "60% of consumers feel more positive about a brand after consuming content from it” • 76% of marketers use a blog as part of their content marketing.

• Blogs are the most valuable type of content, according to more than ⅓rd of today’s marketers.

• Research by Trafficgenerationcafe claims writing anywhere from 21 – 54 posts can significantly boost traffic to your blog by 30%.

It’s a made up word, although someone probably got paid a handsome sum of money to think of it! Essentially its the words “web” and “logging” mixed together – that doesn’t do justice to what an amazing power tool blogging can be for your business and something I strongly advise all my clients to do.

A made up word, yes but also a brilliant concept.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, apart from sunscreen, it would be blogging for your business! Whether you’re a sole trader or a large company, I want you to understand how powerful blogging can be. How it can make all the difference to your business.

How it can grow your community, expand your reach, allow you to help more clients and receive more money, and (if we’re being really honest) give you a little celebrity!

And you can do it all from your bedroom!

All you need is an idea to start with.

The question I get asked a lot is “But what do I write about?”

The answer, Anything! Be authentic, consistent and ignore critics!

It’s about helping other people, connecting with them and building those relationships. This can be through sharing experiences, hints and tips or story telling. You’ve had an amazing holiday and experienced first rate service from 24

your travel agent, you’ve found a way that is working for you to get your baby to sleep quickly, a great recipe you’ve just discovered or your success in your recent business growth. Whatever it may be, when it comes to writing a blog it has to be your passion. Once people get a feel of your passion they will want to share in it.

Remember also, you’ll never please everyone. Many people are nervous about putting their thoughts, experiences or opinions out there, as once it’s public it’s out there and open to comments. Ignore any criticism unless you can learn from it, stay true to yourself and your values and you won’t go far wrong.

Whether your a new start up, a sole trader, a Mumpreneour or the next Michelle Mone - blogging is something smart business people do, something grown-up business people do, blogging is something successful business men and women do. And the best bit?

Blogging is something you can do.

So what you waiting for?! Get smart, Get Blogging.

Contact Carys D www.speckyandginge.com

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Sun, Sea and Splash

Cosmetics brand Stila are this month launching its Sun, Sea & Splash collection

Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick (£16), a creamy-matter, full coverage lip colour with bold, longlasting colour which stays in place for up to six hours, available in Venezia (red), Rosa (pink), Amalfi (coral pink), Como (violet) and Bella (pink).

Aqua Glow Perfecting Primer (£20), a lightweight, water-based primer stick which instantly cools, refreshes and moisturises skin to decrease under eye puffiness.

Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush (£20), a weightless, water-based blush which provides a sheer splash of buildable colour available in Water Poppy (red), Rosewater (pale pink), Shimmering Lotus (golden pink), Water Lily (rose pink) and Water Blossom (pink violet).

Aqua Glow Perfecting Bronzer (£22), a limited edition sheer bronzer with hyaluronic acid to instantly hydrate skin; and Stay All day Contouring Bronzer (£28), a lightweight, matte-satin bronzer available in three shades containing high performance prigments coated in streak www.stila.co.uk free, fade-proof colour.

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Rare Mushroom Could be a Cure for Arthritis Mushroom extract could offer relief to millions living with the pain of arthritis, suggests a new clinical trial

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rand new research from Arthritis Research UK has found that the agonising pain of arthritis could be cured thanks to a mushroom extract.

The research found that cordycepin, extracted from the rare cordyceps mushroom, blocks the painful inflammatory process of osteoarthritis and could even be a cure for the millions of people in the UK who suffer from some form of arthritis.

Mycology experts Hifas da Terra, has just launched a high quality, medicinal mushroom supplement to the UK market, Mico-Cord, which includes the rare mushroom cordyceps in its unique blend. This blend contains the highest quality cordyceps that offers the body natural support to ease pain. Additional benefits of Mico-Cord include helping to support the immune system, strengthen the body and boost the mind.

Co-Founder and Mycologist, Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela told us; “Mushrooms have excellent healing properties and are strong enhancers of the human immune system, which help protect the body against a large variety of diseases and health issues. It’s fantastic to see a new piece of research emerge, which can potentially help millions of people across the UK.” Mico-Cord is £55.50 (70 capsules) and available from www.hifasdaterra.com 26

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FASHION Affinity

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High Waisted

1. Aztec Print Bikini £20 South Beach Official 2. Bikini Top £12.50 Bottoms £8 Marks & Spencer 3. Floozie by Frost French £45 Debenhams 4. Floozie by Frost French £46.50 Debenhams 5. J by Jasper £50 Debenhams 6. Orange Bikini Top £16.99 Bottoms £9.99 New Look 7. Polka Dot Bikini Top £16, Bottoms £14 Simply Be 8. Sea by Melissa Odabash £40 JD Williams 9. Floral High Waisted Bikini £16 TU at Sainsburys 10. Floral Bikini Top £16, Bottoms £16 11. Marisota

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£10 Accessorize

Flip Fabulous £10 Accessorize

£5 primarkuk Gold Sandals £10 George

£15 Accessorize Gem Cluster Sandals £20 Accessorize Sandals £35 Accessorize

Turquoise Beaded Sandals £35 Accessorize £15 Accessorize Accessorize

Ellene £12 Linzi £10 F&F

Next

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Bikini Babes 1. Bianca Bikini £28 South Beach Official 2. Floozie by Frost French £39 Debenhams 3. Bikini Top £19.50 Bottoms £14 Marks & Spencer 4. Bikini Miss Selfridge 5. Red Herring £32 Debenhams 6. Bikini Top £19, Bottoms £14 Monsoon 7. Tile Print Bikini Top £12.99, Bottoms £7.99 New Look 8. Tabitha Twist Top £22.50, Bottoms £17.50 White Stuff 9. Navy Stripe Bikini £21 South Beach Official 10. Pineapple Bikini Top £19.95 Bottom £15 White Stuff 11. Heatons

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Sunglasses £240 Dior

Sunglasses £149 Dolce and Gabbana

Miss KG £35 Stylistpick

Annabelle Sunglasses £15 Accessorize

Miss KG £29 Stylistpick

Square Sunglasses £15 Kath Square

Summer Sun

Superdry £28 Sunglasses Shop

Sunglasses £139 Versace

Floral Framed Sunglasses £15 Accessorize

Alexander Mcqueen £104 Sunglasses Shop Sunglasses £70 Folli Follie

£104 sunglassesshop

Gabriella £30 Dune

Elizabeth and James Sunglasses £116 Sunglasses Shop

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Swimsuit Sleek 1. Costume £29.50 Marks & Spencer 2. Costume Marks & Spencer 3. Janet reger £42 Debenhams 4. Liberty Print Swimsuit £49 La Redoute 5. Swimsuit £45 JD Williams 6. LizMcClarnon Swimsuit £32 Fashion World 7. Costume £35 Marks & Spencer 8. Riviera Print Swimsuit £55 Phase Eight 9. Strappy Animal Print Swimsuit £48 Littlewoods 10. Tribal Embellished Swimsuit £32 M&Co 11. Phase Eight

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Cover Up

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Chevron Cover Up £32 Accessorize

Vera Moda Kaftan £22 Look Again

Butterfly Silk Kaftan £159 Pretty Eccentric

codello

Blue Print Kaftan £16.99 New Look

Monoochrome Kaftan £25 JD Williams

Cream Cover Up Marks & Spencer

Floral Kaftan £26 M&Co

Red herring Cover Up £32 Debenhams Kaftan £32 Dorothy Perkins

Scarf Print Kaftan £22 M&Co

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Learning NOT to be a frog!

I

t is fairly well documented, (though I can’t say I have tried it myself - and I certainly don’t advise you to!), that if you put a frog into hot water it will literally hop out, because obviously it’s not a good place to be.

However if you put a frog in cold water and then heat it gradually the poor frog actually boils, it simply doesn’t spot that the temperature is changing and so never hops out. Although it could at any point, it actually allows itself to boil.

problems, ill-defined aches and pains, particularly back pains or headaches and for some people simply a feeling of just not being quite well. If any of those ring true for you then start to take an honest look at how stressed you may be.

Emotional and Mental Health We can usually ‘feel’ if we are stressed, but sometimes I’ve heard people say they aren’t stressed they just ‘have a lot on’ or they are just ‘too busy’. Well if those are transient states that are over quickly then fair enough but the danger is what starts as something temporary can soon become permanent and then people think that is the ‘norm’. If you regularly have trouble sleeping, find it hard to relax, feel that often your thoughts ‘whir’ or frequently find that you haven’t time to do the things that YOU want to do then it may be time to think about jumping out of the hot water you are in.

Now clearly that’s not a predicament we are likely to find ourselves in literally, but I do see a lot of people who find themselves in emotional ‘hot water’. People who find that gradually their stress levels have increased to a point where they become ill, or people who find themselves in relationships, jobs, or other situations that make them unhappy. People who find that the ‘small’ problem they used to have, perhaps a fear or a compulsion or a selfesteem issue, has actually started to ruin their life, preventing them from living the life they want to live.

There are however some signs that you can watch out for, things that can show you that life is not how it should be.

We are all of value and that means we all deserve to have a life that is as good as it can be. It is important to remember that we are individuals, so we are all unique, but we all share certain things too, we all have a physical body, a mind, and an emotional self. Learning to be aware of these aspects can be like a ‘thermometer’ for the water we find ourselves in and can tell us when we ought to be jumping out or taking action of some sort.

Physical Health The impact of stress on physical health has been well documented, ulcers and problems with the digestive system, high blood pressure, circulatory problems and a depressed immune system can all result from on-going high levels of stress. It is always important to see a medical professional if you are suffering from any persistent physical symptoms. But it is also important to note that some of the symptoms that people ‘put up with’ can also be signs of rising stress levels having an impact on your health – frequent colds or infections, digestive

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Is This It? Sometimes people come for therapy and say there isn’t anything actually wrong and they have a lot of good things in their life and maybe no apparent problems but just don’t feel happy. Obviously a person’s temperament and individual personality may have an impact on how happy they feel, but we do all have only one life and if there are specific things in our lives that are preventing us from being happy, then we can decide to deal with those.

Whether it is a job, a relationship, the attitudes of some people, or even where you live, there are often things that can be done, or changed that can make life seem better.

However it is also true that much of happiness is to do with ourselves, in many ways it is our mental attitude that can determine how happy we will be because it will determine how we respond to the things that life throws at us. That certainly doesn’t mean that we should just tell ourselves to be happy in the midst of dire circumstances but it does mean that how we see those circumstances will have an impact on how we react to external events and that in turn can have an impact on how happy we feel.

We have probably all come across people who go through life with a ‘victim’ mentality, things happen TO them, But actually while unpleasant things do happen to most

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• Have there been times recently when you haven’t been able to do something you wanted to because of a fear, phobia, lack of confidence or specific emotional difficulty?

people at some time, illness, hardship, loss - to mention just a few, the impact of those events upon us often depends on how we react.

What Can be Done?

The key point is to take positive action, don’t just sit around slowly ‘boiling’ like the frog. The checklist below should help you to highlight areas where you are not happy, or where the temperature of your emotional environment is not what is should be.

• Do you sometimes find yourself doing things simply to avoid spending anytime on your own?

• Are there several things that you have always thought you would like to do but somehow can’t see yourself being able to ‘manage’ it?

• Are you happy with most major aspects of your life, job family, residence, friends etc?

If it was a yes to any of these then maybe you need to think about making a move, the first step might simply be to acknowledge there might be a problem and then seek some help.

• Can you regularly find time to fit in doing things that make YOU happy?

• Do you generally sleep well, find time for some form of exercise and have a relatively healthy balanced diet?

If the answer to all of the above is yes that’s a good start, now try these :

For more information on the above or to book a coaching or therapy session contact Attuned Education 07921193479 or by email info@attunededucation.com or visit the website www.attunededucation.com 35

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Affinity

FOOD & DRINK

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Gelato Dreams W

hen the opportunity came on a hot sunny afternoon for me to sample a new gelato parlour in the heart of Covent Garden, London I thought all my birthdays had come at once!

Morelli’s Gelato is tucked away in the corner of the historic Covent Garden Market, an intimate Italian ice cream parlour serving iconic Sundaes in custom-made Murano glassware and delicious gelato – With amazing architecture and warm friendly staff it was just perfect.

Gino (the manager) got us seated and left us to ponder over the menu, with him popping back to give us recommendations. We were spoilt for choice, everything looked mouth watering delicious and it took a lot of willpower to decide what to choose.

Finally the choices were made;

Baileys (Hazelnut and soft vanilla gelato topped with chocolate sauce, fresh whipped cream and a single shot of Baileys liqueur in a chocolate cup),

Bella Nutella (Soft Vanilla, Nutella, Venezuelan chocolate and banana gelato served with fresh banana and hazelnuts, with Nutella sauce in a chocolate cup and fresh whipped cream),

Black Forest (Wildberry sorbet, fruit yoghurt of the day, Venezuelan chocolate and soft vanilla gelato, coated with Magnum chocolate and served with Amarena cherries in their own syrup and fresh whipped cream), Hot Chocolate Fudge Sundae (Caramel ‘dulce de lechr’, Venezuelan chocolate and soft vanilla gelato served with fresh whipped cream and a jug of hot chocolate fudge sauce).

Presentation of the sundaes was amazing like a piece of art and to eat they were an absolute delight! With over 25 flavours to choose from there’ll be one to appeal to everyone’s tastebuds, adding to that the unique atmosphere of Covent Garden, I beg anyone who loves authentic Italian Gelato to pay Morelli’s a visit.

Morelli’s Gelato 20a The Market Covent Garden WC2E 8RB www.morellisgelato.com

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Tartufi & Friends

Summer Freeze

This summer, the only way to keep cool is to reach for Kopparberg Frozen Fruit Cider, a revolutionary new frozen cider that promises to keep you cool like never before. The perfect sun drenched accessory, Kopparberg Frozen Fruit Cider is the essential cocktail alternative for hot summer days and nights. Priced at £2.99 and available from major supermarket in the everpopular flavours Strawberry & Lime and Elderflower & Lime, the stylish drink provides the ultimate mix of invigorating fruity flavours and absolute refreshment.

Never too Posh for a Picnic One of our favourite places to stay in London has introduced its very own take-away picnic hampers just in time for summer. 5* The Arch London Hotel is centrally located a stone’s throw from Hyde Park, making it the perfect spot for an al fresco feast in the sun.

But who wants to lug about a basket of warm sandwiches and crushed crisps from home? The Arch London’s picnic hampers will offer a taste of Hunter 486 restaurant’s critically acclaimed Best of British inspired menu. Gourmet picnic delights will include half a bottle of Champagne; smoked salmon sandwiches; homemade crisps with sea salt lemon and sage; poached chicken cooked in the stone oven; potato salad; and a selection of freshly made macaroons.

The picnics are priced at £75 per person and come packaged in a posh hamper. The new service offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a luxurious picnic, ideal for a proposal, wedding anniversary, or any celebration with family or friends during the summer months. www.thearchlondon.com

Last month saw the opening of Tartufi & Friends truffle lounge at Harrods. Entirely dedicated to the world of the truffle, this new instore eatery will be serving exquisite dishes made with only the freshest truffles in season and offering a selection of gourmet takeaway products branded Tartufi & Friends. All dishes are exclusively made with Tartufi & Friends products and served with fresh truffles. Signature dishes include Burrata drizzled with truffle honey and fresh truffle and the indulgent Tartufi & Friends Burger, served with foie gras, sweet onion marmalade, truffle mustard and mayonnaise and fresh truffle.

Designed by Italian architect, Laura Franco, the stylish and distinctive space will be located on the Lower Ground Floor of Harrods department store, along the Wine Shop and Cigar Room.

The walls will be decorated with elegant prints from the 1500’s, illustrating the history of the black and white truffle and creating a fully immersive dining experience for diners and customers alike.

FOODIE NEWS

No Need for Starbucks

Fancy a cup of coffee with a twist then Little’s range of instant coffee infused with indulgent flavours are perfect for those who like their coffee with a twist. Each 50g jar comes in funky retro packaging, so you will never have to hide the hideous jar of instant coffee again! With infusions including Chocolate Orange, French Vanilla and Rich Hazelnut, with no added sugar, gluten free and just 4 calories a cup, you can feel like you are truly indulging in a specialty coffee every time you have a cup.

Available from Harvey Nicholls and Waitrose and at only £2.99 a jar you’ll be tempted to try all of them!

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Spicy sweet and sour chicken, egg noodles 40

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“

“

Family and friends will love this homemade sweet and sour dish, it's tasty blend of flavours makes it far better than any takeaway

Ingredients 2 red onions sliced 2 peppers sliced ¼ small pineapple diced 4 chicken breasts 1 cup tomato sauce 1 tin chopped tomatoes 5 tablespoons vinegar 5 tablespoons sugar 300g dried egg noodles Optional extra, 2 fresh chillies chopped

Method Fry the onions, peppers and chicken in a little oil until golden, add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, vinegar and sugar and stir well. If using the chillies now is the time to add them. Bring the sauce to the boil and simmer until the chicken is cooked.

Meanwhile boil the kettle and pour over the noodles and let them stand for 5 minutes. Drain the noodles well and add to the chicken with the pineapple, bring the pan back to the boil and serve.

Brought to you by the Chef The Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant, Sharnbrook, Beds

La Posta Armando Bonarda Dry, full bodied with hospitable rich fruit, earth and spice notes, this wine will feel right at home with charred meats or a hearty beef and vegetable stew. £ , Morrisons

Waikato River Pinot Noir 2012 A succulent, minty-cherry oaked lush wine

by Seifried, one of New Zealand's top estates.

Bright and assertive in its wild fruit flavours, it finishes tautly dry and clean. £7.99, Morrisons

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M Signature Godello If you like a crisp, fresh Sauvignon Blanc, we bet you'll fall for this tasty Signature Godollo. It's a glass full of delicate peach and tropical fruit flavours that's lovely and light. £7.99 Morrisons

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Pimms jelly, Strawberry and mint salad Ingredients

For the jelly: 1 litre of lemonade Pimms to taste 7 leaves of gelatine Handful of mixed berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries) For the salad: 10 strawberries Few sprigs of mint 2 tablespoons icing sugar

Method

To make the jelly warm the lemonade with the Pimms. While the liquid is warming soak the gelatine in cold water until soft then add to the Pimms mix. To make a nice centre piece for a party you can make one single jelly in a loaf tin, line the mould with cling fil sprinkle the berries in the mould and pour the jelly mix over. Refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight.

To make the salad dice the strawberries and finely chop the mint then mix them both together with the sugar, and leave to marinade for 20 minutes To serve remove the jelly from the mould and take off the cling film, spoon the strawberry salad around the edge

Serves 5

This sweet is brought to you by the Chef The Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant, Sharnbrook, Beds 42

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The Millhouse Hotel is the perfect backdrop for your special day with ample space for you and your guests to feel relaxed Large functions marquee and beautiful conservatories Registered for civil ceremonies Tailor made food and drink packages to fit your individual needs 9 ensuite bedrooms Complete exclusivity for the day Picturesque views of the Mill Pond, fountain and countryside beyond “Buy 1 get 1 FREE”

on main courses every Tuesday all day 12pm - 9pm!

Afternoon Teas

Served everyday 2-5pm, Full afternoon tea £9.95 (booking essential)

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

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Gin Botanical There’s nothing more refreshing than sitting in the sun sipping a long cool Gin and Tonic – Gin’s are becoming far more exotic in their flavours and with the 13th of this month being World Gin Day we bring you our pick of the best.

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Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb and Ginger Liqueur £23.99

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Audemus Spirits Bob's Batch Pink Pepper Gin, £24.49

Martin Millers Gin £22.70

Adnams Copper House Distilled Gin £26.99

Blackdown Sussex Dry Gin 7, £29.99

Schwarzwald Monkey 47 Dry Gin £37.95

Jinzu Gin £33.50

St George Spirits Botanivore Gin, £37.95

Sibling Distillery Triple Distilled Gin, £32

All Gins available from Amazon.co.uk

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INTERIORS Affinity

Porto Distressed Wood Bench £275 Brookes Picnic Hamper £40 Tesco Rose Mint Cushion £8 Rose Pink Cushion £8 10L Bucket £6 Tesco Direct

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Summerhouse Picnic Basket £177 Littlewoods

Perfect Picnic

The sun is shining which means only one thing – a picnic! All you need to add is the perfect hamper, take your pick!

Picnic Rucksack £45 Marks & Spencer

Luxury Willow Striped Hamper £150 John Lewis

Wicker Picnic Hamper £55 Marks & Spencer

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Panier Marine Picnic Basket £68.31 Les Jardins de la Comtesse

Picnic Hamper £94.95 Annabel James

The Aston Martin Collection Spicy Red Picnic Hamper £2,950 Harrods

Willow Wine Carrier £14 Achica

Cream Picnic Basket £40 Tesco Direct

2 Person Hamper £20 Wilkinson Anorak Kissing Squirrels Picnic Hamper £100 John Lewis

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Mono Salad Bowl £8 Sainsburys

Salad Servers £4 Marks & Spencer

Bowl £27.50 Boutique Provencale

Bamboo Bowl £5 Oliver Bonas

Salad

Style Warmer days and nights means more Alfresco dining – these bowls and servers will add style to any outdoor table.

Salad Servers £13.50 Cloudberry Living

Wooden Salad Bowl £40 House of Fraser

Pineapple Salad Servers £24 Oliver Bonas

Mackenzie Childs Butterfly Garden Bowl £54 Amara

sainsburyshome

Geronimo Salad Bowl £43 Berry Red

Charlotte Street Serving Bowl £87 Amara

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Fry’s Footie Corner

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M

ost player contracts come to a conclusion on 30th June and at that point, there will be between 600 and 700 players released from Football League clubs up and down the country. This is a heartbreaking time for those concerned and can take a long while for players to get themselves fixed up and often they have to enter the real world and understand that they may have to go into a different profession.

The introduction of Financial Fair Play has added to those difficulties because in League Two, you can only spend 50% of your income on players’ wages and in League One that is 60%. Clubs are cutting their squads and that is tough for those players that are fighting for their careers .

Many hearts will be broken when players are released because all they

ever dreamed of is to become a fulltime professional footballer. To be suddenly cast aside in the real world is very difficult for players and families to cope with.

I think there is a myth out there that players in the Football League earn fortunes from the game and that just isn’t the case. The pay might be decent in the Championship but certainly in League One and League Two it is just about making ends meet.

Last year was the worst in terms of players being out of contract and not getting fixed up and I feel this year will be even worse. I was a manager for 31 years and the hardest part of that was to tell an 18-year-old that I wasn’t going to offer professional terms. They often break down and are emotional, but it is purely an opinion that I had.

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Many players have proved manager’s wrong down the years like Stan Collymore and David Platt. Being a Director of Football is a different angle, it becomes more difficult because of the financial constraints placed on clubs by the football authorities and you have to base your decision based on business sense rather than ability.

It is a tough world. In the Premier League players have fancy cars and big wages, but it doesn’t filter down the leagues and this time of the year it is going to be extremely hard for those players who are released to get themselves fixed up at other clubs.

Up the Posh!

Barry Fry

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Open

UK Order Books

O

rder books for the new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider officially opened last month (May) meaning customers can now get their name on the list at Alfa Romeo showrooms across the UK.

Like its Coupé sibling, the new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is built around an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre monocoque with minimal structural enhancements required in the transition from Coupé to Spider. The main developments include a new aluminium rollover structure, which is nestled underneath a black “halo”; a specially-developed carbon fibre windscreen frame and an engine compartment cross-member made from high-strength steel.

The Coupé’s fastback rear end is replaced by classic and distinctive Spider buttresses and a new engine cover which also features three heat extractors and a subtle rear spoiler. There are significant changes to the front, too, with new, covered, projector-style xenon headlamps as standard on the Spider (and optional on the Coupé).

Special attention has been paid to the aerodynamic characteristics of the Spider to ensure minimal wind and noise intrusion when the cloth roof is removed and stowed away, and for those owners who want to use their Spider all year round, a carbon fibre hardtop will be available as an optional accessory at a later date.

A new carbon-fibre air intake system, engineered to provide

additional transmission cooling for track-focussed drivers, also joins the options list, while a number of all-new wheel designs debut on the 4C Spider too, either in 17/18inch (front/rear) or 18/19-inch sizes in silver or dark finishes. The exterior features are rounded out with a vibrant new pastel Giallo Prototipo (yellow) paint option.

Inside, a new Alpine head unit and standard Alfa Hi Fi sound system offer improved audio quality, usability and device connectivity, and to further enhance the Spider’s cabin ambience, new options such as leather with accent stitching and matching door cards will be offered later in the year.

Powered by the same, allaluminium, 240hp, 258lb.-ft., 1750 TBi engine as the Coupé, performance is on a par with the hardtop model, with a top speed of 160 MPH and a 0-to-62 MPH time of less than 4.5 seconds, as well as the capability to generate the same 1.1g of lateral acceleration and 1.25g of braking deceleration as the Coupé.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is priced from £59,500 OTR with an enhanced standard specification in line with the revised Coupé, including the upgraded audio system; luxury floor mats; glove compartment with leather cover; bespoke car cover and car care kit - plus parking sensors and cruise control available as free options – in addition to its carbon fibre windscreen frame, new wheels and fared-in xenon headlamps, which are standard on the Spider.

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Best

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Simply the

Father’s Day Gifts

Aston Martin Chrome Plated 201 Rollerball Pen £195 Harrods

Tudor Heritage Ranger Watch £2,010 Baker Brothers, Bedford bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Dad Embroidered Robe £95 The Fine Cotton Company

Father's Day Collection £15 Hotel Chocolat

Roberts Revival DAB Union Jack Radio £200 robertsradio.co.uk

Givenchy Gentlemen Only Casual Chic £45.50 Debenhams

Skull Stamp Cufflinks £75 paulsmith.co.uk

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Ferrari Essence Collection Set £237 Harrods

Macallan Gold Limited Edition Luggage Tag Pack £38.95 Selfridges & Waitrose

GPO Attache Record Player £89.95 Musicroom.com

Montblanc Platinum Plated Cufflinks £280 Baker Brothers, Bedford bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Ralph Lauren Pink Striped Shirt £85 House of Fraser

Ted Baker Tan Leather Satchel £225 House of Fraser

Emma Bridgewater Daddy Starry Skies Mug £19.95 John Lewis

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Summer Season is Here!

N

o matter what the weather is like outside, it’s going to be a sizzlingly, hot summer at Milton Keynes Theatre!

bright and beautiful weeks! Don’t miss the chance to see this all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza live on stage and join the green adventure!

You can’t beat a good, old-fashioned murder mystery and we’ve got double helpings of chilling thrills with bestselling author Peter James’ stage adaptation of Dead Simple and a return of The Agatha Christie Theatre Company in And Then There Were None.

The greatest show on earth is one big claim; but that’s exactly what’s coming our way when Brian Conley hits town with Barnum, the lively musical that follows the roller-coaster life of Phineas T. Barnum.

And if quality drama is your idea of a great night out there’s still time to book for the highly praised production of The King’s Speech starring Jason Donovan and Raymond Coulthard.

There’s more heavenly musical magic from two all-time family favourites this summer.

The Von Trapp family singers defy the Nazis and make history in a lavish new production of The Sound of Music while Jesus Christ Superstar, the first great rock opera, has a story as compelling today as it was when the musical was first produced more than 40 years ago (let alone when the events took place more than 2000 years ago!)

Dance fans can immerse themselves in Northern Ballet’s passionate adaptation of the classic story, Wuthering Heights but the company has something wonderful for younger fans of dance too with Elves & the Shoemaker, their delightful ballet for children.

Current and past performers of The Royal Ballet and Rambert join South African legends, Ladysmith Black Mambazo in a unique artistic collaboration that has won a whole host of awards. Inala is a cultural explosion of music, song and dance that promises audiences at Milton Keynes Theatre a spiritually uplifting live experience – and an unforgettable night out at the theatre.

If laughter really is the best medicine (and they do say that it is) then everyone should be prescribed a hearty dose of Spamalot. The multi awardwinning comedy musical gallops into Milton Keynes to the sound of a medley of coconut shells.

With an amazing line-up of one night shows including comedy from Milton Jones and Jimmy Carr, live music from The Proclaimers and Russell Watson, psychic entertainment from Colin Fry and the very best from tribute bands performing music by Queen, The Eagles and The Carpenters the summer season at Milton Keynes Theatre really is hot stuff!

The King of rock ‘n’ roll lives again through 25 of his best-loved songs in Love Me Tender, a new musical inspired by the chart-busting hits of Elvis Presley.

Our big summer blockbuster, Shrek the Musical, is a must-see show for the whole family and it’s going to be taking OGRE Milton Keynes for three whole, big,

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Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 www.tickets.com/miltonkeynes

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All About...

Kat Gellin and Nathanael Wiseman Having built up an impressive body of work between them on stage and screen, Nate Wiseman and Kat Gellin now star in the sell-out British comedy gangster film, Hackney’s Finest.

S

hot in London and produced by Oscar winning company Framestore, Hackney’s Finest is the story of Sirus (Nathanael Wiseman) - a lovable, motorbike-obsessed junkie from Hackney who ends up getting in over his head with a huge drug deal.

After being set up by two police detectives on a private vendetta, Sirus joins forces with a pair of Welsh-Jamaican arms dealers as they attempt to outrun the police and a crazy Russian gang who have been hired to take them out.

Hackney’s Finest marks Nate Wiseman’s first lead role after various comedic parts on the small screen as well as extensive theatre work. He will soon be seen as Jake, the lead role in British thriller drama, My Hero – a heartfelt story about a small-time drug dealer who is forced on the run with a nine year old girl.

Kat Gellin is no stranger to the screen, having won roles in known and loved productions like Eastenders, Hollyoaks and Doctors. She achieved her first feature film role in The Inbetweeners Movie and followed that up with roles in cult horror The Thompsons and comedy Krish & Lee. She, along with Nathanael, stars in the upcoming My Hero as Kim, a young woman whose life is turned upside down by Jake’s (Nathanael Wiseman) actions.

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Describe yourself in three words?

KG: Forthright, tenacious, health nut!

NW: Actor, filmmaker, writer

What makes you stand out in a crowd?

KG: Good posture? Haha. In the UK, usually my Scandic blonde look.

NW: My bald head reflecting the light!

Sometimes I don't like to stand out and just want to sit back and observe.

Your top three movies?

KG: American Beauty, the first Matrix film, and last night I was actually at the Cannes premiere of Norwegian director Joachim Trier's "Louder Than Bombs". It was fantastic!

NW: It's constantly changing and evolving.

Last week it was Birdman, a Norwegian film called 'Blind' and 'In Bruges' but I recently had to re-watch 'La Haine' for a role and I love The Goonies, man this is hard!

Yesterday I was quoting 'Big Trouble In Little China'.

'Apocalypse Now' has to be on there and something by Orson Wells is also probably in there. OK I’ll narrow it down: ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' 'The Station Agent' 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' ‘The Lion King’?

Agghh I can't answer that!

What do you do to relax?

KG: Yoga, walk our dog or read a book.

I've always read a lot and you'll often find me tucked away with one.

NW: Film? Drinking? Eating? I don't know, give me some recommendations I need to relax more!

I like a good hot bath. Wow now I sound like Bridget Jones. Ha.

Your most extravagant purchase and why?

KG: My iMac!! Needed it for work so I feel it's legitimate...

NW: A new Hugo Boss tux for Cannes last week. Gulp.

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

KG: Wow. Margot Robbie for career, a cat for an animal...

NW: I'd be a lion, or maybe a dolphin.

Describe your ideal man/woman?

KG: My fiancée Nate Wiseman fits the bill; funny, driven, talented, sensitive and whip smart...

NW: Already found her: Kat Gellin If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?

KG: Nate, sunblock and our dog Willow!

NW: Kat, suntan lotion and our dog Willow.

What would you do if you had a time machine?

KG: Warn my mum to get a scan sooner and not listen to her lazy doctor.

NW: Err, seriously no one would trust me with a time machine.

What can’t you leave the house without and why?

KG: It's hard to leave my phone but I try.

NW: Sanity. Clothes? No, my iPhone 6, watch and credit card.

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

KG: There will always be yoghurt, almond milk and halloumi cheese - and dark chocolate.

NW: Loads of my Mrs’ healthy food next to leftovers of my unhealthy food!

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

KG: My parents. I'd tell them what I'd been up to and that I'll always love them and take with me what they taught me.

NW: It would be my grandpa I never met and I would say ‘go on easy on the smoking, man. I hear you were a legend, I'm your grandson. Can you believe that those guys let me play with a time machine!?’

If you were a biscuit what would you be and why?

KG: Ginger! I love my spiciness.

NW: A nice little fiery ginger tea dunking one! Or Seabiscuit the horse.

Who is your inspiration/role model?

KG: My father inspired my love of engaging audiences; he was an incredible public speaker; my mum for how great someone can be as a parent; my fiancée for teaching me the ropes of filmmaking.

NW: Blimey... Err my family and Kat. But I take inspiration from everywhere.

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

KG: Like everyone, my phone - we shouldn't even call it a phone anymore, it's a multi-device...

NW: My iPhone, sad I know.

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Where do you see yourself in ten years?

KG: Rockin' directing, writing books and scripts, producing and acting next to having a family and maybe having founded a skincare range or yoga centre! That's a lot isn't it?

NW: Doing bigger and better films, directing.

Raising the already great profile of my company Redeeming Features, which by then will have an office in LA, NY as well as London and Oslo and China!

For the whole team to be happy, motivated and working hard. Creating exciting new films and TV shows that we are all proud of.

What would your last meal be?

KG: Pink champagne and truffle gnocchi, a good red and creamy mash & butchers sausage, chocolate fondant and

a neat Laphroaig single malt to finish‌ NW: A couple of rock oysters, champagne, lobster, a nice steak (medium-rare) with sweet potato fries and a beautiful bottle of wine. Also chocolate fondant and some good company.

What actor/actress would you have play you in a film and why?

KG: I've already played a fictional version of myself in my semi-autobiographical short "Of Her I Dream" at festivals now!

NW: I'd play myself and wouldn't subject that on anyone!

Thanks guys follow us @katgellin @That4thWiseman

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TRAVEL

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Affinity

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It’s OPEN

The New Legoland Hotel at Legoland Florida Resort

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presented by Cartoon Network all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12.

ooking for some Summer family fun then why not book a stay at The NEW LEGOLAND® Hotel at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort opened last month (May) which means families travelling to Florida will now be able to stay in the unique themed hotel for an extraordinary LEGO experience.

FACT BOX: Hotel Prices: Room rates start as low as £138 for a family room (2 adults and up to 3 children) variable by season including a breakfast buffet (price does not include park tickets) Master Model Builder Workshop included in room price.

Guests can learn LEGO building skills from the best in an in-hotel Master Model Builder Workshop – an experience unique to LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

www.LEGOLANDHotel.com

Visitors can choose from four LEGO-tastic room themes – Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure and LEGO Friends. Plus for those looking to relax in the Florida sunshine, there is a colourful outdoor pool for the family to enjoy.

Park Ticket Prices Attraction Tickets Direct offers a two-park Combo ticket for LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND Water Park from £50 an adult, £45 a child aged three-12 years and £3 for a child up to two.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is a 150-acre interactive theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, a Water Park and The LEGO® World of Chima

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The Perfect Pamper

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hittlebury Hall is a beautiful Golf, Hotel and Spa complex in Northamptonshire, not far from the legendary Silverstone Race Track, offering a host of stimulating heat and ice experiences including sanarium, caldarium (Roman hot bath), salt room aromatherapy crystal steam room, flotation room, chill out room and ice cave, as well as the ultimate in pampering with many treatments on offer.

Strawberries and Cream Delight - A luxurious strawberry and cream exfoliation treatment with a sensory salt scrub to smooth away dead skin, combined with a scalp or foot massage and finished with an amber and champagne gold dry oil for the perfect spring or summer shimmer. The settings in the treatment rooms were relaxing, with dimmed lights, beautiful aromas and soothing music.

Both treatments were blissful and left us feeling totally relaxed.

After a hectic few weeks I was looking forward to some quality pampering with The Day Spa Whittlebury Day package, which includes lunch and the choice of two summer treatments.

After our treatments we went for our buffet lunch, which included a wide range of delicious hot and cold food, including pasta, salads, fish, soup, jacket potatoes and chicken.

Once we had changed into our gowns, we went to relax on the loungers around the pool before our first treatments of an Elemis Skin Specific Facial and The

After lunch it didn’t take long to unwind and drift off into a relaxed state on the oh so comfy waterbeds.

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Refreshed after just doing nothing it was time for the next treatments, so we wandered up to the tranquil waiting area ready for my 50 minute Day Spa Signature Massage which is designed to deliver relaxation and enhance well-being. It includes legs, arms, a soothing back, neck and shoulder massage, and décolleté giving absolute total relaxation for body and mind. and my husband’s ESPA for Men facial, the triple cleanse procedure which includes steaming hot towels to soothe and soften bristles promotes drainage and aids in preventing blocked pores. Following a relaxing acupressure face massage and purifying mask, a reviving scalp massage using conditioning hair and scalp mud and a deep shoulder massage releases tight muscles and tension, both treatments left us feeling energised and rejuvenated. A perfect end to a perfect tranquil day leaving us ready to face the busy schedule of everyday life.

The Day Spa Whittlebury Day package starts from £109 per person. www.whittleburyhall.co.uk

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ON!...

What’s

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Derren Brown The Royal and Derngate brings you the multi-award winning master of psychological illusion is back on tour with a brand new, one-man show. Having confessed that performing live on stage gives him the greatest pleasure, Derren Brown is, once again, looking forward to the challenge that comes with being acknowledged as one of the world’s most renowned live performers; a dark manipulator of magic and mind control.

8th – 13th June: Tickets from £29 per person at The Royal and Derngate in Northampton www.royalandderngate.co.uk 72

The Cambridge Town & Country Show Parker’s Piece is once again the setting for arguably what is Cambridge’s largest free to enter family event attracting crowds of over 40,000 – the 9th Cambridge Town & Country Show and organisers Oakleigh Fairs are delighted to announce that this year really has something for everyone.

With entertainment including the breath taking equestrian acrobatics of Jive Pony, through to the popular Newfoundland Dogs, The Goat Show – featuring milking and have a go bottle feeding of lambs and kids, Birds of Prey and Owl displays, Children’s Entertainment with Devilstick Peat plus Circus Workshops, Donkey Rides, Swords of Chivalry battle re-enactments and medieval village and Fighting Knights, have a go with the Totally Terriers racing team as well as a childrens’ farm and ferret racing right in the heart of the City.

13th – 14th June: 10am – 6pm both days - Parker’s Piece, Cambridge CB1 1JF www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

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ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Sunset Safari A full evening of fun and discovery awaits you at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s Sunset Safari.

Discover our new Butterfly House, learn something new at our animal talks and demonstrations or take a ride on our safari truck* or Jumbo Express steam train* A visit to the Sunset Safari Conservation Station is a must, with ZSL’s own keepers revealing fascinating facts from the world of wildlife.

Then, as the sun sets, relax at the Safari Base Camp, with music and entertainment to bring an idyllic end to what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

27th June: From 6pm – 10pm - A selection of food vendors will be serving tantalising dishes from around the world, www.zsl.org

Family Fun Day Lots of giggles, great food and fun! Bring all the family along for a Family Fun Day at Wyboston Lakes.

This fabulous day out will include: Waterfront BBQ, Bouncy Castle, Beat the Goalie, Giant Jenga, Quoits and Connect Games, Face Painting, Live music from Aaron Clarke, Sangria and Pimm’s tent.

Sun 7th June: Tickets include BBQ - £10 Adults (over 12s), £5 Child (5-12) and FREE for infants (under 5s), 12 noon – 6pm. 0333 7007 667 www.wybostonlakesbookings.co.uk

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Breakfast at Tiffany’s Live Experience 1961 romantic comedy Breakfast at Tiffany's like never before, with the timeless film screened in the iconic Royal Albert Hall, as Henry Mancini's Academy Award-winning score is performed simultaneously by the Philharmonia Film Orchestra accompanied by a choir, and conducted by Justin Freer.

This World Premiere of Breakfast at Tiffany's Live will bring the film to vivid life, as Mancini's legendary score, including Oscar-winning song Moon River, is celebrated on the world's most famous stage.

12th – 13th June: www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/breakfast-attiffanys

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A quiet night in...

Us by David Nicholls A brilliant, bittersweet novel about love and family, husbands and wives, parents and children. 'I was looking forward to us growing old together. Me and you, growing old and dying together.' 'Douglas, who in their right mind would look forward to that?'

Douglas Petersen understands his wife's need to 'rediscover herself' now that their son is leaving home. He just thought they'd be doing their rediscovering together. So when Connie announces that she will be leaving too, he resolves to make their last family holiday into the trip of a lifetime: one that will draw the three of them closer, and win the respect of his son. One that will make Connie fall in love with him all over again. The hotels are booked, the tickets bought, the itinerary planned and printed. What could possibly go wrong?

Man Up A single woman finds the perfect boyfriend after being mistaken for his blind date in this charming rom-com. As singleton Nancy (Lake Bell) travels across London to toast another 10 years of her parent's blissfully happy marriage, recent divorcee Jack (Simon Pegg) mistakes her for his younger blind date. In a moment of uncharacteristic optimism, Nancy decides to just go along with it, leading to a night that neither of them will forget. A rom-com about unexpected consequences, Man Up brings together some of British comedy's most exciting talent including Simon Pegg and director of The Inbetweeners Movie Ben Palmer.

Release Date: 29th May

FIFTY Shades of Grey The hotly anticipated film is now released on DVD, which includes an extended version, an alternative ending and a little teaser of ‘Fifty Shades Darker!’

Fifty Shades Of Grey follows the relationship of 27-year-old handsome billionaire Christian Grey and innocent college student Anastasia Steele.

Since its release, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has been translated into 51 languages worldwide and sold more than 100 million copies in e-book and print—making it one of the biggest and fastestselling book series ever.

Release Date: 22nd June

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Available in Silver, Gold or Rose Gold plated silver Medallions

www.affinitymag.co.uk

June 2015

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Personal messages Photo-engraving Pre-selected designs Natural stones Or ‘Dancers’

JUNE 2015 ISSUE 49

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