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AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
MARCH 2015 ISSUE 46
FREE www.affinitymag.co.uk
March 2015
Spring has Sprung Superfoods
King of the Castle
It’s all about pastels - beauty, interiors and fashion, we bring you all the key looks
11 of the best to boost your health
Fancy your own castle for the weekend
BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON
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Welcome... H Everyone Leading on from celebrating International Women’s Day on the 8th of this month we then show our love and appreciation to all the silent heroes out there - Mum’s! We round up some gorgeous gifts just for her for this Mothering Sunday on 15th March (page 30). This month is also ‘Ovarian Cancer’ awareness month. Ovarian cancer isn’t as well known as some other female cancers, yet it is the fifth most common - with more than 7,000 diagnoses in the UK each year. We take a look at the facts and symptoms to help raise awareness (page24). Have you always wanted to be King of your own castle? Then why not pay the Scottish Borders a visit with some family or friends for an exclusive stay in Aikwood Tower a Grade A listed tower house, (page76), full of authentic
medieval charm, a five star break all your friends will be envious of. Hop Hop Hooray, as March comes to an end Easter arrives early (April 5th) and with all those chocolate treats out there you’ll be spoilt for choice, page 50 shows you a few of our favourite Easter treats fit for any bunny! Until Next Month
Jane x
Cover Image: Wallis Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk. 01234 215523 - 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 16 Bedroom Fitness 18 Newest Beauty Superstar 25 Competition Time
27 Hot Picks 33 Latest Fashion Trends 42 An End to Procrastination
46 Foodie News 52 Dish of the Month 60 Colours - A Matter of Choice
64 67 70 74 78
Eggcelent Interiors Moisture Man Performance Jeep Icelandic Magic Dance ‘til Dawn
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What does your kitchen mean to you?
Ltd NEW GERMAN KITCHENS CURRENTLY BEING INSTALLED
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Spring has Sprung Spring makeup trends look like being all about pastels this year, with glossy lips and soft pastel eyes, pale blush and candy nails, we bring you a round up of some of our favourite products.
Zoya Awaken ( Brooklyn, Cole, Dillon) £8.95 each nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Max Factor Creme Puff Blush £8.99 Boots CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Baby Tint £17 Debenhams Guerlain Meteorites Perles de Blush £34.50 Debenhams
NARS The Multiple, Portofino £29 Debenhams Lancome Lip Lover, 400 Rose Monceau £18 John Lewis
Dior Vernis Nail Polish in Majesty 244 £18.50 John Lewis
Dior Rouge Lipstick 531 £26 John Lewis
Guerlain Eyeshadow Duo £30 Debenhams
Bourjois Little Round Pot Intense Eyeshadow £6.99 Boots
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Get Healthy and Fit by Staying in The Bedroom
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xperts agree that better sleep can help you stay at a healthy weight. According to FitWatch*, a person weighing 160 pounds (11stone 6 lbs) will burn 69 calories per hour while sleeping; meaning the average Brit could burn 552 calories per night (with eight hours of sleep). That’s the same as a roast dinner with all the trimmings or two doughnuts. On the back of a survey that revealed two out of three people would prefer to exercise at home than go to the gym, The Fine Bedding Company teamed up with Personal Trainer Greg Johnson to develop the ultimate bloat-busting routine that can be carried out without leaving the bedroom! Greg Johnson told us “Our five bedroom body-busting moves are really easy and fun to do. If each of the moves are repeated at least twice, the sequence can tot up to a valuable 30 minutes of exercise. As people’s everyday lives get more hectic, we have become very time poor and exercise is often the first thing to be dropped. Cut out the time and inconvenience of traveling to the gym and you can still enjoy a healthy dose of daily exercise, completed before even leaving the bedroom in the morning. You can even do it in your PJs!” 16
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1. The Wake-Up Warm Up Lean forward on your bed with two hands and complete calf stretches, bending your front leg and stretching out your back leg until you feel a pulling sensation in your calf muscle. Stretch each leg for 30 seconds. Then, carry out walking lunges around the bed five times, before high knee running on the spot for three minutes.
2. Fat-Burning Bounces Hop on your bed and bounce up and down for three minutes. Repeat this three times, introducing tuck jumps third time round.
3. Serious Squats One of the most time-efficient ways to burn calories, squats are great for weight loss and will build muscle across your whole body, not just your legs! Place your hands in front of you and squat low to the ground (feet shoulder width apart, back straight, sitting down into your bottom). Carry this out in two sets of 15. You can vary the workout by using a wall in the bedroom to lean against.
4. Duvet Dips Say goodbye to bingo wings with this simple move. Position your hands shoulder-width apart on the bed, positioning your feet on the floor in a squat position. Straighten your arms and slowly bend them to lower your body, before lifting your body back up again to start position. Repeat 20 times then take a break of no more than 20 seconds and complete two more sets
5. Pillow Pushups Position your feet apart on the bed with hands resting on the floor, shoulder-width apart. With arms straight and bottom clenched, steadily lower towards the floor before raising back up again until your arms are straight. Cary this out 15 times and then repeat for two more sets. For a slightly easier version use the bed rather than the floor. These simple bedroom-based exercises teamed with a luxurious duvet and pillow to help deliver a great night’s sleep could help you to shed pounds!� www.finebedding.co.uk
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Birch Sap
The New Beauty Superstar
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n 2014, coconut water took the health and beauty world by storm. This year, BIRCH SAP (BIRCH JUICE) is set to supersede the humble coconut. How does this Northern European super ingredient have an edge over previous contenders?
For those who want to tap into the latest trend, here are a number of good reasons why birch sap is set to be your health and beauty essential for the years ahead. Birch Sap originates from countries where temperatures reach minus 20-30 degrees Celsius and is traditionally enjoyed in the Baltic countries - Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Russia. Collected by taping the tree trunk during early spring when the birch tree awakes from a deep dormant winter period. The sap is super concentrated, vitamin and mineral rich, and contains all the ingredients for the birch tree to burst back into life for the short northern summer. Birch sap has a slightly sweet and refreshing taste, it is rich in bio-available nutrients including enzymes, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, sodium, iron, Vitamin C, fruit acids and amino acids.
Beauty Benefits Birch sap provides the skin with vitamins and other biologically active substances, such as free amino acids, and valuable sugars to rejuvenate, protect and reduce the signs of ageing. Recognised as a pure, potent, anti-ageing ingredient, it is one of Nordic women's beauty secrets. In fact, one of the main ingredients in Latvian certified organic skincare brand MADARA Cosmetics is birch sap. The birch sap replaces water (aqua) in the formulations and MADARA's unique water-free formulation uses birch sap instead of water to give your skin a boost like only nature can. The full Time Miracle range comprising of a Serum, Day Cream, Night Cream and Eye Cream has undergone in vivo and in vitro tests, confirming the effectiveness of birch sap in beauty products.
Health Benefits Birch sap is known to help cleanse and remove toxins from the body It helps nourish the body's cells with organic acids For centuries, it has been enjoyed for its purifying, diuretic and strengthening properties
The MADARA Time Miracle range starts at 50p (sample sachet) - ÂŁ38 and is available from health stores and online at mypure.co.uk
Medical research has shown that drinking one glass of birch sap every day for 2-3 weeks helps to fight fatigue, distraction and depression‌one of its traditional uses for those living in the Northern regions in spring, after a long winter.
Nordic Koivu Birch Sap Drink is sold at mypure.co.uk for ÂŁ8.99 per bottle. 18
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Face Fix
The Skin Lounge specializes in facial masks designed to perfectly fit the face contours. These single use cloth masks are great for applying just before a night out, priced at £6.50 they are guaranteed to have your skin looking brighter and glowing.
BEAUTY UPDATES Bob Along
Short bobs, long bobs, wavy bobs, they are everywhere, and it is obvious on the red carpet that this look is the trend with celebrities such as Claire Danes, Emma Stone Sienna Miller, Rosamund Pike and Lena Dunham. So are you ready to give it a go but not quite daring enough to cut off your all of your locks? Why not try a Faux bob?! Get the look without any drastic haircuts in a matter of minutes with the StyleEASY bob styler. This wonder tool has just launched in ASDA and retails at only £4. So what are you waiting for? Get the red carpet look in a matter of minutes!!
Caffeine Addict
The O’right Recoffee range contains recycled coffee beans. They have taken this overlooked, discarded, but wonderful ingredient and created a new range of amazing professional hair products. Caffeine is said to stimulate the hair shafts to make your luscious locks grow quicker, starting at £21 these are a must have product for everyone’s bathroom cabinet.
Keep up the Tone
Have you spent the last couple of months in the gym toning your legs, bum and tum? Well what about your face? NuFACE Trinity Facial Trainer Kit is an exciting new skincare device that’s taking the US by storm and now it’s our turn! Priced at £270 and exclusively available from www.currentbody.com this device is an exciting new skin care device that uses microcurrent and red LED technology to send gentle waves through the skin to energise the facial muscles. As a result the face gets a lifted look with more toned facial skin and the reduced appearance of wrinkles.
The Next Generation Murad’s new Intensive Age-Diffusing Serum instantly tightens, firms, and with continued use, reveals smoother, more resilient skin. This treatment formula utilises specialised proteins from the Resurrection Plant —a highly-resilient species of desert plant which is known to survive severe dehydration and thrive in very harsh conditions - that combat age-related hydration and bring dry, lack-luster skin back to life. Priced at £64 and available from John Lewis at Milton Keynes and Cambridge and Y Spa.
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11 Superfoods to Boost Your Health Your guide to nature’s nutritional wonders
We've all heard the buzz about "superfoods" in recent years, but do you know how much of them you need to eat to get benefits, or what they actually do for you? Superfoods are usually classed as those high in antioxidants – molecules that prevent oxidization and can prevent damage to healthy cells. But these 11 super-superfoods all have additional benefits, and are tasty to boot! So have a read, then hit your local health food store, market or supermarket to stock up.
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1. Blueberries WHAT’S IN IT? Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C, and also constitute a good source of fibre. WHAT DOES IT DO? Fibre normalizes bowel movements, lower cholesterol and helps control blood sugar levels, while antioxidants help guard against a range of cancers, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, Alzheimer's and age-related neurological diseases. HOW DO I EAT IT? Just eat them! You can also add them to fruit salads, sprinkle on yogurt or porridge or bake them. Keep a bag in the freezer, so you always have some handy. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? One small handful a day will do wonders. 2.BROCCOLI WHAT’S IN IT? Broccoli is a fantastic source of vitamins K and C, as well as folic acid, calcium and fiber. WHAT DOES IT DO? Vitamin K keeps your blood healthy and free from clots, while vitamin C fights cancer. Folic acid is highly recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers, while calcium strengthens bones and fibre keeps you regular. HOW DO I EAT IT? Stir fry it with other colourful veggies, or eat it raw with hummus or any other low-fat dip. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? One cup a day, either raw or cooked. 3. BLACK TEA WHAT’S IN IT? Lots of antioxidants and not much else – tea is completely calorie-free. WHAT DOES IT DO? Tea lowers blood pressure, helps prevent cancer and osteoporosis, lowers risk for stroke, promotes heart health, and contributes to your daily fluid needs and possibly even plays a role in preventing sunlight damage to the skin. How's that for the old cuppa? HOW DO I EAT IT? Brew tea for at least three minutes, unless you're extremely sensitive to caffeine, and add a wedge of lemon or lime and honey to taste. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? The sky's the limit! Just try not to overdo it with the caffeine. 4. SPINACH WHAT’S IN IT? Spinach is high in protein, vitamins A and K, folic acid and is also fibre-rich. WHAT DOES IT DO? Spinach makes the heart strong, protects against age-related memory loss, and helps with development of unborn babies (great for pregnant women!), among many other benefits. HOW DO I EAT IT? You can get the benefits of spinach if it's cooked or raw, so chuck it in your favorite salad or whip up super spinach lasagna. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? Again, one cup will do the trick. 5.WALNUTS WHAT'S IN IT? Walnuts have more antioxidants than any other nut, and are also brimming with vitamin E. On top of that, they're rich in plant serums and omega 3 oils, and have a very high ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats. WHAT DOES IT DO? The antioxidants in walnuts provide protection against cancer, while vitamin E is good for heart health and the serums and oils work to lower cholesterol. On top of that, walnuts can help guard against both diabetes and depression. Nuts! HOW DO I EAT IT? If munching on raw walnuts isn't quite your thing, sprinkle crushed nuts on a salad or on top of tasty pesto pasta. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? Certainly not a whole cup full! Just eight shelled walnuts every other day will give you all these benefits. 22
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6. EDAMAME (aka Soy beans) WHAT'S IN IT? Soybeans are one of the best plant sources of protein, as well as having plenty of fiber and a hefty dose of antioxidants. WHAT DOES IT DO? The humble soybean can improve cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, while antioxidants protect us against cancer. HOW DO I EAT IT? Boil, drain and serve sprinkled with sea salt and lemon, or give traditional hummus a fun twist by replacing the chickpeas with edamame. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? A mere half-cup of these legumes provides a whopping nine grams of fiber, 11 grams of protein plus a hefty dose of antioxidants, for just 120 calories.
7. BANANAS WHAT'S IN IT? Bananas are filled with energy-fueling carbohydrates, antioxidants, potassium and vitamin B6. WHAT DOES IT DO? Perfect for refueling before, during or after exercise, bananas protect cells against damage from free radicals that can cause heart disease and cancer, help lower blood pressure, and promote healthy skin and hair. HOW DO I EAT IT? Just peel and munch away! HOW MUCH DO I NEED? As many as you want really, just make sure they're ripe.
8. BRAZIL NUTS WHAT'S IN IT? Brazil nuts are one of the few good sources of selenium, and are also full of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. WHAT DOES IT DO? These tasty treats protect against cancer, depression and Alzheimer's disease. HOW DO I EAT IT? If raw Brazil nuts aren't quite your taste, chop them up and sprinkle on your morning cereal, or grind and add to your favorite salad dressing. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? Two or three nuts a day is enough, without adding unnecessary fat to your diet. 9. KIWI FRUIT WHAT'S IN IT? Among the most nutritionally dense fruits, Kiwi is full of antioxidants, as well as potassium, fibre, and vitamins A and E. WHAT DOES IT DO? Kiwis neutralize the free radicals that damage cells, reducing inflammation and the many connected disease processes. They may also reduce the likelihood of developing asthma and colon cancer, and promote heart health by lowering triglycerides levels and reducing platelet hyperactivity. HOW DO I EAT IT? Peel and eat as is, or slice into a summer salad. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? Just one kiwi a day will help keep the doctor away!
10. FLAXSEED (aka Linseed) WHAT'S IN IT? The humble Flaxseed is packed with fiber, omega3 fatty acids, B vitamins and antioxidants. WHAT DOES IT DO? Flaxseed fights cancer, and promotes brain food; it's one of the only non-animal sources of Omega-3, and certainly the easiest to digest. HOW DO I EAT IT? Sprinkle on your morning cereal or yoghurt, or add to salad dressings and pasta sauces. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? Just two teaspoons a day will help you benefit from these tiny nutritional powerhouses. Make sure you grind the seeds so your body can absorb the goodness.
www.goodnet.org
11. DARK CHOCOLATE WHAT'S IN IT? According to recent research, chocolate contains more antioxidants, gram-for-gram, than most fruit juices. WHAT DOES IT DO? The antioxidants protect the body from diseases such as cancer, and help prevent heart conditions. It also increases blood flow to the brain, and let’s not forget - it’s a natural mood-booster. HOW DO I EAT IT? Enjoy dark chocolate as is for a mid-afternoon pickme-up, or use in (healthy!) baking. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? This superfood should be eaten in moderation – just one or two squares a day is enough.
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Right to Know
This month (March) is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and research charity Ovarian Cancer Action has chosen the theme Right to Know.
genetic counselling session before your tests. This will help to make an informed decision about what to do next. Ovarian Cancer Action has created an online BRCA risk assessment test, an online calculator to help you explore your family history and make an informed decision about whether you should consider being tested for BRCA 1/2 gene mutations. To explore your family history and assess your BRCA risk visit: www.ovarian.org.uk/brca-risk-tool
Ovarian cancer isn’t as well-known as some other female cancers, yet it is the fifth most common - with more than 7,000 diagnoses in the UK each year. Almost one in five (17%) women with ovarian cancer carries a BRCA gene mutation. We all have BRCA genes but the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer if you have a mutation in one of these genes increases from one in fifty two, to one in two.
Ovarian Cancer: The facts • It is the most deadly gynaecological cancer and currently the fifth most common cancer among women. • There are 7000 new diagnoses each year in the UK • The UK has one of the lowest survival rates in Western Europe, with a woman dying from ovarian cancer every two hours; • That amounts to 4,300 deaths each year
What are BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that prevent cells from growing and dividing too rapidly. All of us have two copies of these genes. Mutations in these genes can cause cells to become abnormal and grow in an uncontrolled way. Having a mutation in one of these genes can increase a woman’s risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. This can mean that a woman has an 80% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime and a 35%-60% chance of developing ovarian cancer in her lifetime.
Ovarian Cancer: The symptoms The four main symptoms of ovarian cancer are: • Persistent stomach pain • Persistent bloating or increased stomach size • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly • Needing to urinate more frequently
How do I know if I’m at risk? If you have just one relative with ovarian or breast cancer this is likely to have happened by chance and not due to an inherited gene mutation. You may be at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer if: • Two or more of your relatives who are blood related to each other have had ovarian cancer • There have been multiple cases of breast and/or ovarian cancer in your family
The key features of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are: • Their persistency - they don’t go away • Their frequency - they occur most days • The symptoms are new - they started in the last 12 months • The symptoms are unusual - they are not normal for you
Can I be tested for BRCA 1/2 gene mutations? If you appear to have a strong family medical history of cancer you should discuss this with your GP. Before speaking to your doctor make a note of all the cases of cancer in your family and at what age they were diagnosed. If your GP thinks that you have a significant family history, they will refer you to your nearest genetics clinic for genetic testing.
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than 12 times in a month we recommend that you visit your GP, tell them about your family history, and ask that ovarian cancer is ruled out. If you are more than 50 years old it is particularly important that you visit your GP if you experience any of these symptoms as 80% of ovarian cancer cases occur in women older than 50.
What does the test involve? A blood sample is required for BRCA gene mutation tests. Ovarian Cancer Action recommends that you attend a
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WIN! WIN! WIN!
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- Overnight stay in Wyboston Lakes Suite
oday's pace of life is often detrimental to our health; no time to stop, late nights working by candle light, early mornings, school runs and the stresses of everyday life.
- Full English or continental breakfast
- Full day in Y Spa’s thermal suite including spa lunch, robe and slippers
Sometimes stopping, thinking, sleeping and talking is all we need to gain better perspective, to re-balance the scales of life and focus our minds on what is important to us.
- Murad pomegranate facial - Gift worth £35
This is when you need to indulge in a little ‘Me Time’
- £10 Murad retail voucher
We are offering one lucky reader and a guest the chance to do just that with an indulgent overnight stay at Wyboston Lakes Hotel including a day in the Y Spa.
To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize worth over £400 please tell us “What facial is included in the prize?” and send your answer to affinitymagcomp@gmail.com
- The prize includes:
- Arrival 3 pm – Champagne Afternoon Tea in The Waterfront Restaurant
Terms and Conditions Prize is for two people aged 18+ and is subject to availability. Gift available whilst stocks last. £10 retail voucher to be used on full priced products only. Prize to be taken by 30th June 2015.
- Three course dinner in The Waterfront Restaurant 25
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Midlife Madness Whether to Wine!
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any of you will have heard about, and possibly undertaken, a dry January (if your minds stretch back that far). It’s an idea I applaud, after the excesses of the festive season reining it in a bit seemed very sensible. Sadly it didn’t work for me, because it just so happens that January in our family is a very busy month, several birthdays, our wedding anniversary and not meaning to be morbid but a couple of bereavement anniversaries too. In our family all of those things seem to involve a bit of drinking.
So I had envisaged a damp February but it proved to be ‘patchy’ with occasional deluges. Undeterred I set my sights on March, after all surely it must be good for us to abstain once in a while or it wouldn’t be recommended and pushed to the extent that there seems to be a pressure to try and do it, even if you don’t feel you actually drink too much anyway. I also think it has an unintended side effect, namely that all the normal friends I have who do manage to have a dry January, or February or whatever seem to ‘morph’ from nice folk, who are my friends, into obsessive, rule bound, supercilious, patronising (you get the picture) idiots who start asking what is in the dessert?? Well, alcohol, obviously!
So I thought I’ll aim for a dry, or possibly more like a damp February. It started off OK but then suddenly some of the Christmas presents kicked in, by that I mean presents opened at Christmas to be redeemed at a later date – February mostly. For us there were theatre trips, where wine, if not compulsory, certainly enhances the experience in my view; meals out, need I say more, what is a nice sea bass without the cold Chablis or a Tiramisu without an accompanying sparkling dessert wine, or indeed cheese without Port, oh and I mustn’t forget the whiskey tasting, which speaks for itself.
Anyway my personal grievances aside I was still up for cutting it down, or out, for a time and then what happens? The newspaper reports that actually it is good for you, wine that is rather than abstinence from wine. Apparently the antioxidants in red wine can actually help prevent age related memory decline. Which does seem hard to believe ... but hey, it’s what the scientists say, so who am I to argue.
Well I mean what was I to do? I can go along with the idea that you can go out and enjoy a nice meal without wine, but when it was a present somehow I felt duty bound to enjoy it to the max. After all the person buying it did so because they know I love to eat (and drink) so I owed it to them to enjoy it fully – didn’t I?
Given the amount of time I spend looking for car keys, phone, glasses, handbag and purse, and the other day, not my finest hour I must confess, almost reporting that my car had been stolen when I searched all the streets around where I had parked to no avail - it was there of course, and I did find it in the end, but I think I need all the help I can get with memory.
Of course, February is also the month of Valentine’s Day which involved some lovely bubbly as well as chocolates and flowers and …..well, that’s enough really. Also I had started a new job working in London, and I know I will have to deal with this, but after a long day and the delights of commuting - I am only just beginning to realise how far reaching the delights of public transport commuting are (don’t get me started) - , the best way to mark the end of the day was, you’ve guessed it, with a nice glass of wine.
So now I am on the proverbial horns of a dilemma. Do I keep up my clearly medicinal intake of red wine? Or do I allow myself to be co-erced or guilted into catching up with my saintly acquaintances by having a month of abstinence?
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That’s a tricky one isn’t it? In fact I might have to pour myself a glass while I think about it.
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Little Miracles Eye of Horus Brow Define Pencil £15 Beautybay.com
Paddington Bear Entire Text Print £34.50 Home Candy
Cheeky Tiger Tee & Leggings £28 Boux Avenue
AFFINITY Chloe Bag £365 House of Fraser
Jimmy Choo Blossom Fragrance £46 Debenhams
Rousseau Point Shoes £550 SophiaWebster.com
HOT PICKS
La Ferte Cushion £35 The National Gallery
This month’s must have gifts and accessories
Marni Purse Sprays £25 Harrods
Leather Buckle Cheetah Bracelet £60 Cinderella B London
Peas in a Pod Multi Charm Necklace £35 Cinderella B London
Pet Teepee Bed £95 Home Candy
Roberts Iconic Revival DAB Coastal Radio £200 Clarke and Clarke
Metallic Diffuser £14 Next
Heart Print Shirt £39 Sugarhill Boutique
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Treatment of the Month
Elemis Biotec Triple-Tec Anti-Wrinkle Facial C
another layer of serum was applied which was encouraged into the ‘deeper layers of skin’ using a gentle galvanic current.
ombining gentle massage, botanical serums and some high-tech machinery, Elemis BIOTEC facial promises targeted results, no matter what your skin type or concern. There are seven BIOTEC facials to choose from Anti-Wrinkle, Firming, Resurfacing, Radiance, Blemish Control, Sensitive Skin and a Men’s facial.
Two micro-current electrodes were rolled across my face to firm, tone and lift. Next oxygen therapy was applied in short, powerful bursts of compressed air to plump out any fine lines. Finally LED light therapy was applied, starting by gently moving a red light across my skin to stimulate collagen and banish fine lines, a final layer of serum and moisturizer was applied at the end of the treatment.
Each uses a specific cocktail of concentrated serums, plus a new 5-in-1 facial machine that offers a combination of ultrasonic, micro-current, oxygen and light therapy to lift, smooth, brighten or purify your skin, depending on your complexion needs.
Did it work? Yes it did - my skin felt light and subtle and looked fresh, young and luminous. I do believe this is a facial I will definitely be having again!
I went along to The Day Spa at Whittlebury Hall to try this ultimate wrinkle-smoothing facial. The facial uses a micro-current to pulse, lift and firm the skin while boosting collagen at the same time.
Elemis Biotec Triple-Tec Anti-Wrinkle Facial £90 for 55 minutes The Day Spa, Whittlebury Hall 01327 850489 www.whittleburyhall.co.uk
A quick cleanse and a targeted hydrating and plumping serum was massaged on. Skin was then exfoliated using an ultrasonic frequency wand (which loosens dull, dead cells with vibration, rather than scrubbing). Then,
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Mum’s Word the
Lovelinks Bracelets from £39.95 Beads from £13.95 Millman, Bedford
O.W.L. York Collection £90 owlwatches.com
'Grey Vine' Long Silk Scarf £39.50 swankymaison.com For My Mum Sleekster £22 Hotel Chocolat
Marc by Marc Jacobs £50 Selfridges
Lothair £120 Penhaligon's Trade Routes
Fornasetti Silenzio Scented Candle £99 Selfridges
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Jane Eyre Kindle Cover £24.95 Klever Case
Dream Catcher Bracelet £75 Links of London
Delicate Transparence Lace Shirt £52 Intimissimi
Dolce & Gabbana Floral Drops £56 Boots
Bois Nef Candle £25 Hotel Chocolat Wine Rule the World Print £13.50 Of Life & Lemons
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FASHION Affinity
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Patterned Jacket £29.99 New Look
Check Denim Shirt £12 Debenhams Primark
Dress £30 BHS Jasper Conran £45 Debenhams
Into the Blue
Earrings £4.99 New Look
Dress £149 Marks & Spencer
Jasper Conran £65 Debenhams
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson £40 Debenhams
Denim Shirt Dress £24.99 New Look
Top £59 Marks & Spencer
Shoes £22.99 New Look
Flared Jeans £28 Next
Tunic Dress £13 Primark
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Capri Wow Necklace £25 Accessorize
Diva £12 Miss Selfridge
Statement Pieces Floozie by Frost French £20 Debenhams
Necklace £28 Marks & Spencer
Limited Edition Necklace £29.50 Marks & Spencer
Wallis
Necklace £25 Marks & Spencer
Necklace £18.50 Wallis
Ted Baker Emari Pear Drop Necklace £45 John Lewis
Tribal Necklace £12 Accessorize
Collection Necklace £25 Debenhams
Electica Vintage Napier Necklace £325 John Lewis
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Jacket £28 F&F Playsuit £45 Miss Selfridge
Mac £25 Primark
Julien Macdonald £32 Debenhams
John Rocha Dress £89 Debenhams
Kool as Khaki
Jumpsuit £65 Wallis
Star by Julien Macdonald £40 Debenhams
Bag £32 Dorothy Perkins
Suede Skirt £80 Dorothy Perkins Suede Dress £65 Dorothy Perkins
Zip Twill Trousers £18 F&F
Pema Ankle Boots £115 Dune
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Dior Cardigan £40 Joy
Jacket £24.99 New Look
Dress £45 Next
Sweater £15 New Look
Blazer £39.95 Orsay
Culotte Jumpsuit £13 Primark
All White
Cullotes £32 Debenhams
Bag £24.99 New Look
Top £60 Debenhams Cropped Lace Trousers £34.95 Orsay
Jasper Conran £55 Debenhams
Trousers £99 Marks & Spencer
Broderie Shirt £26 Next
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1 4
3
5
Bags
7
6
Candy 13
of
8
1. 3D Floral Clutch £24.99 New Look 2. Bag £29.50 Marks & Spencer 3. Grid Print Clutch £15.99 New Look 4. Red Herring £29 Debenhams 5. Armani Jeans Large Tote £175 House of Fraser 6. Therapy Helen Cross Body Bag £25 House of Fraser 7. Michael Kors Backpack £260 House of Fraser 8. Brixton Foldover Bag £59.99 Monsoon 9. Lemon Bag £4 Primarkuk 10. Sophie Backpack £35 Accessorize 11. Mini Satchel Bag £19 Accessorize 12. Faith £32 Debenhams 13. Bailey & Quinn £115 Debenhams
12 9
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Debenhams Floral Print Sweater £28 Next
Vila Floral Trousers £30 House of Fraser
Floral Wide Leg Trousers £36 Next J by Jasper 349 Debenhams
Daisy Print Shirt £28 Next
Silvia Scarf £45 Phase Eight Per Una Speziale Skirt £59 Marks & Spencer
Spring Blooms
Kensington Dress £110 Phase Eight
Star by Julien Macdonald £55 Debenhams
Debenhams
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson £38 Debenhams
Floral Culottes £14 Primark
Autograph Top £35 Marks & Spencer
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What can Kreative offer you... A
t Kreative we offer a wide range of products for all your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and study needs.We are excited to have entered 2015 with new ideas and offers for our customers. Kreative's new 'Trade Range' has 108 different door and cabinet colours to choose from, available at a fraction of retail cost and better quality than normal trade doors. These can be the ideal option for our Door Replacement Service, providing quality at affordable prices. We are also proud to offer our 'Bespoke Range', our flexible products allow us to create beautifully designed furniture for difficult spaces within your home. Transforming wasted underthe-stairs spaces and tired looking alcoves into practical areas for you and your family. Our friendly team can offer you a fully inclusive package for your requirements. Including building work, electrics, plastering, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, flooring, decorating and interior design. Alternatively a supply only option is also available. We supply to contract traders right through to our high end 'vogue' style designer kitchens such as the Tom Howley and Mark Wilkinson looks. Whatever option you choose by choosing Kreative you will have a quality product at an affordable price from a local, dedicated team of professionals.
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Putting an End to Procrastination There is an old saying,
"If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long!" It sounds, and is, a pretty crazy idea. What is not so crazy is the idea that if we actually do the thing we are least looking forward to (eating the frog, metaphorically) then actually that clears the way for us to get on to doing all the other things which may well be more productive as well as more enjoyable. Almost everyone I know complains that there is not enough time to do all the things they want, yet when we procrastinate we actually can waste hours, if not days. Think back to a time when you had to do something you really didn’t want to do, some accounts, a difficult phone call, filling in a difficult form, some study or a difficult letter, the strange thing is that we will find all sorts of ways of putting off this task.
It seems when there is something to do that we don’t like, all sorts of other tasks become attractive. So when it is time to fill in my tax return suddenly even hoovering seems okay! Anything other than the thing that really needs doing. Obviously people’s ‘frogs’ are as individual as they are, so tax return for me but maybe the garden for someone else or a sales call. Don’t confuse procrastination with consideration. It is entirely reasonable when faced with a big decision, buying a new car, choosing a school for your child or deciding whether to take that new job, to take time to consider the options and implications. That is not procrastination, it is simply taking some time for consideration. When it comes to procrastination however, it can lead to a number of problems, because the word procrastinate actually means putting off or delaying something, usually something that requires immediate attention. 42
“My advice is to never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.” Charles Dickens But of course we all do it. Sometimes we tell ourselves that we are actually doing other important things, but we probably know in our hearts that isn’t always true, what we are really doing is putting something off til… whenever. If we do convince ourselves that we aren’t doing something because we haven’t made a decision about it remember that NOT making a decision is still MAKING a decision. “If you choose to not deal with an issue, then you give up your right of control over the issue and it will select the path of least resistance.” ― Susan Del Gatto I imagine that there will be at least a few people reading this who have actually missed an opportunity because they have spent too long, procrastinating. As we go through life, sometimes we find ourselves
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being presented with opportunities and it is very easy to think that we don’t want to rush things, but actually we end up doing just the opposite and missing a great opportunity.
publisher, starting that business, or even talking about an idea we have. We might hear that inner voice that says we can’t DO THAT, we aren’t clever enough, we haven’t tried hard enough.
So why do we procrastinate, what is at the root of this, because while we may all be prone to it from time to time, we can also all think of people for whom this is a really limiting habit that causes them to miss opportunities, watch things go sailing by while they are putting things off.
Many of us are actually afraid of success. I know it sounds strange, but often we say we want success but part of us remains afraid that success may bring change, or put us outside of our comfort zone, and that can be a source of fear that effectively stops us from moving forward.
Well actually the root cause is often fear. The exact fear may be different for each individual but that is the common root cause.
Lack of confidence, sometimes alternating with unrealistic dreams of heroic success, often leads to procrastination, and many studies suggest that procrastinators are selfhandicappers: rather than risk failure, they prefer to create conditions that make success impossible, a reflex that of course 43
Sometimes people procrastinate because they are afraid of failure. This is particularly true of creative things, sending that book to a
creates a vicious cycle. Then of course, there are many of us who are afraid, even terrified, of failure. For all sorts of reasons this can create a situation for some people where it feels safer NOT to try, than try and risk failure. The impact of that is simple, put things off and avoid opportunities that may take you outside of your comfort zone because if you try there is just a possibility that you might fail. What better reason to put things off? So if procrastination is stopping you doing things that part of you knows you want to, and which might actually help you have more of what you want in life, then it’s time to do something about it. 07921193479 01234 349067 info@attunededucation.com www.attunededucation.com
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Affinity
FOOD & DRINK
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Back in Time for Dinner
New Season
Do you remember the arrival of the fish finger, the rise and fall of Angel Delight, Vesta curries and Wimpy hamburgers? Did you own a fondue set or host a Tupperware party, or were you starving yourself on the Cabbage Soup Diet? Was life always too short to stuff a mushroom? And what was the point of Nouvelle Cuisine? There has been a revolution in our kitchens. In 1950, the average housewife worked a seventy-five-hour week. No one owned a fridge or had seen a teabag, let alone an avocado or a Curly Wurly . Ten years later, sugar consumption had rocketed: we ate more biscuits for dinner than vegetables and fruit. It was not until the mid 1990s that we started to worry about ‘five a day'. And now, nearly twenty years on from the first vegetable-box delivery scheme, we are fatter than ever before . . . Has there ever been a golden age of the family meal? Released on 12th March and tieing in with the BBC2 series of the same name ‘Back in Time for Dinner’ is £20 and available from all good bookstores www.transworldbooks.co.uk
Celebrated Italian restaurant and bar, Cucina Asellina located on The Strand within the ME London Hotel begins the season with a new menu and a new look. The menu consists of regional Italian dishes (all priced under £10) in a warmer, stylish and more relaxed setting. Designed by head chef Stefano Lorenzini and chef director Barry Vera, the menu showcases the core elements of regional Italian cuisine; the best ingredients sourced from authentic producers marrying simple and fresh flavours. The menu offers a selection of; Fritti, Tagliere, Pizzette, Le Specialita della Cassa, Paste, Risotti & Zuppe; Contorni, Carne, Pesce and Dolci. Over 30 dishes are available, all priced under £10.
FOODIE NEWS Sipping on Spring
This new drink is available just in time to enjoy this springtime! An absolute delight and very girlie Three Hunters Vodka is made from grapes and bluberries has NO added sugars, NO gluten, NO artificial flavours and tastes delicious. Three Hunters is just vodka, clean, simple and good. www.threehuntersvodka.com
Vitality for Health
Renée Maguire, founder of RawChi and a top UK chef, is urging people to try her Vitality Blend. Using some of the world’s most nutritious superfoods. The result is a blend high in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals that will improve health and wellbeing. Available from rawchifood.com and priced at £24.99 Vitality Blend will assist people with busy lives. As well as helping to develop a radiant complexion, improve sleep and support weight loss – We know what will top of our shopping list!
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Wonders at
The Waterfront W
ith views overlooking the lake, you couldn’t ask for a more idyllic dining location than The Waterfront Restaurant at Wyboston Lakes, whether it’s a cosy meal for two, a family get together, business meeting or girlie catch up you’ll be guaranteed some delicious food and a warm and friendly atmosphere.
This month (March) sees the launch of the new spring menu with locally sourced ingredients and freshly cooked food, we were in for a treat.
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Homemade breads with black olive tapenade and melba toasts teased our tastebuds before the culinary delights of a tasting menu that certainly didn’t disappoint.
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Thai salad, Foie gras, duck, and orange marmalade was our first dish. The duck was cooked perfectly with the slight fruity tang from the marmalade and slight kick from the chilli bringing the whole dish together superbly. A Fish Bowl consisting of calamari, salmon, and prawns was like tasting fish straight from the sea, it was so fresh and tasty. I had already been so spolit with these two dishes and the breads that I thought I wouldn’t be able to eat anymore, but when the next dish of pork belly, braised cabbage, rosti potato, and apple balls was brought out the temptation was too hard to resist - and I’m glad I didn’t as this was my favourite dish; the pork was so tender it just fell away and literally melted in the mouth! Lamb shoulder, lamb chop, butternut squash puree, was another favourite, the lamb mixed with the butternut squash puree was a culinary delight Just as I was thinking I couldn’t possibly eat anything further, the dessert was presented - a chocolate lovers heaven, with a mixture of delicious sweet flavours this dessert is definitely a pudding lovers dream. The whole menu was simply divine, presentation was perfect, service impeccable and food delicious. This new menu with the varied and delicious dishes will ensure you have a wonderful dining experience whatever your choice. Waterfront Restaurant Great North Road, Bedford MK44 3AL 01480 212625 www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/ waterfront-restaurant
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Easter Eggstravaganza
Personalised Chocolate Bar £5.99 Getting Personal
Executive Egg Butlers Chocolates
Giant Gold LINDT Bunny £35.99
Charbonnel et Walker Milk Chocolate Egg with Sea Salt Truffles £15 John Lewis
Easter Chocolate Egg Jar £9.50 Ellie Ellie
Green & Black's Easter Tasting Collection Egg £14.99 Sainsbury's
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White and Light Extra Thick Egg £25 Hotel Chocolat All our Eggs in One Basket £50 Hotel Chocolat
Prestat Paper Egg with Pecan Praline Truffles
Guiness Large Dark Easter Egg £10 Debenhams Mini Egg Sweet Tree £16.95 Cuckooland cuckooland
Milk Chocolate Easter Egg Butlers Chocolates
Heavenly Hazelnut Egg £19.99 LINDT
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Asian Mussels 52
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“
“
Mussels are cheap, sustainable and surprisingly simple to cook as this delicious recipe shows
Ingredients 500g/1 lb 2oz fresh mussels 2 teaspoons garlic, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh root ginger, finely chopped 3 fresh chilli, finely chopped 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce 3 tablespoons spring onions, finely shredded 3 tablespoons peanut oil Fresh coriander sprigs, to garnish
This dish is brought to you by the Chef The Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant, Sharnbrook, Beds
Method Scrub the mussels clean. Discard any mussels that don't close when tapped gently. . Meanwhile, combine all the sauce ingredients, except the oil, in a bowl Heat a wok or large frying-pan over high heat. When hot, add the oil. Heat the oil until it's very hot and slightly smoking, fry the mussels for 1-2 minutes then add 200ml of water and place a lid or large pan over the wok and shake the pan. Cook for 2 minutes. Remove the lid and add the sauce ingredients and heat for a further 2 minutes Remove the mussels from the. Discard any mussels that haven't opened. Garnish with fresh coriander sprigs and serve at once. This dish can be finished off with, steamed rice or noodle stir fry for a more substantial meal.
McGuigan Classic Rosé This subtle, fresh and crisp Rose is heavily scented with aromas of summer berries, limes and roses. Delicious served cold with or without food. £8 Sainsburys
Trentham La Famiglia, Sangiovese, Rosé Wine While rose is a perfect summer drink on its own, it's a great match in any weather for antipasto dominated by grilled peppers, olives, frittata and cheesey cauliflower florets. This rose is just perfect, with sangiovese spice notes and crushed dried cranberries. It's super bright with crisp acidity and a fresh, dry finish. Some tannic grip adds to the weight of the wine. In a word, delicious £12.99 Waitrose
Velvet Lake Australian Rosé A refreshingly crisp, rosé wine, full of red berry intensity. Perfect for most occasions but great for a birthday party or girl’s night in. With its fruity flavour, this wine is good with most moderate to lightly flavoured dishes, including pasta, couscous and creamy risottos. £5.49 Budgens
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Baklava with honey ice cream
Ingredients
For the baklava: 18 sheets ready-made filo pastry (unwrap and keep under a damp tea-towel until you are ready to use) 150g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 300g mixed pistachios and walnuts and sultanas, roughly chopped 2 tbsp granulated sugar ½ a small jar of honey For the ice cream: 250ml milk 250ml double cream 100g castor sugar 6 egg yolks ½ a small jar of honey
Method
Starting with the ice cream, heat the milk and cream with the honey until it boils, meanwhile mix your yolks and sugar to combine, pour the cream mix onto the eggs and whisk. Put the ice cream base back in the pan and back onto the stove, heat it slowly over a low heat whilst stirring continuously until it starts to thicken. When it coats the back of the spoon remove it from the stove and strain into a freezer safe container, place in the freezer and mix vigorously with a fork every half an hour until it sets
For the baklava: Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Grease a 17cm x 28cm baking tray with some of the butter. Melt the remaining butter in a saucepan over low heat or in a microwave. Lay 10 sheets of filo pastry, one at a time, into the tray, brushing each sheet with butter before adding the next. Mix together the nuts & fruit, sugar and honey and spread the mixture over the pastry in the tray. Lay the remaining sheets on top of the nut mixture, brushing each sheet with butter, as before. Using a sharp knife, cut a criss-cross pattern into the top layer of the pastry. Place baklava in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, then decrease the oven temperature to 150C/300F/Gas 2 and cook for an additional half hour to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is slightly puffed and golden on top. Do not allow the top to burn. Serve the baklava hot from the oven with a ball of delicious ice cream.
This sweet is brought to you by the Chef The Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant, Sharnbrook, Beds 54
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Wedding Show Sunday 8th March 11am-3pm
Mothers Day Sunday 15th March 2 Courses £16.95 3 Courses £20.95
Pudding Night
Friday 27th March £16 for a main course and as many delicious puddings as you can squeeze in
Free Amps Wine Tasting
10th April Free wine tasting; why not join us for dinner afterwards
RAE Bedford Talk
17th April 3 Course Dinner followed by Lecture about RAE Bedford - £20 per person
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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INTERIORS Affinity
occa-home
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Blue Glass Jar £3.50 Tesco Direct
Bloomingville £98 Amara
Pretty Pastels
Bloomingville Rattan Chair £179 Amara
Embroidered Cushion £25 Marks & Spencer
Large Japanese Bowl £8.95 Dotcom Gift Shop
Capri Chair £299 Tesco Direct
Blue Spray Wine Glass £1.50 Tesco Direct
Cup and Saucer Set £12 Debenhams
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Cushion £12 Next
Metal Jug £7.00 The Contemporary Home
Set 4 Tumblers £7 Next
Home is Where the Heart is Block £7.50 The Contemporary Home
Wire Fruit Bowl £15 Marks & Spencer
Tiered Pendant £25 Next
Meadow Cafetière £31.95 Creative Tops Ltd-2
Sofa £799 Bloomingville
Lexington Towels From £6 Occa-Home
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Happy Easter Garland £5.25 Paperchase
EGGCELENT INTERIORS Easter Egg Tea Towel £7.50 Marks & Spencer
Rabbit Spot Cushion £55 Annabel James
We love all these Easter inspired interiors, they'll make any home 'Eggstra special’
Easter Sign £6 Sainsbury's Home
Egg & Twig Wreath £21.00 TCH
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Chicken Decorations £1.00 Tiger Stores
Happy Easter Block £12.00 The Contemporary Home
Easter Wreath £12 Sainsburys Home
Liberty Print Bunny £25 Bombus Ltd
Cornish Hen Cushion £18 British Boyns
Easter Tree & Decorations £12 Paperchase
Mini Happy Easter Sign £4.00 The Contemporary Home
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Fry’s Footie Corner
N
othing surprises me in football anymore, but I have to say the last few weeks on the managerial merry go-round has provided more shocks than I was expecting. The departure of Harry Redknapp from Queens Park Rangers did come as a surprise to some, but those that know Harry well, and I do know him well, understand the reasons behind why he left Loftus Road. Harry is one of the most passionate managers in English football and the only reason he resigned from the job was because of his health. Harry had already undergone an operation and was on crutches for several weeks and months. It was preventing him from being on the training ground and doing the job to the best of his ability, so when he learned he would need another operation, he decided for the good of QPR, to walk away. Harry is not a quitter and it won’t be his last managerial appointment, make no mistake of that. When he gets his health back, he will come back into football management and do a great job at a very fortunate football club. The recent turmoil at Aston Villa
Football Management continues. In January, Paul Lambert went over to America and was rewarded with a new contract until 2018. One month later, they gave him the sack. Why give a manager a new contract if you are going to sack him a month later? It baffles me. In fairness to Paul, he had his hands tied. He had limited funds and had to cut the wage bill and still keep his club in the Premier League. It was a tall order. I think the fact they were the lowest goalscorers in the league probably cost him his job, but it was definitely harsh. One door shuts and one door opens with Tim Sherwood taking the job at Villa Park. I am delighted to see Tim get to the job. He is a bright English manager. He has fresh positive ideas and I am sure the Villa fans will love his approach, his passion and commitment to the job And then we come to the strangest announcement ever. When Brentford announced that that their manager Mark Warburton will leave at the end of the season because they are restructuring the football landscape at Griffin Park I nearly fell out of my seat. 66
Mark has worked miracles in getting the Bees up and they have a real chance to get back to back promotions to the Premier League. Just when they were in the top six, this announcement was made. I cannot understand for the life of me, the timing of this announcement. I have got the greatest respect for Matthew Benham the owner of Brentford who has thrown a lot of money on and off the pitch in making the Bees a force in football. The appointment of Mark was a stroke of genius. I am just baffled by the timing of the announcement that they are to part company at the end of the campaign. I can assure all Brentford fans, in the short period of time I have known Mark, he will give 100 per cent until the day he walks out of Brentford. He is a class act. I feel for him, but I guess as I said at the top of this piece, nothing should surprise me in football anymore.
Barry Fry
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Moisture Man Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturiser £28 Boots
BullDog Anti-Ageing Moisturiser £5.67 Boots L'oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Recharging Moisturiser Turbo £14.99 Boots
ClarinsMen Super Moisture Balm £28 Debenhams
Tom Ford for Men Oil Free Moisturiser £75 House of Fraser
NYR Men Rejuvenating Moisturiser £22
Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion £8 The Body Shop
L'Occitane En Provence Cade Complete Care Moisturiser £32
Origins Save the Males Multi Benefit Moisturiser £28 Debenhams
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All About...
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Sumit Chakrabarty
Age: 36
Occupation: Head Chef Waterfront Restaurant Wyboston Lakes Describe yourself in three words? Ambitious, passionate and sensitive
What makes you stand out in a crowd? Energy and can do attitude Your top three movies? Ratatouille, Love Actually, Pearl Harbour What do you do to relax? Go shopping with my wife
Your most extravagant purchase and why? My engagement ring, needed to impress! If you could be anyone or anything what would it be? President of United States Describe your ideal woman? Wife
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you? Sky TV, Booze, Sun glasses What would you do if you had a time machine? Go back to when I was single
You can’t leave the house without and why? Shoes because I don’t want to walk bare foot
If I take a look in your fridge what would I find? Variety of food, I like to eat If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say to them? Mother Teresa and thank her for the service she has done for mankind If you were a biscuit what would you be and why? Chocolate chip cookies, I love them Who is your inspiration/role model? Chef Rick Stein
What is the one gadget you couldn't live without and why? My grooming kit because I like to look smart all the time Where do you see yourself in ten years? Managing director of a reputed hotel What would your last meal be? Chicken biryani
Which actor/film part would you like to be and why? James Bond because of the cars and Bond girls 69
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The New High Performance JEEP Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor Limited Edition is Unveiled
P
lans to continue the success of the remarkable Jeep Grand Cherokee range of 4x4 vehicles have been announced, with details of a formidable new SRT version, the Red Vapor Limited Edition.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor comes with an assertive and attractive sports appearance, and features a host of desirable equipment befitting of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT badge. Unique exterior and interior styling cues enhance the car’s distinct, high-performance image and set it apart from other sporting SUVs.
Designed to sit competitively in the sports performance sub-SUV segment of the hotly contested 4WD market, the new 6.4-litre V8-powered Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor will offer all the presence of Jeep SRT’s legendary muscular sports styling with breath-taking performance. Top speed is 160mph while 0-62mph takes just five seconds. First shown at last October’s Paris Motor Show, the new
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As well as Quadra-Trac ‘Active on Demand’ four wheel drive, anti-lock SRT performance disc brakes and active damping suspension, the Red Vapor also offers premium sports styling in the form of body coloured door handles, black roof moulding, body coloured sill extensions and wheel flare extensions. Five-spoke 20-inch Goliath wheels and a specific Black Vapor black chrome finish enhance
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The new Red Vapor is also equipped with the 8.4-inch Uconnect™ touchscreen display with integrated 3D navigation, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free technology.
the exterior while the lower grille, inserts of the upper grille, SRT tailgate badge, side Grand Cherokee badges and bonnet Jeep badge are all glossy black. The first limited edition of the current Grand Cherokee SRT, Red Vapor is not only available in Metallic Red (Redline). This exclusive car also comes in Bright White and Brilliant Black. Inside, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear changer complement the exclusive Black Laguna leather and Radar Red suede seats with unique red stitching, luxury front and rear mats and chrome pedals. The SRT badge on Red Vapor’s steering wheel is backlit, and grey chrome replaces the shiny chrome seen on SRT.
Further standard features include cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, 825-watt Harman-Kardon audio system with 19 speakers and three sub-woofers, power tailgate, and rear light bar. Priced at t £64,999 (OTR) it represents one of the best performance and equipment levels against price, among the sports SUV sub-segment. 71
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TRAVEL
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Affinity
Ice Cave, Secret Lagoons and Midnight Tours
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Discover the World has announced the launch of its new Iceland holiday collection for 2015, adding a host of exciting new tours, self drives, activities and accommodation. Visitors can expect to visit underground ice caves, explore Iceland by midnight sun and choose from an array of stylish new accommodation and luxury escorted tours with the new programme. With the continued volcanic eruptions at Bárðarbunga, 2015 is set to be another strong year for Iceland coupled with the highly anticipated opening of the Ice Cave experience.
Luxury Escorted Tours Travel in gloriously padded comfort in a specially adapted 4WD Mercedes Benz Sprinter (otherwise known as a 'Super Truck') carrying up to 17 people. With 42” tyres and raised suspension, this latest luxury touring option is the ultimate way to explore Iceland's rugged terrain negotiating rivers, snow, glaciers and rough ground.
Best of the Midnight Sun. Make the most of the glorious evening light and explore iconic Icelandic sights without the crowds on this one-off departure, coinciding with the height of the midnight sun. Extended daylight in summer allows visitors the perfect opportunity to maximise time spent enjoying Iceland's sites and activities, and with the majority of sightseeing taking place from late afternoon until the early hours, guests will have the countryside practically to themselves - viewing magnificent Mýatn, Askja and the eruption site at Holuhraun, as well as a late evening visit to thundering Dettifoss after most visitors have left. 7 night tour (departing 20 June 2015 only) is available from £2,190pp based on 2 sharing on a half-board basis, including the services of a driver/guide plus activities. Flights not included.
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Explore an Underground Ice Cave Opening in June 2015, take a unique trip by 8WD truck to an incredible man-made ice cave which spans 200-300m into Europe's second largest ice cap, Langjökull and 30m below its surface. Head inside to the heart of the glacier, where dramatic lighting reveals five grand chambers and the beautiful blue ice at its heart. Tours are available from June through to October 2015 and are priced from £100pp.
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Aurora Floating in a Secret Lagoon Geysers, mud pools and lagoons are abundant in Iceland, and with hot geothermal water so close to the Earth's surface, many are perfect for outdoor bathing. Recently launched, this unique excursion allows guests to float in the warm waters of the secret lagoon in Fludir, relax to the sound of underwater music and marvel at the night sky. Depart from Reykjavik in the evening and it is possible to enjoy the Midnight Sun (June-July) or even the northern lights (September-April). Prices start from £150pp, including English speaking guide, floating cap and support for legs, entry ticket to Secret Lagoon and free pickup & drop off in Reykjavik.
Explorer self-drive holiday from £519pp (two sharing) including B&B accommodation and car rental. Choose from a variety of optional excursions including a guided Superjeep tour from Hotel Ranga for £174pp (8-12 hours) or a sightseeing flight from Reykjavik - in which you spend 20 minutes over the eruption site - for £540pp (2.5 hours). All excursions are dependent on weather and eruption conditions and minimum numbers may apply.
Discover the World offers all airline options flying to Iceland from 8 different airports located across the UK. Airfares start from around £212pp return (including tax) with WOW Air from London Gatwick.
Experience the Bárðarbunga Eruption Witness the ongoing LIVE volcanic eruption from the 2km long fissure at Bárðarbunga. Choose from a variety of eruption itineraries that let you experience the magnitude of this natural wonder, including a 5-night Volcanic
For more information, call leading Iceland specialist visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk 75
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King
Castle of the
T
he Scottish borders is an increasingly popular tourist and short-break destination, and has a rich range of activities for all age groups; cross-country walking, mountain biking, horse-riding, clay-pigeon shooting, archery, fishing, golf as well as having a number of charming towns, historical sites and artistic events locally to explore. Just an hours drive from the north of England or south of Edinburgh and settled amongst the stunning rolling hills of the Ettrick Forest, is Aikwood Tower. Built in the 1540s, the striking Grade A-listed tower house is full of authentic medieval castle charm – from the original spiral staircase that winds its way through the heart of the building to the enormous crackling fire in the Great Hall. Fitted with all the amenities of a 21st century home and featuring many original features, the exclusive use self-catered venue boasts five en-suite bedrooms (sleeping up to 11 guests) and four reception rooms. Located 40 miles south of Edinburgh in the heart of the Ettrick Forest - the ancient hunting ground of Scottish royalty up to the days of Mary Queen of Scots - the stunning local landscape around Aikwood Tower offers some of the finest shooting and fishing in Scotland, among many other leisure activities. Situated within easy reach of the River Tweed with it’s legendary salmon and the neighbouring Bowhill Estate, one of the Shooting Times’ top pheasant shoots in the country, Aikwood Tower is truly blessed by its location. For a holiday or short break brimming with good times and unforgettable memories, then look no further than the fivestar Aikwood Tower it’s the perfect location to recharge your batteries or host a get-together with family and friends. www.aikwoodtower.com 76
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Dance 'Til Dawn
STRICTLY's Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone mix ballroom and the best of stage dancing in this spectacular tango show. Not since West Side Story has there been such amazing dancing and inventive choreography on the London stage. After wowing audiences across the country with Midnight Tango, the dazzling duo return in a sensational dance show straight from the Golden Age of Hollywood. In 1940s LA, a romance unfolds between a beautiful starlet and her handsome lover. Dance ‘Til Dawn will transport you to a time of elegance with stunning sets, a live band, world class dancers and Vincent and Flavia themselves with their flawless footwork and spellbinding choreography. Dance ‘Til Dawn is a classic love story that brings vintage Hollywood glamour to the present. Flavia and Vincent dance their way through gang murder, sexual shenanigans and silent film silliness whilst scarcely uttering a word. The show, with all its twists and turns, is exquisitely paced giving audiences an unforgettable evening of timeless sophistication and breathtaking dance - a must see. Mon 13th – Sat 18th April Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
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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
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07944 886502 carolyn612@btinternet.com www.vedatherapeutics.co.uk
ON! What’s
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March 2015
Fri 6th – Sun 15th March Noel Fielding Exhibition The Royal Albert Hall, London Noel Fielding wears many hats: he's a comedian, actor, writer and DJ, as well as a fully fledged artist. Having graduated from the Croydon School of Art, he's been exhibiting his work since 2008, with a string of shows across the capital. His latest offerings at the Royal Albert Hall include portraits of well-known musicians like The Beatles and Elvis Presley alongside more experimental pieces. The exhibition is opens to those attending a performance and free to the general public on certain days. www.royalalberthall.com
Exclusive presentations throughout the day which are packed with inspiration and practical advice to help you find your perfect holiday. Spaces for the presentations are limited, so reserve your place today to avoid disappointment on the day FREE Entry To register call: 01234 326758 www.selecttravelgroup.co.uk/show
Sun 15th March Mothering Sunday Lunch at The Woburn Hotel Dine with us in our 2 AA Rosette Restaurant Olivier’s and enjoy a delicious three course menu designed especially for Mothering Sunday. Sit back and relax with your family, choose from our tempting menu and let us look after the rest. £29.95 per person 01525 290441 www.thewoburnhotel.co.uk
Sat 7th and Sun 8th March The Woburn Estate Wedding Fair 11am – 3pm A wide variety of pop-up wedding shops will be located in the period Antique Quarter of the Sculpture Gallery at Woburn Abbey, where you can discover everything you need for your big day. All three wedding venues on The Woburn Estate; The Sculpture Gallery, The Woburn Hotel and The Safari Lodge at Woburn Safari Park will be open and set up as if for a wedding. Catwalk shows will take place on both days at 12.00pm and 2.00pm in The Sculpture Gallery. The Woburn Estate Wedding Fair is free to attend and car parking is also free. www.facebook.com/woburnweddings www.woburnweddings.co.uk Sun 8th March Cruise Select's Cruise & Travel Show 2015 - 10.00am to 3.00pm Wyboston Lakes Executive Centre There will be a host of exhibitors ranging from cruise and river cruise lines to land based tour operators. The Cruise Select team will also be available throughout the day to answer any questions you may have and to make bookings for guests taking advantage of the exclusive show offers.
Sun 15th March Mothering Sunday Afternoon Tea at The Woburn Hotel The Woburn Estate is home to afternoon tea, popularised in the 1840s by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford. Enjoy this quintessentially English tradition, with delicate finger sandwiches, home made scones and a selection of tempting cakes and pastries. £18.25 per person 01525 290441 www.thewoburnhotel.co.uk
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Fri 20th March An Evening with Ian McCulloch – 7.30pm Bedford Corn Exchange in Partnership with The Pad Formed in Liverpool in 1978, Echo & the Bunnymen grew to become one of the UK’s most popular indie rock bands responsible for hit albums and singles such as The Cutter, Seven Seas, Bring on the Dancing Horses, The Killing Moon, Nothing lasts forever. Iconic front man Ian McCulloch will be giving a rare solo performance at Bedford Corn Exchange and will feature stripped down versions of classic Bunnymen tracks as
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well as songs from his own solo catalogue. £18.50 per person www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Sat 21st March Soul Legends The Grove Theatre Dunstable Billed as “the feel good show of the year”, brand-new smash-hit, Stateside spectacular Soul Legends is coming to town. Boasting that it “features more soul classics than any other production” songs from Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave, Michael Jackson, Barry White, George Benson, Lionel Richie, Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd, Chaka Khan, Edwin Starr, Earth Wind and Fire, The Emotions, Kool & the Gang, The Pointer Sisters and many more are among the 32-song score. Show producer Michael Taylor says: “It’s all aboard the sensational soul train show of the year. “We embark from soul’s heady Sixties origins. . . steaming, non-stop, through to the present day. . via everyone’s favourite Seventies and Eighties dance classics.” Tickets £23.50 per person www.grovetheatre.co.uk Sun 22nd March Affinity Luxury Wedding Showcase 11am – 3pm Bedford Corn Exchange Are you getting married? Make sure you join us for everything you need to plan your perfect wedding all under one roof.
FREE entry, bubbles, goodie bag and a copy of Affinity Weddings Magazine for all Brides. Fashion Shows at 12pm and 2pm To register your details contact jane@affinitymag.co.uk
Fri 27th – Sun 29th March The Bedford and Milton Keynes Jazz Festival Being run from Friday evening to Sunday evening, managing to pack in a total of 7 gigs. Using a different venue for each event, trying to reach a range of audiences to carry on spreading the word of Jazz around the local area. Venues include The Ent Shed (Bedford), MK Gallery, The Pavillion, The Stables,The Black Lion (Leighton Buzzard), The Bedford Arms, The Place Theatre. www.bedsmkjazzfest.wix.com
Fri 27th March – Fri 8th May Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea The Natural History Museum Find out whether life really is better down where it's wetter in this exhibition of images and information collected during the three-year long Catlin Seaview Survey of coral reefs. More than 200 specimens from the Natural History Museum's collections will also be on show, including coral collected by Darwin on the HMS Beagle. A live coral reef and a virtual dive will give visitors a thorough view of these natural underwater masterpieces. www.nhm.ac.uk
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A quiet night in... First Time in Forever By Sarah Morgan How would you cope if you were forced from your comfort zone and thrown into a world so new, so terrifying and with such huge responsibility? Emily Armstrong knows all too well when her friend Scarlet, a high profile actress, is killed under tragic circumstances and Emily discovers she is to become guardian to her orphaned daughter Darcy. Adding to the extreme pressure of raising a child she finds herself transported to Puffin Island to live in her friend’s house with Darcy – a terrifying prospect due to a traumatic childhood experience leaving her with a deep fear of the sea and sand. However, could the attention of attractive local businessman Ryan Cooper be enough to help Emily and keep her on Puffin Island? Release Date: 12th March Get Hard Great comic talents combine as Kevin Hart prepares millionaire fraudster Will Ferrell for life in jail! Hedge fund manager James King (Will Ferrell) lives a life of luxury. So it comes as quite a shock when he's arrested, tried and convicted of fraud and embezzlement. The judge gives him 30 days to get his affairs in order before starting a 10 year stretch in the notorious San Quentin jail. Desperate James turns to car wash boss Darnell Lewis (Kevin Hart) to teach him how to survive life inside. But despite James's stereotypical assumptions, Darnell is a law-abiding citizen who has never been in prison. That doesn't stop him throwing himself into the role of 'incarceration expert', hilariously attempting to transform this pampered white collar criminal into a fearsome thug! Release Date: 27th March
Fury Brad Pitt leads a tank crew in the final days of World War II in this war drama .The year is 1945. Army sergeant Wardaddy (Brad Pitt) is the grizzled commander of a Sherman tank. Determined to strike a decisive victory for the Allies in the European Theater, Wardaddy leads his five-man crew on a treacherous mission behind enemy lines. His mission complicated by the sudden appearance of a rookie soldier in his platoon, the sergeant knows that victory is within reach, and vows to achieve it by any means necessary. Release Date: 23rd February
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AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
MARCH 2015 ISSUE 46
FREE www.affinitymag.co.uk
March 2015
Spring has Sprung Superfoods
King of the Castle
It’s all about pastels - beauty, interiors and fashion, we bring you all the key looks
11 of the best to boost your health
Fancy your own castle for the weekend
BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON