Affinity Magazine March 2017

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AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

FREE www.affinitymag.co.uk

March 2017

Culture and Cuisine

in Lausanne, Switzerland

MARCH 2017 ISSUE 70

Scentsational

The latest Springtime fragrances

All of a Flutter Butterfly inspiration for your home

Spring Edit

Fashion trends hot off the catwalk

Surviving Pregnancy We show you how

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Welcome...

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I’m loving...

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Later this month sees spring officially arriving, bringing with it brighter days and longer nights. It is a well-known fact March sees us all come out of hibernation and start socialising again. Here at Affinity we always like to help you where we can, which is why we‘ve found a couple of really great places you should put on your list to visit.

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The first is the Cabaret Club in London, who until July are putting on a James Bond themed cabaret “ London Never Dies’ to check out more details and to see how you can book tickets turn to page 78.

The other is Buckinghamshire Railway who have an array of different events for all the family in the next few months, whether you want a teddy bear train journey or a single steam train ride the choice is yours turn to page 60 to find out more.

The end of the month (26th March) is Mother’s Day; a time to show all the mum’s out there just how special they are. We’ve searched high and low for some gorgeous gifts any mum would love (page 34).

1. Gold & Silver Banana Pendant £195, truerocks.com 2. Floozie by Frost French Sunglasses £18 Debenhams 3. Teresina Tie Sandals £40 ASOS 4. Parfums de Marly Delina Fragrance £175 Selfridges 5. YSL Beaute Keep an Eye on Me Palette £42.40, John Lewis

Letting go of the past is not something many of us find easy to do, truth is we can’t change it and we sometimes concentrate so much on the past we forget to live in the now, we talk to our resident expert Sheila (page 24) to find out what we can do to let go.

Tickets for our Charity Champagne Afternoon Tea are selling fast so if you’d like to join us please get in touch.

Until Next Month

Jane x www.affinitymag.co.uk

Cover Folli Follie

Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Advertising: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@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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What does your kitchen mean to you?

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CONTENTS 37

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5 Ways to Stay Healthy Surviving Pregnancy Scentsational Spring Hot Picks Stuck in your Life Between the Lines Love a Novelty Foodie News Dessert Time All of a Flutter In the Frame Ferrari Unleashed Culture & Cuisine Your Stars

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Put the Spring Back in Your Step with Dr Hilary Jones

5 Ways To Stay Healthy

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“Spring has finally sprung! For many, this creates the perfect opportunity to ‘spring clean’ our health,” explains TV medic Dr Hilary Jones. “Here are my healthy top tips for the new season ahead!”

1. Set Yourself a Challenge Challenging yourself can reveal qualities you didn’t know you had, and spring is a great time to get outdoors and set yourself a new goal that you can work towards. It might be a 10K run, a parachute jump or the London to Paris bike ride, and why not get some friends on board too for added fun and motivation! Convincing yourself that you will conquer the challenge will make you believe it, whilst boosting your self-esteem and self-confidence in the process!

2. Banish Unnecessary Stress Having too much on our plate can leave us feeling drained and anxious so it’s important to create a balance. Take 10 minutes to reflect on the things you find stressful in life and think about ways to limit them or get rid of them altogether!

Unclutter your mind before bed every night and give yourself time to think about the things in your daily routine that are really important to you.

3. Spring Clean Your Senses Staying connected with the world around us is key to our happiness, relationships and emotional wellbeing. Whilst many of us visit our optician and dentist regularly, we wrongly neglect our hearing health – with research showing people can wait up to 10 years before taking action on a hearing problem! Don’t waste time wondering whether your hearing is what it should be — get the facts by getting a free hearing test. This spring hearing specialists Hidden Hearing is offering a 3 month supply of Healthspan Multivitamins and a copy of Dr Hilary Jones ’50 Tips to a Healthier YOU’ with every free hearing test. (www.HiddenHearing.co.uk ).

4. Get Health Wise Do you know your cholesterol level and your ratio of good fats to bad fats in your blood? What's your blood pressure reading? What is your height-weight ratio and what is your body fat percentage? Staying on top of your health and taking positive steps to look after yourself today will help to protect your health in the years to come whilst giving you a baseline to compare with in the future.

5. Perfect Portioning Most of us know what we should be eating in order to stay healthy but portion size is something that many us don’t give much thought to. According to the British Heart Foundation, our portion sizes have increased by more than 50% in the last 20 years, so try using your hand to measure your portion sizes: A portion the size of the palm of your hand should be your protein, two fist-size portions for your vegetables/salad, one fist or less is your carbohydrates (potato, rice, pasta etc.). Chewing your food properly and putting your fork down between mouthfuls will also allow your brain time to register that your stomach is full.

Now’s the time to not just think about giving your health a boost, but to actually DO it!

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Surviving Pregnancy W

e’ve lost count of how many celebrity pregnancy announcements there have been over the last few weeks, Beyonce, George Clooney and Rosie Huntington-Whitely to name but a few.

little and often, using complex carbohydrates as snacks to keep your blood sugar levels up.

Suitable choices include rice cakes, wholemeal bread, rye crackers and any whole, unrefined products.”

Unlike A-listers we don’t all have access to million dollar obstetricians, so we’ve brought in our own experts for their best advice for surviving pregnancy:

“Vitamin B6 has also been found to be very helpful in reducing the attacks of nausea and vomiting. One theory is that morning sickness may be caused by high oestrogen levels, and vitamin B6 is helpful in clearing excess oestrogen from the body by optimising liver function.”

“Ginger is a traditional remedy for morning sickness, and it can be extremely effective, as confirmed by a 1991 double-blind clinical trial. It can be taken in the form of supplements, capsules or herbal tea. Another good method of taking ginger is in lemon and ginger tea. If you are having trouble keeping fluids down, sweeten the tea with a little honey or maple syrup and freeze as ice cubes to suck as required.”

Morning Sickness It’s one of the most common complaints in pregnancy, with almost 90% of women experiencing some form of morning sickness.

Although it is known as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of the day or night. Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading nutritionist and author of ‘Natural Alternatives to Sugar’ says: “Morning sickness can definitely be eased by regulating your blood sugar levels. Make sure that you eat 20

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Cravings From chocolate and pickles to spicy foods and ice cubes, most pregnant women experience cravings. Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns says: “Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast, as this can lead to cravings later in the day for sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods. Make sure your meals contain a serving of a proteinrich food such as meat or fish, cheese or yoghurt, seeds and nuts, or beans and lentils: protein can help to slow down absorption of sugars and starches into the blood and lessen cravings later on.”

As well as having a nutrient-rich diet, taking a pregnancy multivitamin, such as Natures Plus Source of Life Garden Prenatal Multi (£42.95, naturesplus.co.uk) can help to prevent deficiencies that could provoke cravings.

Swollen Limbs It’s not just your tummy that grows while your pregnant, for many women their hands and feet also swell during their pregnancy. Kimby Osbourne, leg health expert at Activa UK (www.activahealthcare.co.uk): “Pregnancy can obviously affect the legs and feet as there is a lot more pressure and weight on them during this time. Common problems incurred by pregnant women include swollen ankles, tired, aching legs and a feeling of heaviness. This is due to hormonal changes and the extra weight gain during pregnancy, which affects the leg veins.

Varicose veins are also more common during pregnancy, especially if they run in the family.

Compression hosiery and simple exercises are the best solution to help prevent and alleviate these symptoms and save you from storing up health concerns for the future”.

Back Pain As well as general fatigue, many women say that back pain is a problem especially towards the end of their pregnancy. Cassandra says: “Back pain can be a problem for many women in the 21

later stages of pregnancy, as the weight of the baby pulls the body forward, causing the woman to lean back to compensate. The first thing to remember, therefore, is to maintain a good posture and walk upright, trying not to lean back. Avoid high heels, as they put more strain on the back – go for pretty flats instead. Other things that may bring relief include back massage, hot showers (or warm baths, but not hot), and exercise, especially prenatal yoga.”

Skin Problems Increased hormone levels are the main cause of skin problems during pregnancy, acne is quite common with more than half of pregnant women developing some form of acne during their first trimester. Marilyn says: “Iron deficiency is more likely to be a problem as the baby starts having a growth spurt in the last trimester it always important to get this monitored. Low iron levels can cause hair loss, the skin to become pale and dull and the nails to become weak. Iron rich foods include all dark green leafy vegetables, tofu, dried apricots and blackstrap molasses.”

“Make sure the diet is rich in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables as these contain antioxidants including Vitamin E that naturally regulates blood pressure. Taking a good fish oil (Omega 3 Support, £27.77, naturalhealthpractice.com) and Vitamin C (NHP Vitamin C Support, £15.77, naturalhealthpractice.com) can be very supportive on top of the antenatal formula (NHP Antenatal Support, £22.97, naturalhealthpractice.com).”

“Zinc is also essential for skin, hair and nails and can get used up rapidly when under stress. Eat plenty of brown rice, pumpkin seeds and oats.”

Dr Adam Friedmann, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic adds: “If there is oiliness or acne a gentle cleanser can be applied. Treat acne pimples with topical creams (usually prescribed by the GP or dermatologist) and moisturise with a light moisturiser. Use high factor SPF during the spring and summer months.”

Look for light formulas that also have antiinflammatory ingredients and promote skin cell renewal like the What Skin Needs Soothing Skin Gel. Dr Roger Henderson, GP with a special interest in dermatology explains: “The Soothing Skin Gel (£14.99, whatskinnneeds.co.uk) helps soothe and provide moisture to dry skin to protect after exposure to the elements as well as helping reduce the irritation of rashes”

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Face Facts

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GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment £25, GlamGlow L'Occitane Instant Hydration Mask £24, Fruugo Goddess Skin Clay Mask £45, John Lewis Temple Spa Skin Remodelling & Brightening Mask £50 (for six) TempleSpa.com Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay £23, Debenhams The Body Shop Amazonian Acai Energizing Radiance Masque £16 Lush Mask of Magnaminty Self Preserving £10.95 Zelens Transformer Instant Renewal Mask £95 lookfantastic.com

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Letting go of the Past 24

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he Past is a topic that comes up often, simply because it can exert a powerful influence on our present life - in fact much misery, many counselling sessions and a number of mental health issues are caused by the things that have happened in the past. But to be more precise it isn’t always what has happened in the past that causes the problem, though what happened may have caused distress, injury and trauma but what mostly causes problems in the present is our thoughts about those past events, the way we frame them and of course the feelings we have about them. Although it might not always feel like it our thoughts and feelings about those events are in fact something we can control or at least learn to control.

‘guilty’ of hurting others, intentionally or otherwise or of making ill-advised choices but ……….well that would be because we are human.

The important question is what do we do about this?

Well whatever the scenario the answer is usually similar.

Accept that whatever happened indeed happened and that it probably can’t be changed now - If it happened in the past. The clue is in the statement - it is in the past.

But that can be sometimes be very tough -if the belief is that what happened has had negative consequences then it is hard sometimes to accept that. But there isn’t really an alternative - it did happen and no amount of regret anger or guilt will change that. The notion of accepting something doesn’t mean it is ok or even that your happy with it but to accept that it happened can be a powerful way of releasing the emotions that are no doubt bound up with it and which are probably stopping you moving forward in particular areas of life - being reluctant to trust people after feeling let down or betrayed for example.

We are all individuals with individual histories that are unique to us, but there are also a few general trends that run through the past issues that cause us problems in the present.

So let’s take a look at a few of the common issues that arise when working with people who struggle with aspects of the past.

The first is regret and in many ways this is one of the simplest things to deal with. The past is just that - it is past and no matter how hard we might wish for things to be different or give ourselves a hard time for acting in a particular way, or even NOT doing something. The fact does remain that we cannot go back in time. The first step then is to accept what happened. As humans we will often spend ages going over events in our head thinking of the different moments when we could have said or done something differently. In all honesty sometimes we can even wallow in it a bit - almost punish ourselves by rehearsing how different life could be if we had done or said something different or been in a particular place at a particular time or whatever.

Sometimes the reason we can’t accept what has happened is because there is a part of us that doesn’t want to accept it and somehow by hanging on to the emotions of it repeatedly experiencing the hurt, we mistakenly feel may make us feel better but generally it doesn’t.

It actually keeps the hurt alive. So to accept it is a powerful release. Sometime part of that means we need to forgive the people who have hurt not because what they did was acceptable but because to NOT do this actually hurts us - whereas releasing the emotions, the anger and pain and getting to a place where we can forgive means that we are able to move forward. By not forgiving sometimes we sort of give power to the person or event that hurt us and allow it to keep on hurting us.

The second is anger about what happened. We can all acknowledge at times that life is not fair, things happen, sometimes people behave badly, cruelly or criminally and sometimes life just slaps us in the face with illness, disappointment or rejection. It is understandable to feel angry but again re-living the moment nurturing the anger and bitterness will actually prolong the pain. The frustration or sense of injustice may be understandable but it isn’t usually helpful.

When we have accepted that it happened in the past and given ourselves the chance to both acknowledge and express the emotions it generated, and forgiven ourselves and others then we are in a position to let go of the past and move forward.

But that involves us making a decision to create new ways of thinking about the event - and deciding to behave differently - that might mean when we it comes up in our minds we need to push away the negative thoughts around it and make a conscious choice to adopt more positive thought patterns.

And then there is guilt. That is something we all know about and I am sure many people reading this will have spent hours feeling guilty about things they really shouldn’t feel guilty about at all. As humans we like to find reasons for things and somehow it is easy to turn what happened, which may have been no fault of or own but something that was entirely down to others, in on ourselves and beating ourselves up becomes a habit and we end up stuck once again in a negative thought cycle. Of course sometimes we might be

To learn how letting go of the past could help you or for help with any of the issues raised contact Sheila at Attuned Education 01234 349067 07921193479 info@attunededucation.com or visit www.attunededucation.com 25

Scentsational Spring

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You’ll be spritzing all the way into summer with these springtime fragrances

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1. Chloe Love Story Eau Sensuelle £47 Boots 2. Escada Fiesta Carioca Perfume £36 Debenhams 3. Gucci Bamboo £70 John Lewis 4. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Bloom £58 Debenhams 5. Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Sucre Fragrance £50 (50ml) 6. Kate Spade Walk on Air Eau de Parfum £60 7. Calvin Klein Eternity Intense £38 Debenhams 8. Jimmy Choo L’Eau £47, Debenhams 9. Sisley Paris £69 Harrods 10. Marc Jacobs Daisy Kiss Edition £55 Debenhams

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Midlife Madness Oh to live with Ninjas!

There are simply loads of positive aspects to living in a family, and honestly I wouldn’t swap it for the world, a tidy house maybe, but definitely not the world!! Though there are times when I just wish they would all be a little more invisible. A bit more like Ninjas. The thing is humans leave trails - sometimes glaringly obvious, really messy ones. You leave the house in the morning and whilst perhaps not of show house standards in terms of cleanliness and ‘order’, it is at least tidy and respectable, simply because you have bothered to put dirty dishes in the dishwasher, coats on pegs, and cushions back on sofas ,all while eating your toast, catching up with the news, packing lunches and possibly even sorting a load of laundry - I’m not saying all women are awesome I am simply pointing out that we have multi-tasking down to an art form! Then you go to work or whatever else is the task for the day and come back a few hours later to what resembles a bomb site - I suspect I am not the only one this happens to!

place but I’m not sure that means they are a good place to leave used mugs and store them in dark out of the way recesses where they can grow mould with ease - trust me this is not a science experiment, I might not be much more sympathetic if it was but the fact is it not to do with science it is to do with good old common or garden laziness!!

To my mind one of the wonderful things about drawers and cupboards (superior I would say to shelves) is that they do actually hide all the stuff which if allowed to roam free would definitely look messy. So why is it that people open drawers and cupboards or wardrobes and then don’t close them!! Definitely that is one of the mysteries of life - do they think they will close themselves? Or ‘suck’ up mess like in Mary Poppins, when she ‘tidies’ the nursery!!

But that is all about the trail people leave in the home, what perhaps bugs me more is the ‘presence’. I’m not saying people should tip toe all over the place but if it is at a time when others might be sleeping then surely it is reasonable to close doors rather than slam them, talk on the phone as if it is a phone and not like you are communicating with a person 100 yards away via a plastic cup and a bit of string!

You can picture the scene - kitchen surfaces littered with the debris of snatched snacks, hastily prepared meals, possibly another load of laundry half emptied and left damp on some wholly unsuitable surface, coats and bags dropped in the hallway, discarded shoes and bags providing further obstacles to any movement through the house. The bathroom suddenly has sprouted wet towels in plies on the floor, opened shampoo pots and trails of discarded clothes, presumably left in the hope they would be able to make it unaided into the laundry basket, which if I’m honest has yet to happen this side of a blue moon.

I know the purpose of towels in essence is to get wet, shampoo to be used and clothes to be washed and re-used but there is something very nice about a clean tidy bathroom.

I also know bedrooms are people’s special individual

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I may not be a paragon of virtue but if I know others are sleeping, I will at least think before I turn on lights in the room or watch a you tube via Facebook video BEFORE I’ve put my headphones in and I will try to avoid walking into things in the dark which of course will necessitate a loud scream. I am sure you get the gist of things. So what are my options, a bulk buy of invisibility cloaks, ‘rules’ all over the house, or find alternative accommodation for myself and wonder if anyone notices that the dishwasher stacking, mouldy cup removing, cupboard door closing, laundry fairy have all vanished in a mist!

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The Story so Far by

Matthew Towers

Towers Health & Racquets Club I have been asked the same question many times over the last 4 years – why are you trying to build a high-end health and racquets club in Bedford? The implication is that Bedford is not a suitable place for such a club. I certainly do not share this lack of confidence in the town.

Anyway, back to that question – let me try to explain…… ..

Racquet Sports in Bedford I am a long-standing sports enthusiast, with a passion for competitive sport, but with a particular love of racquets sports. When I moved to Bedford in the 1980s, it was relatively well served, with a squash club, two large tennis clubs, and some decent pay-and-play facilities. In the last 25 years the world has moved on, but Bedford has stood still in terms of racquets sports provision. Both the squash club and Bradgate Road tennis club closed. There has been little new investment, and it is incredible that the whole of north Bedfordshire still has no permanent indoor tennis courts.

Gyms Head Down-Market At the same time, in the last 10 years, the town’s gyms have headed down-market. Dragons in Kimbolton Road became LA Fitness and then closed. LA Fitness on Manton Heights was taken over by Pure Gym and the swimming pool removed. More budget gyms have sprung up. Other towns and cities have superb gyms facilities that include pools, spas and state-of-the-art studios, but seemingly not Bedford.

Making it Happen I made a commitment to myself many years ago, when the squash club closed, that if I was ever in a position to improve the racquets and gym facilities in Bedford I would make it happen. When I sold my previous business in 2012, I was finally able to make a start on realising the dream. It has not been straightforward buying a suitable plot of land was very difficult, and took nearly 3 years!

The design was worked on for 2 years with Hooper Architects, a Dutch firm with a long history in the sport and leisure industry. We have tried to incorporate all of the essential elements of a high class health and racquets facility. I have visited a huge number of clubs across the UK and Holland over the last 4 years to look at best design practice, and I am increasingly confident that we have got the initial design just about right.

The main contractor Pellikaan, starting work on 4th April 2016, and we are due to open on 27th March 2017.

After this the hard work really begins with the operational side. We will try to create a club that caters for families, whilst at the same time offering adult individuals the health club experience that they desire.

We are aiming to stimulate a renaissance in squash in the area, drive increased tennis participation, and make Bedford a healthier and happier place to live. If we could produce one or two players who go on to national recognition, that would be a bonus. Not too ambitious then!

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Cacao Passion Fruit Caramel Pearls £5.99, Ocado

Comic Relief Apron £12.99, TK Maxx

AFFINITY HOT PICKS

ECOYA Strawberry & Blackberry Leaf Candle £39, John Lewis

Comic Relief Colouring In Notebook £5.99, TK Maxx

YSL Beaute Gloss Volupte (Acrylic Pink & Orange Granite) £22, John Lewis

Mirabeau Etoile Wine £16, Sainsbury's

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

Biba Jungle Print Leggings £35, House of Fraser

Floral Bicycle Sweatshirt £45, www.sugarhillboutique.com

Lipault Cabin Spinner £175, www.lipault.co.uk

Mug £9.95, John Lewis

Watercolour Print Chair £379.99, HomeSense

Nike Air Max Thea Trainers £90, John Lewis

Michael Kors Camera Bag £175, Selfridges

World's Smallest Vacum £9.95, www.prezzybox.com

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Feeling Stuck in your Life?

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hristopher Paul Jones, aka The Breakthrough Expert, is a therapist based in Harley Street who specialises in helping people let go of their fears, anxieties and even their phobias; there he exclusively tells us “How to get ‘unstuck’ and live the life you dream of”.

Are you feeling stuck in your life? Very often when you feel that way you are actually suspended between two polarities; one where there is not enough pain to change the situation you are in, and the other where you feel largely unfulfilled. You are in the dreaded ‘grey zone’. I remember watching an episode of the Office where

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Martin Freeman’s character talks about being stuck in his job: he says “Right now I rolled a 3, I could change it, maybe roll a 6, but then again I might role a 1”. This is a classic example of why a lot of people are stuck; they are afraid of making a mistake, of failing and thus they end up holding onto the present too tightly to allow them to see the steps to move forward. This is the case in many instances like writer’s block, not studying for an exam, or not completing that essential work project. You freeze, caught in the Bermuda Triangle of doubt from which it is so hard to escape. Here are some tools to find your way out and make the changes necessary to get the life you want.

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and telling your grandchildren the story of your life, imagine them asking you about that very thing you did not change. How would hearing that story feel if you never ever took action?

STEP 5 – Now imagine yourself having made that change.

How would that feel? Project forward to five, ten, twenty, thirty years on. How would it feel to share this story with your grandchildren instead of the story of failure?

Make it Manageable Another reason for being stuck arises from the mismatch between external and internal demands, fears and our perceived ability to cope.

STEP 1 – Write down a list all the fears that are keeping you stuck. For example, in a relationship it could be the fear of being alone, or the fear to start anew. In the case of a job it could be the fear of not being able to pay the bills and support your family.

STEP 2 – Now label these concerns in order of their priority, with 1 being the highest priority, then 2 for the second, and so on.

STEP 3 – First focus on the most pressing one, i.e. Number 1, and then work your way down the list and make them manageable. How you do this is:

STEP 4 – Make these concerns manageable by breaking them down into small and easy to achieve steps i.e. say you are renovating an entire house, this could be overwhelming, almost too big to start. Notice how it feels instead to set a goal to start with one corner of one room.

You tend to find that once you have done that, you will feel motivated to carry on with the next step and then the next step. Before you know it, you have completed the entire house.

Remember “a journey of a thousand miles, starts with a single step” (Lao Tzu).

Minimize Overthinking When you are stuck, you tend to have a lot of internal chatter that is running the show. First notice what this internal voice is saying and how this is limiting you. Now imagine you have a remote control that can turn down the volume of this voice until it becomes merely a whisper.

When you do this you should find that it is easier to move beyond the Bermuda Triangle.

Get Initial Momentum If you want to get momentum the first step is this:

STEP 1 - Stop and notice what is it you are missing out on by being in this position of paralysis. What it is you are not experiencing in your life? What will you lose if it continues? How will that make you feel?

Get Clarity Now ask yourself these questions: What do you need in order to move forwards? What are you believing that keeps you stuck? What would you need to change to get what you want?

STEP 2 - Now imagine that same stuck state five years from now. How would you think, feel or be then?

Doing this will give you clarity on where you are and what you need to do to get out of your rut.

STEP 3 – Now expand this even further… How will you feel if everything stays the same in ten, twenty or thirty years’ time and so on?

STEP 4 – To take it further still, imagine yourself sitting

This way you can move towards the life you love. www.christopherpauljones.net 33

Mum’s Word

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Don’t know what to get your mum for Mother’s Day? Take a look at the gifts we think she’ll love.

Bayliss & Harding La Maison Linen Rose Candle £15, Debenhams

Laurent Perrier Rose Cuvee Brut NV 2 Flute Gift Set £96 thechampagnecompany.com

Emma Bridgewater Best Mum Mug £20, House of Fraser

Lollia DREAM Bubble Bath £59, curatedliving.co.uk Bird Print Scarf £10 M&Co Bayliss & Harding Pink Prosecco & Cassis Weekend Bag £45, House of Fraser

Mulberry Lily Mini Shoulder Bag £395 John Lewis

The Hamper for Her £60 Hotel Chocolat

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Guess Jewellery Miami Bracelet £45 WatchShop.com Liz Earle The Glow Getters Set £29

Radley Love Me Love My Dog Bag £99

GUESS Jewellery Miami Ring (rose edition) £30, WatchShop.com Prosecco Bath Salts £9.99 The Oak Room

Wildabout Flowers Ascot Bouquet £50 wildabout.co.uk

Ted Baker Tiny Heart Pearl Back Stud Earring £25, jewellery4.co.uk

Fitbit Alta Pink Gold £129.95 John Lewis Super Human Sweatshirt £45 John Lewis

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FASHION

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Monsoon

Between the

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Lines

Make a serious statement and stand out with stripes this season

Midi Skirt £35 House of Fraser

Top £25 Very

Stripe Jumper £22.99 New Look

Striped Badge Sweat Top £25 Very

Wallis

Striped Dress £32 Very

Trousers £33 Wallis

Stripe Blouse £27.99 New Look

Stripe Bag £30 Very

Jumpsuit £130 Debenhams

Per Una Trousers £35 Marks & Spencer

Sandals River Island

Ruffle Blouse £32 River Island

Stripe Hirt Dress £13 Primark

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Fun with Fuscia

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It’s time to Think Pink – this time with the bright and beautiful Magenta, another hot colour for your spring/summer wardrobe.

Blouse £45 Debenhams

Culotte Jumpsuit £29.99 New Lookjpg

Red Herring Dress £29 Debenhams Longline Blazer £24.99 New Look

Cardigan £30 JOY

Dress £65 Marks & Spencer

Frill Blouse £15.99 New Look

Barrbie Purse £60 Dune

Draped Dress £24.99 New Look

One Shoulder Top £19.99 New Look Boots £65 River Island copy

Feeling Blue

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This spring blue is again hot on the catwalks, coming in all shades. Our choice pale blue it accessories with anything

Embroidered Shirt £22.99 New Look

Sweater £19.99 New Look

Primark Autograph Top £39.50 Marks & Spencer

Suede Bag £44.99 New Look

Frill Sleeve Blouse £34 Next Frill Trim Dress £24.99 New Look

Heeled Sliders £22.99 New Look Skirt £28 River Island

High Waisted Trousers £24.99 New Look

Tie Up Blouse £27.99 New Look Top £25 Marks & Spencer

Top £28 River Island

Beautiful Bardot

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The off the shoulder trend created by Brigitte Bardot is still a hot fashion trend for this season

Ruffle Sleeve Dress £50 River Island

Chambray Dress £38 Dorothy Perkins Bardot Dress £40 Dorothy Perkins

Top £18 Glamorous

Frill Bardot Top £28 Very

Dress £28 Pretty Little Yhing Top £45 Debenhams

Top £29.50 Marks & Spencer

Lace Dress £65 Elvi

Floral Bardot Top £35 Very

Top £14 George at ASDA

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Love a Novelty “Who doesn't love a Novelty bag? From a pineapple to a monkey, we’ve got some of the best“

Floozie by Frost French Pineapple Bag £29 Debenhams

Kate Spade Rambling Rose Wicker Monkey Bag £358

Girls Clutch £30 Very

Kate Spade Be Mine Typewriter Satchel £495

Parfum Across Body Bag £32 Accessorize

Kath Kidston Sweetie Bag £14

Kate Spade Jeweled Grapefruit Bag £159

Sticker Shoulder Bag £25 Very

Lip Clutch £25 Very Karl Lagerfeld Postcard Clutch £129.99

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FOOD & DRINK

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Gin Lover’s Rejoice

The historic St. Ermin's Hotel's new Gin & Ginger Afternoon Tea menu celebrates the tastes of London's iconic Frost Fairs. Featuring hints of fragrant gin and spicy ginger throughout and with an optional mini decanter of gin with unlimited Fever Tree tonic, the new menu includes such sweet treats as: Cucumber & Gin Jelly with Verbena Panna Cotta, Raspberry & Juniper Berry Mousse, Chocolate, Orange & Ginger Torte and Gingerbread Cake with Gin & Lime Cream.

Served with warm scones and savoury bites, from Gin Cured Salmon with Dill Mayonnaise & Cucumber and Pastrami with Juniper Pickled Cabbage to Cream Cheese & Beetroot Bagels and British Brie with Onion, Ginger & Apricot Chutney available in The Tea Lounge from £29pp. www.sterminshotel.co.uk

NEWS

Fairtrade Swaps

FOODIE

If you’re looking for a Fairtrade, organic alternative to regular fizzy drinks then look no further than the delicious Karma Cola, Gingerella Ginger Ale, and Lemony Lemonade. Made with unique recipes combining organic and Fairtrade products, making them a great ethical choice of soft drink.

Available from www.ethicalsuperstore.com

Make your Mealtimes Super

Wine & Dine

Want to pick the perfect wine for dinner? Wondering what to eat with a special bottle? Let The Wine Dine Dictionary be your guide. Arranged AZ by food and then A-Z by wine, this unique handbook written by Victoria Moore, one of the country’s most popular and influential wine journalists, includes delicious recipes, exclusive tips from top wine-makers and restaurateurs and a userfriendly, colour-coded design, so you can see at a glance whether a recommended wine is red, white or rose, published by Granta Books with a RRP £20.

I AM SOUPER is a range of four soups which are high in protein, low in fat and bursting with wholesomeness.

Each 390g carton is crammed with natural SOUPER goodness that will revitalise you and help you stay fuller for longer. Flavours include: Pulled Pork & Jalapenos, Peppered Beef & Superbeans, Supergreens and Chicken & Supergrains soup. Three of the soups are gluten free (all except chicken) and the Supergreens are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Priced at £1.49 and available from ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Ocado, 46

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Pea and Beef Kerala

The versatility of peas, make them an easy ingredient to add to a dish, hey require no forward planning and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Ingredients Oil for deep frying 1 potato, peeled and cut into small cubes 500g rump steak, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 2 tsp peeled fresh ginger finely crushed 1 tbsp finely chopped red chilli Fresh coriander, finely diced (Keep back some leaves to garnish) 2 onions, peeled and cut into rings 75ml good beef stock 2 tbsp tomato paste 1/2 tbsp soy sauce 1/2 tsp chilli powder Juice of two lemons 3 tomatoes, peeled and chopped 200g frozen peas Sea salt and black pepper

Method Heat the oil in a heavy based saucepan, one third full. Deep fry the potato cubes until golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper.

Place the steak in a bowl. Add the garlic, black pepper, ginger, chilli and a little finely diced coriander and toss well. Heat the oil and fry the beef in small batches at a high heat, keeping the beef warm.

Reduce the heat and fry the onion until soft and golden. Remove from the pan and keep with the beef. Put the stock, tomato paste, soy sauce, chilli powder and lemon juice in a pan and reduce slightly. Add the fried onion, tomatoes and peas. Stir well and cook for one to two minutes.

Add the beef and the potatoes, season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. Toss well until heated through and garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve with naan bread and mango chutney. www.peas.org

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Roasted Brassicas with Puy Lentils & Halloumi

“You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy this delicious dish”

Ingredients 800 g broccoli and cauliflower Olive oil 1 heaped teaspoon baharat (see tip) 4 cloves of garlic 250g puy lentils 1 litre organic vegetable stock 1 fresh bay leaf 2 lemons Extra virgin olive oil 100g walnuts 1 large bunch mixed soft herbs (parsley, mint, chervil) 250g halloumi cheese 2 tablespoons runny honey

Method

Preheat the oven to 220ºC/gas 7. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into even-sized florets, then spread out in a single layer in a roasting tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with baharat and season with sea salt and black pepper.

Toss in the unpeeled cloves of garlic, then spread everything out in the tray and pop in the oven.

Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the veg is cooked through and charred on the outside. Pop the lentils in a medium-sized pan, pour over the hot stock and add the bay leaf. Gently bring to the boil over a medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re cooked but still retain some bite. Drain and set aside.

Make the dressing by squeezing the garlic out of its skin into a bowl. Mash until creamy, then squeeze in the lemon juice and season. Whisk to combine, then add a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Toast the walnuts in a dry frying pan over a medium heat. Pick and chop the herb leaves, then toss with the walnuts and set aside. Toss the hot lentils through the garlic dressing, followed by the roasted veggies, herbs and nuts.

Pour a lug of olive oil into a medium-sized, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Chop and fry the halloumi until it’s golden. Drizzle over the honey and fry for 1 more minute, until sticky and caramelised. Scatter the halloumi over the salad and serve immediately. www.jamieoliver.com

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Rhubarb and Ginger Cheesecake Impress your guests with this delighful dessert that’s simple to make, and delicious to eat Method Ingredients

For the base: 150g (5oz) Duchy Original Stem Ginger biscuits or Ginger Nuts, finely crushed 60g (2 ½ oz) butter, melted For the filling: 400g (14oz) forced rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 2.5cm (1in) lengths 1tbsp stem ginger syrup from the jar 100g (4oz) caster sugar 300g (10oz) cream cheese, at room temperature 2 eggs 1 egg yolk 1 tbsp cornflour Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated 150ml (1/4 pt) sour cream 2 pieces stem ginger, finely chopped

For the base, place the biscuits and butter in a bowl, stir well then press into the base of the tin. Chill whilst you make the filling.

Put 50g (2oz) caster sugar, stem ginger syrup and 1 tbsp water in a wide shallow pan and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the rhubarb and poach gently for 10 minutes or until the rhubarb is just cooked when tested with the point of a knife. Do not allow the rhubarb to go mushy. Place a sieve over a bowl and drain the rhubarb well.

Reserve the juice.

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/350F/gas 4.

Place the remaining 50g (2oz) caster sugar in a mixing bowl with the cream cheese, eggs, egg yolk, cornflour, lemon zest and sour cream. Beat until the mixture is thick and smooth. Scatter the stem ginger over the biscuit base and then evenly cover the base with the drained rhubarb. Pour the cream cheese mixture on top and smooth the surface. Give the tin a couple of sharp taps on the worktop to remove any air pockets. Place on a baking tray and cook on the middle shelf for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 150C/130C/300F/gas 2 and cook for a further 2530 minutes.

The outside of the cheesecake should be firm and the centre should still be wobbly.

Remove from the oven, run a round bladed knife around the outside and leave to cool, then chill in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight.

Whilst the cheesecake is cooking, place the reserved rhubarb juices in a small pan and cook over a gentle heat reduced to a thick syrup. Leave to cool. To serve, remove the cheesecake from the tin, slice and spoon a little rhubarb syrup over each slice. www.womanandhome.com/recipes

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"

"

Take a look and a taste of this month's wines, all red and all from family owned vineyards

Tapas Night 10th March £20 per person

Pudding Night

17th March £16 per person for a main and as many desserts as you can squeeze in

Mother's Day

Cune Reserve 2012 A soft luxurious wine, mid garnet in colour with a lovely brambly nose and a hint of spice. Nuances of warm leather, caramel and coffee over rich autumn fruit.

Excellent balance and a lingering finish. Try served with grilled lamb, duck and most rich meats. £15.40, Waitrose

26th March Serving 12-9pm £25.95 for three courses including a gift for all the mothers

Mexican Night 1st March £20 per person

Pudding Night

21st April £16 per person for a main and as many desserts as you can squeeze in

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

Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvugnon 2014 A highly expressive Cabernet, with enticing aromas of fresh red berries, complemented by warming sweet spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves which infuse into the wine from the oak barrels in which it matured. £14.75, Waitrose

Robert Oatley Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 From the northern end of Margaret River, around the Wilyabrup area. A full flavoured Cabernet of great appeal – black berries, dried leaves and fine tannins. £13.60, The Co-Op

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Interiors

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Embroidered Cushion £29.50 Marks & Spencer

Flutter All of a

Burnt Orange Vase £135, www.nataliawillmott.co.uk

Teapot £12.99 TK Maxx

Cushion £10 Sainsbury's Home

Butterflies are the latest creatures to work their way into our homes. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite accessories and soft furnishing to flutter into your home.

Velvet Cushion £14 Next

Butterfly Fabric Chair £103 Amazon

Botanical Butterfly Jug £8.95 Dotcomgiftshop.com

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Large Butterfly Print £90 Laura Ashley Graphic Art Print £38 MiaFleur

Mews Table Lamp £174, Dar Lighting Group

Butterfly Parade Opalin Rug £1,494 Therugseller.co.uk Hanging Wood & Zinc Butterfly £3.95, livelaughlove.co.uk

Sophie Allport Butterfly & Dot China Mug £11 Waxine Spinning Votive ££32.50, amara.com

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In the

Frame Big or small, gold or white, wall or table, the list of frames and how you can display them is endless

Antler Frame £49 In-Spaces

Frame £16, Debenhams

Vintage Frame £6.99 HomeSense

Jasper Conran £25 Debenhams

Junipa Frame £32 House of Fraser

Tile Photo Frame £20 Postcards Home Ltd

Shesham Frame £22 House of Fraser

Distressed Metallic Frame £12.99 Homesense

Nautical Fishes Frame £10.50 TCH.com

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Family Fun at The Railway!

Looking for a First Class day out with the children? There's lots for the kids to see, do and learn about at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre!

Steaming Days From Sunday 2nd April, we will be holding our Steaming Days every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, as well as Wednesdays in the school holidays. On a Steaming Day, you can ride on a full-size steam train, visit our extensive museum, take a trip on our 1km long miniature ride-on steam railway (£1 per person) and see beautifully restored steam engines in our visitor centre with café and shop. All set on our 25-acre site, surrounded by Buckinghamshire countryside. We are open from 10.30am until 5pm.

Easter Holidays Come for Steam Train Rides on a Steaming Day in the Easter Holidays: Sunday 2nd, Wednesday 5th, Sunday 9th, Wednesday 12th April. Or, come when it’s quieter on a Static Viewing day (but train rides are not running), any Tuesday or Thursday during the holidays.

Day Out With Thomas Steam train rides with Thomas the Tank Engine™, meet the Fat Controller, have your face painted, watch a children's show, enjoy the tea cup rides, make your own badges, visit the museum and go on the miniature steam railway! All rides and activities included in the ticket price.

(Good Friday 14th April, Saturday 15th April, Easter Sunday 16th and Monday 17th April. 10.30am-5pm).

Teddy’s Train Ride Kids with teddies go free!

Two steam engines offering unlimited steam train rides for everyone - and their teddies!

Special 'Teddy Trains' will be running throughout the day, when the children get to send their Teddies off on their own train ride! Visitors can also take a ride on our hugely popular miniature steam railway! Also, our Visitor Centre, museum, shop and café will all be open. Teddy bear's picnics are welcome too!

(Sunday 28th May 2017 - 10.30am-5pm) Static Viewing: Come on a Tuesday or Thursday for a quieter day out. The site is open, but the train rides aren't running, and ticket prices are reduced. We are also open for Static Viewing on Wednesdays during school term times. 10.30am-4pm. www.bucksrailcentre.org

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The Return of

Shirley Valentine W

illy Russell’s heart-warming comedy had its West End premiere in 1988 starring Pauline Collins, who later starred in the Oscarnominated film adaptation alongside Tom Conti.

Fast-forward to 2017 and Jodie Prenger stars in the stage revival of this national treasure.

Shirley Valentine is a bored Liverpudlian housewife whose life and initially enriching marriage has settled into a narrow and unsatisfying rut. Her kids have left home and she makes chips and egg for her husband while talking to the wall. Where has her life disappeared to?

Out of the blue, her best friend offers her a trip to Greece for 2 weeks. Shirley uncharacteristically puts herself first and accepts the invitation; she secretly packs her bags, and heads off for a holiday that has her start to see the world and herself very differently.

A funny heartwarming story that will have you laughing one minute and tears in your eyes the next.

Mon 27th March – Sat 1st April Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 8717652 www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

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Unleashed

The Fastest most Powerful Ferrari is Last month, Ferrari selected the 87th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show for the world premiere of the new 12cylinder berlinetta, the 812 Superfast, the most powerful and fastest Ferrari in the marque’s history.

This new car not only introduces a plethora of innovative features but is also particularly significant as the V12 series marked the official start of the glorious Prancing Horse story in 1947, 70 years ago this year.

The 812 Superfast thus ushers in a new era in Ferrari 12-cylinder history, in doing so building on the invaluable legacies of the F12berlinetta and F12tdf. It is aimed at clients demanding the most powerful and exclusive Ferrari in the range: an uncompromising sports car that will deliver exhilarating driving both on road and track yet also be comfortable enough to allow its owners enjoy it as an all-round experience.

Engine Powered by a new 6.5-litre V12 engine that unleashes 800 cv, the 812 Superfast is the new benchmark in the mid-front-engined sports car segment, achieving maximum power output at 8,500 rpm, which translates to a specific power output of 123 cv/l.

Figures that no other front-engined production car has ever even come near to delivering and which ensure the kind of thrilling topend performance that is the exclusive characteristic of Ferrari’s noble V12 heritage.

The engine’s power is underscored by a full, rich exhaust sound that exploits the acoustic clout delivered by its increased displacement.

Maximum torque is 718 Nm @ 7,000 rpm, a significant 80% of

which is already available at 3,500 rpm, improving both drivability and pick-up even at low revs.

These performance levels were achieved in part by adopting a 350 bar direct injection system for the very first time on a highperformance engine and pairing it with variable geometry intake tracts conceptually derived from those of naturally aspirated F1 engines.

The 812 Superfast’s dual-clutch transmission has specific gear ratios, which, combined with shorter up and down-shifting times between gears, sharpen throttle response still further.

Vehicle dynamics The 812 Superfast is equipped with leading-edge control systems and components, resulting in unparalleled handling and roadholding. It’s the first Ferrari to sport EPS (Electric Power Steering) which, in accordance with Ferrari’s uncompromising engineering approach, is used to fully exploit the potential of the car’s performance and, through the complete integration with all the electronic vehicle dynamics controls – including the latest 5.0 version of Ferrari’s patented Side Slip Control (SSC) - make its powerful performance easier to handle and even more thrilling to exploit.

The vehicle controls also feature, for the first time, the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV) which, following the experience gained with the F12tdf, features a further evolution of the software that improves the nimbleness of the handling and reduces the vehicle response times even further.

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Styling and aerodynamics Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the new 812 Superfast redefines the formal language of front-engined V12 Ferraris, underlining the car’s exceptional performance with very sporty lines and proportions.

Seen in silhouette, the 812 Superfast has a fastback sleekness: a two-box design with a high tail reminiscent of the glorious 365 GTB4 of 1969. The design of the flanks visually shortens the tail and is characterised by impressively muscular wheel arches, which imbue the 812 Superfast with the power and aggression warranted by its imposing V12. Full-LED headlights integrated into the design of the sculpted air intakes on the bonnet also emphasise that front muscle, integrating with, and wrapping around the front wheelarch.

At the rear, four round tail-lights inspired by Ferrari tradition emphasise a design crafted around horizontal lines and give the 812 Superfast a broad, imposing stance, visually lowering both spoiler and cabin.

The car is being launched in a special new colour, Rosso Settanta, which marks the company’s 70th anniversary.

As with all Ferraris, style and aerodynamic function are seamlessly integrated to produce innovative solutions and forms.

Two examples are the multi-functional frontal section, which incorporates a cluster of aerodynamic solutions including active flaps at the front of the underbody, and the rear flank, which features an unprecedented aerodynamic by-pass to increase downforce.

Interior The interior of the 812 Superfast has been revisited in line with the more extreme exterior whilst maintaining unaltered the exceptional on-board comfort and space that Ferrari’s front-engined V12 berlinettas have always offered.

The cabin has been given a sportier, more radical look with the main elements seeming to float, creating an effect of both thoroughbred racing eagerness and lean elegance. The horizontal dash loops stylishly around the central air vents for a sophisticated, sculptural look.

New, more sporty and ergonomic seats feature alongside the new HMI, including new steering wheel and instrument clusters and the latest infotainment and airconditioning units.

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Fry’s Footie Corner

I

n the modern world of football, it is very evident that loyalty can only take you so far and the dismissal of Claudio Ranieri as the manager of Leicester City at the back end of February was one of the most cutthroat dismissals I can think of.

I remember Jose Mourinho losing his job at Chelsea after a disappointing start to the defence of his title a few years back and that came as a shock, but this dismissal is just out of this world. I can’t get my head around it.

Yes, their form in domestic football has been below par, but if people genuinely thought they were going to repeat their unbelievable and unprecedented success in the Premier League last term, then they were very much mistaken.

We are coming into the business end of the season now – the Premier League title may well be heading to Stamford Bridge but six into four doesn’t go when it comes to the Champions League and I am looking forward to seeing what develops.

I am sure that Claudio would have been content with keeping them in the division, just like he was at the half-way point of last season. He was sacked after a 2-1 defeat at Sevilla in the last 16 of the Champions League – they were in a decent position to finish the job at the King Power Stadium and I for one, felt he deserved the chance to progress into the next round.

And of course, the aforementioned Leicester City are very much in a dogfight at the foot of the division – whoever it is that is in the hotseat will need to get those players fighting for the cause – and together.

Enjoy your football!

As did the Leicester fans. Only those that contribute to the radio phone-ins were calling for his head, there was no discontent in the stadium, no shouts for him to go and why would they? They are Leicester City not Real Madrid.

Barry Fry 68

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Men & Moisturisers “Our selection of men’s moisturisers will make sure his face feels smooth and hydrated all the time”

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1

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6.

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8.

Kiehl's Ultimate Man Facial Fuel £21, John Lewis Lancome Men Hydrix Moisturising Balm £34, John Lewis Bulldog Anti-Ageing Moisturiser £8.99 Tesco Dermalogica Daily Defense SPF15 £37.50, Liberty Mr Burberry Face Moisturiser £38 John Lewis ClarinsMen Super Moisture Balm £14.50 John Lewis Clinique For Men Moisturizing Lotion £25 Debenhams L'Oreal Paris Hydra Energetic Skin Stubble Moisturiser 50ml feelunique.com

7

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TRAVEL

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A weekend of Culture and Gastronomy

Lausanne in

I

t’s easy to see why Lausanne in Switzerland was a favourite place of David Bowie (he married Iman here), Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel, with it’s chocolate box houses, cobbled streets, stunning views over rooftops and mountains that all merge together to make Lausanne a fairytale city.

And it was this fairytale city that we were visiting for a weekend of culture, culinary delights, cheese and of course chocolate!

Our hotel for the weekend was The Royal Savoy, located between the lake and the city and dating from 1909, this recently renovated hotel has been home to royalty and aristocrats from around the world. For many years, the Spanish royal family made the hotel their home in exile and Thailand’s king also spent his youth in residence here.

With its unique silhouette and fascinating heritage, The Royal Savoy is an integral part of Lausanne’s skyline and history.

Bags unpacked and with no time to waste we hop on the metro, (a transport card is given to you for free at every hotel), just a few steps from the front of the hotel and we are on our way to Auberge de la Gare restaurant in Grandvux (8 minutes on the metro) for lunch. Set within the Lavaux wine region, this is listed by UNESCO as a ‘cultural landscape’. As we climb up the steps to the Auberge’s vine covered terrace, breathtaking views of the mountains and Lake Geneva greet us.

Once inside and with a glass of local wine in hand, (well we are a stones throw from a vineyard), we sit back and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere whilst waiting for our food.

“Filet de perche”, a classic dish with fish fresh from the lake was mouthwateringly delicious as was the “Foi Gras” and the rest of the freshly prepared dishes. Auberge really is a little gem nestled in the vineyards of Lavaux.

All that delicious food and wine had worn us out, so what better way to spend the afternoon than back at the Royal Savoy with a visit to their spa. With an indoor and outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and relaxation room – we had a perfect afternoon of peace and tranquility.

Suitably relaxed and refreshed, the evening saw us hopping back on the metro to Ouchy (1 stop) to experience another thing that Switzerland does best – CHEESE! Not just any old cheese but an evening cheese fondue cruise, departing from Lausanne-Ouchy port, this two-hour sailing had us seated in a beautiful teak paneled dining room, with it’s atmospheric lighting, whilst we swirled chunks of fresh bread in real Swiss cheese that has your mouth watering with every mouthful. All this as you sail around the lake taking in the sights (we went in winter and it looked gorgeous all lit up - magical). At the end of the night we wrapped up, and sat on deck sipping hot chocolate as we sailed into port.

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Beautiful views and gastronomy are not the only fabulous things about Lausanne, as we found out the next day when we explored the cultural side of the city plus a little more culinary experiences thrown in.

Our first port of call was the beautiful Cathedral of Notre Dame, standing 500ft above the city, topped with towers and spires. This 13th Century cathedral is the biggest in Switzerland and is a marvelous piece of architecture. The interior is Gothic at its most elegant and beautiful. It is mostly bare of decorations because of the Reformation, but there are some notable exceptions of medieval art to admire as well as some beautiful stained glass windows.

Outside the cathedral the panoramic views around the city are awe-inspiring and you just want the moment in time to freeze so you can take it all in.

It’s downhill from now on literally! Just a little further on from the Cathedral is the Escaliers du Marché, (steep steps that lead into the old town) and it is on our way down set amongst crooked houses that La Barbare (the barbarian) the best hot chocolate café is located, and how rude it would be to not stop and enjoy for ourselves!

Further down the steps and you come to Place de la Palud, a square that links together several pedestrianised streets. This is also where the traditional market is held all year round every Wednesday and Saturday. Selling fruits, vegetables, wonderful cheeses, wine and meat, as well as non-food products. A market that attracts locals as well as tourists And then of course there’s chocolate shops including La Chocolatiere, the best in Switzerland, but we musn’t fill up on chocolate as we are visiting the Café des Artisans for lunch. A favourite for yummy mummies, students and tourists. There is a friendly, intimate atmosphere, and in winter when you’re sipping the warm mulled wine, and relaxing in the ambience of

the low-lighting it makes you very reluctant to step back outside into the cold. The menu isn’t huge and consists of mainly salads, fish, steak and chips, but the dishes we had were full of flavour and price wise no more than you would pay in a similar café in London.

Having managed to prise ourselves back outside, a little more culture was called for and we visited the internationally renowned Musée de l’Elysée one of Europe’s leading museums devoted entirely to photography. Situated in a beautiful mansion, within magnificent parklands with stunning views of Lake Geneva

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In the evenings the choices are endless and the city comes alive. Whether it’s drinks, music, food or dancing, there’s something for everyone. One of the places you must visit is ‘Eat Me’, a restaurant that offers an innovative twist on tapas. You indulge in small plates of different dishes inspired from around the world, from humble street food to gastronomic delights. The dishes are well thought out, cooked authentically, full of original flavours and allow you to experience a combination of tastes and textures all in one sitting. All our dishes were delightful but if I had to choose a favourite it would have to be the Yalla, I absolutely loved this, the flavours were divine (a tart of roasted aubergines, red onion marmalade, pomegranate and marinated feta), no contest for hubbies favourite ‘The Saint’ (scallops lightly pan-fried in salted butter, served with celery puree and roasted apples). You can always tell a good restaurant from the amount of people that eat there and there wasn’t a spare seat in Eat Me. All that exploring and eating, followed by more exploring and eating had certainly worn us out. A couple of stops on the metro later and we were back at The Royal Savoy ready for a blissful night’s sleep.

Next morning we enjoyed breakfast in the hotel’s modern, airy brasserie that overlooked the beautiful gardens, again everything was faultless. We had been advised not to eat too much at breakfast as we were having brunch at the Tom café (believe me the name doesn’t do it justice).

This was our last day in Lausanne, we had until mid afternoon before we took a train back to Geneva airport to catch our flight home – So we had to make the most of it.

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No trip to Lausanne would be complete without a visit to the ‘Olympic Museum’. The exact size of an Olympic stadium track, surrounded by an 8,000 meter park complete with a 100 meter track, so you can test your speed against Usain Bolt, he’d better watch out I was a close contender!

Climbing the steps to the entrance (all 97 of them) you’ll notice each one has the dates of all the games with the names of the athletes who had lit the Olympic flame at the opening ceremonies since 1936. At the top of the steps directly in front of the museum is an eternal flame where the Olympic anthem is played daily at noon.

Eight white pillars lead to the museum entrance – these have the names of the summer and winter games as well as the presidents of the Olympic committee on them.

Once inside you are able to experience Olympics at close quarters. Set over 3 floors (The Olympic World, The Olympic Games and The Olympic Spirit) – With artifacts from the Games throughout the ages, awe-inspiring videos and interactive displays, it was an uplifting example of how the Olympics have evolved.

A lot has been placed on the interactiveness of the museum so if you want to see how fast you can run, what your balance is like (this is far harder than it seems), your strength and your reaction times (I beat hubby here!!!) it’s all available for you to try.

You can literally spend all day here there is so much to see and do and you do not need to be an Olympic fan to enjoy it, there is something to keep everyone interested and entertained.

A good few hours later we headed to the top floor of the museum where the Tom Café is located.

The café has one of the most sought-after terraces in the whole of Lausanne, offering the most spectacular views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. With a waiting list of a month to book a table for brunch at the weekend you can certainly see why. Not only is the view spectacular, brunch is just as amazing with pastries, pancakes, cheeses, fish, hot and cold meats, vegetables and even a dessert table for you to choose from. Brunch is served buffet style so if you want to sample everything on the menu you certainly can (I’m not sure you won’t go pop though!) – and it seemed only apt to finish the whole experience outside on the terrace with a cup of hot chocolate looking out at some of the most spectacular views I have ever seen.

And then it was over, we were on the train back to Geneva airport our city break in Lausanne had come to an end (I was already booking my return ticket) – this city was perfect – food, culture, a luxury hotel, hassle free train travel, wine, cheese, chocolate and of course THE views.

BOOK IT!

Ryan Air, Easy Jet and Swiss Air offer regular flights to Geneva.

Transfer Tickets (Train from Geneva airport to Lausanne) are available from www.swisstravelsystem.com To book stays at Royal Savoy visit www.royalsavoy.ch

For more information, to arrange excursions and plan your trip visit: www.lausanne-tourisme.ch

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Does Size Matter?

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L

ast year, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas snatched the ‘Largest Cruise Ship in the World’ crown from her sisters, Allure and Oasis of the Seas, coming in at a staggering 227,000 gross tons, 1,188ft in length and carrying a maximum of 6,366 passengers aboard. In 2010, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic was the first ship to cross over the 5,000 maximum capacity threshold, with a maximum capacity for 5,183. With a current total of 61 ships coming in at over 100,000 gross tons – with over twenty being built since 2010 – it seems as if there’s a continuing trend towards ever larger ships, whether by gross tonnage and/or passenger capacity. Not merely content to be ‘floating hotels’, some cruise ships are more like ‘resorts at sea’.

In some ways, a seeming competition between ship companies to build ever bigger ships is nothing new; the world-famous RMS Titanic, at the time the world’s largest ship afloat at the time, was White Star Line’s response to rivals Cunard, Hamburg America and Norddeutscher Lloyd.

However at only 46,328 gross tonnes and 882 ft 9 inch in length, and a passenger capacity of 2,435, Titanic is positively small compared to today’s behemoths, and the current Queens, Allure and Oasis of the Seas are nearly five times her size! Funnily enough, though, all three ships share the same maximum speed, with a top speed of 23 knots!

Size Matters What makes a ship a ‘mega ship?’ One of the most important differentiations between cruise ships – particularly for first time cruisers – is size. A mega-ship will generally carry over 3,000 passengers, and will have in excess of 100,000 gross tons, the measurement which refers to the ship’s internal volume from keel to funnel, to the outside of the hull framing. The first cruise ship to be built with over 100,000 gross tons was Carnival Destiny in 1996 (she was later refitted and renamed as Carnival Sunshine in 2013), with a maximum capacity for 3,758 passengers, and it would seem that a trend was born, which has certainly picked up its pace in the 2010s!

Big and Beautiful vs Small but Perfectly Formed Mega ships seem to have all the fun and bustle of a familyfriendly resort; whilst lots of ships may have one, or possibly even two or more, swimming pools on deck, mega ships take it even further, with colourful waterparks, and dozens of pools! Their theatres are capable of featuring actual Broadway musical productions, and there are activities everywhere, from arcades and interactive video games to chilled out music performances. Onboard dining venues and options are numerous, with a greater choice to cater for the many legions of passengers. With their wide range of onboard facilities and amenities, it’d be tempting to spend your whole cruise onboard, with the ship itself the destination! It’s easy to see how these mega ships can be dazzling.

Does this spell the end of small-ship cruising? In a word: no! For many, small ship cruising definitely has its charms – those preferring a more intimate travel experience, personalised and attentive service where the staff know your name, and even get to learn your preferences, and the ability to call at smaller or more difficult to reach ports, offering more exotic itineraries.

Where Next………

No doubt the trend for mega ships will continue, with Norwegian Cruise Lines planning to launch three more ships in their Breakaway Plus class in 2017, 2018 and 2019, and more Quantum and Oasis class ships due to be launched from Royal Caribbean in 2018 and 2019.

Furthermore in 2015, it was reported that Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s biggest cruise line, would introduce ships carrying an incredible 7,000 passengers on either its German-based AIDA or Italian-based Costa brands. Due to be launched between 2018 and 2022, whilst these ships will be record-breaking in their passenger capacities, they are not due to take Harmony’s crown in terms of gross tonnage, as reports also state they will be built to 180,000 gross tons.

However, there’s still a demand for smaller ships, with Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Silversea and Crystal all due to launch new, smaller luxury cruise ships between 2016 and 2018, with maximum passenger capacities ranging between 596 and 1,000. Luxury lines are not the only cruise lines with plans to launch smaller ships, with two new Saga ships carrying less than 1,000 passengers due to launch in the Summers of 2019 and 2021, whilst Hurtigruten’s newest ship, MS Spitsbergen, will carry a maximum of 320 guests along traditional coastal routes.

There is also perhaps a new trend starting to emerge, with a focus on expedition and yachting. Crystal’s first yacht, Crystal Esprit, was launched at the end of 2015, and more yacht cruises planned to be added to the new fleet. In an exciting departure from their river cruise and touring, Scenic will also launch a brand new, discovery yacht in 2018, complete with a seven-seat submarine and two helicopters and state-of-the-art technology ensuring the ultimate in safety and comfort for the 228 guests onboard.

With the continuing development of technology and the increasing popularity of cruising, it looks like the most obvious trend will be an increase in new cruise ships, whatever their size or style!

BOOK IT!

Contact the experts at Select Travel Holidays, who’ll help you find the perfect cruise holiday –whether it’s on a mega or small ship. www.selecttravelholidays.co.uk

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London Never Dies

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Unleash your inner Bond girl or superspy at London Cabaret Club’s 007-themed special, London Never Dies, featuring fine dining and a stunning cabaret show, including groundbreaking 4D special effects at the iconic Bloomsbury Ballroom.

Every Friday until 28th July, five unique acts will transport guests to the glamorous Bond world of romance and espionage, from vintage classics to explosive blockbusters in a mind-blowing, 4D-sensory experience.

Feel the ocean spray, sounds and beach sun as a Bond girl performer emerges dramatically from the sea; taste and smell the Indian spice market during the Bollywood Octopussy finale; and feel the helicopter’s wings blast across the ballroom, thanks to internationally renowned lighting designer Tom Sutherland.

London Cabaret Club founder and CEO, Evelina Girling said: “This is our most ambitious and sexiest show to date.

“With amazing food and cocktails, treats like oysters and caviar, incredible performances and special effects in a dazzlingly romantic ballroom setting, this is an event like no other.”

Surprises await guests at every

stage of the evening, with extraordinary preshow variety acts and downright sorcery performed by some of the country’s finest talents.

The two or five course menu is inspired by Bond, with somersaulting waiters serving Smoking Martinis, plus caviar and champagne for VIP menus, an oyster bar and the inventive cocktails that London Cabaret Club has become famous for.

The revolutionary cabaret concept is the creation of Evelina Girling and Doni Fierro. The attention to detail, from the dazzling costumes designed by fashion icons Suzanne Clements and Inacio Ribeiro, to the live band and seamless fusion between the dining and entertainment has seen shows at One Mayfair and The Collection completely sell out.

London Never Dies is set to be London’s most exciting secret mission, against the backdrop of The London Cabaret Club’s magnificent permanent residence, The Bloomsbury Ballroom.

Book it

Tickets range from £35 - £125 per person

www.thelondoncabaretclub.com

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STARS Manish Kumar Arora (K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month

Pisces (19 February – 20 March) This is a time to open up to wider horizons and to study or learn whatever it is you need to set you on the upward road. Some may find a new sense of partnership on the career road. The advent of a new relationship could change the state of your life direction. Whether single or committed, some may have to leave a lot behind in order to pursue something new.

Favourable Dates: March 4, 8, 16, 17, 22, 26 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Purple

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Aries (21 March – 19 April) You may be developing something new or simply exploring other aspects of your inner self. You may develop new attributes, adding them to your operating style by giving form and method to latent abilities. Healthcare will play an important part during this time. Learn the simple practices that allow you to look after yourself. There may be romance that comes through friendships or social contacts. Refresh and reinvigorate your relationship with loved ones.

Favourable Dates: March 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: Blue &Yellow

someone you've been obliged to keep in touch with.

Favourable Dates: March 4, 5, 11, 16, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Green & Red

Libra (23 September – 22 October) New ideas will come for some and there will be new ways of communicating and thinking. Education may play a role for some, taking you in new and different directions.

Enchanting or unusual people of the opposite sex will enter your sphere, bringing bright new ideas and lots of stimulating company. You'll go through a period in which keeping your health will depend a lot on your emotional status and a balanced lifestyle.

Favourable Dates: March 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours: Blue & Red

Taurus (20 April – 20 May) You can get ahead with your projects and ambitions on the condition that you get involved, struggle and fight. The procedures requiring commitment, courage and spontaneity will be more successful than the planned ones.

New knowledge combined with a good orderly approach and effective health routines will see you flourish and also help to hold at bay any added weight of responsibility that may come from your dealings with partners and close associates.

Favourable Dates: March 2, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favourable Colours: Blue & White

Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) You may go through a period of revision with regard to your hopes and wishes. You may need to freshen up your ideas and someone with an unusual perspective may be of assistance. You can gain greatly by throwing in your lot with others and sharing what you have to make a bigger impact.

Step into it, undeterred by what must be done and you can set patterns and structures that will carry you into the future.

Favourable Dates: March 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: Grey & Red

Gemini (21 May – 20 June) Your wishes will be very intense and will demand immediate fulfilment, but in spite of this haste, you won't lose your head. You'll manage to be moderate, to control your emotions and actions, at least regarding important decisions. If you're in a relationship, work out what you're going to do and how you're going to do it. If you're single, you may have to put romance aside while you work towards something important.

Favourable Dates: March 4, 8, 13, 17, 22, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Grey

Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) New people and opportunities will open the doors that you've been knocking at for some time and you could really sail ahead There may be a shift in your romantic life. Change you may not be able to control will bring a new and deeper understanding of yourself. Good fortune may come from proper attention to domestic matters but at times the atmosphere will be charged and there could be strong words and high emotion.

Favourable Dates: March 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow

Cancer (21 June – 22 July) You may discover new things about who you are through realization or revelation. Some may take up new forms of creative expression while others may find that psychic or intuitive skills develop. For some, loss or change may affect your thinking and bring to light a new view. This is a period of revue for your relationships. Examine what's going on, communicate well and lay outstanding matters to rest.

Favourable Dates: March 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: White & Green

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) The important issue with career development is to keep a clear sense of method and sequence in what you do. This is certainly a time for action. There may be travel, opportunities or communications, all of a sudden or unexpected nature. There may be a split or separation affecting business matters or connections. Single Capricorns will have thrilling adventures in sex and could find true love during this period.

Favourable Dates : March 4, 8, 13, 17, 22, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow

Leo (23 July – 22 August) You will be able to advance your situation through good planning and the cooperation of others. The development of a close knit community or family group may contribute.

There may be pressures brought about by the emotional state of partners or associates and the obligations of work or responsibility. Your powers of concentration may slip for a time as you focus on your inner state.

Favourable Dates: March 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red

Virgo (23 August – 22 September) You may need to make a new start, either emotionally or with how you see or present yourself. The need for this may come from unexpected developments or plans that have gone astray. There may be a change with status or authority in your professional situation. A work cycle may come to an end. You may lose contact or end a connection with

Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) This would be a prosperous month and it will bring financial worries to an end. This era could also herald change for the better in relationships. You will discover new potentials, skills and experiences that reveal different sides of you. For those committed, a deep sense of feeling or commitment may come. For the singles, there may be an opportunity for love and romance. The month end will bring peace with former adversaries.

Favourable Dates: March 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26 Favourable Colours: Blue & White

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manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com

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A quiet night in...

Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller

Swimming Lessons tells the story of Ingrid Coleman who writes letters to her husband, Gil about the truth of their marriage, but decides not to send them. Instead she hides them within the thousands of books her husband collects. After she writes her final letter, Ingrid disappears from an English beach.

Twelve years later, her adult daughter, Flora comes home after Gil says he has spotted Ingrid through a bookshop window. Flora, who has existed in a limbo of hope and grief, imagination and fact, wants answers, but doesn’t realise that what she’s looking for is hidden in the books that surround her.

Rules Don’t Apply

A stylish romantic comedy with screen legend Warren Beatty as reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.

It's 1958 and eccentric aviation tycoon Howard Hughes (Warren Beatty) is established as a Hollywood bigshot. Devout small town Baptist beauty queen Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins) has just arrived in Tinseltown under contract to the legendary mogul, chaperoned by her strict mother, Lucy (Annette Bening). But nothing seems to be happening. In her boredom, Marla finds herself drawn to equally innocent handsome young chauffeur Frank Forbes (Alden Ehrenreich). Unfortunately, controlling Hughes has one golden rule: no employee is permitted to have any kind of relationship with a contract actress. A long-cherished personal project for Hollywood icon Warren Beatty, this sparkling, hugely enjoyable period romantic comedy is his first film in 15 years. It's witty, richly detailed and handsomely staged, with a terrific performance

by Beatty. The magnificent supporting cast includes Matthew Broderick, Alec Baldwin and Martin Sheen.

Release Date: 10th March

Mums List

A dying mother's life lessons to the husband and sons she left behind. Based on the best-selling novel by St John (Singe) Greene, the film is the story of Singe and Kate, a couple from North Somerset, whose lives were turned upside down when Kate was diagnosed with an incurable breast cancer. Over her last few days, she created her list: writing her thoughts and memories down, to help the man she loved create the best life possible for their two sons, after she was gone.

Release Date: 20th March

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