Affinity Luxury Lifestyle Magazine March 2018

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PRICELESS

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

www.affinitymag.co.uk March 2018

House Beautiful Inspiring decor ideas

MARCH 2018 ISSUE 82

Learning to Kick

your Bucket List we show you how

Time to declutter your home and your mind

Mum's the Word Gifts she'll love

Candy Crush Ice cream fashion hues to add to your wardrobe

A Hamlet of Luxury in Chamonix

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Affinity

Weddings Shows Sunday 22nd April 2018 The Swan Hotel, Bedford

2nd September 2018 The Swan Hotel, Bedford

Sunday 7th October Woughton House Woughton on The Green Milton keynes MK6 3LR

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

07507 602401

af inityweddingsmagazine.co.uk

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1 I’m Welcome... loving...

2 3

4 We’re all the same whether it’s large or small, we all have a bucket list of sorts, I’m very lucky that in the last few months I have been able to fulfil and tick off a couple when I visited Finland and went on a Northern Lights adventure (you’ll have to wait until next month to read all about it), your list of things to do before you ‘kick the bucket’ don’t have to all be big adventures, they can be small challenges/tasks, such as looking up an old friend, taking up ballroom dancing, running a half marathon, watching a film you’ve always wanted to see the list is endless and is exclusive to you and what you want to do – It’s up to you and you alone, page 12 tells you how to ‘Kick your bucket list into the bucket’.

The madness of March is upon us, which means so is Mother’s Day (11th March), a day where we show all the amazing mums out there how much we love and appreciate them, (and dads who take on the role of Mum and Dad) – We’ve been busy finding our favourite gifts (page 18) that we know will bring a smile to your mum’s face this Mothering Sunday.

This month we’re giving a lucky reader the chance to WIN an overnight stay at The Bristol turn to page 70 to find out how to enter.

5

1. Slogan T-shirt, £25, House of Fraser 2. The Ultimate Easter Hamper, £105, Hotel Chocolat 3. Earrings, £12.99, New Look 4. Bag, £35, Faith 5. The Enchanted Lenormand Oracle Cards, £15.99

Whether you’re preparing for a move or just wanting to cut down on stuff, spring is the perfect time to declutter, get rid of junk that is no longer used, needed, wanted or even remembered. A successful “home edit” can also help clear the mind, page 28 gives you some practical steps to declutter effectively.

It’s that time again where tickets for our Annual Charity Champagne Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show are on sale, this event is great fun and is always a sell out, turn to page 37 to see how to get your tickets.

Cover THOMAS SABO

Until Next Month

Jane x

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

www.affinitymag.co.uk

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

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CONTENTS 31 12 16 20 23 28 33 36 41 44 49 54 57 62 72

Kick the Bucket List Night Night Midlife Madness Welcome to Calgel Time to Declutter Fresh as Mint Pretty in Pink A Hidden Gem Spring Recipes Grey is Grey Interior Must-Haves Time Please Alpine Luxe Your Stars

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18

46

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AngliaInteriors Ltd

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www.anglia-interiors.co.uk

Quality and price in perfect harmony since 1974

A FAMILY run company instal ing high quality, affordable kitchens, bedrooms and home offices

NEVER UNDERSOLD POLICY

We will not be beaten on price for a true ‘like for like’ kitchen

Bedford Showroom: Anglia House, Wolseley Business Park 7 Raiton Road, Woburn Road Ind Est, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7PN 01234 843000

Huntigndon Showroom: Anglia House, Unit 2, Stone Hill, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6ED 01480 398017/8

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Kick your Bucket List into the Bucket Learning to

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I remember when the whole concept of a bucket list emerged - great film, and at the time a great concept but I’d venture to suggest that it’s had its day and we need to move on.

The idea behind it all was making a list of things you’d like to do before you kick the bucket, pass over, go to a better place or however else you may describe the journey to the afterlife. But surely as a concept that is flawed because an awful lot of people don’t actually know when they will kick the bucket.

So they may have scheduled things they have been ‘dying’ to do for years and still find they don’t get to do them. There must be a better way.

“One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now” Paulo Coelho

Let me confess that I love a list so my advice is that we should all live with various lists, things we want to do, places we want to go, skills we want to learn and whatever else you can dream up. But I certainly don’t think you should leave completing those things until a time when you have a clock on you because you have had to come face to face with mortality because of age or illness.

Surely it is better to get on with it now. In fact I think each year it is wise to decide on certain things you might accomplish before the end of the ear, this might indeed be trips or travel but can also be fairly simple things like going to an open air movie, the races, a sporting fixture, a fashion show, or indeed abseiling, running, sailing climbing a very high mountain or any one of a number of other challenges, which might include diving with sharks (why?) jumping out of an aeroplane (why?) bungee jumping over Niagara falls (why?). But don’t wait until you are face to face with your own mortality.

The point is that as an adult human being you can make the choice to do whatever you want to do. Yes of course there are restrictions, like time and money but in essence if there are things we want to do we have only ourselves to blame if we don’t actually get on and do them.

Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it’s too late.

Marie Beynon Ray

So why on earth would you wait until death approaches before doing things you have wanted to do? Well I think the answer is because we don’t like to face up to the fact that actually we are not invincible we are, in fact, mortal. This can be a shock and for many of us when we really take this on board

when either someone we have been close to dies or we through illness, or a near miss, brought face to face with our own mortality.

I’m afraid I am a believer in living life to the full and wherever possible being optimistic. Let us be clear, as humans we are all mortal, hopefully we will have a long life of happiness and fulfilment but ultimately in the end we are all destined for the same fate.

That shouldn’t make us sad, on the contrary it should sharpen our focus and help us all to live lives that are on the one hand planned but on the other open to the spontaneous opportunities that present themselves from time to time.

Identify Your Priorities Start by considering things that you would really like to do. They don’t all have to be of the ‘visit the temples of India’ variety, though some may be, but think also about skills you‘d like to learn, experiences you’d like to have, challenges you’d like to set yourself and always be open to new ideas. When you hear people talking about something they have done or seen and you find yourself thinking ‘I’d love to do that’ - jot it down. But also be aware of other things like looking up old friends, learning a new language, visiting a town here that you have always wanted to or even watching a classic move that somehow you have never got around to seeing. Then you’ll have a few things of different types on your list Determine to Make it Happen Occasionally things fall into your lap but usually the way things happen is that you make a point of planning and arranging it. So when you have your list decide on just a couple of things and actually plan to make them happen. Then take another couple of things and decide WHEN you will make them happen. Clearly there will be some restrictions but once you have actually identified a few things somehow it is harder to just let time drift by. Even if you find yourself planning something for some time in the future if you actually make a plan you will probably do it BUT make sure not everything is in the future and you do actually get on and do some things now.

So in many ways it’s up to you - the future is never guaranteed but what you do have is today - so use it well and start to plan your tomorrows while you can.

That is often the only way you can get to do the things you want to do while you still can.

For more advice and inspiration about living life to the full visit www.attunededucation.com or www.attunedsuccess.co.uk or contact Sheila on 07921193479.

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Love your Skin

Treat yourself to soft, smooth and hydrated skin with the True North Moisturising Body Lotion. This nourishing formula is enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to gently replenish and moisturise the skin, whilst giving instant conditioning. Suitable for all skin types, this lotion easily absorbs to the skin without leaving any greasy marks, leaving you feeling soft, smooth and nourished. Available to buy online at Harvey Nichols (£25), this Moisturising Body Lotion is like hydration in a bottle.

Looking Youthful

Murad’s new Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum and Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream have retinol triactive technology which is made up of a ‘fast acting retinoid’ to quickly boost cellular turnover, a ‘time released retinol’ that slowly melts into the skin delivering sustained levels of retinol over time, and finally a ‘retinol booster’ that acts like a magnet to enhance the efficiency of the skins receptivity to the retinol benefits. They help to treat fine lines and wrinkles, firm skin and reduce dark circles for overall vibrant, radiant skin, priced at £65 each, and available from John Lewis.

BEAUTY UPDATES

Nude by Nature

Whether you’re looking to fake the Aussie glow, or simply give your skin the nutrients it deserves, Australia’s No. 1 award winning make up brand, Nude by Nature has a wide range of 100% vegan and natural products that are both good for the environment and good for you, and includes Natural Wonders Eye Palette (£35), Flawless Concealer (£20) and Touch of Glow Highlight Stick (£18) available from www.uk.nudebynature.com.

My Body, My Health

Last month saw the launch of EarthWater in the UK. The ultimate quick fix for maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. Branded ‘The Healthiest Water in the World’ EarthWater has more than 70 trace minerals in every bottle, including iron, zinc and iodine – EarthWater literally changes your life, simply through the water you drink. Products include FulHum by EarthWater (£37.99 for 12), FulHum Caps (£77.99 for 30), FulHum Mineral Concentrate (£49.99 for 30) and Gummies (£13.99 each), www.earthwater.com

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Night Night

Working their magic as you sleep, make sure you keep one of these moisturisers on your bedside table.

Germaine De Capuccini Night Success Mask, £49.20, www.germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk

Germaine De Capuccini Sleeping Cure, £56, www.germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk

Absolute Sleep Cream, £22, Marks & Spencer

This Works No Wrinkles Midnight Moisture, £46, www.feelunique.com

Clarins Super Restorative Night Wear, £76, John Lewis ESPA Overnight Hydration Therapy, £37, www.espaskincare.com

Dafna's Nutrition Night Cream, £70, www.contentbeautywellbeing.com Estee Lauder Nightwear Plus, £49, Debenhams

Winky Lux Dream Gelee Hydrator, £29, ASOS

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Hotel Chocolat Sleekster, £22.50 Barada Dasha Bag, £265, www.taylorandjackson.com

Mumma I Love You This month it’s Mother’s Day, which means only one thing, it’s time to go shopping and spoil all those amazing mums out there…….

Jimmy Choo Blossom Special Edition, £48, Debenhams

Jo Malone English Fields Honey & Crocus Fragrance, £47, www.jomalone.co.uk

Scarf, £49.95, Scotch & Soda

Ted Baker Lynda Earrings, £35, www.jewellery4uk

Slingsby Rhubarb Gin, £39.99, www.winerack.co.uk

Wild English Garden Bouquet, £75, www.realflowers.co.uk Sweet Orange, Basil & Frankincense Candle, £14.03, www.thehandmadesoapcompany.com

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Joules Whitstable Floral Umbrella, £27, www.fultonumbrellas.com

Orla Kiely 3 Herb Pots, £50, www.cuckooland.com

Be Good To Yourself Make Up Bag, £20, Alphabet Bags

Collagin Gin, £34.99, www.collagin.co.uk

GUESS Wonderlust Watch, £99, www.WatchShop.com Sukin Love Your Skin Set, £25, Lloyds Pharmacy

GUESS Jamila Bangle, £69, www.WatchShop.com

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Midlife Madness 15 Minutes for Goodness Sake!!

I imagine that many people reading this will have been in the situation where after waiting for hours on the phone to deal with an issue - in my case sadly I must confess to it often being a complaint - or dealing with an official body of some sort they are told that it can’t be sorted and they’ll phone back.

I’m not even going to get in to the fact that you may have spent ages being talked at by a machine that asks you to speak your answers and then says it doesn’t understand well it wouldn’t it’s a blooming machine and usually just as I’m about to launch the phone through a window the machine helpfully suggests that it will put me through to an adviser - thank heavens!!! But its 20 minutes too late and even before talking to the machine of small brain with no social intelligence there will often have been 20 minutes of listening to music which frankly may have helped or hindered my mood depending on what it is, it could have been a happy 20 minutes with the phone on loudspeaker while I bop about the kitchen or …. Well something else altogether.

Anyway I’m not getting into that I’m fast forwarding to after I have spoken to a real person explained my problem, possibly explained to another (or 3) real people and still found no answer then they tell me that someone will call me back - with a solution or explanation at least.

So if you are anything like I used to be I would sort of put my life on hold - okay so I’d often be in the house as I’m a bit old fashioned and I feel complaints deserve my house phone, but really that is only because my signal in the house remains monumentally useless!! So I’d be sort of going about my business but not straying too far from the phone. We bought the phone in a sale and this may be unrelated but we have never been able to adjust the number of rings before it goes to answerphone so if it

rings and you want to answer it, assuming it is not around dinner time on a weekday evening when it is guaranteed the calls will all be about PPI, home improvements, a household survey that will only take a couple of minutes or any one of a number of charities - so we all ignore it unless my eldest is in a mischievous mood then he’ll answer and try to counter sell!

So I either end up almost breaking my leg as I race for the phone if it rings or carrying the phone around with me.

But I somehow can’t bring myself to carry the phone with me into the loo. I guess it’s like in real life I never feel very comfortable carrying on a conversation while on the loo!

Now generally I am average in that department and would not expect to spend many minutes of the day in the toilet - in the whole day probably less than 10 or 15 minutes and if I add in a shower, (as opposed to a long relaxing bath which could take a long long time) - maybe 20 at most. But don’t you just know it after waiting for hours for a call back it will happen when I - without the phone am in the little room.

Simply put there is not a good outcome, if it does ring, maximum of 3 rings - which isn’t enough time to get out of the loo and find phone, then they leave a message so I have to endure another session of ‘music’, talking to a machine and at least 3 other people before I start the whole blooming cycle again.

Or the alternative scenario of someone else (whose life hangs in the balance to be fair) failing to pick up the phone assuming it is one of the irritating dinner time phone calls (whatever time of day it may be) OR picks up the phone says they don’t know what it’s about and puts the phone down!!!!

Probably time for a nice long relaxing bath.

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WUNDER2 Kissable lips Set, £37.95, www.wunder2.co.uk

Ski Sweater, £200, www.perfectmoment.com

AFFINITY HOT PICKS

Cabbages & Roses Tuberose & Ylang Diffuser, £34, John Lewis

Roberts Revival Radio, £199.99, www.robertsradio.com

Chococo Unicorn Egg, £11.50, www.chococo.co.uk

Jack Sweatshirt, £120, www.patriagb.com

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

Bronnley Hand Lotion and Hand Wash, £10 each. House of Fraser

American Tourister Cabin Case, £115, www.americantourister.co.uk

Easter Biscuits, £35, Biscuiteers Baking

Purple Glass Vase, £59, www.bridgman.co.uk

Kate Spade Flower Hoop Earrings, £115, www.katespade.co.uk

Ankle Boots, £359, www.marc-cain.com

Giraffe Cushion, £9, B&Q

Vintage Egg Cups, £6.99 (set 4), www.prezzybox.com

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The CALGEL Nail System is Here!

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aramanda1 award winning Hair and Beauty Salon in the village of Great Denham on the outskirts of Bedford, have recently added the innovative CALGEL, one phase gel nail system to their salon.

After building a successful beauty business at home, Elizabeth Zaric owner of BeBeautiful is bringing this fabulous treatment into Saramanda1 to work alongside Amanda, Saramanda1’s owner and properitor, with part of the salon having been refurbished and turned into the ‘Calgel Corner’.

CALGEL, is the brand that nail insiders have been using for years and now this bold, glossy, versatile and long lasting colour is available exclusively within Saramanda1.

CALGEL is a one phase gel nail system that offers up to six weeks of chip free colour without the need for base coats, primers or finishing gels. Its unique clear gel can be used to build shape to flat nails and correct ridged or broken nails when required, or extend length through sculpting or tip extensions. The gel will not only offer flawless colour but give protection and strength to the natural nail.

CALGEL is a permeable system, that allows moisture to pass through the layers of the gel, this moisture can evaporate helping to prevent lifting and for maximum adhesion. As CALGEL doesn't interfere with the natural metabolic activity of the nail; no ‘break’ is needed between treatments and one can infill up to three times before requiring a soak off. After proper removal, the natural nail will be damage free!

Opening hours are Monday – Saturday (please check website for times) and prices start from £25, for CALGEL Natural Overlay.

To book an appointment or to find out more visit www.saramanda1.co.uk or call 01234 351473

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10 dieting mistakes to skip this Spring

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re you struggling to get back into your favourite jeans?

Do you want to achieve sustainable and healthy weight loss? Fed up of trying FAD diets and other speedy but unhealthy weight loss tricks?

We’ve roped in our experts to share their top dieting mistakes: 1. Treats are a no-go all the time “If you say you are going to lose X amount of weight and cut out all your treats including coffee then you can be setting yourself up to fail. You need to embark on a sustainable eating plan that includes a treat meal. Giving up coffee is not always necessary unless you are sensitive to caffeine, but cutting down is a good idea. My clients love the fact that I allow them to have coffee on their plans as they see it as their treat! And they love their weekly treat meal. Once

my clients have reached their goal weight I suggest that they continue to eat in that way 80% of the time to sustain their weight and new found health benefits,” explains Pippa Campbell, Nutrition & Weight Loss Coach (www.pippacampbellhealth.com).

2. Little sleep is the norm “‘People who are sleep deprived have an increased appetite. Inadequate sleep lowers levels of leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite, and increases grehlin, a hormone that increases food intake and is thought to play a role in the long-term regulation of body weight. All this suggests that sleep deprivation can make weight loss extremely difficult because it causes your body to work against you!” explains Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist and Author of Natural Alternatives to Sugar (www.marilynglenville.com/books).

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To help you get a good night’s sleep try Somnuva (www.somnuva.com) the first of its kind sleeping-device, with a built in patented algorithm, that improves sleeping patterns, naturally.

Colin Aston-James sound technology expert explains, “Somnuva has an edge because it is the only device built with this patented, proven algorithm which allows your brain to run at the correct frequencies through the entire night. Other products on the market either track your sleep or just help you get to sleep.”

3. You’re fixated on calories “Calorie counting is a common mistake people make! It’s just not that simple as sugar calories cause fat storage and spikes hunger, while calories from fat and protein promote fat burning. What counts more is the quality, not the quantity of the calories,” explains Pippa.

4. Leftovers from the night before are a common occurrence “If the night before you had oven-cooked salmon with herbs and a green salad, then having the leftovers for breakfast is not a bad idea… but if you indulged in pizza or fish and chips, then maybe rethink the dinner leftovers as a breakfast option. It is essential to start the day with energy and a clear mind to sustain activities throughout the day. Choose foods rich in fibre, antioxidants, and good protein and fats. A healthy and fulfilling option can be poached or scrambled eggs on a piece of whole grain bread and a freshly made green juice,” explains Martina Della Vedova, Nutritionist at Natures Plus naturesplus.co.uk.

5. DNA is ignored Rather than following what your friend or colleague recommends, find out what works for your body. Everyone is different. Pippa runs a three-month programme, Metabolic Balance (£890, pippacampbellhealth.com) with her clients. The Metabolic Balance programme is 100 per cent personalised and actively supports a person’s own biochemistry and nutritional needs. To begin a blood sample is taken from the client, which is then analysed by medical experts, so that a customised and unique plan can be prepared. The programme aims to strengthen and balance your entire hormonal system, so that you are able to naturally manage weight loss, through minimising hunger and reducing cravings.

“Metabolic Balance is a long term approach to feeling and looking in peak health and is backed by 20 years of research by physicians and nutritionists, that has helped over 600,000 clients in 28 countries worldwide. The plan entails eating three meals a day of normal, wholesome foods,” explains Pippa.

6. You opt for sugary snacks before a work out “To give yourself enough energy to work out – and to enjoy it – base your diet on foods that release their energy slowly and steadily. We’re talking mainly about whole foods such as vegetables, whole grains, meat, eggs and fish, nuts and seeds. The opposite – processed foods, high-sugar snacks or sugary drinks – will give you an initial burst of energy followed by a slump that can leave you feeling drained. Not

ideal in the middle of a workout!” explains Nutritionist and Fitness Instructor Cassandra Barns.

7. You focus too much on what weight other people are losing Weight loss can affect people differently; so try not to be disheartened if you feel that other people are losing weight more speedily than you are. “Weight loss depends on a number of things especially the medical conditions of the client. The Metabolic Balance blood tests show a number of out of range markers such as C Reactive Protein (which is an inflammatory marker), liver enzymes and thyroid, which may take the client longer to get to the fatburning stage. This is when the body starts to burn fat for fuel, when this process occurs then the weight loss really happens,” explains Pippa.

8. Protein, what protein?

It’s important to perk yourself up with protein at breakfast. “Protein-rich foods are more satiating than carbohydrate-rich foods – in other words, they can fill you up more quickly and for longer. They seem to do this by slowing down the emptying of the stomach, and by reducing the release of hormones such as ghrelin that stimulate appetite. The result is that you’re likely to eat less over the course of the day, making it easier to control your weight,” explains Nutritionist Cassandra Barns.

“To ensure you’re getting your daily dose of protein, try a plant based protein powder. They are easy to digest and can be low-calorie. They can be used to make smoothies or shakes, and also added to savory foods such as stews and soups. I’d recommend Natures Plus Almond Protein (£40.50, naturesplus.co.uk),” adds Cassandra.

9. You opt for a FAD diets “FAD diets are not sustainable. It is important that the client learns how to prepare simple meals and what to choose on menus or the weight will just go back on. It has to be a lifestyle change. Starving yourself for example on juice diet can cause your body to go into shock, thinking that it is in starvation mode. This can cause the body to store fat, so after the FAD diet is over you can put on even more weight than before,” explains Pippa.

10. Gut bacteria – what’s that?

Our stomach is made up of good and bad bacteria, called gut flora, which has a controlling influence over many important body functions, including metabolism and fat reduction. However, our lifestyle habits (taking antibiotics, diet high in sugar, stress, alcohol) damage our gut bacteria.

So how can we balance it? A healthy gut is made by limiting the bad bacteria and encouraging the good one to grow. “Feed the good bacteria with fibrous foods and plenty of probiotics, which you can find in fermented foods (Kombucha tea, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir and apple cider vinegar are all examples of probiotic-rich superfoods that help to balance your gut flora) or include a supplement in your diet. Look for the one with different types of strains of bacteria, such as Tum8Biotix by Quest Vitamins (www.qnutrapharma.com, £15.80). Probiotics may help to reduce the number of calories you absorb from food,” advises Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns.

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est End and TV actress Claire Sweeney takes on the role of ‘Irene’ in the national tour of the Watermill Theatre’s acclaimed production of CRAZY FOR YOU, coming to Milton Keynes Theatre this month. Claire joins Tom Chambers who plays ‘Bobby’ and Charlotte Wakefield who plays ‘Polly’.

Claire Sweeney has a television and theatre career which spans over 20 years. She is probably best known for playing the role of Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside. Other television

credits include Clocking Off and Merseybeat along with a presenting role on 60 Minute Makeover and a panellist on ITV’s Loose Women. Claire’s West End roles include Roxie Hart in Chicago and Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. Claire previously played the title role in Educating Rita at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory and prior to that, played Paulette in the UK tour of the award winning Legally Blonde.

She most recently appeared as Baroness Bomburst in the National Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Tom Chambers created the role of Jerry Travers in the West End musical Top Hat, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. In 2008 he won the 6th season of Strictly Come Dancing. He can currently be seen in the hit BBC drama Casualty and his other TV credits include Holby City and Waterloo Road. His recent stage credits include Private Lives and White Christmas in the West End. Charlotte Wakefield made her West End debut as Wendla in Spring Awakening, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award. She played Maria in the critically acclaimed production of The Sound of Music at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre receiving nominations for Best Actress in a Musical at both the Evening Standard and Olivier Awards. Her other theatre credits include Sophie in Mamma Mia! in the West End, Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Laurey in Oklahoma!, both on national tour.

High energy, high kicking and gloriously glamorous, CRAZY FOR YOU is the ultimate feelgood musical with a fabulous score from the Gershwin brothers’ songbook. Mistaken identities, plot twists, heartbreak, happiness and a wealth of memorable tunes, including I Got Rhythm, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Nice Work If You Can Get It and Embraceable You, all feature in this exhilarating celebration of the great Broadway musicals.

Crazy for You runs from Tuesday 20th – Saturday 24thMarch 2018. Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

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Time to Declutter

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hether you’re preparing for a move or just wanting to cut down on stuff, spring is the perfect time to declutter, get rid of junk that is no longer used, needed, wanted or even remembered. A successful “home edit” can also help clear the mind.

Clearing out the junk from our homes has more benefits that just freeing up space or cutting removal costs if you’re on the move. It cuts chaos, simplifies life and declutters the mind too.

But to get the best out of a decluttering exercise, it’s important to tackle it the right way. That’s why we’ve put together a list of practical steps to make decluttering effective and efficient, and maybe even enjoyable.”

Declutter one room at a time – This way you’ll see clear progress as you tackle and complete one task at time. It avoids getting overwhelmed.

Do not be constrained by someone else’s timeline - Find the time that works for you, whether after work while watching a bit of Netflix, over the weekend, or a couple of hours here and there. This way you’ll feel motivated to do more, not get burned out by the process.

Do not buy packing boxes before you’ve worked out what to keep - Organise first, buy second. If your decluttering is effective, you may find you don’t need as many storage boxes as you first thought.

Do not hoard - Be completely honest with yourself about what items you really NEED. Give things away either to someone you know, or to charity – you’ll feel better for it. Try freecycle!

Do not start a new task before finishing the last one - Complete each task completely before moving on – once you have decided where something is going to go, take it there.

Do not forget to ask yourself: does everything have a function? - Seriously, do you really need all those DVDs when you have subscriptions to more than one online TV and film streaming service? The same goes for all those CDs.

Don’t forget the scanner is your friend – Boxes of old photographs can be scanned and scored in a fraction of the space.

Don’t keep clothes you never wear - Try the wardrobe hanger experiment. Turn around the hooks on all the hangers in your wardrobe. Once you wear an item, turn the hanger back the other way. After a year, get rid of any clothes on hangers still hooked on the wrong way – you don’t need them.

Don’t forget to ask for another perspective Ask for help from a work colleague or friend they should be able to give you an objective opinion on what they think you do and don’t need.

Don’t overlook the fact that you’re only keeping it because of nostalgia - Why not take a photo of it instead, then you’ll feel better about giving or throwing something away.

Don’t forget to use your imagination - Ask yourself: “If I was a buyer viewing this house now, would this piece of furniture put me off, or do all these items on the shelf minimise the space?”

Don’t think that once you’ve organised your space you’re done - Recognise your new, efficient, and logical system for processing and managing incoming and outgoing items and keep it up.

Don’t go too far in search of perfection - Good is good enough. Your home will never look like a catalogue because it is actually lived in. Take time to appreciate how far you’ve come. If perfection is your goal then you will always be disappointed.

Don’t forget to simplify your personal life Decluttering your diary is essential for simplifying your life and giving yourself a bit of headspace. You can reduce your commitments and say no to non-essential things. www.buzzmove.com

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FASHION

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Ice cream hues of pink, lilac, yellow and green are some of this seasons prettiest shades to be seen in.

What colour will you choose?

River Island

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Cool in Coral

Border Print Tunic, £35, Joe Browns Crochet Dress, £72, Paper Dolls Tie Back Jumper, 318, Dorothy Perkins

Fit and Flare Dress, £35, Dorothy Perkins

Pleat Front Shirt, £45, Long Tall Sally

Embelished Drop Earrings, £7.99, TK Maxx

Revolve

Scarf, £12.95, www.Dotcomgiftshop.com

Frill Sleeve Cardigan, POA, M&Co

Crochet Espadriles, £4, Primark

Necklace, £12.99, TK maxx

Top, £10, F&F

Frill Top, £10, Primark

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Fresh as Mint

Jumpsuit, £15, Primark

Shirt Dress, £59, Marks & Spencer

Izel Lace Top, £79, Coast

Bag, £29.50, Marks & Spencer High Waisted Trousers, £25, Pretty Little Thing

John Richard Bracelet, £14, Debenhams

Agnona

Maides Sandals, £75, Dune London

Bardot Dress, £99, Coast

accessorize

Art Spot Cardigan, £55, White Stuff

Hoodie, £14.99, New Look

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Lush in Lilac Olivia Burton Watch, £78, John Lewis

Drop Earrings, £8, Oasis

Blazer, £55, Principles

Bird Print Shirt, £39, Oasis

Smock Dress, £55, Elvi Hobbs

Ankle Boots, £85, Topshop Blouse, £34, Principles Crop Trousers, £28, Very

Fervor Montreal Wrap Bracelet, £40, House of Fraser

Top, Henry Holland Circle Bag, £20, Accessorize

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Mellow in Yellow Earrings, £12.50, Marks & Spencer

Shirt, £25, Marks & Spencer Watch, £30, Next

Dress, £52, Paper Dolls

Skirt, £25, Marks & Spencer

Wallis

Block Heel Sandals, £29.50, Marks & Spencer Embroidered Cardigan, £40, Oasis

Bag, £19.50, Marks & Spencer

Jumper, £55, Oliver Bonas Weave Sliders, £55, Next

Bird Scarf, £22.50, White Stuff

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Pretty in Pink

Wide Leg Crop Trousers, £28, Very

Blazer, £30, Miss Selfridge

Bag, £49, Jasper Conran Leather Look Skirt, £19.99, New Look

Frill Cardigan, £18, M&Co

Sylvie Millstein

Earrings, £9.50, Marks & Spencer

Crop Trousers, £19.99, New Look

Blazer, £99, Crew Clothing Co Fluted Sleeve Coat, £75, Very Fringe Sliders, £22.99, New Look

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Food & Drink

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Celebrate the Olympics In celebration of the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Aldi has unveiled its awardwinning Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut NV in a limited edition, commemorative bottle.

The Team GB Champagne (£12.99) is delicate on the nose with an appealing bouquet of ripe apples, floral hints, soft red fruit yielding to gentle patisserie notes. With kicks of citrus, soft baked apple and strawberries, the bottle is emblazoned with the Union Jack flag, Team GB logo and Olympic rings, providing the perfect tipple to celebrate with during the games!

Take for Karma Step aside popcorn. Move over protein balls. There’s a new healthy brand in town called Karma Bites, which is set to revolutionise the way you snack, thanks to its main ingredient – popped Lotus seeds, which come from the revered lotus flower. Available in four yummy flavours, wasabi, peri peri, himalayan salt & caramel! Not only are they high in protein, they are low in fat with only 120 calories in a 30g bag, available from www.karmabites.co.uk at a RRP £1.59.

FOODIE NEWS Chunky Chutney

Fatally Chocolate

Fatally Chocolate, a new and exciting chocolatier is the latest addition to the up and coming town of Herne Bay, Kent. Tobi Caira, 29, owner and creator, opened the chocolaterie in December 2017, using his years of experience as a pastry chef to reimagine the experience of eating chocolate.

Every chocolate is made in store by hand and only uses the highest quality ingredients. Ranging from classic flavours to spices and spirits, catering for every palate. Already proving popular are truffles based on popular cocktails such as Mojito and Gravedigger – a truffle made with an incredible 7 spirits!

Favourite desserts including Eton mess and apple crumble are also transformed into bite-sized delights. Available in boxes of 4, 8 or 12, with prices ranging from £5.75 for 4 classic selection truffles to £15.75 for a custom selection of 12 truffles.

Cottage Delight have added a new star to their range of award winning chutneys with the creation of their Smoked Beetroot Chutney (310g, RRP £3.30). A perfectly balanced chutney with the earthy flavour of chunky beetroot with a subtle smokiness. Great alongside cheese, pâté, especially good with fish and fantastic for adding vibrant colour to kitchen creations. Head over to www.cottagedelight.co.uk and start your culinary adventure!

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A Hidden Gem

Hidden behind an enormous wooden door, in a seductively lit basement in Soho is Mark’s Bar HIX Soho, designed by the guys from Dunhill it’s no wonder the whole ambience is reminiscent of an exclusive gentleman’s smoking room with leather chesterfields, a sunken bar running the whole length of the room, smoky mirrors, artwork from Damien Hirst and the only original billiards table in London.

The perfect place to sink into the sofas, (which of course we did), with a cocktail or two (well the menu was too tempting not to indulge) sit back, relax and drink in the atmosphere of allegedly the best bar in London. The cocktail menu is full of quirky and innovative delights including the signature ‘Hix Fix’ a sparkling wine infused with Somerset morello cherry liqueur, and the Hard as F**K (Havana Club 3 year rum pink grapefruit, citrus and maraschino) both far too easily drinkable, and consumed under the watchful eyes of Hamish the Fox, placed strategically behind the bar to look after the vast selection of drinks (he’s not real).

Then there’s the snax menu, bar bites that are just that little bit special including a quartet pint of Atlantic prawns that were fresh, succulent and delicious as was everything else including the Leigh on Sea cockle popcorn, Moyallon pork crackling with bramley apple sauce (some of the best crackling we’ve tasted), Korean bbq chicken tulips with sesame (a slight kick that teased the palette) and deliciously indulgent Ox heart with Ridley road flatbread and pickled King cabbage all perfect to nibble on as you catch up with friends, a romantic date or just because. The presentation is just as tasty as the food with even a couple of dessert snax being thrown in for the sweet toothed amongst us.

Mark’s Bar, HIX Soho is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening, a rare find that’ll have you planning your next visit before you even leave.

HIX Soho 66 – 70 Brewer Street London, W1F 9UP

www.hixrestaurants.co.uk

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Tempting the Tastebuds at

The Knife & Cleaver

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In the middle of the village of Houghton Conquest, directly opposite the Grade I listed church, is the Knife and Cleaver, part of a family of classic British pubs brought to you from Epic Pubs.

Originally a 17th century country inn, The Knife and Cleaver offers a relaxed environment reflecting the best in British design. Décor is rustic, with a modern twist, making it, aesthetically speaking, a real hit, throw in the warm and friendly atmosphere and if the food is as good as first impressions then we’re in for a real treat!

With an extensive drinks menu, it’s easy to enjoy your favourite tipple, including wines, gins, cocktails, mocktails and beers. Not that I’m predictable but those that know me know I am a bubble girl so of course what else would I choose?

So with a glass of prosecco in hand we were shown to our table to decide what delights we wanted to choose off the menu.

As we have all come to expect when eating out, the food menu revolves around fresh, seasonal and sustainable produce, and this was certainly evident in the dishes on display on the menu.

An appetizer of fresh warm bread and olives accompanied our drinks whilst we waited for our starters to arrive.

Pheasant and bacon salad on a bed of chicory, walnuts and slices of pear drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette – the cool chicory and crispy pear complimented the gamey flavours of the pheasant perfectly. A duck and cranberry terrine with spiced orange chutney and toasted sourdough, was a perfect contrast of flavours and textures, Roast pork tenderloin and braised cheeks, served with a white bean and bacon cassoulet followed, whetting the palette with an array of flavours, whilst showcasing the sourced quality of the meat.

And the sea bass from the specials menu was so fresh it fell from the bone.

The colours and presentation of the dishes were just as delightful and appealing to the eyes as the taste was to the palette.

Dessert was a mulled pear trifle, with flavours that worked in harmony with each other and a Braeburn apple and golden sultana crumble, which was just as superb as the rest of the evening’s dishes.

Everything at the Knife and Cleaver is charming and indulgent, from the staff to the rustic soft furnishings, there’s even rooms, if you want to extend your dining experience to an overnight stay. Whatever you decide if our experience is anything to go by you’ll come away feeling well and truly spoilt.

The Knife & Cleaver The Grove, Houghton Conquest 01234 930789 www.theknifeandcleaver.com

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Spring Vegetable Lasagne Ingredients

30g butter 1/4 cup plain flour 1 1/2 cups milk 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed, thickly sliced 2 zucchini, cut into ribbons 2 green onions, trimmed, cut into 8cm lengths 1 bunch spinach, trimmed 10 dried instant lasagne sheets 1 cup frozen peas 250g fresh ricotta 2 roma tomatoes, thinly sliced 2/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves 1 cup grated pizza cheese Basil leaves, to serve

Method Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C/Gas . Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until bubbling. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in milk until combined. Return to heat., stirring constantly for 3 minutes or until sauce boils and thickens. Remove from heat.

Season with salt and pepper.

Bring a medium pan of salted water to the boil. Add asparagus, zucchini and onion. Boil for 2 minutes. Drain and place on a paper towel. Add spinach to pan. Cook for 1 minute or until wilted. Remove and squeeze out excess moisture when cool enough to handle. Roughly chop.

Cover the base of a 20cm x 28cm ovenproof dish with 2/3 cup white sauce. Layer 1/4 lasagne sheets trimming to fit. Layer asparagus mixture, peas and 1/3 ricotta. Top with 1/3 of remaining lasagne sheets, 1/2 spinach, and 1/2 remaining ricotta. Repeat. Top with remaining lasagne sheets and remaining white sauce. Arrange tomato and basil leaves on top.

Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and pasta is tender. Serve with extra basil leaves.

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Chicken Marsala Ingredients 16oz fresh mushrooms, sliced 3 tbsp butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup dry Marsala wine 1 tsp cornflour dissolved in 1 tbsp cold water 2 tbsp double cream 1/2 tsp salt (more to taste) 1 1/2 – 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 tbsp olive oil 1/3 cup flour 1 tsp all purpose seasoning + a pinch of salt and pepper 1-2 cups cherry tomatoes Fresh parsley

Method Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a medium or large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the mushrooms and saute for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Add the garlic and wine – let the mixture simmer gently to reduce the wine, stirring occasionally. After 15-20 minutes, add the cornflour, cream, and salt to the marsala mixture – it should start to thicken slightly.

Pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1 inch thick to help with even cooking. Cut them into smaller, single-serving pieces if necessary. Combine the flour, seasoning, and salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Toss the chicken in the flour mixture until coated. Shake off excess.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Pan-fry the coated chicken for a few minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Add sauce and mushrooms to the skillet with the chicken. Top with tomatoes and simmer until the tomatoes have softened.

Serve with fresh parsley

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Mini Chocolate & Raspberry Tarts Method Ingredients 2 Burford Browns eggs 175g plain flour 100g cold butter, cut into small cubes 25g icing sugar 500 ml double cream 75g golden caster sugar 300g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids) 250g fresh raspberries

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

Dust the work surface with flour and roll the dough out thinly. Use it to line one large 25cm/10in tart ring or 6 individual tartlet rings 10cm/4in in diameter. Trim away any excess.

Line the tart case with baking parchment, fill with baking beans and bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes. Remove the baking beans and paper and cook for a further 10 minutes or until the base of the tart is golden-brown and cooked through. Remove the tart from the oven and set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, heat the chocolate and cream in a saucepan set over a medium heat, stirring continuously until the chocolate melts and mixture is smooth and thick.

Sprinkle the dried raspberry over the base of the tart, reserving a little to garnish, alternatively you can use fresh raspberry to garnish.

Pour the chocolate mixture into the tart shell and chill in the fridge for 45 minutes, or until set. Sprinkle over the remaining dried raspberry.

Recipe by www.clarencecourt.co.uk

Quiz and Curry

1st Monday of every Month £50 Voucher prize, 7pm Arrival £10 entry to quiz includes Curry with accompaniments

March 10th

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Special Full afternoon Tea Including Glass of Prosecco 2pm – 5:30pm - £15 per person

March 10th - Mother’s Day

2 Course £19.95/3 Course £25.95 Serving 12-9. Free gift for all the Mums

March 30th - Pudding Night

7.30pm Arrival - £16 per person Main Course and all you can eat desserts

April 6th - Burger Night

Starter PlatterHomemade Burger Cooked in front of you & A Beer - £22.50

April 20th – Caribbean Night

Taste of 10 authentic dishes only £25 per person

April 27th - Pudding Night

7.30pm Arrival - £16 per person Main Course and all you can eat desserts

Thirsty Thursdays

Half Price Drinks from 4-6.30pm Free Nibbles on the bar All Drinks £2.10 or under!!

01234 781 678

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

“

Aldi have launched 12 new and exciting wines as part of its Wine Festival collection, here’s 3 of our favourites

“

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Down the Lane Australian Shiraz Blended with wines from three Australian wine regions, the sweet, spicy and fruit driven Shiraz from the Riverina and Heathcote regions is rounded off by the savoury tannins of the Tempranillo from the De Bortoli King Valley Estate, and carefully integrated with oak. It's the perfect accompaniment for a lighter dinner such as Tapas to give you the full Spanish or Mediterranean tastes with true Australian winemaking quality. £6.99, Aldi

The Odd Lot A big, dark, full-bodied red with a difference – its Petite Sirah (no relation to Syrah) and Petite Verdot grape varieties fell out of favour in their native France, but found a near perfect home in Monterey, California, with its morning fog, broad temperature swings and intense sunshine. A delicious accompaniment to barbecued or Tex Mex meals you'll be able to taste the sunshine in every drop. £9.99, Aldi

Isola Zibibbo 2016 Made with an ancient Italian grape that’s a member of the Muscat family, this is a crisp and bright table wine, brimming with lemon zest and peaches, and apricot and orange blossom scents, making it ideal for serving with seafood dishes. £5.99, Aldi

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INTERIORS

This year’s main colour, will be all shades of grey. A timeless and soothing colour that can take a role in every interior, from the simplest to the boldest. A great colour to incorporate into any room of the house in the form of a full-on grey interior or a few pieces, such as this LUXXU Saboteur Armchair, inspired by the noir movie scene.

www.luxxu.net

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Grashoppa Lamp, £400, Rume

Concrete Look Side Table, £29.99, Domu Brands

Foot Stool, £199, Baa Stool

Velvet Rug, £145, Very

Moroccan Style Bedside Table, £748, Artisanti

Kitchen Stool, £99, Swoon Editions

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Blanket, £115, The Shop Floor Project

Ceiling Light, £180, John Lewis

Ceramin Lantern, £25, White Stuff

Paipai Sofa by Ligne Roset

Vase, £85, Kelly Hoppen

Fringe Edge Cushion, £15, B&Q Knitted Pouf, £57, B&Q

VELVET Revolution

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Deep Button Chair, £1395, Audenza

Take your pick of velvet chairs, soft, luxurious and stylish

Duke Cocktail Chair £349, Swoon Editions

Dining Chair, POA, Essential Home

Melvin Armchair, £299, Cult Furniture Winged Armchair, £1495, Audenza

Velvet Chair, £669, Houseology Pair of Chairs, £498, Cuckooland.com Dining Chair, £129, Housing Units

Violet Chair, POA, Essential Home

Occasional Chair, £900, Houseology

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Saturday by appointment only

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Fry’s Footie Corner

I, like my chairman Darragh MacAnthony, was stunned to hear that the majority of EFL clubs voted to close the transfer window earlier than in previous years at a recent meeting for owners and chief executives. The window may well be a life-line to clubs within the Football League and the fact that the time it is open has been slashed pretty much by a third, is a bit of a baffling decision.

If it was down to me, I wouldn’t have the transfer window at all for clubs in the EFL, particularly League One and Two because it is a restriction of trade. When I was manager of Barnet and Peterborough, there were many months where we were close to not paying the wages and selling a player was the only way to bring in extra revenue.

I have always felt that there isn’t really a fair balance between what clubs in the Championship and the bottom end of League Two feel about things like the transfer window anyway. A team getting 25,000 each week and a club attracting 2,000 fans each week is a big financial discrepancy in terms of cash flow – if they have a player scoring goals and in-form, it should be down to them to make the decision on whether to sell not FIFA.

Away from the window and Manchester City’s chance of collecting all four trophies ended with a defeat at Wigan Athletic. Rochdale also held Tottenham Hotspur to a 2-2 draw in the Emirates FA Cup proving that competition is still alive and well.

In the Champions League, Manchester City and Liverpool both had big wins away from home in their first legs and that demonstrated the gulf in quality between Porto, Basle and two of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

Hopefully an English side can go on and lift the trophy.

For us at Peterborough United, we managed to keep hold of our best players in the January window and we now need to go on a run of form between now and the end of the season to get ourselves into the play-off positions.

Barry Fry

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G-Shock Alarm Watch, £110, www.watchshop.com

Fossil Explorist Smartwatch, £259, House of Fraser

Longines Heritage Watch, £1,640, Beaverbrooks

Greenwich Noon Watch, £395, Links of London Hugo Boss Jackson Watch, £159, Beaverbrooks

Hugo Boss Navigator Chronograph Watch, £329, www.watchshop.com

Time Please Strap on one of these stylish watches to add a little sophistication to your look

Skeleton Blue & Black Rubber Watch, £350, Links of London

Swiss Military Ace Chrono Watch, £279, House of Fraser

TAG Heuer Carrera Watch, £3,700, Beaverbrooks

Tan Strap Watch, £155, Freedom to Exist

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The Aston Martin DB11 is a Winner

The V8-powered Aston Martin DB11 recently won the “Best coupé for more than £50,000” category at the 40th annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards.

The Aston Martin DB11 is credited with turning around the fortunes of the British luxury carmaker when it was launched in 2016. The 4.0-litre twinturbocharged V8 version came along last summer and was an immediate success.

Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car? said: "The DB11 has always been an impressive car, but the addition of a V8 engine makes it better than ever.

This new variant feels even sharper than the V12 because it has less weight in the nose, yet it still offers fantastic performance and the blend of comfort and luxury that prestige coupé buyers expect. It's quite simply the best car of its kind."

Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, Andy Palmer said: “It is always gratifying to receive recognition from within the automotive industry.

We are very proud of the success of the DB11. The DB11 is the most complete and sophisticated car Aston Martin has ever made and now, with this new V8 engine option we have broadened its appeal. The V8-powered DB11 is a remarkable Aston Martin.”

The V8 engine propels the DB11 from 0-62mph in just 4.0 seconds and produces 510PS (503BHP) and 675Nm of torque. This light, compact and characterful power unit has been tailored by Aston Martin engineers to provide bespoke air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication systems. Lighter and more compact than the V12, the engine is mounted as low as possible in the DB11 for an optimised centre of gravity, creating an incredibly agile sports car.

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TRAVEL

Chamonis

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Alpine luxe

Les Rives d’Argentiere at

Enchanted snow laden forests, white covered mountains and freezing landscapes, is the dreamlike scenery that flashes past us as we head towards the exclusive Les Rives d’Argentiere, a 5 star hamlet of just four luxury chalets nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc in Chamonix, and our home for the next couple of nights.

On arrival, it is like stepping into a scene from a Swiss chocolate box, with the chalets hidden under a pristine white blanket of snow, in front of a backdrop of towering mountains.

There are four luxe chalets in the hamlet, all similar in layout, and able to accommodate a minimum of 10 people each, with private outdoor hot tubs, heated outdoor pool, gym, sauna,

hamman and massage room. There’s a private cinema room that can also be converted into a disco area, as well as a well-stocked library and a wine cellar any connoisseur would be proud of.

All slightly different in design and décor, but all just as luxurious and comfortable as each other. Chalet Granit was to be ours, five bedrooms all ensuite, with a large open plan living space incorporating a kitchen, dining area and lounge with comfy sofas arranged in harmony around a roaring open fire. A great place to curl up with a hot chocolate or glass of wine and enjoy the panoramic views of even more spectacular scenery, and scenery was certainly in abundance when we took the Montenvers Railway to Mer de Glace.

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This famous little red train, runs on tracks that climb the mountainside, passing through powder white forests, tunnels cut through rocks, and over viaducts, passing very close to the edge (don’t look down!), but oh so worth it as the formidable sight of a landscape that looks like it’s covered in cotton wool is simply breathtaking - there are only so many WOWS that can come out of your mouth aren’t there? No, just as you think this legendary journey can’t get any better you reach your destination, at the foot of the Mer de Glace glacier, it is truly breathtaking, made all the more special by our host Martin (General Manager of Les Rives d’Argentiere) who had brought champagne for us to share as we stood in the snow staring in awe at the glacier below.

Once back at Les Rives d’Argentiere the champagne theme continued, accompanied with freshly prepared canapés as we waited to enjoy an evening of delicious food, freshly prepared by the Les Rives d’Argentiere team – Which is exactly what you’ll get if you hire the chalets on a luxury catered package - Your own private chef, who will prepare daily breakfasts (cooked and continental), afternoon tea and four-course fine dining evening meals. And if that wasn’t enough the fully catered package comes with unlimited wine, beer and spirits - all served exactly as you like them, you’ll be well and truly spoilt.

Whether you’re a skier or not, it doesn’t matter there is something for everyone here. Whilst the skiers head off to the slopes (the chalets each have their own dedicated ski room with heated boot warmers) you can take a trip into Chamonix, explore the cobbled streets, sip a hot chocolate on the balcony of one of the many bars or cafes, indulge in a little après ski (you don’t have to ski to do this) and just while away the time doing as much or as little as you like.

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If you decide to not move from the chalet, there’s always the option of relaxing in the hot tub, whilst sipping a glass of wine, surrounded by piles of pristine white snow, a truly magical experience that of course we tried on more than one occasion.

There are lots of activities that can be arranged for you during your stay, such as a restaurant reservation, ski lessons, ski hire, ski passes, husky sledge riding, a helicopter tour, golf bookings, yoga, massage, your wish is literally the concierge teams command, nothing is too much trouble.

Our last night saw us indulge in an 8 course tasting menu and wine tasting that included such delights as crunchy apple and cucumber wrapped in smoked salmon, tender beef in red wine jus, panna cotta with a fruit coulis, all cooked by our own dedicated chef along with a representative from Le Verre Gourmand to talk us through the wines, the most perfect end to an exceptional stay.

If the snow and the cold aren’t your thing that’s fine Les Rives d’Argentière isn’t just a winter destination, in the spring and summer the region is just as popular with mountaineers, hikers, and runners, the outdoor heated pool is open and the views of the mountain ranges surrounding you are just as spectacular – it really is an all year round haven, where guests are well and truly spoilt.

BOOK IT

Prices start from approximately £6,000 per week, per chalet fully catered off peak and up to £13,500 per week, per chalet, fully catered peak season.

Fully catered private hire of the whole hamlet starts from £10,000 off peak and up to £52,000 peak season.

Massage and wellbeing services provided by www.equilibrium.fitness To find out more or to book, visit www.lesrivesdargentiere.com

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Style, Sophistication and Skylines

The Trafalgar St. James at

A

lfresco cocktails on a cold winters night in February – Have I gone mad? Not at all, I’m sat sipping a ‘Soho Sunset’ whilst wrapped in a blanket with the warmth of outdoor heaters keeping me nice and snug as I perch high above the streets of London drinking in not only my cocktail but the spectacular views of the London skyline at night from The Rooftop on the 6th Floor of The Trafalgar St. James Hotel – Eye level with Nelson sitting atop his column, I almost feel I should offer him a sip of my cocktail! A stunning space that you can visit all year round, day or night, whether you’re staying at the hotel or not, but staying we were and what a treat we were in for, The Trafalgar Suite, (now I felt I should become more friendly with Nelson) was to be our home for the night, a stunning space on two levels, decorated in a contemporary urban London style with a large window in the lounge area looking directly out onto Trafalgar Square. A cluster of music artwork above the bed including a picture of Mick Jagger creates a great focal point as does the large plush red velvet bee cushions on the grey sofa. The bathroom features a walk in shower and bathtub, along with Molton Brown Toiletries (one of my favourites).

Complimentary WiFi, snacks and soft drinks from the mini bar along with a Nespresso Coffee machine, makes this the perfect retreat to return to after a busy day or night of enjoying all that London has to offer.

Initially opened in 2001 as The Trafalgar, this was Hilton’s first unbranded hotel in London. In 2017 It was completely refurbished and reopened as The Trafalgar St. James, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, blending innovative, bold designs with excellent service making it an iconic London hotel poised on the edge of St. James, and Trafalgar Square and a stones throw from Soho, Mayfair and the West End. The hotel’s all-day restaurant and grill, ‘The Trafalgar Dining Rooms is a chic relaxed space, Plush tan leather booths, dark denim walls, arch framed mirrors, and industrial black ironwork chandeliers, give it a slight art deco feel, the perfect place for us to enjoy dinner – We began with appetisers of hummus with crudités and smoked almonds followed by Italian cured beef with egg yolk, pecorino and aubergines stuffed with romesco, apple and coriander (definitely following the menus Mediterranean influence), – both a real delight to our tastebuds, and washed down perfectly with a glass of chilled Sancerre Rose. Mains were salmon with a chraimeh sauce, served with tender stem broccoli, and grilled calamari with chorizo and mint, the freshness of the ingredients were obvious in the combination of textures and tastes in these delicious dishes. Dessert was warm date & walnut cake with stem ginger ice cream, soft, flavoursome and a perfect end to a great evening.

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Decision time - an after dinner drink at the bar? Or the pull of our suite and an indulgent bubble bath with an equally indulgent glass of champagne? The bubbles (on both counts) won!

After a blissful nights sleep, it was time for breakfast, served again in the Trafalgar Dining Rooms, but this time with a completely different vibe than the night before, think businessmen, yummy mummy’s, couples and families, a real busy buzz, with a help yourself breakfast bar buffet or a la carte menu option, that were both fresh, delicious and varied.

The Trafalgar St. James, an elegant sanctuary of style, a place to rest and play situated right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of St. James, coupled with the wonderful service they offer their guests, The Trafalgar St. James should be on everyone’s radar when planning a visit to the Capital.

BOOK IT Prices start from £315 for a Trafalgar Queen Room based on two people sharing.

Prices start from £475 for The Trafalgar Suite based on two people sharing. www.trafalgarstjames.com

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Holiday in One of Cornwall's Finest Private Waterfront Residences

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Following an extensive renovation in 2017, the magnificent 10-bedroom historic house with expansive grounds, private beach and mooring in Flushing, near Falmouth, Cornwall is available to let for the first time this summer.

Boasting uninterrupted sea views across Falmouth bay, the breathtakingly beautiful Rosilian Hall is the ultimate place for a celebratory stay or group getaway in Cornwall this summer.

The grand waterfront residence, which comes with its own beach, slipway and mooring, sleeps 20 and is available to let for week-long stays from 30th June - 8th September 2018 through Cornwall's leading luxury holiday lettings company, Cornish Gems.

Families and friends looking for a luxurious and spacious private escape to the coast can holiday in style whilst being in easy reach - by land or sea - of Cornwall's top visitor spots. The vibrant harbour town of Falmouth is a stone's throw away and can be reached from Rosilian Hall's doorstep in less than ten minutes by water.

Originally built in 1908, the remarkable DutchCape style house was lovingly transformed in 2017 into a beautiful family-home with original period features, romantic interiors and unique French antiques. Set within 1.6 acres of established grounds, the Hall spreads over four floors and sleeps up to 20 people in 10 generous and beautifully appointed double bedrooms, including a master-suite with free-standing bath and adjoining lounge.

With several lavish reception areas, Rosilian is perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The large salon boasts original stone archways, which frame the sea views beyond, and a stunning dining room opens up to create a hall capable of seating up to 45 guests for a celebratory gathering. Guests will have a myriad of rooms and areas suitable for all ages to choose from, including an orangery, games room, drawing room, study, wine cellar as well as a hot tub for six people, private beach, boathouse, gardens and lawn.

Rosilian Hall is available for exclusive hire from 30th June to 8th September 2018 for week-long stays. Prices start at ÂŁ10,995 per week and children and dogs are welcome.

Visit cornishgems.com for more information or to book.

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WIN!

An Overnight Stay for Two at

The Luxurious Waterside Hotel The Bristol

T

he Bristol is located in the heart of the city of Bristol, right on the vibrant Harbourside, with only the pretty – and pedestrianised – historic cobbled Narrow Quay separating it from the waterfront.

Housed in a distinctive 1960s building, recognised by RIBA as a prime example of the Modern architectural movement, the chic airy interiors display modern lines, cool colours and contemporary furniture.

The River Grille restaurant, with its perfect for people watching floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Harbourside, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, while The River Lounge & Bar is the perfect spot for a morning coffee, light lunch, traditional afternoon tea or evening cocktails; The Shore Café Bar is an informal stand-alone bar with big screens for watching sports and live music at weekends.

The Bristol’s 187 rooms and suites are among the most luxurious in the city, with each one styled, furnished and equipped for supreme comfort; the deluxe rooms and juniors suites have additional luxuries such as media hubs and Nespresso coffee machines.

Many of the city’s main attractions are close by, including the contemporary arts centre known as the Arnolfini and M Shed (the museum for all things Bristol), SS Great Britain (built in the city by Brunel), and We the Curious (Britain’s largest and most exciting interactive science centre).

Just to the north of the hotel lie the main shopping areas.

Broadmead and Cabot Circus, much of which are pedestrianised, are home to over 100 shops, including well-

known High Street brands, while quirky individual shops can be found on Park Street and in the covered St Nicholas Market.

Always check the Visit Bristol website (www.visitbristol.co.uk) when planning a visit to the city, as it provides information on a wide variety of events taking place, such as the Harbour Festival, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and Eat Drink Bristol Fashion.

Even just walking around the city, you’re quite likely to encounter a pop-up show or an open exhibition, such is the creative energy that pulses through Bristol.

In the evenings, various venues offer a wide range of entertainment. The Bristol Old Vic presents plays old and new, while the Bristol Hippodrome specialises in hosting many West End shows; Colston Hall and St George’s put on music from classical to contemporary, as well as talks and comedy. For art house cinema, head to The Watershed.

Affinity Luxury Lifestyle readers have the chance to win a stay at this luxurious waterside hotel.

The Prize:

One night’s stay for two people at The Bristol, with a complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe Room overlooking Bristol’s historic Harbourside, a three-course dinner for two and full English breakfast.

The prize must be taken by the end of September 2018; subject to availability.

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How to Enter For the chance to win this luxury overnight break just tell us: How many rooms does The Bristol have?

A. 187 B. 182 C. 189

Please email your answer to jane@affinitymag.co.uk Competition closes on 31st March 2018 – GOOD LUCK! www.doylecollection.com/bristol

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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) You emerge with a better sense of self-confidence, know what you believe in, and are more responsible financially. You emerge with less weight on your shoulders, and less burdens from the past, but still have some ways to go and more lessons to come.

You look further into the future, and can take a different route to get to where you want to be.

Favourable Dates: March 1, 2, 10, 19, 20, 29 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow

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Aries (21 March – 19 April) Your mental energy can surge this month. You might be a little scattered though, so try to keep good track of everything you come up with and everything you say. You can be surprisingly sensual and in touch with your body and nature, and you want a physical connection to life.

Your emotions run high, and you need some comfort and familiarity, but may not feel like you’re getting what you need to feel emotionally secure.

Favourable Dates: March 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 27 Favourable Colours: Grey & Blue

Taurus (20 April – 20 May) You try to be realistic with your plans, and you can make long-term plans that are achievable. You can get advice from people that you admire, and have important communications with mentors and elders. Your alternate self loves variety, and doesn’t want to have the same old stuff all of the time, so when it takes over, you’re prone to trying all sorts of different ways to deal with whatever you’re dealing with.

Favourable Dates: March 1, 8, 10, 17, 19, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow Gemini (21 May – 20 June) You can do better in the background, without anyone paying attention to you, and you can work on eliminating some things from your life. You may come across as more compassionate, sensitive, or understanding. If newly dating someone, you can decide if it’s going somewhere or not. If single, you can meet someone you have a karmic link to. If attached, you want to be more romantic and have a better emotional connection.

Favourable Dates: March 10, 12, 19, 21, 28, 30 Favourable Colours: Red & White Cancer (21 June – 22 July) This is the start of a brand new expansion cycle for you, and you can be more enthusiastic, driven, excited about life, and willing to get things off of the ground. You can have many new opportunities presented to you to try new things, have new experiences, go to new places, and meet new people. You do everything to the best of your abilities, and take pride in the work that you do.

Favourable Dates: March 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27 Favourable Colours: Blue & White Leo (23 July – 22 August) You’re in touch with your feelings, and your feelings are heightened. You might be a little too open with them at times, and have an outburst or two, especially when angry.

Impatience can get the better of you, and you’re easily irritated and frustrated when things don’t go as quickly as you want them to. You also focus on your health, and try to improve lifestyles so you can live better.

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

Virgo (23 August – 22 September) You can finish a work project, become more committed to your work, or decide you want to walk away, though it may not be a permanent decision right now. You can stress yourself out easily, especially if you take on too much work, so try to have an emotional outlet. You can emerge

with a stronger internal self, better understanding of your emotions, and are more willing to give yourself what you need without guilt.

Favourable Dates: March 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & Grey

Libra (23 September – 22 October) You can finalise a financial arrangement, agreement, or partnership, settle a financial dispute, or stop working a second job or side gig you’ve been doing for extra money, or take it to the next level. You need to force yourself to use the energy creatively, to make time for your hobbies and the things you enjoy, and to make time for love and your loved ones.

Favourable Dates: March 6, 8, 15, 17, 24, 26 Favourable Colours: Green & Blue Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) You can get work started toward your dreams, but you quickly lose steam, or you have a hard time getting started at all, and become impatient about it. You can feel insecure about your future, and this leads to a short temper and aggravation. You can take charge in emotional situations, and your assertiveness comes out when you’re defending people you care about, especially family.

Favourable Dates: March 6, 8, 15, 17, 24, 26 Favourable Colours: Green & Blue Sagittarius (22 November -21 December) You can work hard and try to be smart with the decisions that you make. You can focus more on the direction your life is taking, and want to make sure you’re on the right path. You may come across as more practical, stable and responsible. You can also focus more on your spiritual side, enhancing your spirituality, honing your intuition, and studying spiritual and metaphysical subjects.

Favourable Dates: March 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22 Favourable Colours: Green & Yellow

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) This can be a fun time where you open your heart more to the possibilities in your life, to other people, and to fun.

You want to enjoy yourself more and experience good times. You may need to let go of something that you don’t want to let go of yet, but have to. Your intuition can be much stronger though, so listen to what it has to say, and let it guide you through moments of self-doubt.

Favourable Dates: March 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 Favourable Colours: Green & White

Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) You want to be around others for the mental stimulation, and you want to keep busy. You can take on lots of smaller tasks and projects to keep yourself engaged. It can be a good time to express yourself and have an important communication with someone. You may come across as more logical, friendlier, or funnier. You want to take your time with things, and you can stick to whatever decisions you make without being swayed.

Favourable Dates: March 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours: Red & White manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com

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A quiet night in...

The Perfect Girlfriend by Karen Hamilton Juliette loves Nate. She will follow him anywhere. She's even become a flight attendant for his airline, so she can keep a closer eye on him.

They are meant to be. The fact that Nate broke up with her six months ago means nothing. Because Juliette has a plan to win him back. She is the perfect girlfriend. And she'll make sure no one stops her fromgetting exactly what she wants.

True love hurts, but Juliette knows it's worth all the pain...

Game Night Bateman and McAdams star as Max and Annie, whose weekly couples game night gets kicked up a notch when Max’s charismatic brother, Brooks (Chandler), arranges a murder mystery party, complete with fake thugs and faux federal agents. So when Brooks gets kidnapped, it's all part of the game...right? But as the six uber-competitive gamers set out to solve the case and win, they begin to discover that neither this 'game'—nor Brooks—are what they seem to be. Over the course of one chaotic night, the friends find themselves increasingly in over their heads as each twist leads to another unexpected turn. With no rules, no points, and no idea who all the players are, this could turn out to be the most fun they've ever had...or game over.

Geostorm Sci-fi action thriller starring Gerard Butler.

After a series of natural disasters strike the globe, countries across the world work together to create a geoengineering programme, called Dutch Boy, to protect the Earth using a series of satellites designed to control the planet's climate. However, years later, the satellites begin to malfunction, leaving the Earth vulnerable to catastrophic climate events. Dutch Boy's original designer Jake Lawson (Butler), who was unceremoniously forced to leave the project, is chosen to travel to the International Climate Space Station to repair the climate-controlling satellites before the Earth is decimated by a series of cataclysmic natural disasters.

Release Date: 26th February

Release Date: 2nd March

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21/02/2018 21:25 Page 4

Affinity

Weddings Shows Sunday 22nd April 2018 The Swan Hotel, Bedford

2nd September 2018 The Swan Hotel, Bedford

Sunday 7th October Woughton House Woughton on The Green Milton keynes MK6 3LR

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

07507 602401

af inityweddingsmagazine.co.uk

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PRICELESS

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

www.affinitymag.co.uk March 2018

House Beautiful Inspiring decor ideas

MARCH 2018 ISSUE 82

Learning to Kick

your Bucket List we show you how

Time to declutter your home and your mind

Mum's the Word Gifts she'll love

Candy Crush Ice cream fashion hues to add to your wardrobe

A Hamlet of Luxury in Chamonix