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PRICELESS
www.affinitymag.co.uk AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Time for a Home and Mind Declutter
ISSUE 107
Re-evaluate your life We show you how
SUNSHINE INTERIORS
Bright yellow, perfect for bringing happiness into your home
Venetian Dreams A European City that Never Disappoints
WWW.AFFINITYMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Tried and Tested Recipes
Your Ultimate SPRINGTIME WARDROBE GUIDE
The Beauty that is Vitamin C
ISSUE 107
One of the most powerful ingredients you can put on your skin
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LETTER EDITOR’S
1
What gorgeous weather we’ve been lucky to have last month, a small light in what at the moment for us all is a worryingly dark time, but in the words of the famous quote ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ and it doesn’t. We just have to be grateful for every day, our family, friends and of course zoom!
With more time spent at home, many of us are browsing magazines and looking online for fashion and accessories to add to our wardrobes, ready for when we unleash ourselves back into the world again. There’s some fabulous fashion and accessories (page 23 ) in this issue, getting us all ready for summertime sunshine.
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Talking of sunshine, how about bringing some into your home with our yellow interiors (page 37). Yellow is such a happy colour you can’t help but smile when you see it.
If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed at the current state of the world, it is vital to distract your brain and turn your energy into productivity, we’ve spoken to our experts to help you declutter not only your home but also your mind (page 10).
Our recipes are mouthwateringly delicious, we have made the Apple & Mixed Seed Soda Bread with Cinnamon Apple Butter (page 32) at least 7 times so far, our only complaint is we can’t stop eating it. Until Next month
Stay Safe, Stay Home, Stay Strong
Jane x
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1. Kate Spade Safari Chain Bag, £350, www.katespade.co.uk 2. High Waist Bikini, £27.98, New Look 3. Palm Tree Necklace, £19.50, Oliver Bonas 4. Embroidered Bee Cushion, £12, Marks & Spencer 5. Kate Spade Safari Chain Bag, £350, www.katespade.co.uk Don’t forget to join us on social media, we love getting to know you!
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Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 07507 602401 Advertising: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 07507 602401 Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk
@affinitymagz
All adverts are printed in good faith. Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
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Contents Affinity
33
April 2020
54
12 Beauty Updates 16 Time to Reevaluate 19 Hot Picks 27 Essential Slogan 30 Foodie News 34 Plum Pudding 42 In The Garden 45 Grey Matter 48 Exotic Luxury in The Maldives 57 Travel Trends 60 Your Stars 62 Weekend Starts Here
24
On The Cover Dorothy Perkins
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Decluttering: How to Clear your Home and Mind
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With a lot of us being stuck at home in selfisolation during the difficult times of COVID-19, you might be wondering what to do with your time. If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed at the current state of the world, it is vital to distract your brain and turn your energy into productivity. If the whole family is at home, piles of letters in your kitchen can build, mountains of dirty socks can be all over bedroom floors and dishes might be left in the sink. The chaos that accumulates can provoke your mental health. When your space is clean, put together and organised you will be more likely to partake in healthy habits such as exercising and eating fruit instead of chocolate. So, this is the perfect opportunity to clean out your box room that you have been putting off for months. The relationship between your mind and living space is circular, so it is important to begin the journey of decluttering.
Luckily, interior designer Vanessa Arbuthnott has shared her 7 top tips on all things decluttering. A clear mind equals to a happy life, and in times like these we all need to stay positive and healthy.
1) Set goals It can be overwhelming to decide on which room and area to begin with. Even if you only have a few rooms or a minimum amount of clutter to sift through, specific goals will help to create a plan which will reduce any frustration on the way. Write down which rooms in your home you wish to tackle and set this as your goal. Ensure you only attempt one room and space at a time so you can keep an order in your head. Even though it might feel like you have a lot of time on your hands, set realistic deadlines for each room you clean up to keep your morale and motivation up.
2) Start Small You should start small and declutter something which is used daily, this way you will immediately see an impact. Since we are all at home, clothes can be a good place to begin. Organise your wardrobe and prioritise what you will be wearing most by making it the most accessible. This creates ease each morning when you’re getting dressed. If you are feeling extra ambitious do a haul of your entire clothes collection and set aside old garments to take to the charity shop.
3) Be Strict It can be hard to part with things you’ve owned for years – even if you forgot it existed! You should divide your items into 3 piles, love it, bin it and donate it. This way you can clearly see what items you don’t need in your house. If you are in two minds about something, sleep on it, during decluttering it can be hard to distinguish between want and need so you shouldn’t act on impulse.
4) Keep flat Surfaces Clear Flat surfaces such as table-tops, home office desks and kitchen islands are magnets for clutter. It is inevitable for things to be left there but keep it a rule not to let things build up. Clear out any drawers you can and insert small boxes or folders to easily store any paper items. This is vital to implement straight away so you don’t fall into bad habits. 5) Be Committed Once you start decluttering a room, ensure that you have the time and patience to commit to completing it. There is nothing worse than doing things halfway, this leads to your items multiplying as opposed to condensing. This rules also applies with maintaining your changes, once you clean your closet out, don’t throw your old clothes back in there after a few days. Fold your jumpers into the neat pile you’ve created to maintain a constant feeling of calm.
6) Kitchen Box Test When you’re cleaning out your kitchen, it can be hard deciding what you use daily and what has been sitting in the drawers picking up the dust. A tried and tested way to find this out is to empty the contents of your kitchen utensils into a box, for a month only put the utensils back into the drawer if you take it out of the box to use it. Anything that has been left in the box should be passed onto charity. 7) Take Before and After Photos Choose an area in your home that is a smaller scale such as a bedside table and take a before photo. Clean all the clutter off and find the items a new home, then take an after photo. This allows you to see what your home could look like once you implement decluttering. This will give you satisfaction much like the ‘Tap to Tidy’ trend on social media – you can even share your own transformations with friends!
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Radiant Skin Monat C. Radiance Illuminating serum (£89, available from www.monatglobal.com) is a supercharged, 15% Vitamin Serum for the skin, featuring powerful antioxidants to help brighten and enhance complexions. The daily multivitamin, silky serum glides onto skin and absorbs fast, quickly working to create a healthy, youthful glow. Targeting environmentally damaged skin, uneven skin tone, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and texture.
Heavelnly Hands The skin
of our hands is very fragile as we expose them to detergents, cleaning products as well as weather variations and harmful sunrays. These factors accelerate the dehydration of our hands, and the premature aging of the skin. Mavala’s Repairing Night Cream (£37.75, Amazon) is a 30day treatment that you apply each night, wrap your hands in cotton gloves and allow the active ingredients to work whilst you sleep.
Nail Neutral
Natural and ethical cosmetics brand Kure Bazaar’s new spring summer 2020 collection is here. The range features a new innovation of plant pigments made with elderberries, radishes and sweet potatoes. The four ontrend shades include ROSE QUARTZ (a sheer pink), MINERAL (light grey), COTTON (soft nude) and MINT (pastel mint green). The new colours feature the brands exclusive formula that is up to 90% natural, 10-free and vegan. Priced at £15, the new collection is available nationwide.
BEAUTY UPDATES Soothing Scents
Love your skin
A sustainable, vegan and natural skincare brand with one goal, to give you control of what goes on your skin and into the planet, total transparency from ingredients to packaging. Every ingredient and where it comes from is clearly listed on their packaging in plain and simple English, using minimalist formulas that offer real results. Fewer ingredients in your products means more control of what you put onto your skin, and into the environment. With 1% of each sale goes to charities fighting for a better planet. www.skinsapiens.com.
Holistic London have created the most amazing candles that are organic and ecofriendly. Studies show that paraffin candles release harmful chemicals. These can cause problems which affect your skin and health. The candles are only made with two high-quality natural ingredients, the renewable, ecofriendly soy wax is of the highest quality whilst the essential oils are sourced for the very best scents that provide stunning aromas and last much longer than industry standard candles. This means all candles are plant based, vegan and cruelty free. Starting from £15. £15£15www.thisisholisticlondon.com
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Looking to build your brand? Reach over 125,000 monthly readers with Affinity Luxury Lifestyle Magazine
Jane@affinitymag.co.uk www.affinitymag.co.uk 07507 602401
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The Beauty that is Vitamin C One of the most powerful ingredients you can put on your skin, from preventing and repairing signs of sun damage to combatting inflammation and reducing pigmentation, there's a whole host of benefits your skin is missing out on if you don't have this wonder ingredient in your routine.
Vitamin C Glow Busting Moisturiser, £16, www.thebodyshop.com
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture, £65, www.murad.co.uk
Balance Me Vitamin C Repair Serum, £32, www.balanceme.com
REN Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel, £38, www.renskincare.com
The Hero Project Vitamin C Ultra Brightening Serum, £39, www.lookfantastic.com
Clinique Pressed 7-Day System with Vitamin C, £25, John Lewis
This Works Morning Expert Vitamin C Power Mask, £39, John Lewis
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Valuing Time to
Re-evaluate Some people may regularly take time to re-evaluate many aspects of their lives, jobs, where they live, relationships, goals, aspirations and more. Others may only do it when situations arise that sort of force them into it, like redundancy, relationship break ups or other changes in their circumstances.
Many of us experienced a fairly radical change in several aspects of our lives at the same time with the recent pandemic and so have been forced into a period of reevaluation. “One is sometimes so busy doing life that it is easy to avoid evaluating whether you are putting your energy in the direction you value most.” Deborah Day
Many of us realised that a lot of the things we perhaps relied on or thought of as essential were in fact things that didn’t matter very much at all in the light of more serious worries about our health, finances and loved ones. It was a time of many mixed emotions and confusion but that is not at all unusual in a process of reevaluation, the purpose of which is in many ways to change our views or opinions. If you have felt a little confused or overwhelmed feeling like some of the aims you thought you had don’t seem that important anymore – don’t worry that is all perfectly normal, and something re-evaluating might help relieve as you find a new direction and impetus.
Slow Down The first thing to do is allow yourself some time. Reevaluating shouldn’t happen in a rush. When we are constantly busy filling every moment of our lives with tasks, which may be fun or essential it doesn’t allow us that all important time to slow down, be still and be in the moment. Some people find this tough at the best of times others consciously set time aside to do this and certainly if you are looking to re-evaluate aspects of your life, step one is give yourself some time. It doesn’t have to be long but going for a walk alone or sitting undisturbed is a good start. Some people find it helps to meditate or be mindful but for others just a few deep breaths can be enough to still their mind. Ask Yourself Questions Some people approach this in a very methodical way and will write down or draw answers to specific questions. Others will simply bring each area of their life to mind as
they question or weigh it, thinking about how valuable it is and how happy they are with it.
In terms of the areas of our life to consider of course it is entirely up to you but the usual circles would be to think about health, wellbeing and happiness, relationships, perhaps dividing these into family and friends, work or business, money and finances and something about fulfilment and aspirations. The questions you ask are really about how fulfilled or happy you feel with each area of your life. But this is just round one of the process. It is a very normal part of life to have some things that may not make us feel happy but that we know are part of something bigger that does. For example, relationships, jobs and many other aspects of life may have good and not so good patches but if we can weigh them and think I am rarely happy anymore with that situation then that needs noting. Go Deep Once you have an overall picture and of course many aspects are interrelated, you may not like your home much but it might be convenient to get to a job you love, don’t worry about the connections just try to identify the things you are happiest with or most fulfilled by, which will hopefully be at least some areas and from there it is relatively easy to identify the areas where change might be beneficial. But what kind of change? Sometimes simply deciding to make time for a hobby or seeing certain friends more often, having quality time with a partner or planning some trips away (hopefully we can go away again soon) can have a huge impact on our happiness.
Decide what you want based on the areas that you most want to change or feel least happy with. Don’t feel that it must be big change, though don’t be afraid of big changes either, it is okay to start with smaller things, but DO something or it really is a pointless exercise. Now more than ever we are aware of the uncertainty of life and if as you do it you come across some mindsets that are unhelpful, remind yourself of the truth that you deserve happiness, that you are of value, that your needs are just as important as that of anyone else If you want support in creating a happy balanced and fulfilled life you can join our new facebook group: Affinity and Attuned All About You. www.attunededucation.com
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Midlife Madness The recent situation has found me doing all sorts of things I wouldn’t normally entertain, which of course is probably ill advised for a woman of my age!!! Like many others in recent weeks, my day now begins with what can only be described as a brutal boot camp. Today even included a one-minute plank. Yes, you read that correctly as well as numerous squats, lunges, jumps and other selfinflicted acts of torture. But then it also included an exercise called the sillies – aptly named as it involved leaping energetically around the lounge to music – which is something I love to do anyway ( I call it dancing) and now I can prove to my family who think I am losing it when I do it that it is in fact exercise and is good for me.
But that is not the only new thing I’ve unwisely tried in an effort to fill some of the days when our usual pursuits have not been possible. When I was a teenager, I remembered I was quite into sewing in fact I even made myself a few outfits. I was also into knitting, though never managed anything wearable and I liked crocheting – I did make myself a poncho which was a not an odd thing to make as they were all the rage back then. So, it seemed like a great time to reconnect with these crafts. It was effective in that I devoted a number of hours to it but nothing very recognisable came out of – the rusted sewing machine finally breathed its last, knitting needles were repurposed but I have managed to crochet a few squares, which I am absolutely sure I’ll find a use for, somewhere, someday.
But having started to enjoy a bit of creativity – I felt a compulsion to continue, so out came the paints, the collage and decoupage ‘stuff’. Our dining room now has a whole array of partially completed projects of varying standards, united only by their uselessness. Though the unseen benefit might be that they kept me vaguely sane and calm so have contributed to the fact that I am still married to my husband! At the moment!
The kitchen creativity was reasonably successful – there may have been some short-term messes but generally as opposed to other forms of creativity you either eat or quickly ditch your attempts – whether successful or not!
I am sure I am not alone in the fact that we also seem to have got very into moving stuff around. We’ll have this idea that we’ll re-arrange the lounge/bedroom/ kitchen (that is fairly limited so was safe as all we actually did was move stuff in cupboards unearthing numerous things that had gone out of date a decade ago) The other rooms however are still under consideration, by which I mean they resemble an auction house, or worse still a storage unit, as none of us can quite agree on desired layout. This is often accompanied by some de-cluttering, which is supposed to be something that aids calmness and order of mind. Sadly, for me I become massively indecisive and end up keeping most of what I initially define as clutter – just in case. But the rooms are in such disarray that decluttering really wouldn’t help that much anyway. Our daily walks combined with the fact that we are lucky enough to live near several woods means that in a few short weeks I have become a twitcher! I’m talking bird watching not curtain twitching. I even have a book where I note down the birds I’ve seen, well I really mean ‘we’ if I’m honest while I might tell the difference between the heron on the pond and the magpies that’s about as far as it goes, but we’ve seen all sorts, skylarks, every manner of tit, kestrels, and very playful woodpeckers flitting about doing their wood pecking thing. I have learned that I am easily bored, love to try new things, I’m what you’d call a starter not a finisher and though I thought of myself as someone organised, I find I can get used to living in a total mess. It’s life, but not as we knew it!
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Theodore Pictish Gin, £38.95, The Whisky Exchange
BIBI Pink Marble Sunglasses, £295, www.alexisamor.com
Lipstick Coffee Set, POA, Amara
Block Heel Sandals, £30, Dorothy Perkins
Dr Lamia's 24 Hour Anti-Age Luxurious Cream, £150, www.driamia.co.uk
Gold Circle Earrings, £150, www.drajee.com
Orange Swimsuit, £34.99, Bon Prix
This month’s must have gifts and accessories
Cross Body Bag, £40, Dune London
Pink Velvet Hair Band, £14.40, Accessorize
Lips Puzzle, £30, www.uk.jonathanadler.com
I'm Over It, Sweatshirt, £34, www.notonthehighstreet.com
Vintage Deck Chair, £199, Amara
Strawberry Short Pyjamas, £36, Figleaves
Shell Necklace, £17.50, Marks & Spencer
AFFINITY HOT PICKS
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6
Ways to Develop a Psyche for Success in Difficult Times
If you haven’t been flooded by a constant stream of information due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, it’s safe to say that you’ve been living under a rock! But as well and good as this information may be, it can also cause a lot of fear and anxiety amongst us – just look at the panic buying of toilet paper and other goods. The great British way is to ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ in situations like these, but is it easier said than done?
Leading UK life coach Carole Ann Rice is talking us through 6 ways to develop a psyche for success in difficult times: 1.Stay in the ‘now’ – try to focus on the current moment you’re living in and avoid trying to control or panic about future outcomes. The human brain loves certainty, but none of us can actually control the future. That being said, the likelihood that everything will be okay is very high – so use that as a comforting tool.
2. Let go – you will lose 100% of the time if you argue with reality. Imagine a rigid stick in a fastflowing stream, pushing again the tide. Eventually it will weaken and snap. Be the reed that bends with the flow. Unnecessarily struggling and fighting against reality can cause you to bring undue suffering upon yourself, creating more anxiety and fear as you lose the battle. 3. Name it to tame it – lower your eyes and realise your current thoughts and emotions.
Whether they’re stressful or anxious thoughts, consider putting them in jars which will help you to ‘close the lid’ on negativity and allow you to move on. Feeling your thoughts and feelings escalating? Then keep a journal – write it all out, sketch or colour illustrate how things are for you right now. By parking your thoughts and feeling you master your mind – name it to tame it!
4. Work on yourself – use extra time to better yourself and develop new skills – be it as simple as a new recipe or cultivating an indoor garden. Do whatever it takes for you to realign yourself with positivity. You’d be surprised at how simply taking some time for yourself can really boost your happiness levels and decrease stress.
5. Patience is a superpower – we live in wild, fast and crazy times filled with instant gratification. Meals in 90 seconds, swiping left or right at lightning speed on dating apps. This is all well and good, but it means we have ultimately forgotten the art of slow living. Cook slow meals, eat slowly, saunter don’t rush, relish having extra time on your hands and see that sometimes taking things slowly has its own richness.
6. Develop a non-clinging mind – our biggest emotional pain is having expectations of life, of people, of ourselves. Trying to control outcomes, trying to control the future and wanting people to be the way we want them to be only causes anguish and disappointment. www.RealCoachingCo.com
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FASHION
Roman Originals
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Minty Fresh
A softer shade of green and turquoise, mint green is fresh, flirty and fun, halfway between pastel and bright, and it looks simply summery.
Earrings, £14, John Lewis
Alice Temperley Dress, £99, John Lewis
Rain Coat, £50, Roman Originals
Sandal, £14.99, Deichmann
Dorothy Perkins.
Bucket Sunhat, £24, Oliver Bonas
Ankle Grazer Trousers, £25, Dorothy Perkins Jacket, £29.99, TK Maxx
Leather Bag, £59.99, TK Maxx
Dress, £19.99, New Look
Ribon Ankle Espadrille Wedges, £23.99, New Look
Jumper, £55, Oliver Bonas
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Blaze Ahead If you add just one piece to your wardrobe this season, it has to be a blazer, you can team it with a dresses, jeans, skirts, shorts, the possibilities are endless.
Turquoise Blazer, £45, Marks & Spencer
Linen Blazer, £25, Matalan
Baby Pink Blazer, £150, Ted Baker
White Ruched Sleeve Blazer, £40, Roman Originals
Ruched Sleeve Blazer, £45, Marks & Spencer Longline Blazer, £48, Lipsy
Betty & Co Beige Blazer, £90, Topshop
Yellow Ruched Sleeve Blazer, £35, Dorothy Perkins
Sage Green Blazer, £39, Miss Selfridge
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Essential slogans Make a statement and grab everyone’s attention this season in the not so basic, basic slogan t-shirts. These wardrobe essentials are perfect to pair with ripped jeans and chunky trainers for when you want to make an impact with minimal effort.
Grey Slogan T-shirt, £6, Matalan
Dorothy Perkins.
Yellow Slogan T-shirt, £17, Glamorous
Happy Slogan T-shirt, £25, M&Co
White Slogan T-shirt, £8.99, New Look Yellow Slogan T-shirt, £35, John Lewis
Pink Slogan T-shirt, £19, Elvi
Dark Beige Slogan T-shirt, £8.99, New Look
Mint Slogan T-shirt, £8.99, New Look Red Slogan T-shirt, £15, Glamorous
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food & drink
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Let Spring Be-Gin
Now’s the time to host the perfect virtual dinner party, gin supper club or cocktail night with your family and friends, all you need is a Craft Gin Club box. Containing a full-size bottle of craft gin (70cl), perfectly paired tonics, sweet and savoury treats, garnishes, cocktail of the month ingredients, and a 56-page magazine – all delivered with free contactless delivery. Members also get access Craft Gin Club’s exclusive online store for more gin on demand.
One-off gift boxes are available for £49.99 and gift subscriptions start at £160 for quarterly boxes. If you refer a mate, they get £20 off too so everyone can join in. www.craftginclub.co.uk
Infuse your Tipple
Time to enjoy a tipple or two as you soak up the Spring sunshine. DJ’s Cold Infusion Pockets bring the flavour of delicious cocktails, without the work, by just dipping one of the pockets (just like a tea bag) into your favourite spirit, tonic or soda to create incredible colour and flavour. The flavours include: Stirring Botanicals, Rooibos Spice, Blooming Blossoms, Summer Equinox, Passion Star and Orange Osmosis. Available from www.coldinfusion.co.uk
FOODIE NEWS
Cheese Heaven
A collaboration between Devon's finest cheese-makers brings you the Essential Devon Cheese Board featuring five artisan cheeses, delivered to your door. The board includes the Devon classics; Sharpham Brie, Quickes Mature Cheddar and Ticklemore Devon Blue, plus a 'Grader's Choice' from both Sharpham and Quickes. The Essential Devon Cheese Board costs £20 and is available for home delivery from www.sharpham.com
It’s a Gin Thing
If gin is your thing, then you'll love the new Pink Gin Cake (£12) from Asda.This pretty in pink cake, made up of layers of madeira sponge with a pink-gin flavoured soak combined with sweet jam, will be the standout dessert at any gathering. Covered with a frosting and miniature, edible gin bottles for added wow-factor, this cake almost looks too good to eat!
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Apple & Mixed Seed Soda Bread with Cinnamon Apple Butter “This super-simple soda bread has apples and mixed seeds added for crunch, flavour and sheer yumminess”
Method
Preheat the oven to 210°C, fan / 200°C / Gas Mark 6. Lightly grease a baking tray. Core and chop one apple.
Mix together the plain and wholemeal flours, salt, 1tsp sugar and bicarbonate of soda in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the chopped apple and mixed seeds.
Ingredients
3 South African Pink Lady apples 225g plain flour 225g wholemeal plain flour 1tsp salt 1tsp caster sugar + 1tbsp 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 3tbsp mixed seeds, plus extra for sprinkling 200g 0% fat Greek-style plain yoghurt 200ml milk Generous pinch ground cinnamon Knob of butter
Beat together the yoghurt and milk, then add this to the flour mixture and combine to make a soft dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead lightly for a few moments. Shape into a round, place on the baking sheet and cut a deep cross in the top. Sprinkle with a few more mixed seeds. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Meanwhile, peel, core and chop the remaining apples. Cook in simmering water with the cinnamon and 1tbsp sugar, until very tender. Drain and mash, adding a knob of butter.
Remove the loaf from the oven and cool, covering with a clean tea towel if you prefer a softer crust. Serve with the cinnamon apple butter. Cook’s tips: Soda bread is best eaten on the day that you make it, then afterwards it tastes great when toasted. You could always freeze half the loaf to use later.
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Apple & Sausage Tortellini “A simple, but refined recipe that is perfectly balanced in salty, sweet and sharp flavours”
Method
To make the pasta dough, tip the flour onto a work surface and crack the eggs into a well in the middle. Using a fork, whisk the eggs, slowly incorporating the flour until it forms a paste, then using your hands, bring the dough together, adding a little water if necessary into a ball. Drizzle the work surface with a little olive oil and kneed for 15 minutes until smooth. Cover in cling wrap and leave on the side for 2 hours.
Ingredients
For the pasta dough: 280g of Plain flour 3 free-range eggs Extra virgin olive oil
For the pasta filling: 3 good quality pork and apple sausages 50g of freshly grated parmesan 1 free-range egg For the purée: 1/2 a head of celeriac, peeled and chopped into chunks 1 South African Gala apple, peeled, cored and cut into chunks 50ml of single cream A knob of butter 1/2 a South African Gala apple 100ml of white wine vinegar A few fresh sage leaves A few walnuts, roughly chopped Salt and pepper
After the dough has rested make the filling. Break the sausage meat into a pan. Fry over a medium heat until browned. Allow to cool, then transfer to a food processor with the parmesan and egg. Blend until you have a grainy mixture, then spoon out into a bowl and allow to cool.
For the purée, boil the celeriac for 15 minutes until soft, add the chopped Gala apple and cook for a further 5-10 minutes. Drain and add to a food processor with the single cream and a generous pinch of salt. Blend until smooth then transfer to a small pan to reheat once the pasta is cooked.
To make the tortellini, cut the dough in half (save the other half for another time) and either pass through a pasta machine or roll by hand, scattering with a little flour if necessary. Roll out until thin enough that you can see your hand through it but not so thin it will break. Trim the ends so you have a rectangle, then cut into equal 2x2inch squares. Add a pinch of the sausage filling to each square then bring the opposite corners together to make a triangle, squeezing out the air and sealing. Put your finger in the middle and wrap the two corners around your finger and press down to seal into a tortellini; repeat until all the squares are done. To pickle the apple, cut 1/2 a Gala into thin matchsticks and pop into a bowl with the white wine vinegar and a pinch of salt. Mix and set aside. Reheat the celeriac purée.
Bring a large pan of salted water up to a hard simmer then gently drop the tortellini in. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they rise to the surface. Whilst they’re cooking, add the butter, sage leaves and chopped walnuts to a small frying pan and fry until the butter starts to brown and the sage leaves start to turn crispy. Gently drain the pasta. To serve, spread the celeriac and apple purée onto the plate, top with 5-6 tortellini per person. Drizzle with the sage and walnut butter and top with the picked apple. Recipe created by Author of Milly Cookbook, Nicola Millbank
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Queen of Plum Puddings “A perfect dessert for sharing with friends in the summertime”
Method
Halve, pit and slice the plums. Put them into a saucepan with 20g of the sugar, the mixed spice and 100ml water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until tender. Leave to cool.
Ingredients
6 South African plums 60g caster sugar Pinch ground mixed spice 10g butter 100g fresh white breadcrumbs 400ml semi-skimmed milk 1tsp vanilla extract 3 large eggs, separated
Grease a 1 litre baking dish with half the butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs into the dish. Heat the milk with the remaining butter and vanilla extract until lukewarm. Remove from the heat and add half the remaining sugar (20g), stirring to dissolve it. Pour into the baking dish. Add the beaten egg yolks and stir into the breadcrumbs. Leave to soak for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C/fan oven 160°C/ Gas Mark 4.
Bake the pudding for 20-25 minutes, until set. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes, then spoon the plums over the surface.
Whisk the egg whites in a grease-free bowl until they hold their shape, then add the remaining sugar, whisking again until stiff and glossy. Pile on top of the pudding, then bake for a further 5-8 minutes until golden brown. Serve at once.
Cook’s Tips: This is a great recipe for making the most of bread that’s 23 days old. Remember, egg whites won’t whip if there is the slightest trace of grease in the bowl or on the beaters – and that includes egg yolk – so take care when separating the eggs.
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Springtime Rosé
“Rosé wine comes in many different guises, so however you like it, from bone dry and refined to sweet and fruitfilled, we’ll have a gorgeous Rosé for you!”
During these unprecedented times we at The Millhouse have taken the difficult decision to shut our doors for a while, we will still be here working behind the scenes and planning great things for when we re-open. Please stay safe, stay home and stay strong during this difficult time. We look forward to seeing you as soon as we can safely open our doors to the public again. Karl & The Millhouse Team
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
Domaine de la Semellerie Chinon Rose 2018 This refreshing Rosé is a beautiful pale salmon colour and comes from Cabernet Franc's true stomping ground. Delicately handmade to retain all of the subtleness and prettiness that a Rosé always wants to have. Fresh raspberries and strawberries with slight herbal hints and a mouthwatering freshness on the palate. £11.99, Virgin Wines
El Cabanero Garnacha Rosado 2018 This aromatically expressive Garnacha shows superb, delicate red fruits on the tongue, made at extreme altitude to keep it tight and fresh. £8.99, Virgin Wines
Mosaicos Rosado 2017 This wine takes it to the next level, delivering delicate and delicious red fruit flavours with a superb lick of freshness that keeps its soft sweetness in check. £7.99, Virgin Wines
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interiors
Carpetright
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happy days Reminiscent of sunshine, bright yellow is the perfect way to bring a little happiness into your interiors
Armchair, £749, DFS
Pleated Velvet Stool, £39.99, Homesense Neon Sign, £59.99, www.lights4fun.co.uk
Wool Throw, £75, Daisy Park Side Table, £119, Cult Furniture
Glazed Vase, £120, Amara
Velvet Cushion, £25, Furniture Village
Check Rug, £45, John Lewis
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Abstract Yellow Painting, £129.99, TK Maxx
Tripod Lamp, £100, Habitat
Dining Chair, £580, Sweetpea & Willow
Statement Vase, £102, Audenza
Cushion, £55, www.chandanwhittle.com
Stoneware Vase, £32, Artisanti
Annie Sloan English Yellow Portrait, www.anniesloan.com
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Garden Times Now's the time of year when most of us start to think about re-imagining our gardens, patios or balconies. Here’s some of our top picks that’ll look lush in the garden
Garden Bench, £149, Marks & Spencer
Garden Sign, £5.99, TK Maxx
Chiminea, £169.99, Dobbies Garden Nest of Tables, £99, Marks & Spencer Rattan Garden Lamp, £20, John Lewis Garden Tea Trolley, £119, www.cuckooland.com
Solar Pendant Lights, £20, Ella James
Gin Garden Box, £10, Debenhams
www.lights4fun.co.uk
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Fry’s Footie Corner How do you keep sane in a pandemic? It is hard. It is particularly hard when it affects the livelihood that you operate in. Football, like every other sport, has been on shutdown in this country since the beginning of March. As I write this column, there is a muted return to conclude the campaign behind closed doors in the Premier League and the EFL.
At Peterborough United, our stance has been clear from the beginning. We want to conclude the campaign when it is safe to do so. We have nine games left and are in a good position, but that is not the reason behind our viewpoint, we cannot start thinking about next season until this one is concluded. As a Director of Football, one of my roles is regards to transfers and it is a very difficult climate to operate in at present and that is totally understandable. We have players out on-loan, players onloan, players out of contract and players entering their final year, every day is a challenge when it comes to that but all we can do is listen to the advice and the authorities and act accordingly.
I am someone that loves football. I live and breathe football. It is hard without live football to watch both at the stadiums and of course on the television. Lockdown has even seen me grow a beard. While it is great to spend time with the family, I like most others who operate within the game, are craving for a return. Hopefully when I am writing the next column, we will have a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. This is a difficult time for everyone including football clubs. I fear that some won’t come out of the other side. I pray that they do. At Peterborough, our fans have been superb by buying season tickets for next season. We are indebted to that loyalty. It has kept us going through this tough period. I hope that at other clubs the picture is the same. For now, we just hope and pray there is a solution. Stay safe.
Barry Fry
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Grey Matter
Whether your style is cool and casual, or sleek and tailored grey is the new black when it comes to mens styling this springtime.
Knitted T-Shirt, £25, Marks & Spencer
Belstaff Polo Shirt, £65, John Lewis
Funnel Zip Jacket, £35, Marks & Spencer
Burton
Cashmere V Neck Jumper, £190, Pure Collection
Linen Shirt, £10, Primark
Trainers, £55, Dune London
Grey Stripe Shorts, £22, Burton
Long Sleeve Grandad Shirt, £12.99, New Look
Boat Shoe, £20, Burton
Stripe T-Shirt, £48, Calvin Klein
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TRAVEL
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ExoticinLuxury
The Maldives
Nowhere is as near to paradise as The Maldives, a dream destination. We visited the luxurious OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo to indulge in their INDULGENCE Plan. Our verdict, we wanted to stay forever.
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T
he Maldives, the one place that reality is just as exquisite as the fantasy. The sand really is white and powdery and the sea really is the colour of emeralds, there is a magic that embraces you and doesn’t let go until you leave, a destination of envy, a place where most people dream of visiting and the top destination of choice for a tranquil getaway.
Set amidst the exotic turquoise hues of South Male Atoll lies the luxury island resort of OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo. It is the first ‘luxury all inclusive’ in the Maldives thanks to its ‘INDULGENCE Plan’ which covers all dining, drinks (including award-winning champagnes/wines), accommodation and nonmotorized water sports, meaning you can just sit back, relax and indulge in as little or as much as you like from the moment you step off the speedboat onto the jetty you know you’ve arrived in paradise.
Smiling staff greet you with a chilled glass of champagne, drape your neck in a flower garland and welcome you like you’re an ‘A’ List celebrity arriving for a premiere on the red carpet.
The resort villas are spread across two separate islands that join together via a wooden jetty, with spectacular views of the surrounding lagoon and ocean, no matter how many times you cross your heart still skips a beat at the sheer unadulterated luxury that’s all around. Accommodation comprises of 90 luxurious stand-alone villas, each utilising a natural aesthetic to effortlessly blend with the surrounding landscape. Forty-one beach-front ‘Earth’ villas line the coastline of the main island, whilst an additional 49 overwater ‘Wind’ villas sit directly over the lagoon, with glass flooring unveiling the underwater world below.
On a previous visit to The Maldives we’d stayed in an Overwater Villa, so this time we thought we’d stay on dry land in an Earth Villa, half hidden within the resort’s tropical foliage and leading directly onto the soft white sandy beach, complete with its own private infinity pool, and outdoor bathroom, I wasn’t sure we’d even make it to the beach! But of course, we did on many occasions whether it was to sip champagne as we watched the sunset, snorkel in the crystal-clear water, or just lie on our sunbeds, enjoying the calm tranquil surroundings as we listened to the soft lapping of the waves around us. The inside of our villa was just as captivating, a large spacious room with high beamed ceilings, warm earthy tones that complement the white luxurious décor effortlessly, a mini-bar to indulge in champagne, wine, soft drinks, and nibbles whatever you fancy, whatever you drink, it is replaced as part of the ‘INDULGENCE Plan’
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining, there are six restaurants as well as options for private dining and beach BBQs.
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The main restaurant Palms has stunning ocean views (as if you need a reason to linger over the delicious food). The fresh vibrant interiors and high ceiling are the perfect backdrop for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a huge range of international cuisine, live cooking stations, and so much choice, you really are able to ‘indulge’ to your hearts content.
You can also choose to chill poolside at the Joie de Vivre pool bar, which has stunning sunset views, serves cocktails and pizzas and has its very own Gin Bar, aptly named ‘Gin Is In’. Again, all drinks from the gin bar are included in the ‘INDULGENCE Plan’ and you’re certainly spoilt for choice with more than 25 top brand gins to choose from.
RAW is a fresh sushi bar and there are two fine dining establishments The Traditions, Peking takes you on a culinary journey showcasing authentic Chinese dishes and The Traditions, IndoCeylon, goes back to the roots of South Asian, Sri Lankan, Indian and Maldivian cuisine. Offering delightful dishes with fantastic presentation, and an array of textures and tastes to tease your taste buds, if you only try one dish from here make sure it’s the Crab Lagoon Curry, a real Maldivian treat. Dining at any of these restaurants really is a divine journey of fresh flavoursome food, a culinary delight that will have you thinking about your next meal before you’ve even finished the one you’re eating.
And then there’s the Jewel in the Crown, a definite tick off the bucket list, the one restaurant that just adds to your honeymoon in paradise, M6m (Minus Six Metres Underwater), the chance to truly immerse yourself in life beneath the sea and enjoy exceptional seafood dishes.
Make your way down the winding staircase (don’t worry there’s a lift if you’re feeling less that energetic when you leave) and enter a jaw-dropping underwater world, windows all around have you looking out into the clear turquoise waters, where manta rays, sharks, little, medium and big fish in a rainbow of colours float in front of your eyes as you do little else than marvel at the magic of this underwater world.
Food is exceptional, as is the service, choose between two menus (both 5 courses) accompanied with wine flights and you’re in for the most romantic, fine dining experience, you’ll ever experience, a memory that will that will last a lifetime. The food boasts dishes such as prosciutto-wrapped tiger prawns, butterpoached lobster, Chilean sea bass and for dessert well it has to be a chocolate dome with melting hazelnut fudge, a sumptuous delight of the freshest seafood we have ever tasted and as for the chocolate bomb, a sweet tooth indulgence that literally melts in the mouth. The ‘INDULGENCE Plan’ allows guests one Fine Dining Experience per stay in this breathtaking restaurant.
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The ‘INDULGENCE Plan’ isn’t just about t food and drink, there’s also an array of activities, whether it’s a serene canoe trip to enjoy spectacular views of the island from sea, or something a little more adventurous like windsurfing or paddle boarding, the choice is yours. There is of course unlimited snorkeling around the resort and twice daily excursions to breathtaking snorkeling sites nearby. A sunset fishing excursion lets you catch fish and watch the sun slowly set on the horizon, you never tire of a Maldivian sunset, each one is as breathtaking as the last. If you just want to chill, the ELENA spa is the place to go, each treatment room is a tranquil haven with a pictureperfect view of crystal clear waters with each bed looking down onto the soft white sand, can you think of anywhere more perfect to be pampered? And then before you know it, it’s over, it’s time to leave this impossibly picturesque island with its lush green foliage, white sandy beaches, and perfect turquoise waters, it’s hard to do justice to somewhere as beautiful as this, it really is a dream come true, you’re very own paradise island and the only question you’ll have is “when can we come back?” For more information or to book, visit www.destinology.co.uk
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A TALE OF TWO CITIES enice, known to be one of the most romantic cities in the world, the perfect destination for a romantic European break, the fervour of love is around every corner, and no matter how many times you visit it always takes your breath away.
V
Approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) west of Venice is Vicenza, a thriving and cosmopolitan city, rich in history and culture, with many museums, art galleries, piazzas, villas, and churches, the perfect yin to Venice’s yang. Combine both these cities together for a romantic getaway and you have the best of both worlds, the tranquillity of Vicenza to the vibrancy of Venice, leaving you with the only question, what one to visit first?
For us first stop was Vicenza and Villa Michelangelo Vicenza – Starhotels Collezione, a heavenly retreat in the Berci Hills. Designed in the Palladian style it was built in the 18th century as the country house of the aristocratic Tomi family of Vicenza. In its latest incarnation, the villa is an elegant getaway for those in search of tranquillity and relaxation away from everyday life. The hotel boasts rustic-elegant interiors throughout, think beamed ceilings, polished Venetian floors, marble-clad bathrooms, and ample home-from-home comforts. The 52 rooms and suites are an authentic Italian dream, antique furniture and exquisite accessories compliment the high ceiling rooms timelessly, and the uninterrupted views whether you have a window or balcony are simply breath-taking, a perfect honeymoon retreat.
Italy is renowned for its exceptional food, and Hotel Villa Michelangelo certainly keeps that reputation alive. The hotel’s restaurant La Loggia boasts large refined rooms with fireplaces, marble floors and floor to ceiling windows, allowing you once again to lose yourself in the stunning scenery, in summertime there’s also a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy al fresco dining at its best. From breakfast through to dinner and everything in-between the food is exquisite.
Begin your day with an American-style buffet breakfast, there’s so much choice, you really won’t go hungry. Dinner is a foodie’s heaven, the menu offers creative contemporary dishes inspired by traditional recipes, the Scrigni pasta filled with pigeon ragout, zucchini flowers and crisp parmesan cheese, was an explosion of mouth-watering flavours, the pasta was just divine as was the lavender flavoured turbot fillet served with violet potato flan and olives, accompanied with wines that have been carefully chosen to pair with the dishes effortlessly, a meal here really is an Italian culinary dream. The tranquil setting allows for you to do as little or as much as you want. Lie around the secluded pool, sipping cocktails, enjoying the summer sunshine (the pool has a retractable cover so even if it rains it can still be used), breathing in yet more of the spectacular views this hotel allows, or if you’re feeling a little more energetic take a romantic stroll around the five hectares of grounds, get back to nature amongst the ancient trees, olive grove and dense forest and cocoon yourself in a bubble of love.
Hotel Villa Michelangelo is the ideal base for exploring Vicenza and its historic surroundings, whether you visit a museum, art gallery or one of the many Palladian-style villas where frescos adorn the walls and ceilings and have you wondering many times ‘if only walls could talk!’
The Teatro Olimpico (Olympic Theatre) is an absolute must. Designed by Palladio in 1580, it is said to be the oldest covered theatre in existence. It has an absolutely extraordinary interior: elliptical in shape, the statues, seating and onstage scenery that realistically gives the appearance of long streets receding to a distant horizon all remain unchanged from the 16th century. It really is breath-taking.
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Once you’ve soaked up all the history and culture in Vicenza it’s time for part two of your getaway – Venice.
grandeur andbevelled Venetian mirrors added an opulent feel to the space.
Arriving by water taxi ( a great way to travel) our home whilst in Venice was the Splendid Venice Venezia – Starhotels Collezione in the very heart of the city nestled between picturesque canals and designer boutiques and just a stone’s throw from St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge.
The hotel’s restaurant, Le Maschere boasts many Venetian classics it’s easy to see why it’s a favourite amongst locals. Featuring a retractable glass roof means it’s bright and airy and the perfect place for summertime al fresco dining or late-night star gazing.
Venice never loses its capacity to enchant, whether you’re visiting for the first or hundredth time, it still remains heart-stoppingly surreal.
The lounge and bar area have large arched windows overlooking the canal, and luxurious contemporary décor that includes intricate chairs and comfy sofas draped in rich velvet fabrics, Murano glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling giving off an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, creating an intimate ambience to relax in. The ideal spot to sip champagne and watch the romance of the city glide by. The pièce de résistance of the hotel though is its multi-level rooftop terrace, looking right at the Venice Bell Tower and neverending skyline, it really is 'splendid' the perfect spot to enjoy an evening aperitif, and drink in the romance of Venice.
From the superior rooms to the Presidential suite, each room, of which there are 165 in total, has a unique style fusing contemporary and luxury design Our room, was a calming palette of light wood, with silver and lilac accents, damask textured wallpaper that evoked images of
Luxury continued into the bathroom, with luxury products and marble surrounds. The outside balcony was an added bonus, with its own table and chairs, for you to watch the gondolas float by on the canal below.
The mixed fried fish and crunchy vegetables makes a great choice, along with the fettuccini pasta with scampi and fresh seasonal vegetables or sea food spaghetti with fresh clams, nothing disappoints it’s all freshly prepared and is a real treat to the taste buds, full of fresh seasonal flavours, you can almost taste the culinary passion in each mouthful.
There is so much to see and do in Venice, you’re spoilt for choice, of course you have to embark on a romantic gondola ride, (no honeymoon would be complete without one) but if you wanted to go that little extra you can learn to be a gondolier yourself, just ask the hotel to arrange it for you.
A guided walking tour is a great way to see all the main sights including the most renowned and famous building in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica a sublime piece of architecture that has stood the test of time since its creation in 1092, and to this day still remains one of the most important religious buildings in Northern Italy.
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The Rialto Bridge, spans the impressive Grand Canal, and is undoubtedly the most famous and iconic bridge in Venice, connecting the San Marco and San Polo districts, the bridge is also an all-important pedestrian thoroughfare, surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants.
Just next to the Rialto Bridge is AMO, an elegant Venetian restaurant located in the ground- floor atrium of the newly renovated T Fondaco dei Tedeschi by DFS, Venice’s first luxury lifestyle department store. Lunch here is a real treat, take your time, savour the flavours - who knew pizza could be baked, steamed and fried – believe me it’s delicious! Vegetable tartare with crispy black rice focaccia, sea bass carpaccio with green pepper and raw handchopped beef with a light wood-smoked sauce are other dishes that you really need to try. And when this dining delight has finished, make your way to the rooftop for the most amazing 360-degree views. Whilst St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous building in Venice, St Mark’s Square is the most famous piazza. Surrounding the square is a series of ornate buildings with arched walkways that frame it perfectly, a must stop for espresso and cake (although it’s expensive, it has to be done) or as it’s your honeymoon why not enjoy a romantic meal at Quadri, an 18th-century café, bistro and fine dining restaurant directly in the square. Having recently reopened after a major restoration, it oozes magic and romance, an indulgent place to enjoy traditional Italian and Venetian dishes, with fresh fish arriving daily from the Rialto market, the sumptuous surroundings allow you to not only drink the wine but also drink in the atmosphere of St Mark’s Square at night. Venice and Vicenza two completely different cities, both as romantic as each other, the ideal split between tourist and tranquil just perfect for creating memories to last a lifetime. BOOK IT
Prices at Villa Michelangelo Vicenza - Starhotels Collezione start from 130 euros in low season, www.starhotelscollezione.com/en/ourhotels/hotel-villa-michelangelo-vicenza
Prices at Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione start from 170 euros in low season for a Superior Room based on two people sharing, www.starhotelscollezione.com/en/our-hotels/splendidvenice-venice
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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
Taurus (20 April – 20 May) This is a fabulous month for networking and establishing pleasant friendships and group associations. You continue to be especially ambitious, and there is a little less focus on family and personal matters. You will continue to do so, a subtle yearning to belong with a friend or a group who shares your own ideals. This can lead you to attach yourself to unusual, more spiritual, or downright wacky friend, well, colourful ones at the very least. Favourable Dates: May 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Green & Blue
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Gemini (21 May – 20 June) During this month, you encounter circumstances that test your willpower and your sense of autonomy. You are shifting your value system with regards to partnerships away from superficial and towards a more intense, intimate and satisfying level. During second half, you will be getting serious about learning, studying hard, and changing your attitudes towards work. You will be working on refining skills that will be useful on the job, and some will be forced into that position. Favourable Dates: May 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Green & Blue
Cancer (21 June – 22 July) You could find that you are pressured when it comes to how you go about achieving your goals on a business level, as well as on a personal level. Much focus this month will be on striking a balance between your career and public life and your home and private life. This is an excellent period for starting new regimens to better your health and well-being, such as regular exercise, more structured and productive use of your time, and so forth. Favourable Dates: May 2, 10, 11, 19, 20, 28 Favourable Colours: White & Blue Leo (23 July – 22 August) Your long-term goals and wishes tend to be broad and perhaps unusual or ahead of the times, and you take great joy in dreaming up ideas for the future. Achieving your goals comes more easily in May. You may be slightly more selective when it comes to spending time with friends and associations. Opportunities to travel or further your education can come seemingly out of the blue and sometimes come from past connections. Favourable Dates: May 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Grey & Blue
Virgo (23 August – 22 September) You will ensure that your goals are realistic and attainable. You may find it a ripe period for turning over a new leaf in an existing partnership (personal or business) or for finding a new partner. A flood of emotional intensity in this area of your life is something that can go either way, and whether you use it to get to a new level of understanding in relationships or to fly off the handle with a partner is up to you! Favourable Dates: May 5, 9, 14, 18, 23, 27 Favourable Colours: White & Blue
Libra (23 September – 22 October) You can benefit greatly from any form of self-improvement techniques during this period. Inner strength and control is the name of the game, and this is an ideal time to develop these qualities. Business endeavours will go more smoothly for you if you recognize the value of the team at this time. You enjoy a healthy relationship with bosses and other authority figures in your life. You may expand your associations with others through new acquaintances or group activity and can derive much pleasure and satisfaction–even joy–through these connections. Favourable Dates: May 5, 7, 14, 16, 23, 25 Favourable Colours: Red & Green
Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) A strong need for independence marks this period. Life seems to speed up, as if it’s allowing you to take a few risks, make changes, and blaze new paths that you haven’t considered before. Your magnetic powers, which enable you
to attract positive energies, attention, and financial rewards, are strongest. Some of you will form a partnership that either leads to marriage and most will derive much joy from their relationships with significant others. Favourable Dates: May 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow
Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) You are coming to rely on your intuition. This is a time when you can advance and expand your mind and pick up practical, usable, and marketable skills at the same time. This is a good month for attracting what you want and improving your relations with others. Love and relationship issues may also come up for inspection. You experience a subtle yearning to belong with a friend or a group who shares your own ideals. Favourable Dates: May 3, 10, 12, 19, 21, 28 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) You are called upon to deal with the details and practicalities of everyday life, to become more organized, and to take charge of your routines. It’s time to formulate some clear goals and plans. This is a time when you need to define, understand, and crystallize your significant relationships with others. If you already have a partner, this is a time when any issues surrounding compromise, flexibility, and the ability to give your heart to your partner will surface. Favourable Dates: May 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) This month brings the reaping of many benefits from the increased respect for what you do. Your business income improves, and you now focus on going after your fondest hopes and wishes, not only material and career goals. You will be learning about letting go of your attachment to the drama of romance and personal relationships. New partners met this month are likely to feel much like a breath of fresh air. Favourable Dates: May 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Green & White
Pisces (19 February – 20 March) It may be a time when you express yourself more imaginatively and creatively on the job, and publishing or promotional areas can be lucrative for you. Events are such that you move towards a more objective approach to your life and you cultivate true friendships. Income from your business or career is likely to increase. Reaching out beyond your personal circle can certainly open doors to you and bring joy into your life during this cycle. Favourable Dates: May 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Green & Blue Aries (21 March – 19 April) In this month, you keep dreaming and planning for the future. You may meet new acquaintances who help you to further your goals, or you could join a new group or association that gives you considerable pleasure and satisfaction. An almost ethereal aura surrounds you–one of contentment, understanding, and peace. Your imagination is at an all-time high, and others find you decidedly romantic and attractive, although perhaps somewhat hard to reach. Favourable Dates: May 4, 5, 13, 14, 22, 23 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow
manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com
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Weekend Starts Here.... The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel Vincent is the beautiful bartender at the Hotel Caiette, a five-star glass-and-cedar palace on the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island. New York financier Jonathan Alkaitis owns the hotel. When he passes Vincent his card with a tip, it's the beginning of their life together. That same day, a hooded figure scrawls a note on the windowed wall of the hotel: 'Why don't you swallow broken glass.' Leon Prevant, a shipping executive for a company called NeptuneAvramidis, sees the note from the hotel bar and is shaken to his core. Thirteen years later Vincent mysteriously disappears from the deck of a Neptune-Avramidis ship. Weaving together the lives of these characters, Emily St John Mandel's The Glass Hotel moves between the ship, the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the wilderness of remote British Columbia, painting a breathtaking picture of greed and guilt, fantasy and delusion, art and the ghosts of our pasts
Ordinary Love Soulmates turned life partners, Joan and Tom are the quintessence of eternal love. After decades of marriage, the two have developed an inseparable bond. Their unfaltering adoration for one another makes the news they're about to receive even harder to digest. After a grim forecast from the doctor, Joan finds herself battling breast cancer. While in the throes of treatment, their relationship grows even stronger. The hardships that await will prove no match for their unshakeable love. Release Date: 5th May
The Postcard Killings After New York detective Jacob Kanon has his world turned upside down when he finds out that his daughter and new son-inlaw have been brutally murdered while on their honeymoon in England, he travels to Europe to begin investigating their deaths. When he gets there, he discovers that several more couples have been killed by the same method, which indicates that a serial killer is on the loose. With the help of Scandinavian journalist Dessie Larrson, one of the local newspaper employees that the serial killer sent postcards to before murdering each of his victims, Kanon goes on the hunt for the homicidal maniac. Release Date: 13th May
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