May2015

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SPRING SUMMER 2015

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

MAY 2015 ISSUE 48

FREE www.affinitymag.co.uk

50 Secrets to a Happy Marriage We share them with you

May 2015

Energy Slump?

Licence to Thrill

Try a dettox

At the Jumeirah Carlton Tower

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

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11-13 St Peter’s Street, Bedford MK40 2PN www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

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Welcome...

Hi Everyone The sun is shining and we all know that means our thoughts turn to Summer –whether it’s fashion, holidays or entertaining we have it all…

Firstly, for all of you asking tickets for our 4th Annual Charity Ball are now on sale – This year’s Ball is on Saturday 17th October and has a “Touch of Tiffany” theme in aid of Cancer Research UK – This is always a fun filled evening full of entertainment and surprises – Last year we sold out quickly so make sure you reserve your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Turn to page 5 for more details.

Shirt Dresses are one of this seasons must have’s for any wardrobe - Dress it up with heels and a clutch or down with flipflops and sunglasses the versatility of it is endless turn to page 26 to see some of our favourites.

luxury a Midtown Manhattan glass tower full of opulence, page 68 let’s you see for yourself just how exclusive this hotel is.

This month sees The Chelsea Flower Show returning and to help celebrate Frost’s at Woburn Sands, are introducing their ‘Made for Chelsea’ Afternoon Tea with beautifully crafted delicacies making it the perfect treat –We went along to check it out for ourselves and the pictures I believe speak for themselves (page 45).

See You Next Month

Jane x

We all have bucket lists and on mine is New York! We take a look at the newly opened Baccarat Hotel – it is pure

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

linkedin.com/pub/jane-zita-fry

All adverts are printed in good faith. Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.Printed in the UK by Regal Litho 01908 270400.

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CONTENTS

11 Baby Blues 15 Beauty Updates 20 Chicken to Swan

57 Polo Pals 25 Step Out 31 Hotel Chocolat Superheroes 60 Spamalot 64 All About 36 Foodie News 70 Licence to Thrill 74 Quiet Night In

40 Recipe of the Month 48 Bathtime Bliss 54 Learning to Visualise

W k t

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What does your kitchen mean to you?

Ltd

GERMAN handleless kitchens NOW installed

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Baby Blues Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in Carre Blue £42

Rimmel Tempting Turquoise Scandal Eyes Eyeshadow Stick £4.49

NARS cosmetic Eyeshadow in Giove £21 Urban Decay Glide on Pencil Electric £15.50

Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner Spandex £14

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint in Massive Midnight £21

Max Factor Wild Shadow Pot Sapphire Rage £4.99

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Feeling that all too familiar Energy Slump?

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Then it’s time for a detoxification programme for more energy, glowing skin, improved digestion and a little help shifting those extra pounds!

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We all like to treat ourselves now and again, but if you’re feeling that all too familiar slump and sense of guilt from over-indulging, then it might be time for a detox!

3. Skin Troubles The skin is the body’s largest detoxification organ. Poor skin health can be a common warning sign of excess toxins and a message from our body that we need to cleanse! Toxins from the liver are carried into the digestive tract, where they should be removed from the body via daily bowel movements. However, even mild constipation will increase your body’s toxic load, putting additional stress on the body’s other elimination channels, including the skin.

Herbs for the skin: Burdock root, dandelion, & red clover can be used to improve skin

“It is common knowledge that processed foods can cause weight gain and impact our mood, but do you really know the extent to which these foods are impacting your health?”, says nutritionist Kim Pearson. “Processed foods can contain a variety of potentially harmful additives that can lead to an accumulation of toxins. Over time this can leave our body struggling to cope.”

4. Kidney Function Toxins from the liver are passed to the kidneys so that they can be further filtered, and finally eliminated via urine through the bladder. Toxins from excess alcohol, processed foods and refined sugars can put added pressure on your kidneys. Frequent high blood glucose levels over years can lead to changes in how the kidneys function, forcing them to work even harder than usual.

Herbs for the kidneys: Corn silk, artichoke, burdock, dandelion, parsley & red clover increase urine flow.

“Detoxification is the body’s natural process of eliminating or neutralizing toxic materials from cells, organs and the bloodstream.” explains Kim. “Benefits of doing an annual cleanse can be life-changing, including more energy, improved digestion, weight loss, clearer complexion, better sleep and healthy bowel movements.”

Five Reasons why we should all be doing a cleansing programme!

1. Blood Sugar Spikes Over indulging in sugary treats causes blood sugar spikes, and when levels drop they can send your hormones into overdrive, causing excess ‘stress hormones’ known as cortisol. Cortisol inhibits the production of hydrochloric acid in the digestive system, which is needed to break down food properly, leading to bloating, gas, mood swings and other unpleasant digestive effects. These sugar dips can also result in more hunger pangs!

Herbs for the blood: Artichoke, burdock root, dandelion, hawthorn berry, red clover, turmeric & yellowdock help to purify blood of toxins

2. Liver Stress This is the first line in our body’s natural detoxification process and has a direct impact on fat regulation and digestion. The liver is a very hard working organ; it filters and cleans around 450 litres of blood every day and is designed to break down and transform toxins. Excess consumption of alcohol, processed foods and refined sugars means your liver has to work extra hard to eliminate this accumulation of toxins.

Herbs for the liver: Artichoke, burdock, dandelion, turmeric, yarrow & yellowdock

5. Bowel Woes The bowel eliminates toxins carried from the liver, plus food and waste which has accumulated in the intestines.

It is vital to have healthy bowel movements daily - even mild constipation will increase your body’s toxic load, resulting in reduced nutrient absorption and lack of energy. Wastes and toxins will also ferment in the bowel, leading to gas, bloating and autointoxication (where toxins that should have been eliminated are drawn back into the blood-stream from the bowel).

Try: Renew Life’s CleanseSMART (RRP £29.99) - a 30 day advanced herbal cleansing programme designed to stimulate the cleansing and detoxification process of the body’s 7 channels of elimination: the liver, lungs, colon, kidneys, blood, skin, and lymphatic system. (Available from As Nature Intended and Wholefoods).

CleanseSMART is a 2 part cleanse. The first part is an herbal organ detox formula (take two capsules in the morning with water). The second part is a colon cleansing formula (take two capsules in the evening).

To kick-start your health routine, why not take the Cleanse Challenge (www.cleansechallenge.co.uk) - 5 challenges to kick-start a cleaner and healthier lifestyle, including ways to increase fibre, cut back on processed foods and drink smarter.

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Youth Building

Murad Youth Builder Body is a range of products to strengthen, firm and hydrate skin giving your body back its’ youthful look and feel. By extending the benefits of targeted skincare from the face to the body, with the aromas of Lemongrass, Vetiver and Bergamot in the products and are designed to provide a therapeutic experience to help ease nerves and combat stressinduced cellular ageing, available from John Lewis in Milton Keynes and Cambridge and prices start from £24.

BEAUTY UPDATES Magic Wand

Advancing Beauty Dr Gabriela Mercik has launched a NEW Advanced Molecular Face Mask just in time to prep your skin for summer. A silk protein-based mask, infused with Botanical Stem Cells, formulated to halt signs of ageing, hydrate and even skin tone.

With high concentrations of natural plant extracts and anti-oxidants Dr Gabriela’s Advanced Molecular Mask forms round the clock protection on the skin, whilst improving suppleness, tone and fine lines. The mask costs £20.83 for 1 pouch, or £82.50 for 5, and can be purchased from www.dermagenica.co.uk

You couldn’t get nearer to lash perfection than new this offering from Benefit – It’s a roller for lashes!

The eye-opening Hook ‘n’ Roll™ grabs, brush separates, lifts and curls…while instant the curve-setting formula holds for 12 hours. With added an of bonus being water resistant and of full vitamins to keep lashes perfect in condition, at just £19.50 for all this I’ll definitely be adding to my make up bag!

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A Little Paradiso With the first whiff, Paradiso (£36) the new fragrance from Roberto Cavalli sends out a floral, woody fragrance, inspired by the Mediterranean seas. It opens up with citrus notes of bergamot and mandarin, with middle notes of jasmine. The fragrance’s final note ends with a woody scent of cypress, parasol pine and pink laurel.

Perfect Contour Stila’s Shape & Shade Custom Contour Duo £31 makes contouring sooo easy.

The velvety duo melts into the skin and has a matte finish that blends beautifully with soft focus, line-filling properties that instantly blur imperfections, leaving your skin looking so smooth and naturally sculpted you won’t know it’s makeup! – There’s even a contouring guide for the contouring virgin’s amongst us.

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Midlife Madness In Praise of the Pack ups

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ike many mothers I had spent years indulging, not happily, in the nightly (never could get myself together enough to cope with doing it in the morning) ritual of preparing numerous packed lunches.

and potato soup didn’t look nearly so appetising when it was lying in a pale green pool at the bottom of my bag, neither did the raspberry yogurt and granola (that wasn’t green….obviously) I had lovingly assembled for breakfast and as for the sun dried tomato and basil pasta……..well you get the picture.

Making sure the little darlings went off with a healthy, nutritious lunch that also included some treats and of course catered to the personal preferences of each of the offspring was no easy task, often doing one for the fella too, I was lucky if I could grab an apple on the way out of the door for myself!

So I thought sandwiches might be a good option and my wholemeal (and veggie) BLT looked really tasty when I assembled it – but sadly on the train I put my bag next to one of the floor heaters, I didn’t realise because I felt no hot air on my feet– it was all blasting on my bag. There also seems to be a jiggling effect exerted on sandwiches when you travel, no matter how tightly I wrap them the contents seem desperate to leave the bread and when I expectantly open lunch it seems to bear more resemblance to the contents of a restaurant waste bin than an appetising lunch.

I remember breathing a sigh of relief when they got to the age where they didn’t want a packed lunch or were able and sort of willing (“if you want one, the kitchen is that way” - said with a stern face) to do their own. I must confess to occasionally over the years deciding to take something more than an apple for myself, usually when there was something tasty left over from the night before that I could furtively snaffle away before anyone else,muttering that I thought it had all gone if anyone asked if there had been any left overs.

So I decided what was really called for was the right containers and I can only assume that taking packed lunches is the height of work day culinary ‘fashion’ because the humble Tupperware certainly seems to have come of age. When children were at home we would periodically justify a takaway just for the ‘containers’ because so few seemed to be available, but clearly those days have gone. So I bought a lovely pink soup container with a lid that would defy leaking even when tipped upside down (I had to be sure obviously), a small salad container with a separate dressing pot – how cool is that? and it stops the whole soggy lettuce scenario, then a sandwich box that is the perfect size for sandwiches so, like me in a body con dress, they fit in so snugly little movement is possible. Armed with all these containers, of course what I needed was a really cool lunch bag to put them all in, insulated so that it doesn’t get too warm, and the perfect size and shape so that it doesn’t fall over on the train. I found a rather nice one but it cost a bit – you do have to pay for quality don’t you - and think of all the money I’ll be saving with my pack ups!!

But I find now that I am working in a place which, although eleven stories, high has no canteen, coffee shop, nor even a vending machine. It is fairly near some shops but I’ve done the calculations, buying a lunch each day not only decreases wealth, I have proved from experience it increases waistline and, frankly, I can do without both of those.

So I am back to doing pack ups but it seems more hazardous than I seem to remember. The biggest problem is boredom, as it is so easy to get stuck in the rut of taking the same thing every day – and I also take breakfast to eat either on the train or when I first get to work (that means an extra 10 – 15 minutes in bed) - so it is quite a lot of packing up and it has to be easily portable. I have had my share of disasters on that front already! Trust me the leek 16

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Apple Pear Oat Drink £1.79, Ocado

Wave Ring £65, Les Trouvailles d’elsa

Reger by Janet Reger Swimsuit £42, Debenhams

AFFINITY Sail Away Heels £28, Asos

Penhaligon’s Tea Votive Candles £40, Penhaligons

The Princess Clutch £130, Lamb 1887

HOT PICKS

Initial Mini Belt £150, Christianmacleod.com

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

Map Mug £5, House of Fraser

Apple Juice Novelty Bag £29, Accessorize

Scrabble Cushion £16.95, Melody Maison

Miu Miu Sunglasses £201, The Sunglasses Shop

Impulse necklace £48 £48, fiorellijewellery.com

Pusser’s 15 Year Aged Rum £45, Amazon

Dream- Ibiza Mantra Bracelet £35, www.meme.london

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Wig Fitting Barnet’s Hair Company on Castle Road in Bedford is now the recommended supplier for wigs for anyone undergoing chemo and radiotherapy treatment at The Primrose Unit in Bedford.

You return to the salon 24 hours later to try on your choices, if for whatever reason once you try them you don’t like any of them they are sent back and you are able to order another 4 until you find a wig that you are 100% happy with there is no pressure and the whole experience is as smooth as possible.

Massimo and Emily co owners of Barnet’s have tried to make the whole process of choosing a wig as smooth as possible. Appointments can be made either in opening hours or after hours whatever the customer feels more comfortable with.

When you have chosen your wig, it is fitted and styled to you (for example the fringe may need a trim etc), nothing is too much trouble, Massimo and Emily want you to go away feeling 100% happy with your choice. You are shown how to take care of your wig once you get it home – the service you receive is excellent and the care and attention that is shown is second to none right up to the follow up call a few weeks later.

An initial 45 minute consultation over coffee begins the process, where a match as close to your own hair, style, colour, length, thickness etc is found. There are then four types of construction for the wig’s skull base, such as hand tied, wefted, monofilament or lace construction this is very important as it ensures the wig is made to fit and look as much like your own hair as is possible.

The Primrose Unit Charity will pay £66.70 towards your choice of wig and Barnet’s range starts from £100.

Barnets Hair Company 159 Castle Road Bedford, MK40 3RT 01234 4363416

Once all this has been established it time to choose the wig that you want, you are able to browse through hundreds of styles and choose 4 to be ordered into the salon for you to try.

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Veda Therapeutics Carolyn wood Herbal Medicine - Ayuverda Naturopathy - Therapeutic Massage - Ear Acupuncture

Herbalist (Dip Herb) Naturopath (Dip ND) MAMH, MANP, ITEC

As a herbalist and naturopath I can help you with

• Immunity • Skin Conditions • Digestive Complaints • Hormonal imbalances • Heart health & Circulation • Energy & Wellbeing • Insomnia • Depression • Other chronic health conditions • Acute coughs & colds

07944 886502 carolyn612@btinternet.com www.vedatherapeutics.co.uk

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Chicken Skin to Beautiful Swan in 6 simple steps!

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found a real benefit by using coconut oil to moisturise the area.’

ave you ever looked at your arms and noticed rough patches of dry skin? Did an itchy rash stop you from wearing your gorgeous sleeveless top again? You are not the only one! Unfortunately, almost 40% of us suffer from bumpy skin at the back of the upper arms, commonly known as Chicken Skin.

‘Make sure you use a gentle non-harsh soap when you wash.’

‘Eat plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to skin. Add oily fish to your diet, such as mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies and salmon. If you are a vegetarian eat flaxseeds or chia seeds.’

Ketorasis Pilaris, which is the medical term for this ailment, can occur at any age, usually runs in families and often goes hand-in-hand with chronic dry skin. What causes this embarassing condition? When our skin produces too much keratin, it accumulates at the opening of each individual hair follicle, blocking pores. These little bumps can make the surface appear irritated and inflamed, that’s why it’s so important to take special care.

We asked Shona Wilkinson, Head Nutritionist at NutriCentre.com to give us her tips on what to do to get your arms summer-ready and banish those bumps:

‘Make sure your digestive system is running properly.

Digestive disorders can manifest themselves in poor skin condition. Lack of nutrient absorption can contribute to Keratosis Pilaris. You may want to consider taking a digestive enzyme if you think you may suffer from lack of nutrients. Also make sure that your intestinal flora is balanced. It is important to have enough good bacteria to ensure a proper digestive system. Try taking a good quality probiotic.’

‘Make sure you exfoliate the area regularly with a natural and gentle exfoliator. Avoid anything too abrasive though, as this can cause damage to your skin.’

‘Remove any foods which may be an allergen. Such foods may include dairy, gluten and sugar.’

‘Massage the affected areas twice a day with a natural gentle moisturiser to soften bumps. Some people have

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To help you get rid of chicken skin why not try the following: ProVen’s Adult Probiotic 25 Billion Contains Lab4, the most comprehensively studied group of friendly bacteria of any product in the UK and provides real benefits in supporting digestive and immune health. £12.95, Provenprobiotics.co.uk

What Skin Needs Skin Balm A potent blend of natural ingredients formulated to provide solutions for more persistent skin problems such as irritations, rashes, dry, damaged, itchy, flaky skin, with excellent skin renewal properties to soothe, rehydrate and repair rough, dry and damaged skin. £13.99 Whatskinneeds.co.uk

Janjira’s Thai Lime & Ginger Sugar Milky Body Scrub This scrub gently eliminates dead skin cells to leave skin feeling silky smooth and radiant, whilst maintaining the moisture. Ginger is an energizing herb that increases the skins radiance and decreases inflammation £32, Janjira.co.uk

Omega 3 and 6, Quest Vitamins Providing a balanced blend of omega 6 fatty acids from evening primrose and borage oils combined with omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil. £13.49, Nutricentre.com

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FASHION Affinity

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Let’s play Boho Playsuit £10 Primark Geo Print Playsuit £24 Next

Playsuit £19.99 New Look

Bardot Playsuit £35 Miss Selfridge

Michelle Keegan Lace Playsuit £55 Lipsy

Playsuit £12.99 Primark

Look Again

Playsuit £35 Miss Selfridge

Scallop Neck Playsuit £55 Miss Selfridge

Orange Lace Playsuit £29 Apricot

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Jenifer £130 Dune

Debenhams

Jaunt £95 Dune

Sandal £14 Primark

Platforms £38 Next

Step Out Indigo Collection £45 Marks & Spencer

Red Herring £32 Debenhams

Jalexa £79 Dune

Platform Sandals £45 Next

Limited Edition £35 Marks & Spencer

Jemm £79 Dune

Tan Tribal Block £22 Matalan

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Get Shirty

Shirt Dress £28 Apricot

Diane Von Furstenberg Freya Printed Silk Shirt Dress £340 Selfridges

Denim Shirt Dress £39 Miss Selfridge Shirt Dress £39 Miss Selfridge

Black Stripe Shirt Dress £24.99 New Look

Crepe Shirt Dress £180 Karen Millen

Indigo Denim Shirt Dress £45 Marks & Spencer

Dress £38.50 Dancing Leopard

Shirt Dress £14 F&F

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3

Short

4 5 6

Sweet &

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1. Crochet Trim Shorts £32 Next 2. BHS 3. Denim Shorts £20 Next 4. Embroidered Shorts £25 Next 5. Mademoiselle Shorts £29 La Redoute 6. Floral Linen Shorts £7 Primark 7. Khaki Shorts £20 Miss Selfridge 8. Denim Crochet Shorts £12 Primark 9. Hem Shorts £6 Primark 10. Lace Shorts £20 F&F 11. Shorts £25 Miss Selfridge 12. Michelle Keegan Crochet Trim Shorts £32 Lipsy

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Wrist Watch

£45 Oasis

£109 French Connection

Timeless Watch £255 Folli Follie

Haraka Toot £75.18 Trovea

Citra Sphere Chrono Pink Stainless Steel Watch £319 Swarovski

£795 Tresor Paris

£30 Oasis

Watch £95 French Connection

£165 Karen Millen

£225 Karen Millen

Donatella Watch £ Folli Follie

Denim Dreams

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Skirt £24 Dorothy Perkins longtallsally Twiggy Jackets £49.50 Marks & Spencer Indigo Collection Dungarees £45 Marks & Spencer

Sleeveless Utility Denim Dress £39 Miss Selfridge

Mid Wash Denim Shirt £30 Miss Selfridge Ripped Boyfriend Jeans £30 Very

Jumpsuit by Laura Scott £75 Look Again

Denim Frill Playsuit £39 Miss Selfridge

Platform Denim Sandals £55 Look Again

Sezane Flared Jeans £89 La Redoute

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WIN! WIN! WIN!

Superheroes at Hotel Chocolat The Best of the Best

Hotel Chocolat have selected their best-selling and highestachieving products to present to you.

Including their Champagne Truffles, Cocoa Gin, Sleekster Everything Collection, Rocky Road Giant Slab right through to their award winning Chocolatiers Table

To help celebrate we are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a Hotel Chocolat Hamper made up of a selection of the Superhero products - to be in with a chance of winning just tell us your favourite Superhero product and send to affinitymagcomp@gmail.com - Good Luck!

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50 Secrets to a

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Happy Marriage

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onesty, Compromise – and at least two TVs in the home have been named amongst the top secrets to a happy marriage, a recent study has revealed.

falling out over what to watch on the TV or one or both of you spending too much time focusing on your computers, tablets or mobile phones.

Researchers polled 2,000 happily married Brits and found that alongside the more well-known tips, these couples also suggest having two cars, two toilets or bathrooms and at least one night a week away from computers or tablets.

“Romance is also an important factor, whether this is a surprise gift, a date night or simply some quality time together.

“After being married for a while, it’s easy to find you are stuck in a rut and not really paying each other any attention, but hopefully some of these ‘secrets’ will help your marriage to be a long and happy one.’’

Getting on with each other’s friends and family, having no ex-partners on your Facebook friends list and separate bank accounts also feature in the top 50 secrets.

‘’It should be obvious that it is communication that keeps people together, whether that’s verbal or non-verbal, but life has a way of getting in the way.

Blissful couples also say trust, remembering birthdays and anniversaries and saying ‘I love you’ regularly also help keep a relationship happy and harmonious.

The research and the message in the book, is keep talking, keep laughing, keep doing the things that made you happy at the start of your relationship and never lose it.

Andy Gibney, author of How to Seduce Your Wife (or Anyone Else’s) said: ”Trust, comprise and honesty are generally regarded as the most important things in a marriage, but for most people it’s not that simple.

“In the modern world, marriages are having to survive against a host of new technology with many couples

Keep the respect, keep the kissing and the intimacy and, above all, remember why you fell in love in the first place.”

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50 Secrets to a Happy Marriage

1. Trusting each other 2. Same sense of humour 3. Always being honest with each other 4. Remember birthdays and anniversaries 5 . Accepting each other’s faults 6 . Compromising 7. Saying ‘I love you’ regularly 8. Knowing when to say sorry 9. Being able to laugh at each other 10. Having a similar outlook on life 11. Regular hugs/cuddles 12. Always kiss each other goodnight 13. The occasional romantic gesture 14. Considering your partner to be your best friend 15. Sharing the parenting duties 16. Always kiss each other goodbye in the mornings 17. Having some shared hobbies and interests 18. Always talk about a problem rather than bottling it up 19. Ask each other about their day 20. Regular sex 21. Having some different hobbies and interests 22. Knowing when to give each other some space 23. Never going to sleep on an argument 24. Regular holidays/mini breaks 25. Having similar aims and ambitions 26. Having the odd argument or disagreement 27. Continuing to make an effort to look nice for your partner 28. Getting on with each other’s family 29. Setting aside quality time for each other 30. Holding hands when you are out and about 31. Regularly complimenting each other 32. Having your own friends as well as mutual friends 33. Two TVs in the house 34. Getting on with each other’s friends 35. Each having a car 36. Still shaving/grooming 37. Each having equal share of the lie-ins when you have children 38. Separate bank accounts 39. Having regular nights out with friends, without your partner 40. Surprise gifts/presents 41. Not being friends with ANY ex-partners on Facebook 42. A rota to divide up the household chores 43. Regular date nights 44. Two bathrooms/toilets 45. Not having one person hogging the remote control 46. Similar working hours 47. Knowing each other’s passcode for their phone 48. A secret stash of cash they know nothing about 49. Keeping some things private (not going to the toilet in front of each other etc) 50. A night or two a week where neither of you use computers/laptops/phones etc 33

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Affinity

FOOD & DRINK

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Poshcorn

Vintage for Darjeeling First Flush

Are you Posh enough for the new offering from Tyrrells, the quintessential English snacks brand - Poshcorn, its’ superlative new popcorn range. Popped to perfection, Poshcorn is positioned as a healthier, yet no-less delicious sweet-spot replacement to chocolate, perfect for when you fancy something a bit sweet to nibble on. Available in four delectable flavours: Sea Salted, Sweet & Salted (on a delicious new golden caster sugar base) and two new variants; Coconut & Caramel, and Lemon Cupcake, Poshcorn takes ready to eat popcorn to new levels of deliciousness.

Costing £1.59 for sharing bags and 79p for small bags and available from most major supermarkets and quality independent retailers nationwide.

FOODIE NEWS

Darjeeling teas can be thought of in the same way as fine wines. Each year it has its’ own distinctive character based on the conditions of where it is grown. This year, for the first time, the brand held back some of its’ 2014 Darjeeling First Flush to allow tea enthusiasts the opportunity to sample the 2014 and 2015 vintages together. The East India Company’s Darjeeling First Flush carries a unique seasonal flavour that balances three notes harmoniously and is brought to life by its’ unique terrior. Darjeeling First Flush is available to buy in all of The East India Company’s stores, 40g £20.00 & 80g - £35.00, www.theeastindiacompany.com

French Fancy Scook is a wonderful collection of over 100 recipes from the only woman in France with three Michelin stars, Anne-Sophie Pic. Scook allows us to discover the wonders of extraordinary French cooking in the comfort of our own homes. Whether you wish to create a simple supper for the whole family, an elegant main course showstopper for your dinner party or a delicious French classic, there is something for everyone whatever your cooking ability. Scook is published by Jacqui Small www.jacquismallpub.com and priced at £40.00.

Coastal Culinary

Now in its sixth year, the hotly anticipated St Ives Food and Drink Festival, sponsored by Carbis Bay Holidays and Tregenna Castle Resort, is returning this May. With Cornwall now leading the country as a UK foodie hot spot, and its ever increasing portfolio of award-winning local food producers, restaurants and top chefs, this fantastic festival will invite locals and visitors to experience the best of what this ‘jewel in the Cornish crown’ town has to offer the culinary world.

The Festival will feature a plethora of local chefs, cooking demos and an abundance of stalls selling quality Cornish produce. The festival will run from Saturday 16th to Sunday 17th May.

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A Taste of the Country

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he Cross Keys Country Pub and Kitchen in the village of Wootton, Beds has had a refurb and what a refurb it is. With a rustic, modern theme throughout with colours that compliment the checked carpet and chairs, creating a stylish airy feel, it is just perfect.

tamarind baby back ribs with crispy coriander and carrot salad, the meat just fell off the bone the taste of ale and slight kick that they produced was a real treat to the palette.

Next we tried a couple of sharing boards – again the presentation was faultless. Fisherman’s board (Scottish salmon roulettes, potted crab, battered baby fish, crazy calamari salad, lemon mayonnaise) – The Green Board (crunchy courgettes, warm summerset brie, spinach frittata and eggplant parmigana), the selection on both boards were varied and the flavours were divine, another delicious choice.

Having been greeted by a big smile and friendly staff, we were shown to our table where we mulled over the menu.

There was so much to tempt us it was hard to choose, so we asked for a selection of dishes to be brought out for us to try.

We began with Wiltshire ham hock terrine, soft drunk prunes, apple and mustard puree presentation was perfect and the mustard complimented the hock perfectly - Ale and

herbs, - the puree tangy

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Although not a vegetarian, I do find myself quite often trying the veggie option and this one intrigued me portobello & peach burger, sweet potato fries and house

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relish – it may have intrigued and it was utterly delicious, the combination of the peach with mushroom was an absolute treat for my palette and the sweet potato fries still make my mouth water thinking about them!

Pan crisped sea bass, horseradish yogurt, balsamic beets and garlic ranch potatoes was the final savoury dish, the fish was fresh and just flaked off, the beets and horseradish were a clever combination of flavours.

After all these delicious dishes I claimed to be too full for dessert, until I was persuaded that the warm Woodend waffles, chocolate chip ice cream and blueberry waterfall was a Cross Keys must have, and am I glad I was persuaded as it was the perfect end to a delicious meal.

With its stylish new look, varied menu, warm and friendly staff The Cross Keys Country Pub and Kitchen is definitely somewhere you need to pay a visit to in the not too distant future ……..

The Cross Keys Country Pub and Kitchen 01234 853939 www.crosskeyswoodend.com

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Chicken, bacon and leek tagliatelle in a parmesan cream 40

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“

“

This easy chicken pasta dish ticks all the boxes it's great as a family meal but is also special enough for entertaining

Ingredients 4 diced chicken breasts 4 rashers smoked bacon 1 leek sliced 2 cloves of garlic crushed Half an onion sliced 1 small glass of white wine Salt and pepper 300ml double cream 150g grated fresh parmesan (plus extra to garnish) 300-400g tagliatelle

Method Fry the onions, garlic, chicken and bacon in a little oil until it starts to colour, then add the white wine and reduce by half. Add the leeks and double cream and bring to the boil, simmer for 5-6 minutes until the chicken and leeks are both cooked, then season to taste and finish the sauce by stirring in the parmesan.

Meanwhile boil the pasta in plenty of salted water until cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes. To serve, drain the pasta and toss it through the sauce and divide between four plates and sprinkle with more parmesan.

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

Echo Falls Fruit Fusions (White Peach and Mango) This tropical flavoured wine has been crafted with natural flavours of White Peach and Mango to result in a delectable and refreshingly sweet wine, perfect for sharing with friends.

Tesco & Asda £5.75

Hardys Stamp Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay Lifted citrus Chardonnay and strawberry like Pinot Noir flavours complexed by fresh yeasty flavours, which are a result of secondary fermentation. The palate is soft and flavoursome with a creamy texture and a crisp, natural acid finish ASDA, £8.99

Kumala Sauvignon Semillon A crisp medium bodied wine with aromas of lime and orchard fruits and lively citrus fruit flavours Sainsburys, £7.00

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Raspberry ripple crème brulee, vanilla shortbread Ingredients

For the brulee 500ml double cream 1 vanilla pod 100g castor sugar 8 egg yolks

For the raspberry ripple: 1 punnet of raspberries Icing sugar to taste For the shortbread: 300g flour 200g butter 100g sugar

Makes 5 portions

Method

To make the coulis heat the raspberries (keep a few back for garnish!) in pan with splash of water and a couple of tablespoons of sugar and bring to the boil, then place into the food processor and blitz until smooth. The coulis need to be strained through a sieve to remove the seeds. Taste to make sure it is sweet enough and place in the fridge to chill.

To make the brulee boil the cream, mix the sugar and egg yolks and pour the cream onto the egg mix, strain through a sieve and pour into ramekins. Place the ramekins in a deep tray and fill with water half way up the side of the ramekin. Bake in the oven at 120’c for approximately 20 minutes, remove from the oven and drizzle the coulis into the brulee and return them to the oven for a further 20 minutes until set. Then place in the fridge to go cold.

For the biscuits mix all the ingredients until smooth, roll out on a floured surface 1 cm thick and cut into circles using a cutter, bake in the oven at 165’c until golden, once removed from oven sprinkle with sugar.

To serve, glaze the brulee with sugar and a blow torch or very hot grill and place on a plate with the biscuits on the side.

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

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“Buy 1 get one FREE”

on main courses every Tuesday 12pm - 9pm

Dine and Fizz

Join us on a Wednesday evening after 5pm to enjoy this great offer!

Spend £40 in our restaurant between 2 people and receive a bottle of Fizz on the house!

Wine and Dine

Join us on a Sunday Evening after 6pm.

Spend £50 in our restaurant and receive a free bottle of house wine.

Pudding Night 29th May

Join us for our next pudding night!

Only £16.00 for a main course and as many desserts as you can squeeze in.

Traditional Afternoon Tea Afternoon tea by the river, every day between 2pm - 5pm (Booking is essential)

01234 781678 info@millhouse-riverside.co.uk www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk millhouse_hotel Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant Mill Road, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1NP

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Made Chelsea for

B

James Frost, managing director at Frosts told us “This year we wanted to let the talented catering team go wild with no boundaries and this is what they have come up with. I’m absolutely delighted with their superb creations and the detail they have gone to to capture the essence of the Chelsea Flower Show. They almost look too good to eat, but we’ll give it a jolly good go all the same.”

ritain’s most prestigious flower show, the Chelsea Flower Show, is fast approaching with keen gardeners up and down the country flexing their green fingers ready to see cutting-edge garden design, new plants and exciting ideas.

To celebrate, and for the first time in its history, Frosts Garden Centre is hosting a quintessentially English floral themed Afternoon Tea from Monday 18th to Sunday 24th May. The beautifully crafted delicacies are the perfect treat for gardening lovers to celebrate the best of British flora on a summer’s afternoon. The Chelsea Afternoon Tea will include a selection of sandwiches, strawberry and pink champagne shots and a fresh pot of tea, accompanied by decadent spread of desserts: There will be delicate daisy cupcakes; lavender shortbread; rosewater, strawberry and pistachio delice; white chocolate mousse with dark chocolate ‘soil’ and freshly baked scones with homemade mixed fruit jam, all sprinkled with edible violas for a truly delicious homage to Britain’s best blooms.

Afternoon Tea is served from 2:00pm each day, and costs £19.99 per person.

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Frosts Garden Centre Newport Road Woburn Sands Milton Keynes MK17 8UE

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INTERIORS Affinity

Chateau Blue Bathroom occa-home

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Bathroom Set £10 Next

Lexington Towels From £6 Occa Home

Bath Mat £39.99 Coastal Home

Bathtime Bliss

White Wicker 2 Drawer Storage Unit £59.95 Melody Maison

Day Birger Et Mikkelsen Barber Glass Soapdish £46 Amara

Provencal Column Wall Mirror £347 The French Bedroom Company

Relax Tea Light Holder £12 Next

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Grey Salle De Bain Soap Dish £6.50 Marquis & Dawe

Bathroom Sign £4 Tesco Direct

Pewter Shell Lightpull £15 Coastal Home

Cherub Print Toilet Brush £24.95 Melody Maison

Ferm Living Spear Laundry Basket £54 Cloudberry Living Grey Salle De Bain Soap Dispenser £8 Marquis & Dawe

georgehome

Day Birger Et Mikkelsen Barber Glass Dispenser £63 Amara

Eva Solo Mirror Small Box £80 Occa Home

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LightUp

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Bloomingville Glass Lantern

Betty Jackson Lantern £28 Debenhams

Laser Cut Lantern (Large) £25 BHS Silver Metal Lantern £50 House of Fraser

XL Lantern £60 BHS

Vintage Wood Lantern £35 Next

Hessian Lantern £20 Marquis & Dawe

Gustavian Lantern Debenhams

Wooden Lantern £45 Marks & Spencer

Glass Lantern £12 Matalan

Lantern £15 Matalan

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Learning to

Visualise I

t seems as we grow up we get lots of exhortations not to daydream, which in many ways is what visualisation can be, but rather to focus and concentrate on the here and now. It’s often regarded as a waste of time, in fact the term dreamer can be seen as something derogatory, implying that you are not productive or even successful.

Recently, scientific advances have enabled us to see just why visualisation appears to be so powerful. According to Lynne McTaggart in her book The Intention Experiment, the brain does not appear to differentiate between the thought of an action and a real action. Using EMG (electromyography) in an experiment, they discovered that when downhill skiers mentally rehearsed their runs, the electrical impulses sent to the muscles were the same as when they physically engaged in the runs. https://suite.io/catherine-chadwick/2jzr23q

Yet increasing evidence seems to suggest that not only is visualisation NOT a waste of time, but actually it can help us in all sorts of ways.

We have considered before that thoughts can be powerful and one of the most effective ways of making them so is to use the tool of visualisation. In fact it is used in a number of areas to improve performance in a variety of different ways. Many people may have heard about it in relation to sport as nowadays a lot of sportsmen and women are open about the way they have been coached to use visualisation.

But it is not just in the field of sports that Visualisation has proved effective. Various artists, including singers, writers, poets, actors, musicians and painters have used visualisation techniques to improve their creativity.

More recently there has been an increased emphasis on the power of visualisation in both business and personal success. The idea being the same, what do you want to achieve, what is the goal, what does success ‘look like’, then visualise it. It has also been used effectively in schools and universities as a tool to aid learning.

Part of my preparation is I go and ask the kit man what colour top we’re wearing – if it’s red top, white shorts, white socks or black socks. Then I lie in bed the night before the game and visualise myself scoring goals or doing well.

Wayne Rooney - Footballer

Depending on the particular sport, different visualisation techniques will be used to improve performance, whether that’s scoring more goals, running more quickly, getting a longer drive in golf or a better backhand in tennis, much time will be spent physically training but also visualising the improvements they want to see or the goal they want to achieve.

It is important to remember that visualisation can also be used to deal with negative thoughts, it’s a technique that has often been used with children but actually it is just as powerful for adults, to imagine they are ridding themselves of an unhelpful emotion.

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“I have a system of ridding my mind of negative thoughts.

I visualize myself writing them down on a piece of paper.

Then I imagine myself crumpling up the paper, lighting it on fire, and burning it to a crisp.”

Bruce Lee Martial - Arts

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How to use Visualisation Visualisation is more than daydreaming. It involves making a conscious decision about what you want to achieve. This should be as detailed as possible. Lots of people find it helps to write down what they want to achieve as this is a good way of making sure that it is specific, as when it is just a thought it can be very vague.

Remember to visualise the outcome not the process.

Scoring the goal, making more money than last year (better yet have a specific figure), landing that particular job that you have dreamed of, being the confident person you would love to become.

about. Don’t give up when noting happens immediately, get used to just carrying on with those visualisations.

What many people find is that visualising actually makes them take the right steps to get where they want to go. It would seem silly for a footballer to imagine scoring goals if he didn’t bother even turning up to training, Visualisation is a technique and can be powerful but it is not a magic wand. Many people find visualisation is most effective when coupled with meditation or mindfulness exercises but that is a personal choice.

So allow yourself to dream and imagine your success, the more you concentrate on those positive affirming thoughts the more likely it is that your life will begin to reflect that.

Once you have been specific, then allow time to think about it and imagine living ‘in’ that. This means you have to think what it would actually be like to achieve whatever it is you are visualising, which sometimes throws up some negative thoughts to deal with along the way.

When you are thinking about it, think in as much colour and detail as you can, think in pictures, remember your brain impulses will be reflecting what you are thinking

For more information on Visualisation contact attuned education 07921 193479 01234 349067 info@attunededucation.com www.attunededucation.com 55

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Fry’s Footie Corner

The FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium provided a bit of a surprise with Aston Villa beating Liverpool to set up a final with Arsenal. Looking at the Premier League table beforehand you thought it would be a foregone conclusion, but cup football can always provide that upset and Villa deserved the 2-1 success.

Tim Sherwood has performed miracles at Villa Park, they have won a few important Premier League games and to reach a final in his first season is a tremendous achievement.

Arsenal will have to be at their best to retain the trophy that they won last year.

In recent seasons, there have been countless examples of Football League clubs reaching the semi-finals and finals of the FA Cup and the League Cup. Sheffield United and Bradford City have both gone deep

into the competition and obviously Championship side Reading pushed Arsenal all the way in the other semifinal of the FA Cup. Personally, I think Football League clubs are going further in the competition because the really big clubs in the Premier League are utilising their squad players more instead of their regular starting lineup – certainly in most cases that is the reason. Of course when Bradford beat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho used a lot of his regular starting line-up, but generally the cup competitions are viewed as a time for ‘rotation’, I would love to see two Football League clubs reach the final of the FA Cup and the final of the League Cup (particularly if one is Peterborough United) just to shake things up and make the Premier League take the competitions more seriously.

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The financial implications of the Premier League has an impact too.

The winners of the FA Cup are awarded £2 million and the runnersup get £1 million. The side that finishes last in the Premier League gets £1.2 million and that doubles the higher up in the table that you finish so that is why every game means so much in the Premier League.

It also indicates why finishing in the top four, with the increased revenue of the Champions League, is often viewed as more important than winning a domestic cup trophy. It does sadden me that this is the case, but that is the business that football has become.

Enjoy the summer!

Up the Posh!

Barry Fry

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Mens at Dune Polo Ralph Lauren £110 House of Fraser

Merc Striped Polo £60 House of Fraser

J by Jasper £30 Debenhams

Plain Polo Shirt £45 Jaeger Blue Polo £14.99 Officers Club Geo Polo £28 Next

Red Herring £25 Debenhams Tuk Stripe Polo £35 White Stuff

Striped Polo £26 Next Mataray Polo Shirt £28 Debenhams

Vienna Stripe Polo £35 White Stuff

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Tailor Made Defender for Paul Smith

E

fulfil individual customer commissions and personalisation. Together they created a unique vehicle, built entirely to Paul Smith’s own specification. With guidance from Land Rover’s Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern, he was able to realise his uniquely personal version of a global automotive icon.

The vehicle features 27 different colours used on the exterior panels, all of which were chosen by Paul. Taking inspiration from the British countryside, as well as colours historically seen on Defenders used by the Armed Forces, he says, “I wanted deep rich colours, but at the same time, I wanted them to work together yet be surprising.” In order to achieve the look he wanted, Paul gave the SVO team a set of Pantone colour references, which were then mixed specially for this vehicle.

arlier this year British designer, Sir Paul Smith collaborated with Land Rover to create a bespoke Defender, which was revealed at the designer’s shop at No. 9 Albemarle Street in Mayfair.

A longstanding fan of the Land Rover Defender, Sir Paul Smith has owned several of the vehicles over the years.

“The Defender is a British icon, which is something I’m exceptionally proud of,” says Paul. “I keep a Defender at my home in Italy which is in the middle of the countryside, so it’s the perfect vehicle to cope with the rugged terrain.”

Paul Smith worked closely with Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) design team – which is able to

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Further adding to the vehicle’s bespoke design, Paul worked with Land Rover to ensure that the interior stayed true to his vision. “This is a complete one-off; I wanted to give this Defender a feeling of luxury, so I used a mix of leather and fabric for the seats. I actually used the fabric that I design for Maharam, the American upholstery company. The vehicle features lots of special Paul Smith touches.

“Inside, black leather contrasts against blue stitching and there are lots of little hidden details throughout. For example, there is an image of a set of keys printed inside the glove compartment. Then there is a hand-painted bee on the roof, which is another little tongue-in-cheek reference to the countryside and the heritage of the car.

Also, the traditional Defender clock has been replaced

with a Paul Smith fascia. My designs are known for their attention to detail, so I didn’t want this Defender to be any different.”

While Paul has added many playful and personal touches, the Defender retains traditional elements, such as the wing mirrors, door handles and wheels - something that was of paramount importance to the designer. These were then given a satin finish, to create a contemporary feel.

Gerry McGovern, Design Director and Chief Creative Officer of Land Rover, adds: “I felt it would be a fitting tribute to the iconic Defender, that one of Britain's most distinguished designers worked with the Land Rover team to recognise his creative vision.”

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M

onty Python’s Spamalot gallops back out on tour to bring the West End production to theatres across the land (to the sound of banging coconut shells).

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a kind-of new musical with a book by Eric Idle and an entirely new score for the new production, (well, almost) created by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.

Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and features a bevy (or possibly a brace) of beautiful show girls, witch burnings (cancelled due to health and safety) not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people. The show features fantastic tunes more magical than a Camelot convention, including He Is Not Dead Yet, Knights of the Round Table, Find Your Grail and of course the Nation’s Favourite Comedy

Song, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life!

The latest tour, which is directed by Christopher Luscombe, follows hot on the heels of the can’t-believe-how-successfulit-was-with-the-first-show-selling-out-in40-seconds Monty Python Reunion at The O2 and Eric Idle’s acclaimed performance of Always Look On The Bright Side of Life at the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony the world sang along, and Spamalot audiences get the opportunity to do so too!

During the run, there have been 21 onstage moustache incidents, three suspected cases of swine flu (French pigs!), two outbreaks of nits and 92 pairs of coconuts used.

Mon 15th – Sat 20th June Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 www.tickets.com/miltonkeynes 60

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Dead Simple

O

As time runs out and the terror grows, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace tries to solve his mysterious disappearance, but begins to fear that Michael will never be found in time.

ne man’s nightmare…is another man’s fortune.

Following the nationwide critically acclaimed hit premiere stage production of Peter James’ The Perfect Murder earlier this year, the best-selling work of the No.1 novelist returns to the stage and comes to Milton Keynes in June, with the adaptation of his most famous and popular book to date and the first book that featured James’ now famous character of Detective Roy Grace - Dead Simple.

Michael Harrison is a smart and wealthy young property developer, about to tie the knot with his gorgeous secretary Ashley. But when his stag night prank goes horribly wrong, Michael finds himself alone, buried alive and staring death in the face.

Cue a show of nail-biting tension, as Michael desperately tries to contact his fiancée and his best friend and business partner, Gary.

Olivier Award winner, Ian Talbot directs an all-star cast including Jamie Lomas who has starred for the past year in EastEnders, as the murderous Jake Stone and before that as bad boy, Warren Fox for five years in Hollyoaks.

Rik Makarem, best known for starring for four years in Emmerdale, as well as Torchwood and who is a previous winner of the prestigious Laurence Olivier Bursary.

This gripping, chilling, thriller has all the classic suspense, twists and turns of a bestselling Peter James novel.

Mon 8th – Sat 13th June Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 www.tickets.com/miltonkeynes

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All About...

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Jasz Vegas

Daring, sexy and original, Magician Jasz Vegas stars in BBC’s Killer Magic Jasz Vegas is the only female magician to star in BBC’s brand new magic show Killer Magic and the first female magician to break the British market. This British beauty has an impressive skill set of daring magic, including fire breathing and burlesque.

She is extremely dangerous, sexy, breathtaking and her original performances will ensure Jasz Vegas is a name that remains on your lips for a long time to come.

We put Jasz in the Affinity Hot Seat to find out what makes her tick!

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Describe yourself in three words?

Mad but magic

What makes you stand out in a crowd?

I stand out as I am true to me. Our personality is the most unique thing we have and I like to infuse my personality in everything I do.

I would go back in time to see how they built Stone Henge as that has always fascinated me.

You can’t leave the house without and why?

A deck of cards, as you never know when the opportunity for magic will arise.

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

Nothing, as I would have eaten it all! I love to snack and I’m my life is so unpredictable I never do a regular shop!

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

I would meet David Attenborough and Brian Blessed so I could ask them if they’d do the voiceovers on a documentary about my life (Attenborough for the serious parts and Blessed for the party times!)

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

I would be a party ring as I love to celebrate and have a good time

Who is your inspiration/role model?

I am inspired by talented people, who have done it their way and stayed true to their personality e.g. David Blaine, Kat Von D, Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry.

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

My iPhone because I love staying in contact with my friends and family. I also spend way to much time on twitter and instagram!

Your top three movies?

The Fifth Element, Constantine, Limitless

What do you do to relax?

I like to go out for sushi and cocktails with my friends.

Your most extravagant purchase and why?

I love anything from Vivienne Westwood, I can’t help but treat myself!

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

I would always be myself as I love the life I live and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Describe your ideal man?

Unique, talented, witty and stylish with a bone structure fit for a fallen angel.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I don’t like to think about it as I like to be surprised!

What would you do if you had a time machine?

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

Angelina Jolie, as she is a strong confidant woman who has a fiery attitude.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?

My iPhone as I am a social media addict, my eyebrow pomade as eyebrows must always be on fleek and a deck of cards so I can do what I love!

What would your last meal be?

A huge salmon based sushi feast!

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TRAVEL

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Affinity

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Pure Opulence

F

ounded by King Louis XV, Baccarat is a legendary French Crystal company, a true luxury brand whose renowned artisans have been producing objects of perfect craftsmanship for more than 250 years. Today, its evolution from luxury product to luxury hotel is embodied in Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York, a newly built Midtown Manhattan glass tower. Baccarat has long defined uncommon beauty and the art of living and Baccarat Hotel is the ultimate realization of this art, conveying the timeless glamour, rarity and seduction of the French heritage brand.

they lavished attention on each surface, be it a sparkling mica-covered vaulted ceiling, silverleafed wood paneling, pleated-silk walls or a monumental crystal table.

Their subtle, refined palette of champagne, ivory, platinum, stainless steel and chocolate brown feels both classic and contemporary, setting off such accents as cashmere throws, polished-steel "mirrors”, custom crystal lighting and furniture accents, oversized desks and fully automated room controls. Crisp white custom-made Mascioni jacquard linens cover plush beds, and delicacies from Fauchon fill Baccarat-red enamel minibars. In the white-marble bathrooms, amenities created exclusively for the hotel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris abound.

Guests staying in suites will enjoy signature La Mer skincare products and Baccarat votive candles.

The prismatic glass façade - directly across the street from the Museum of Modern Art - recalls the radiance of Baccarat crystal, subtly reflecting and retracting light across its 5O stories.

Accommodation The hotel's 114 rooms and suites welcome guests with an array of lavish materials and an attention to artisanal detail that is synonymous with Baccarat. Paris design duo Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier created every piece of furniture for the soaring public spaces, as well as the 114 light-filled rooms and suites of the hotel. Weaving artisanal, custom Baccarat crystal elements throughout,

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Dining Executive Chef Shea Gallante, who earned a Michelin star for his work at New York's Cru, will lead the hotel's elevated and imaginative culinary offerings, working in partnership with Restaurant Director Charles Masson, the man long responsible for the discreet charms of Manhattan's haute French icon La Grenouille. Accessed through a private street-level entrance, the signature restaurant, Chevalier - named for longtime Baccarat creative director Georges Chevalier - will charm hotel guests, residents and locals with a sophisticated dining experience, offering Brasserie de Luxe in a modern French setting.

Gallante will also lend his talents to the small-plates menus of the hotel's Grand Salon, a plush, platinum-and-champagnehued social space on the hotel's second floor. Beyond, at the 60-foot, barrel-vaulted bar, inspired by the stunning stables of Versailles, the darkly opulent aesthetic features crimson velvets, dark leathers and monumental Baccarat chandeliers, setting a daring, slightly seductive scene.

Here, and at the adjacent French-style landscaped terrace, which overlooks the Museum of Modern Art, expert bartenders serve perfectly crafted classic cocktails in Baccarat crystal, making every night feel like a celebration.

Lined with black and white marble tiles, the adjacent indoor pool suggests a sunken ballroom worthy of La Belle et Ia BĂŞte. For the walls of the pool area, designers Gilles & Boissier drew inspiration from the forests that surround the Baccarat factory and the topiary mazes around the company's original chateau. They commissioned Paris-based artist Francois Houtin, known for his detailed prints of whimsical gardens, to paint a black-and-white mural that will give guests the feeling of swimming in enchanted woodland.

Wellness Baccarat has partnered exclusively with La Mer to create the iconic anti-aging French skincare brand's first spa in the United States. Secreted away below the hotel’s entrance and designed to recall the tented surfside beach pavilions of Biarritz, the intimate four-treatment-room spa beckons guests and locals who crave skin-soothing salves and revitalizing respites.

The 24-hour gym across from the pool features cuttingedge equipment, with guests invited to engage expert personal trainers for more customized experiences.

For further information please contact Eagle Travel on 01234 348882 69

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A Licence to Thrill Jumeirah Carlton Tower launches the ‘Ultimate Bond Experience’

T

o celebrate the launch of ‘Spectre’, the latest Bond movie, the luxurious Jumeirah Carlton Tower located in the heart of Knightsbridge is inviting guests to experience the ultimate James Bond weekend. Jumeirah Carlton Tower has the 007 lifestyle covered and will offer exhilarating sporting activities, exclusive suite accommodation, Bond-themed cocktails and a Savile Row tailored suit.

Aspiring Bonds begin the experience by collecting a speedy Lamborghini Huracan supercar to use throughout the weekend - allowing guests to explore London and beyond at their leisure. With a licence to thrill, guests

will be taken on a private helicopter tour of the city and see the striking London skyline from heights of daredevil magnitude. Guests can then hop onto a speed boat for a cruise along the Thames and enjoy a Bond-inspired adrenalin rush.

Guests will also be treated to an exclusive discount on a made-tomeasure suit at Gieves & Hawkes, plus have the opportunity to explore the Royal Archive in their store at London’s historic One Saville Row. For an evening to remember, Jumeirah Carlton Tower’s iconic Rib Room Bar & Restaurant offers a signature martini – shaken, not stirred.

Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, the hotel is acknowledged as one of London’s finest. Noted for its fine dining, exclusive Peak Health Club & Spa and enviable location off Sloane Street – the Capital’s most fashionable shopping area - makes Jumeirah Carlton Tower the ideal place for this thrilling experience.

The ‘Ultimate Bond Experience’ at Jumeirah Carlton Tower is available from £4,175 per night per suite between 26th October and 31st December 2015.

To book visit jumeirah.com/jct or call 020 72351234

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ON!...

What’s

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Court Adjourned!

Embark on a fascinating journey around the Supreme Court, as part of Museums of Night, Culture 24’s festival of inspiring after hours activities. Experience a rare opportunity to explore the highest court in the land afterhours and wander around our Grade II* listed building. Enjoy a drink to the sound of live jazz in our magnificent wood-panelled lobby. We have a series of events throughout the evening.

• Ask a Court Usher what really goes on behind the scenes of a hearing. • Former Judicial Assistants, share their experiences of working for a Supreme Court Justice. • Award-winning designer Luke Hughes describes the challenge of creating a fitting home for the UK Supreme Court. • Art conservation expert, Jim Dimond talks about his work preserving the Middlesex Guildhall Art Collection. • Plus a performance by the Inner Temple Drama Society, presenting a contemporary courtroom drama.

Booking is essential.

14th May: The supreme court in Westminster 9.30am -4.30pm. Tickets are £10 and available from www.eventbrite.co.uk

70’s Party Night Flares at the ready... a dash of bling... it's disco time!

Why not visit Whittlebury Hall Hotel and enjoy the night of your life at this groovy party night out, as you step back in time to the funky sounds of the 70s and show off your disco dancing moves. We have the best disco dance floor fillers for you!

Enjoy an evening filled with great food and great music, and get your dancing shoes on to boogie on down to the best night in town!

8th May: Tickets are £49 per person including a three-course dinner, half bottle of house wine and entertainment, 0845 400 1406, www.whittleburyhall.co.uk

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Star Wars Fans Rejoice!

A major new attraction opens at Madame Tussauds this month, boasting 16 life-like characters and 11 expertly finished sets from the iconic films. The experience will take over two new floors at the Baker Street site and visitors can immerse themselves within sets that range from Yoda's swamp, to the redhot lava spewing Mustafar where Anakin turns to the dark side. Life-like wax characters on display include armoured Stormtroppers, Luke Skywalker as he battles Darth Vader on the Death Star, Obi-Wan Kenobi, a captive Princess Leia and Jabba the Hutt in his Throne Room plus many more. We expect the show will be very popular, so pray that the force be with you as you battle your way through the crowds.

16th May: Tickets £30; £25.80 4-15s; free under-4s; £108 family. Book online at www.starwars.madametussauds.com/london/en

Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show Craig Charles is bringing his legendary Funk and Soul Club to Bedford for the first time for a night overflowing with groove-ridden-beats, rare-disco-treats and soul-jamshakers for all those dance-floor funksters.

After hundreds of successful DJ appearances at summer festivals across the UK including Glastonbury and Big Chill, club residences in Brighton, London, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds, Craig ‘King of Funk’ Charles has packed up his ‘trunk of funk’ and is heading down the M6 to Bedford to tear the Corn Exchange roof off!!

15th May: In association with The Pad Presents and held at The Bedford Corn Exchange, Doors open 9pm – 2am. Tickets are £13 in advance from www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk, www.thepadpresents.com

Psychic Evening Enjoy a special evening with Philip Kinsella, Psychic Medium.

At The Willows Centre, Wyboston Lakes Philip has appeared on television and radio and written numerous books/articles.

29th May: Arrival 7.30pm, Philip Kinsella takes to the stage at 8pm. Tickets are just £10 per person and are available on 0333 7007 667 (option 4) functions@wybostonlakes.co.uk, www.wybostonlakesbookings.co.uk *Guests must be 18+

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A quiet night in...

The Kindness by Polly Samson

‘He followed her eyes skyward to a bird that was falling, turning and turning, like a heart that had leapt free. It fell, and as it did it became a falcon. He was transfixed.’ Julian’s fall begins the moment he sets eyes on Julia.

Julia is married and eight years his senior; he is a gifted English student, a life of academia ahead. Ignoring warnings from family and friends they each give up all they have to be together. Their new life in London offers immense happiness, especially after their longed-for daughter Mira is born.

When Julian hears that Firdaws, his boyhood home, is for sale he sets out to recreate a lost paradise for his new family. Once again, love blinds him. It is only when Mira becomes terrifyingly ill that it is impossible for Julia to conceal from him the explosive secret that she has been keeping at the heart of their lives.

Big Game The US President (Samuel L. Jackson) is on the run from terrorists in this gripping action-adventure set in remote Finland.

Oskari is a 13-year-old Finnish boy, who, while on a hunting mission to prove his maturity, discovers none other than the President of the United States in the wilderness of Finland. It transpires that he has just escaped from Air Force One after the Presidential jet was attacked and grounded by terrorists. Stranded on the ground without his normal security backup, the President must rely on the cooperation of young Oskari against the terrorists, who are intent on capturing their own 'big game'.

Release Date: 8th May

Unbroken Angelina Jolie directs this Academy Award-nominated war drama telling the story of former Olympic champion runner Louis Zamperini (Jack O'Connell), who, after surviving a plane crash in the Pacific, was interred at numerous Japanese concentration camps over the course of the Second World War. The film follows Zamperini's life story, through the success and fame he found through his running career in the United States and his appearance at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, to his experiences as a Japanese POW. Held until the end of the war in August 1945, Louis was subjected to terrible physical and mental abuse as the notorious prison guard Mutsuhiro Watanabe (Miyavi) believed the former champion's reputation and worldwide fame a threat to his authority in the camps.

Release Date: 4th May

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MARCH 2014 ISSUE 34

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March 2014

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