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NOVEMBER 2017 ISSUE 78
MILLMAN
AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
New Season Stock Now In Store
www.affinitymag.co.uk
November 2017
It's all about Christmas Gift Guides - Fashion - Food - Decor - Giveaways
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I’m Welcome... loving... 1
Christmas – Love it or hate it, as we come into November there are only 7 weeks until Santa pays us a visit.
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Which means your cracker of a Christmas countdown begins here – and countdown it literally does with advent calendars galore, whether you’re a chocolate, beauty or booze lover we bring you round up of our favourites (page 50). Then there’s the presents, we’ve got something to suit everyone in our Christmas Gift Guide, turn to page 33 to begin your shopping. And with all the gorgeous presents wrapped and ready to put under the tree, you need to make sure the tree looks just as good as the gift wrapping, page 53 brings you baubles and decorations galore.
1. Figleaves Bra and Briefs Set, www.figleaves.com.uk 2. Pandora Timeless Elegance Ring, £80, www.pandora.net 3. Harrods Glamorous Girls Christmas Travel Mug, £10, Harrods 4. Tatty Devine Lipstick Make Up Bag, £15, John Lewis
Is all the chaos of Christmas talk causing you stress? Then why not enter our competition for an overnight stay at Champneys Health Spa and indulge in a little rest and relaxation, turn to page 24 to see how to enter. There is of course all our usual features, including your stars for this month – Will you win the lottery? Will you get your dream job? How’s your love life? page 74 has the answers. Until Next Month
Jane x
Cover River Island Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Advertising: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk
www.affinitymag.co.uk
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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.
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CONTENTS 12 16 20 24 27 29 33 36 40 47 56 59 66 72
Your Full Potential Beauty Advents Midlife Madness WIN! A Champneys Stay Fashion Edit Christmas Spirit Christmas Gift Guide Festive Foodie Men’s Room Foodie News Novelty and Nice Silver Shimmer Fairytale in St. Luis WIN! Tickets to Panto
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What does your kitchen mean to you?
Telephone: 01234 843000
Telephone: 01480 398017/8
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Live to Your Full Potential Learning to
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There is a part of all of us that would like to live to our potential - even when we are not perhaps sure what our full potential may be. In general this is also what we wish for people that we love and if we are honest we can often be quite frustrated when we see people that are not living to their potential. But if we are to focus on ourselves for a moment let’s think first about why we might not be living to our potential and how would we even know. Well, if you ever have the thought that you could do more or that you have more to give or could take more responsibility, or that if you didn’t have the responsibilities that you do, you could achieve more, then the chances are that you are not living to your potential. Let’s start by looking at what stops us.
Mind set I have mentioned in previous articles that this can have a radical impact on every aspect of your life. A mind set is a set of beliefs you hold about yourself, your success, wealth, or relationships. Unhelpful mindsets develop over time and often have roots in our childhood. They can be subconscious but you can tell they exist often by that whisper you hear - the one that says, ‘you’ll never be happy’, ‘you don’t deserve success’, ‘you will never achieve anything very much’ - the list could go on. Unhelpful mindsets can prevent you ever living to your potential.
Lack of direction Sometimes life happens to present opportunities but often those who achieve their full potential go out and find those opportunities. They usually have a clear idea of what they want. As individuals we have to know where we want to get to if we are to be sure to reach our destination.
Fear Fear stops a lot of people living to their full potential. Fear of failure, which can stop people in their tracks and prevent them from ever taking a risk. Fear of criticism and even surprisingly a fear of success, of achieving or being in the limelight can also stop you living to your potential. So they are the kinds of things you may need to work on to rid you self of what is stopping you and then you can take action to start your own personal journey to living a life to your full potential - try following the steps below.
Find some inspiration Don’t be confined by what you have done, really open your mind and eyes to think about what you
could do. What really excites you? It can often be helpful to imagine a perfect life or a dream job, home or relationship. What are the elements that would be brilliant? Another approach would be to think about your ‘why’. What is it that you are wanting to change for - perhaps you want to make sure you can provide for your children, or be secure in retirement? Getting in touch with this, which is a very personal thing and different for everyone will provide you with inspiration to step up and start achieving what you are truly capable of.
Plan Once you feel inspired then it is time to make a plan. At least now you have a defined end point, something you want to achieve so this next step is where you start breaking that down into ‘chunks’. It may be re-training, joining some groups, taking stock of your finances or any one of a number of other things. For some people they need to address the things that have been stopping them - like mind-set or problems with self-esteem. Have a read of this article, which considers five different things that will stop you being successful. Take action Of course a plan really is just the first step. The next step is actually DOING something. The plan may be brilliant, it could be broken down into really achievable goals that can create great focus BUT nothing will change unless some action is taken. If the plan is a good one it should be quite easy to see what the next step is so it should be quite easy providing that you have dealt with the things that might stop you. If you struggle with the taking action part then some coaching or mentoring can help.
Keep Going What a lot of people tell me is that it often seems easier to start a new venture or change of direction than it is to keep going. There is often a sense of excitement at the start that can easily wane - so make sure that right from the start you build in some ways to maintain you MOJO. It could meeting with others who are working on similar goals, reading, studying and of course making sure that you take care of yourself. New ventures can seem all consuming but if you are to truly live to your potential then you need to make sure you develop habits that are sustainable. If you’d like to discuss any aspect of this or feel you need help in learning to live to your potential visit the website www.attunedsuccess.co.uk or contact Sheila on 07921193479 or 01234 349067 or you can email info@attundsucces.co.uk.
All That Glitters
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Prefer your manicure with a bit of sparkle and shine? Then these glitter polishes will make it easy for you to choose the right shade, to add a little glam to your nails
Essie Glitter Nail Polish, A Cut Above, £7.99, Boots
Rimmel London Glitter Bomb, £3.99, Boots
Maval Glitter-Glamour, £4.95, www.nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Revlon Daring Graffiti, £6.49, Boots
Deborah Lipman Candy Shop, £18, Harrods
Leighton Denny Twinkle Twinkle, £12, www.lookfantastic.com
Butter London, Lovely Jubbly, £12, www.lookfantastic.com
Smith & Cult Shattered Souls, £19, www.cultbeauty.co.uk
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The Christmas Countdown is On!
Forget chocolates, finding beauty treats behind your advent doors is so much more exciting. Whether it’s a fragrance, candle, nail polish or make-up, there’s nothing better, the only problem is what calendar will you choose?
Rituals Deluxe Advent Calendar, £79.50, www.rituals.com
12 Days of Crabtree and Evelyn Advent Calendar, £48, www.www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk
feelunique 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, £35, www.feelunique.com
Kielhs Beauty Advent, £95, www.kiehls.co.uk
Sleek MakeUP A Gift a Day Advent Calendar, £35, Boots
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Heathcote & Ivory Morris & Co Beauty Advent Calendar, £40, John Lewis
Beauty Advent Calendar, £25 House of Fraser
ELEMIS Countdown to Radiant Skin Advent Calendar, £150, www.elemis.com
M&S Beauty Advent Calendar, £35, Marks & Spencer
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Night and Day
Sleep Well
Scentered have launched its Sleep Well Therapy Candle collection. With more than 14 different therapeutic essential oils, known for their relaxing and calming properties, the Sleep Well candle will help create a healthy bedtime routine to support restful, restorative sleep. The fragrance includes a sophisticated floral lavender blend, chamomile, palmarosa and ho wood, and balances them with geranium and ylang ylang; the patchouli, cedarwood and clove base brings a modern oriental twist with calming warmth. Made with 100% natural ingredients. The candles have a RRP £30/220g and £16/85g and are available from www.scentered.me
Electrical styling brand ghd have launched its nocturne collection. Blurring the boundaries between night and day, and delivering infinite styling opportunities without damage, the collection comprises: nocturne collection ghd platinum styler gift set (£175); ghd contour (£95); ghd air professional hairdryer (£99); nocturne collection ghd V gold styler gift set (£139); ghd flight travel hairdryer (£59); ghd air professional hairdryer & ghd V gold styler gift set (£199); ghd curve creative curl wand with heat resistant mat (£120); ghd curve soft curl tong with heat resistant mat (£120); and ghd advanced split end therapy limited edition bauble (£15).
BEAUTY UPDATES
The Eyes Have it
Beauty brand Katherine Daniels have launched its Instant Effect Eye Mask. This salon strength eye mask works to plump, smooth, hydrate, firm and revitalise the eye area. Activated prior to use, the potent ingredients including sea kelp, specialised mineral complex and hyaluronic acid deliver salon-quality results at home for a more refined and contoured eye area. With regular use the mask promises long-term benefits by activating the celluar renewal to firm the skin for a more youthful appearance. Each pack contains four Instant Effect Eye Masks and are priced at £58 a pack.
The Power of Fragrance
Beauty brand Trish McEvoy have launched their Power of Fragrance 100 Eau De Parfum. With notes of lychee, blackberry leaves, luminous incense, jasmine, rose centifolia, cypriol, tonka bean, creamy leather, cedarwood, musk and ambrox. It’s available exclusively from Selfridges for a RRP £155.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Storybook Cosmetics have collaborated with the Roald Dahl Literary Estate to launch their Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Storybook Palette. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory served as inspiration for the limited edition palette that comes in a hardcover storybook and features 12 colours and a subtle chocolate scent. It comes in a life-size custom hardcover storybook with a full-size mirror and features cruelty-free, highly, pigmented shades that range from mattes, metallics, and pearl finishes. Available online at The long wear, buttery smooth shadow formula can be used wet or dry and is also gluten and paraben free. Available online from www.storybookcosmetics.com
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Midlife Madness No More Platitudes - Please! I must confess that this last month has seen me sink deeper into my madness. It’s not so much midlife or age related as it is to do with situations and circumstances. I have had one of those times when literally life seems to delight in picking you up and slapping you soundly round the chops repeatedly!! I am talking about fairly big stuff, bereavement, ill health, loss of employment, breakups in the family, and some people acting in hurtful and downright nasty and vindictive ways, as well as part of the house falling down! One minute I feel ‘yes, I’ve got this’ and the next I am a blubbing heap. Numerous times I find myself laughing in a slightly mad hysterical way that then seems to ‘morph’ into tears. I suppose I am old enough (that is a definite) and wise enough (jury is still out) to know that these times pass and normal service is usually resumed. By normal service I mean that the universal powers that be decide to focus their destructive attention on some other poor soul!!! Bitter and twisted? Me? Surely not? Of course, if you are lucky enough as I am to have supportive friends and family, they step up to the mark and start being ‘supportive’. The funny thing is that I really value supportive mates, I value their time and warm words of encouragement, and of course the coffee/cake/chocolate/wine/gin/prosecco that in my circle denotes friendship - when I don’t need support. What is strange is that when I am in greatest need I seem to find it all a bit irritating. Aside obviously from the coffee/cake/wine etc which I never get irritated with! Also I confess that I love encouraging quotes and regularly post them on my social media because I find them helpful … …….when life is going well. In fact when life is going well I am a very positive person, honestly! It’s not that I’m not trying to be positive it just feels a step to far. Keeping going and getting though each day, only being in tears in
reasonably appropriate places and at reasonably appropriate times, and not upsetting too many people along the way is just about achievable but taking my own advice and being grateful and counting my blessings is tough to say the least. I am in fact the first to say that we are the masters of our own destiny, that we always have a choice about how we respond, that there will be better times ahead and that the darkest of times come just before dawn! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Usually they are uplifting but lately they seem to cause a not very helpful character change. A bit like when the hulk goes green! Clearly I don’t consciously want to alienate my support network so when I can, which is not always, I try to zone out, I see their lips moving and I know what they must be saying but I don’t want to hear it! Am I just wallowing? Well, possibly, but what is wrong with a little bit of wallowing. I’m just sort of staying down because that feels safest. Every time lately that I have stood up something has gone ‘slam’ and knocked me down again. But don’t worry I won’t isolate myself from my buddies because as I mentioned before they come usually alongside ‘goodies’ of the edible and drinkable variety. Usually I remain sane enough to know that if I threw a drink over them that would be both a waste of a drink and terribly ungracious, after all they are doing their level best to support me and I love them all the more for that - I just hope they don’t send me any uplifting quotes. Am I a hypocrite? Quite possibly because I totally agree that ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ that when the ‘going gets tough the tough get going’ until it is me who doesn’t feel very strong, when life has left me emotionally battered and lying on the floor. Frankly then it feels like these platitudes might just tip me over the edge!!!
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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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Paddington Bear, £12, Marks & Spencer
Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder Moon Glow, £36, Bobbi Brown
AFFINITY HOT PICKS
Bettys Biscuit Selection £17.95, www.bettys.co.uk
Cadbury Classic Collection Box, £5.95, Tesco
Ladies Children in Need T-Shirt, £8, George at ASDA
Silver and Rose Gold Tree Necklace, £40, Beaverbrooks
This month’s must have gifts and accessories
Baylis & Harding Bath & Shower Crème £12, Sainsbury's
Tipplesworth Cocktail Mixers, £14.99, Lakeland
Ted Baker Seraa Stud Earrings, £49, John Lewis
Sea Salt and Caramel-Biscuits, £5.95, East India Company
Squirrel Doorstop, £20 Next
Prosecco Made Me Do It Book, £9.99, www.harpercollins.co.uk
GLOSSYBOX Beauty Case, £59.99, www.glossybox.co.uk
Vanna Faux Fur Slipper, £29.50, www.prettyyoulondon.co.uk
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WIN!Champneys Health Spa An Overnight Stay at
T
ake a break from reality and whisk yourself away for a midweek overnight stay at Champneys. Providing the perfect break for both your body and your mind. With more time for relaxation, you can check in at 2pm and then let the experts take care of the rest. You can choose from Tring in Hertfordshire, Forest Mere in Hampshire, Henlow in Bedfordshire, Springs in Leicestershire or Eastwell Manor Spa Hotel in Kent. Each offers sumptuous accommodation in elegant surroundings, delicious cuisines, blissful treatments and all of the latest fitness trends. Whatever you decide to do, it’s all about inner health and outer beauty. Slip on our famous white robes and flip-flops and explore everything we have to offer. With full access to our wide range of classes such as HIIT, Pilates, Aqua Circuit, Zumba and Hula Hooping and access to our spa facilities – think swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and gym – there really is something for everyone. From pampering and fitness to our delicious choice of food, you’ll also get a healthy buffet lunch, three-course evening meal and tasty buffet breakfast the following morning. With a world of relaxation at arm’s length, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated, and ultimately, ready to face the world.
The Prize: • Arrival 2pm, Tour of Champneys and a nutritious welcome drink • Full access to Champneys range of fitness classes and Spa and Relaxation experiences • Access to up to 20 different exercise classes per day • One night’s accommodation in a standard room • A healthy buffet breakfast, three course buffet lunch and evening meal • Complimentary robe hire and flip flops • Departure 4pm (room 11.00am)
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How to Enter For the chance to win this overnight ‘Break from Reality’ just tell us: How many Champneys are there? A. Three B. Five C. Four
Please email your answer to jane@affinitymag.co.uk Competition closes on 30th November 2017 – T&C’s Apply. T&C’s Prize must be booked and taken within 6 months from the date of issue and is subject to availability. Prize value dependent on location. Not valid Friday or Saturday nights. Guests must be 16 years or over, nonrefundable and non-transferable. Travel to the spa is not included. Prize cannot be used in conjunction with any offers.
For more information visit champneys.com
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FASHION
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Dorothy perkins
Say it with Silver
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Sparkle your way into the Festive season with this seasons must have colour
Dress, £69, Topshop
Ankle Boots, £14, Primark
Dress, £89, Marks and Spencer
Silver Culottes, £30, Miss Selfridge George Trousers, £24.99, New Look
Skirt, £36, Glamorous
Star Earrings, £5.99, New Look
Silver Shoes, £35, Dorothy Perkins
Biker Jacket, £49, Miss Selfridge Tote Bag, £40, Therapy Lonon
Set 2 Rings, £12, Lipsy
Bobble Hat, £19.99, Marks & Spencer Pleated Skirt, £14.99, Primark
Christmas Spirit
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We’re spoilt for choice with this year’s Christmas jumpers, what one’s your favourite? We want them all!
Baaa Humbug Jumper, £30, Debenhams
Full of Christmas Spirit, £25, Very
Christmas Pudding Jumper, £15, PrettyLittle Thing
Prosecco Jumper, £19, George
Deck the Halls, £12, M&Co Gingle Bells Jumper, £29, Not on the High Street
George
Dog Jumper, £35, Debenhams
Kiss Me Jumper, £16, Primark
Henry Holland Jingle Jumper, £35, Debenhams
Santa Squad Jumper, £32, Lipsy
Naughty List Jumper, £16, Primark
Robin Jumper, £29, M&Co
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All that Glitters Time to glam up and get party ready, with our golden fashion trends
Strappy Heele, £20, Primark
Necklace, £35, EAST
Coat, £70, River Island
Biba Shirt Dress, £89, House of Fraser
Sequin Dress, £65, Next
Camisole Top, £39, House of Fraser
Bracelet, £20, Dune
Ankle Boots, £34.99, River Island
Biba Jacket, £99, House of Fraser
Earrings, £12, Accessorize
Gold Sequin Bag, £42, River Island
Slip on Loafers, £28, Glamorous
Envelope Clutch, £25, House of Fraser
One Shoulder Dress, £59, Topshop
Sequin Skirt, £52, Next
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Christmas Gift Guide
The Lady loves
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Whether it’s your wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, daughter or even yourself – these gifts will bring a smile to her face on Christmas morning
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Figleaves Andie Satin Pyjama Set £50, Figleaves.com Jo Malone Green Almond & Redcurrant Candle, £120, jomalone.co.uk Kate Spade New York Watch, £179, WatchShop.com Bayliss & Harding Fuzzy Duck Festive Hat Box Collection, £25, Debenhams LED Alphabet Notebook, £8, Matalan Carvela Kurt Geiger Ankle Boots, £189, Selfridges Ted Baker Seah Crystal Daisy Lace Bracelet, £89, jewellery4.co.uk ESPA Ginger & Pink Pepper Handcare Collection, £30, espaskincare.com Karl Lagerfield Choupette Necklace, £54, WatchShop.com Ted Baker Mirrored Minerals Vanity Case, £140, Amara Olivia Burton Daisy Ring, £35, WatchShop.com Otter and Moose Amelie Gift Box, £79.99, otterandmoose.co.uk Gold Metallic Sugarcube Satchel, £75, zatchels.com Iconic London Day to Slay Eyeshadow, £45, iconiclondon.com Vince Camuto Amore Gift Set, £60, Debenhams Flamingo Silk Eye Mask & Travel Bag Set, £35, saramiller.london
Festive Foodies
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We all love an edible gift, whether it’s food or drink, sweet or savoury, we have it all, just choose your favourite
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East London Distillery Tour and Tasting For Two, £69, buyagift.co.uk Carluccio's Il Pentolone £30 Winter Wonderland Hamper, £130, Biscuiteers Personalised Prosecco and Chocolates, £29.95, Smart Gift Solutions Lindor Chocolate Tree, £70, The Great Gift Company Ultimate Chocolate Collection, £32, www.lilyobriens.co.uk Panettone al Prosecco, £19.95, Carluccios Snowflake Bauble, £4, John Lewis Merry Little Christmas Hamper, £25, Hotel Chocolat 12 Days of Christmas Hamper, £85, paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk Ultimate Gin and Tonic Hamper, £40, John Lewis Carluccio's Giandiuotti Grande Selection £19.95 The Organic Christmas Tea Collection, £8.95, Amazon Gin O'Clock Hamper, £76.95, Cuckooland.com
Little Cherubs
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Santa’s been busy choosing gifts that your little ones will love to open on Christmas morning
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Light Up Jumper, £18, Debenhams The Christmas Bear, £6.99, Marks and Spencer Meccano Meccanoid G16 KS Robot Kit, £350, The Science Museum Cadbury Mini Santas, £2.99, Tesco Reindeer Pyjamas, £15, Marks and Spencer Dont Rock The Boat, £14.99, Amazon Baby Annabell Learns to Swim Doll, £49.99, John Lewis Gingerbread House, £6, Clintons Cadbury Chocolate Advent Calendar, £4.99, Tesco Nationwide Paddington Spot the Difference, £7.99, John Lewis Beauty and the Beast Lip Balm Duo, £8, Debenhams Girl Elf Soft Toy, £6, Clintons London Wooden Train Set, £55, nationalgallery.co.uk Woodland Skittles, £14, JoJo Maman Bebe Christmas Sack, £8, Matalan
Mens Room
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Not sure what to get the men in your life? We’re here to help, with a selection of gifts he’ll love to find in his Christmas stocking
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CREED Viking Fragrance, £185, creedfragrances.co.uk Storm Stainless Steel Anchor Bracelet, £29, watchShop.com CASIO G-SHOCK Mudmaster Alarm Chronogrph, £300, watchshop.com London Helicopter Night Flight For One, £159, buyagift.co.uk Boss SoundLink Revolve Bluetooth Speaker, £279.99, Very Aspinal of London iPhone Case, £50, House of Fraser Volswagen Mini Fridge, £49.95, prezzybox.com Bayliss & Harding Fuzzy Duck Grooming Set, £30, House of Fraser , Game of Thrones Monopoly, £30, Debenhams Men's Spruce Gift Box, £39.99, otterandmoose.co.uk Fitbit Blaze Fitness Watch, £179.99, Very Baylis & Harding Wash Bag, £20, Debenhams Haig Club Single Grain Whisky, £45, Selfridges Waterproof Camera, £60, Debenhams
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Stocking Fillers Under £25
We’re spoilt for choice with the pick of our favourite stocking fillers
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Moet Mini Cracker Rose, £18, Selfridges Hotel Chocolat Wreath, £20, John Lewis Sequin Flamingo T-Shirt, £10, George at ASDA Prosecco Candle, £8, Next Karen Millen Rose Gold Stud Earrings, £25, WatchShop.com Charbonnel et Walker Sipsmith Gin Truffles, £14, House of Fraser Percy and Reed Glorious Gloss Mini Marvels, £16, John Lewis Floozie by Frost French Purse, £25, Debenhams The Bestellers Nail Set, £16, leightondennyexpertnails.com Heavenly Peace Gift Set, £20, espaskincare.com Knitted Hat, £12, Dorothy Perkins The Red Santa Christmas Prism, £8.30, Amazon Pug Coin Purse, £4.99, New Look Calendar, £9.99, New Look
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FOOD & DRINK
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My Goodness, My Guinness Christmas Indulgence from Bertinet Bakery This Christmas, The Bertinet Bakery will re-introduce its critically acclaimed mince pies, Christmas puddings and stollen slices to help you celebrate the festive season in style. Bertinet mince pies are made from a rich, buttery shortcrust pastry and filled with delicious mincemeat infused with brandy, topped with frangipane and flake almonds and packaged in a beautiful handcrafted wooden box, containing 12 mince pies and finished with bakers' string., they are priced at £16 for a box. The traditional Christmas puddings are made by hand to a family recipe and stuffed full of raisins, sultanas, currants, almonds, candied fruit, Guinness, rum and much more! The puddings are presented in a china pudding basin and wrapped in muslin, priced from £11 - £18 and available to buy online at www.bertinet.com or at The Bertinet Bakery.
From this month (November), Guinness have launched a series of collectible John Gilroy cans in the UK, in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the British artist’s birth. The charming limitededition cans, which include some of Gilroy’s most iconic designs – the flying toucan and lobster are available in multi-packs nationwide starting from £5 for a 4 pack.
FOODIE NEWS
French Inspiration CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka introduces the arrival of its newest luxury addition to its portfolio: CÎROC French Vanilla. The new variant has been brought to life thanks to a little inspiration from the French style of making luxury vanilla ice-cream. With a rich and creamy taste of vanilla is going to be the perfect foundation for a celebratory CIROC-Star Martini cocktail. Available nationwide at a RRP £41.05
Countdown to Carluccio’s Carluccio’s have hidden a different mini product from their Italian larder behind each colourful ‘door’! Enjoy the chocolate treats and biscuits and discover some of Antonio’s favourite Italian store cupboard essentials, including chilli pesto, wild boar ragu, fig jam and truffle butter. A real treat for foodies everywhere. Priced at £75 and available instore and online at www.carluccios.com.
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Warm Chicken, Barley and Mushroom Salad This warm chicken, barley and mushroom salad recipe makes a lovely autumnal lunch.
Ingredients 100g pearl barley 2 celery sticks 350g mushrooms 2 garlic cloves Juice of 1/2 lemon 2 tbsp olive oil 4 free-range skinless, boneless chicken thighs Knob of butter
Method Simmer the pearl barley in salted water for 30 minutes until al dente. Drain. Meanwhile slice the celery sticks, mushrooms and garlic cloves In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil and half the garlic. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for 10 minutes. Fry the chicken in 1 tbsp olive oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked. Set aside, then return the pan to the heat. Add the butter and, when foaming, add the celery, mushrooms and remaining garlic. Cook, stirring, until the liquid evaporates. Toss with the barley and the parsley leaves. Slice the chicken and add with any juices and a squeeze of lemon. Toss, season and serve warm . www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk
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Maple-Glazed Parsnip, Chestnut and Feta Loaf
This vegetarian recipe is packed with lots of different textures and flavours, making it a perfect dish for a cold autumn evening Ingredients 150g unsalted butter, plus an extra knob and a little to grease 150-200g parsnips, trimmed and cut lengthways into 1.5cm slices 50g pecan halves or pieces 50g blanched almonds 30g pine nuts 2 large leeks, sliced 200g button or chestnut mushrooms, quite finely chopped 200g chestnuts, roughly chopped 2 large garlic cloves, crushed 3 fresh rosemary sprigs, finely chopped, plus extra to garnish ½ small bunch fresh sage, finely chopped 4 fresh thyme sprigs, finely chopped Small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped 100g fresh breadcrumbs 50g plain flour 100ml maple syrup 200g feta cheese 3 large free-range eggs
Method
Heat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/ Gas 5. Lightly butter a deep 20cm loose-bottomed cake tin and line the base with baking paper. Steam the parsnips for 5-8 minutes to take off the raw edge (they don’t need to be cooked all the way). Put in a colander and leave to dry. Spread the pecans and almonds in an even layer on a baking sheet, then toast for 5 minutes in the oven. Add the pine nuts and toast for 3-5 minutes more until golden. Cool, roughly chop and set aside. Melt 75g butter in a large frying pan on a low heat. Add the leeks, season and cook gently, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes until soft and sweet, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining 75g butter to the frying pan and turn up the heat to high. When the butter is hot and foaming, add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes, tossing every now and then, until golden brown. Add the chestnuts and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring so the garlic doesn’t brown. Add the mixture to the leeks, along with the chopped nuts, chopped herbs, breadcrumbs and flour. Taste and season. Wipe out the frying pan and put it over a medium-high heat. Add the maple syrup and a knob of butter. When bubbling, add the parsnip pieces, without crowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden, then flip over and cook for another couple of minutes on the other side. Remove with a fish slice, leaving the syrup in the pan, and put the parsnips, flat-side down and spaced out a little, into the cake tin. Leave the buttery maple syrup in the pan. Crumble the feta into the nut mixture, then crack in the eggs and mix well to combine. Spoon the mixture on top of the parsnips and press down lightly. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes, covering the top with foil if it browns too much (a little colour is good). Let it cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes, then invert carefully onto a flat plate and peel off the baking paper. Reheat the syrup in the pan, season with sea salt and add a few rosemary sprigs. Brush the caramel over the top of the loaf, decorate with the rosemary leaves and serve with a sharply dressed bitter salad. www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk
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Chocolate and Beetroot Marshmallow Pie There’s something incredible moreish about beetroot and chocolate, add in sweet and fluffy meringue and you get a divine dessert perfect for cold winter evenings, mornings and basically whenever you fancy a bit of a treat! Method
Ingredients
Pastry 100g plain flour 100g rye flour 40g cocoa powder 150g butter 3 x egg yolks 80g caster sugar
Filling 500g dark chocolate 500ml double cream 100ml dark spiced rum 1 x pre-cooked beetroot
Topping 2 x pre-cooked beetroots 8 x egg whites 500g caster sugar 100ml water
First make the pastry. Combine the flours, sugar and butter and mix together until it feels like breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolks and continue to combine, adding a little bit of water as you go to bind it all together. Fair warning – the rye flour does make this a little crumbly but persevere – no one has ever really cared if pastry looks good, especially when it tastes as good as this. Wrap the pastry in cling film and chill in the fridge until it feels as if it’s been down the gym for the last few months (firm). Pre-heat the oven to 180C. Remove the pastry from the fridge and carefully roll-out on a floured work surface to about half a centimetre thick. Drape over a tart case and use a bit of pastry to push the sheet into the corners of the case. Line with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes remove the beans or rice and baking paper. Turn the oven down to 150C and continue to cook the pastry until the base looks dry, around 15 – 20 minutes. Remove and allow to cool, trim the edges with a serrated knife to neaten up. To make the filling heat the cream until just below boiling and pour over the broken chocolate. Mix well until the mixture becomes dark and glossy, add the rum and blend the beetroot and add the puree, mixing until combined. Pour the mixture into the pasty case and allow to cool before putting in the fridge to set, around 1-2 hours. Now for the topping! Blend the remaining beetroots into a puree and set aside and then whisk the egg whites until they are stiff. Heat the sugar and water on a high heat (don’t stir, you risk the mixture crystallising!) until it reaches 121C. You need to be very accurate at this stage so watch carefully and use a thermometer. Very carefully, pour the sugar mixture into the egg whites slowly while whisking. The mixture should continue to expand and become lovely and glossy. Add the beetroot mixture and whisk until the mixture has cooled – around 5 minutes. Once cool, pour your topping onto the tart and use a fork to make some swirls in the top. If you have a blowtorch you can then crisp up the topping, but be careful not to burn it! Recipe supplied by supper club kings and MasterChef 2016 losers, Billy and Jack. www.billyandjack.co.uk
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CHRISTMAS AT THE MILLHOUSE Alcoholic Advent What better way to get into the festive spirit (literally) than an advent calendar full of your favourite tipple, and countdown to a very MERRY Christmas.
Christmas Party Nights
Available any time from the 1st-23rd December, and food is £27.95 per person for3 courses and £21.95 per person for 2 courses. Every Friday and Saturday or parties over 50 includes a DJ free of charge
Virgin Wines Wine Advent Calendar, £79.99, www.virginwines.co.uk
Lunchtime Special
2 Courses - £9.95 3 Courses - £12.95 Available 12-3, Monday - Saturday
Christmas Day
4 Course Meal & Tea, Coffee and Chocolates only £75 per person, £35 for children
New Years Eve
Option 1 - Sit Down Meal This includes, a sumptuous 4 course meal, including a free arrival drink and entrance to marquee to see in the New Year. Sit down 8.30 pm. Only £35 Per person
Chase Distillery Advent Calendar, £140, www.chasedistillery.co.uk
Option 2 -The Party The Marquee which is fully heated and has its own private bar, with free arrival drink and a designated DJ playing until 1 am with snacks available from the bar
Aldi Wine Advent Calendar, £49.99, Aldi
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
Sparkling Fizz Advent Calendar, £125, Amazon
Edinburgh Gin Advent Calendar, £100, John Lewis
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Deck the Halls
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Laura Ashley
White Christmas
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1
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Bauble, £5, Debenhams Letter Bauble, £10, Amara Gisela Graham Sitting Stag, £45, Amara Martini Glass, £4.50, Debenhams Christmas Tea Light Holder, £22, Laura Ashley Snowflake Wreath, £22, Next White Feather Bauble, £2, Dunelm Pinecone Wreath, £15, Marks and Spencer Wreath, £60, Amara Unicorn Bauble, £7, Debenhams Letters, £22.50, Marks and Spencer
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AUTUMN SALE
Novelty and Nice
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Babushka Bauble, £6, John Lewis Ice Cream Decoration, £12, Amara Kurt Adler Mini Bottle Decorations £50, (set of 4), Amara Fox Decoration, £8, House of Fraser Frog Prince Bauble, £10, John Lewis Flamingo, £18, Amara Wooly Reindeer, £15, John Lewis Coca Cola Santas, £35, (set of 2) Peacock Decoration, £8, John Lewis Retro Car Decoration, £10, House of Fraser
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Gold Fever 2 4
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Bauble, £6, Marks and Spencer Multi Detail Glitter Bauble, £4, Wyevale Garden Centre Gisela Graham Berry Garland, £30, Amara Gold Flamingo, £6, House of Fraser Jewelled Drop Decoration, £4, Wyevale Garden Centre Gold Cutout Bauble, £5, Debenhams MacKenzie Childs Gold Birdgace, £35, Amara Gold Glitter Ornate Star, £5, Wyevale Garden Centre Rocking Horse Decoration, £5, Debenhams Gisela Graham Gold Wreath, £30, Amara
Rudolph Red
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Starburst Decoration, £4, Wyevale Garden Centre Bauble, £5, John Lewis Light Up JOY, £15, Wilko Christmas Tree Decoration, £10, Debenhams Felt Wreath, £4, John Lewis Ripple Bauble, £4, Next Snowflake Bauble, £4, John Lewis Robin Decoration, £8, Debenhams Crackers, £24, Debenhams Feather Bauble, £2.99, Homesense Stocking, £15, House of Fraser
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Silver Shimmer
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Amara
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Prosecco Baubles (set of 4), Next Beaded Bauble, £5, Next Fairy Decoration, £35, (set of 3), Amara Star, £6, House of Fraser Bauble Wreath, £18, Next Stag Globe, £17.99, Very Silver Bead Onion Bauble, £3.99, Shabby Store Bauble, £6, House of Fraser Snow Blizzard Bauble, £5, John Lewis Snowflake Bauble, £4.99, Homesense
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Fry’s Footie Corner
but their arrivals in the transfer market were very similar. Talented players but no real diversity in their play – they all wanted the ball to feet and play pretty football whereas they were desperately lacking pace and power.
We are only a few months into the season and already the managerial merry go round has begun with Everton parting company with Ronald Koeman and Leicester City firing Craig Shakespeare and with departures in the EFL at Birmingham City, Oldham Athletic, Gillingham and Chesterfield, you begin to wonder why people want to work in football management.
Whether that lies at the door of the manager or the man in charge of recruitment at Goodison Park, I am not too sure, but unfortunately, when you start losing games, particularly at home, the unrest amongst the supporters is very evident. I would be surprised if Sean Dyche is not talked about for this job or any other in the top 10 – the work he has done at Burnley is superb. He gets his teams organised, they work hard for the entire 90 minutes and they have quality. It is great to see an unfashionable side doing so well, and I include Watford in that.
The lifespan of a manager these days is probably under 18 months and you really cannot put your own stamp on a club in that time. However, in today’s modern world, it is all about results. Financial pressures dictate you have to be successful and in the case of Leicester and Everton, they did not expect to be struggling towards the foot of the Premier League.
The Hornets have already chalked up some impressive wins this season, including over Arsenal at Vicarage Road, and they are a hard side to come up against because they have everything that Everton do not – pace, power and the ability to beat an opponent with a bit of trickery. I hope they continue to do well.
In Leicester’s case, they followed a blueprint that saw Claudio Ranieri lose his job. Shakespeare, who was the assistant to Ranieri, was without a win in six and paid the price. Michael Appleton came in and did well but the board of directors and the owner at the King Power has put their faith in ex-Southampton boss Claude Puel which I have to be honest is a strange appointment.
Barry Fry
For Everton, Koeman was always facing a battle on his hands following the departure of Lukaku to Manchester United,
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TRAVEL
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Bubbles and Battlefields
C
hampagne, cobbled streets, champagne, cathedrals, champagne, restaurants, champagne, coffee shops, champagne, museums, oh have I mentioned champagne – just a small list of a bubbly three days spent visiting the champagne region of Northern France and all it has to offer courtesy of a short break from DFDS ferries. For an extra £12, you can enjoy your crossing from the Premium Lounge, where you sit back relax and indulge in fresh pastries, tea, coffee and of course bubbles (start as you mean to go on – I say!) First stop on our journey is Reims (approx two and a half hours drive, once you leave the ferry), where we check into The Holiday Inn, before embarking on a tour around a city that’s surrounded by boutique shops and restaurants. A must see is the incredible Cathedral, with its breathtaking architecture, and endless history, it’s hard to think it was first built in 400AD and has bared witness to the crowning of 25 Kings! All this walking and sightseeing is thirsty work, so a glass of champagne with the famous Fossier biscuits (you dip them in champagne), sets us up nicely for our next stop – The Headquarters of Taittinger built on a 13th century Abbey, its cellars, house over 3 million bottles of champagne, and of course you can’t visit one of the most famous champagne houses in the world and not have a taste or two! A visit to the Brasserie Flo – Excelsior Restaurant, meant we could soak up some of the bubbles whilst dining on some authentic French cuisine. Duck liver pate in Armagnac with fruit chutney followed by pork fillets on a bed of macaroni cheese with port jus were just exquisite both in taste and presentation and when in Reims, well it has to be Fossier biscuits in a champagne trifle.
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After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast (I think this was to line our stomachs for the champagne that lay ahead!) we set off on a drive through acres of vineyards known as the champagne tourist route, before stopping in the middle of a forest for a tasting experience like no other – in the trees! An authentic experience – A treehouse in the middle of the forest, at the Arboxygène adventure park, reached by following the ‘Go Ape’ trail and then walking over not one but three suspended bridges until we reached the bar – aptly named Perching Bar. Was all the climbing and swinging through the trees worth it? Oh yes, sitting in the bucket seats suspended from the ceiling enjoying a glass or two of Bollinger champagne, whilst listening to the sway of the trees and the tweeting of the birds, it was like transporting yourself into a magical fairytale. Time to leave came all too soon, as we headed out of the trees (slightly harder to navigate after a few bubbles) back into our car for some more spectacular views through vineyards and hills before we reached Godme Sabine champagne house. Antique presses along with bottles of champagne from the first generation of our hosts family filled the tasting room, and the knowledge and their approach to champagne making was wonderful. It was here that we also enjoyed an authentic French country lunch, a seafood salad, followed by roasted duck leg and finishing off with a delicious mature cheese called Comte, did I mention there was champagne with the lunch? But it wasn’t all about champagne, a stop at ‘Page 24’ an ale brewers saw us tasting an assortment of different ales, with one in particular proving to be a winner for me - the Rhubarb Ale! Even if you’re not a history buff, another must on this tour is The War Memorial and Notre de Lorette French Cemetery. After the First World War, the hill of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette was chosen by the French Government to receive the remains of French soldiers from over 150 cemeteries on the fronts of Artois, Flanders, Yser and the Belgian coast. The site contains 20,000 graves and the remains of 22,000 unknown soldiers placed together in 8 ossuaries. Notre-Dame-de-Lorette is France’s biggest national necropolis. Wow! What an adventure of a day and it still wasn’t over, a quick freshen up at Hotel Le Dome, a modern boutique style hotel in the middle of Arras, before exploring The Grand Place, which is the larger of two main squares in Arras, surrounded by exquisite colonnaded Flemish style houses. Definitely worth a visit at Christmas as it boasts one of the biggest Christmas markets in France. A climb up to the Belfry is another must, the perfect place to watch the sunset with of course, a glass of champagne! Dinner was served in a quaint modern restaurant called La Bulle d’O, they served the most mouth watering steak, fresh local artisan breads, accompanied with of course Champagne! Next morning after a restful nights sleep, it was time to don hard hats and venture into the tunnels below the town of Arras. During the second half of 1916, the New Zealand Tunnelling Company, made up of just short of 500 men, were assigned the task of developing the undergrounds quarries for
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preparations ahead of the Battle of Arras. Chosen for their skills, they created an underground network of some twenty kilometres, with exists just in front of the German lines. This town beneath the town saved the lives of many men during the assault of 9th April 1917. Emerging above ground, there was just time for a little shopping in the local market, selling some of the best artisan products that France has to offer, so make sure you stock up. From the champagne regions of Reims to the history and culinary delights of Arras, there is so much waiting to be explored. BOOK IT
To celebrate their 150th anniversary DFDS are offering trips from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk from just £35 on bookings made from now until 10th December 2017. Return, same-day crossings start from £35 for a car with up to nine passengers. Three-day trips start from £59 and fiveday trips start from £69. www.dfds.co.uk
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A Winter Fairy-Tale
San Luis at
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T
he beautiful area of South Tyrol has some wonderful activities all year-round and a diverse food and wine culture, thanks to its unique proximity to the Austrian and German border. Boasting the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and the small Alto Adige wine region, which fosters over 20 grape varieties. Here you’ll find the modern fairy-tale retreat, San Luis, located in South Tyrol is a property like no other. The perfect winter destination for a snowy escape without too much ski. Instead, ice skate on the frozen lake, snowshoe on the many enchanting trails or go for a sleigh ride through the woods. Those seeking the thrill of sporting challenges can try ice-climbing up waterfalls in the Martello Valley. At San Luis, arrive through serpentine roads and dense forest to the peace of luxury treehouses and lakeside chalets built from local wood with a modern interior design – black slate, raw linen, glass walls, high beamed ceilings, open fires and handmade furniture – Michelin-star chef and stunning barn-style spa. The spa has an inside-outside pool, allowing you to feel at one with your surroundings, a hydro-massage in the middle of the lake, saunas and steam baths. Not forgetting personalised fitness sessions, unique massages using essential oils and local herbs and the various anti-ageing facials – a specialty of the spa. Located in Northern Italy, close to the Austrian border, this is Alpine chic for those in search of tranquility. You can lose yourself here, clear your mind and feed your soul. You won’t want to leave. BOOK IT
Treehouses start from €265 per person per night. For further information, visit sanluis-hotel.com
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The Epitome of Elegance
Conrad London St. James at
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S
ituated right in the heart of London and just a stones throw from St James's Park, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament is the 5 star luxury hotel Conrad London St. James. Converted from government offices in 2012 it boasts a 19th century facade within the historic Queen Anne’s Chambers and having been taken over by Hilton in 2014, is the epitome of elegance and style. You literally fall out of St James tube station and the Conrad London St. James is in front of you, walk through the glass doors into the sleek skylit lobby, where a soft floral fragrance fills your nose and a life size Tom Clarke Sculpture “The Ladder to Bronze” greets you. Artwork has a very strong presence at the Conrad London St. James, none so much as in the lounge area where evil robots are battling each other in “The House Always Wins” a unique piece of art that contains hand crafted octopus tentacles surrounding the House of Commons along with some of the most iconic fantasy characters of our time – think Daleks and Batman and you’re on the right track – Love it or hate it, you have to see it. The political influence is evident all around the hotel, with the elegant and sleek Emmelines lounge being named after the 19th century British political activist Emmeline Pankhurst, and the Blue Boar Bar with it’s deep masculine colours, intimate corners, deep leather chesterfields, Gerald Scarfe cartoons on the wall and spitting image like former Prime Ministers looking down at you, this is the place to visit for morning coffee, lunch, a drink or bar snack – the place to meet friends, do business or just relax. The hotel boasts 256 rooms and suites, and it was time to head up to ours, a King Grand Deluxe room that gave us access to the Executive Lounge (more on that later) a lovely space with a colour palette of light greys and soft neutrals. I always say it’s not just the room that makes a fabulous hotel it’s also the finishing touches, something The Conrad London St. James is very good at, from the welcome tray of homemade Jammie Dodgers, to all the extras you might need in the bathroom, including a toothbrush, hairbrush and razor. The bathroom itself has a sink and bath that are encased in marble and a heavenly walk in rain shower all carefully designed and hidden away behind a sliding door. Back in the bedroom, the floor to ceiling large mirror wasn’t just a mirror it housed the 42 inch HD TV, technology doesn’t usually impress me, but I have to admit even I was impressed! Mid afternoon and time to check out the Executive Lounge, a place that can only be accessed if your room category is Executive or above (or you can pay to get access) a place to catch up on work, read the papers, or simply relax, It is open 24 hours for complimentary tea, coffee, wine, beer, snacks, soft drinks and more – Between 3pm and 5pm its time for afternoon treats and what a treat it is – it’s just like an afternoon tea, the only difference is you help yourself to the fresh delicious finger sandwiches, delightful cakes, mini desserts and homemade scones and biscuits, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is what tea to choose! Then from 5.30pm – 7.30pm it’s time for canapés - something you don’t want to miss! So, after a quick freshen up, curling of the hair (me not hubbie) and change of clothes we found ourselves back in this exclusive lounge, with its comfy sofas, quirky camera lamps and elegant glass chandeliers to enjoy a pre dinner aperitif and a selection of canapés
that included a pumpkin puree with taleggio cheese, a prawn pot with asparagus puree, a croquette aubergine with ricotta and oregano mousse and a potato salad with chicken sauté, all washed down nicely with a glass of prosecco and red wine – I’m not sure I have room for dinner! Dinner was served in the Blue Boar restaurant. The wooden floors, dark wood walls and soft lighting create the perfect ambience for us to sample the delights of what looks like a delicious menu, offering contemporary British dishes with a slight twist. And the food certainly didn’t disappoint, smoked mackerel pate with pickled cucumber and sourdough and seared scallops with butternut squash and chorizo were our starters, both dishes were full of flavour and a real treat on the tastebuds. These were followed by Cornish hake on a bed of asparagus and garden peas, it was so fresh and literally melted in the mouth, and the Angus beef fillet was tender and juicy and cooked exactly as hubbie requested – Our food was accompanied by wine that complimented the food perfectly. Now the million-dollar question – dessert? Just the one for hubbie (purely for research) coconut rice pudding, a coconut sponge topped with yoghurt wrapped in a mango jelly and mango sorbet, the sweetness of the coconut was a great accompaniment to the fresh fruity mango, and to finish off what had been a delightful dining experience we ended our meal with a glass of port and petit fours. I love London at night, the hustle and bustle, everything lit up, there’s something magical about a city that never seems to sleep. So we took a short stroll around Parliament and its surroundings before retiring for the night into the most comfy bed ever. Having dragged myself out of bed it was time for breakfast, which can be taken in the Blue Boar restaurant or in the Executive Lounge, the choice is yours. We chose the restaurant, which was a hive of activity with a mix of business meetings and hotel guests. Offering fresh fruits, creamy yoghurts, rich smoothies, juices, teas, coffees, a hot and cold buffet and freshly cooked items from the menu, definitely the right way to start the day. Our stay had been one of indulgent luxury; the Conrad London St. James ticked all the right boxes. Whether you want to explore London, or just want a little relaxation and escapism in elegant surroundings, with impeccable staff, then a stay at the Conrad London St. James is a must. Top Tip: It is worth spending a little extra and booking a room that allows you complimentary access to the Executive lounge. BOOK IT
Prices start from £299 per night, per room for 2 people sharing on a Bed and Breakfast Basis in a King Superior Room in November 2017. Prices start from £459 per night, per room for 2 people sharing on a Bed and Breakfast Basis in a King Executive Room with Lounge Access in November 2017. *Prices may vary to those quoted www.conradhotels3.hilton.com
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You Shall Go to The Ball K
ing of comedy and pantomime legend Brian Conley is joined by celebrity fashion-guru Gok Wan, who will work his wardrobe wonders as the Fairy Gokmother in the greatest pantomime of them all – Cinderella!
orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.
Join Cinders (Lauren Hall) as she transforms from rags to riches, outwits her very Ugly Sisters, and, with the help of her best friend Buttons and one very magical Fairy Godmother, wins the heart of the dashing Prince Charming.
Don’t miss your chance to see Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes. Book your tickets to the Ball today!
Brought to you by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Cinderella features all of the ingredients of the perfect pantomime; a fabulous cast and
The clock is ticking!
Cinderella runs at Milton Keynes Theatre from Saturday 9th December 2017 until Sunday 14th January 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes.
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WIN! WIN! WIN!
We have a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) to giveaway for this year’s fun filled panto on Tuesday 2nd January at 7pm. To be in with a chance of winning, tell us “Who is playing The Fairy Godmother?” and send your answers to jane@affinitymag.co.uk - Winners will be drawn on 1st December – GOOD LUCK!
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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
Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) You have energy for financial opportunities, and you can see more of them presented to you. You have better focus, and can stick with whatever you start. You enjoy getting in touch with your body, with nature, your senses, and stimulating your senses. You would try to take your relationships more seriously and figure some things out, so you need to just go with the flow a little and take things as they come. Favourable Dates: November 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Green & Blue
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Sagittarius (22 November -21 December) You should be feeling youthful, energized and happy. Relationships will be magical and fun. You will also find your lover to be much more attentive than you previously imagined. The optimism you feel can help you in almost any venture you want to tackle. You can focus on your home and family life, spending more time with the people you see as family, and making the home you have as comfortable as possible. Favourable Dates: November 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Green & Blue
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) You want variety in life, and you can take on lots of little projects and social activities to keep yourself busy and your mind occupied. You can identify strongly with what you say, with your ideas, and your opinions. You can also feel good when your finances are in order, and you focus more on that. You can enter into new relationships and partnerships, and you do better with them than without them. Favourable Dates: November 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Green & White
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) You can benefit when you focus on your ideas and use your mind. You can take your ideas and run with them, and come up with great ideas that help get you places. You're more positive and enthusiastic about life and you want to communicate openly and freely with everyone. Your ideas can be met with support and encouragement. This is a good time for you to work on opening up emotionally as well. Favourable Dates: November 2, 4, 11, 13, 21, 29 Favourable Colours: Green & Yellow Pisces (19 February – 20 March) You can focus on your future dreams, and what you hope to do with your life. You want to participate in the world, and feel like you're making a contribution. Reaching inside of yourself and pulling out your strength is necessary now. You can become more serious about your relationships with some loved ones, while you walk away from relationships with others, and become more invested in some hobbies and give up others. Favourable Dates: November 5, 7, 14, 16, 23, 30 Favourable Colours: White & Purple
Aries (21 March – 19 April) This month could bring about a time for you to advance your career or make more money. It is also a time for you to find new ways to build greater financial opportunities and financial connections. You can be excited and enthusiastic about whatever you do, and you can't wait to get going. You feel more daring and focused on what you want, and willing to make it happen now. Favourable Dates: November 2, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25 Favourable Colours: Blue & White
Taurus (20 April – 20 May) You can be more ambitious and driven, want to make sure you're going in the right direction, and can experience a high point of sorts in some part of life. You can work hard and smart for what you want, take on responsibility well, and have a more mature attitude. You can make an impact bigger than you think you can,
reaching more people, and enjoy doing so. Favourable Dates: November 1, 2, 10, 20, 28, 29 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow
Gemini (21 May – 20 June) This can be a great time for you to focus on a dream that you have and make it happen. You can have opportunities to pursue a dream presented to you, and you can take it and run with it. You will experience love and have amazing relationships throughout the month. This is a new era for you and you couldn't be happier. You keep looking toward the future as the month goes on. Favourable Dates: November 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow
Cancer (21 June – 22 July) You can think more long-term, and you make plans that you know will continue your success. You can benefit from connecting with others emotionally, opening yourself up to have better intimacy in your life, and strengthening the bonds you have with others. You can push back against people who you feel are trying to box you in, and run as fast as you can. You feel great about the success that you have. Favourable Dates: November 1, 2, 10, 20, 28, 29 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow Leo (23 July – 22 August) You could advance your career during this period but this is also a good time to make a positive first impression for a job interview or meeting. This can be an amazing time for you relationship-wise, and the people around you are surrounded by amazing opportunities, or you get amazing opportunities through the people around you or with a partner. You find other people to be quite beneficial now, and they want to help you in any way. Favourable Dates: November 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favourable Colours: White & Green Virgo (23 August – 22 September) You can use this energy to have a new experience that opens your eyes and mind in a profound way, to explore new worlds and realms and pockets of your mind and soul, or to find your inner optimist. You can look at the world with fresh eyes, and you're excited by what you see. You feel you're on your way up right now, and you want to keep your momentum going forward. Favourable Dates: November 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26 Favourable Colours: White & Blue
Libra (23 September – 22 October) This can be a good time to look for another job or get presented with new work opportunities. It can also be good for focusing on your health and improving your lifestyle. If in a relationship, you can make it fun, and inject some sparks into it. If single, you can have an easier time meeting new people and taking advantage of the social opportunities you have to be seen. Favourable Dates: November 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com
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A quiet night in... The Other Woman by Laura Wilson She wants what you have. Sophie has an enviable life – beautiful house, successful husband, three children, and a black Labrador to complete the perfect tableau. But all that is about to change. A message arrives at Sophie’s house, scrawled across her own round robin Christmas newsletter: HE’S GOING TO LEAVE YOU. LET’S SEE HOW SMUG YOU ARE THEN, YOU STUPID BITCH. Perhaps she should ignore it, but she ignored the last one. And the one before that. When her plan to identify and confront the other woman goes violently wrong, Sophie must go to extreme lengths to keep her life and her family together, all the while guarding her devastating secret.
Bad Mom’s Christmas A Bad Mom’s Christmas, follows our three underappreciated and over-burdened moms (Amy, Kiki, and Carla) as they rebel against the challenges and expectations of Christmas in hopes of creating a more perfect holiday for their families. And if that was hard enough, they have to do all of that while hosting and entertaining their ultimate holiday foes: their own mothers. By the end of the journey, our moms have redefined how to make the holidays special for their families and it ends up bringing them closer to their own moms.
Unlocked Working undercover in London as an agent of the CIA, Alice Racine finds herself lured into a ruse that could destroy the world as it is known. The interrogator finds herself at odds with the other agents who must try to protect her while also infiltrating the plot so that a biological weapon is not released upon the city. The big question is whether the CIA will be able to unlock the plot and save their agent or if she will have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the innocent citizens of the great and longstanding city.
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