Nov2013

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NOVEMBER 2013 ISSUE 30

FREE

www.affinitymag.co.uk

November 2013

Raw Food Kitchen

Create your pendant from hundreds of interchangeable discs

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

The newest health craze is here

The besT meDicine We all need to laugh more

Warwick Davis

On Karl Pilkington, dinosaurs and time travel

Wrap up

Our pick of this seasons coats

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

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MURDER MY MYSTERY STERY EVENING AT AT MOGGERHANGER P PARK ARK _ STORYLINE S TORYLINE Paul hosting promotional productions P aul Sharpe is hos ting a pr omotional dinner in celebration celebration of PDQ pr oductions winning a prestigious broadcast award. have businesss ffor years. pr estigious br oadcast a ward. PDQ ha ve been in busines or 10 y ears. evening murder Join us ffor or an e vening of intrigue and mur der !! _ £65 PER PERSON arrival course Murder Mystery Evening.

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Pan asian restaurant and bar

Luxury Fusion Cuisine - Thai, Malaysian & Indian

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Anglia Interiors Trading since 1974 Members of the KBSA

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13 er b m Nu

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Welcome...

Hi everyone By the time you read this there will be about 3 weeks to go before The Affinity Diamond & Pearl Charity Ball, we are all looking forward to a fantastic night especially if last year was anything to go by. Our nominated charity this year is Keech Hospice Care and is in memory as a lot of you know of our dear friend Pat McGirl. At the time of going to print we still have 20 tickets available if anyone wants to join us please do get in touch.

Lots of you have been following The Affinity Calendar Girls antics, we have had enormous support from local businesses who have been promoting and selling the calendar for us (all profits go to Breakthrough Breast Cancer) and for that we want to say a massive THANK YOU! There is a full list of stockists on our Calendar Girls FB page.

We’ve been out and about PINK’NG as many of you as we can turn to page 30 for some fun photos. If you would like us to pop along to your business or event just let us know, we have our own FB and Twitter so please

pop over and Like and follow us Affinity Calendar Girls @AffinityGirls14.

With the thought of Christmas and all the parties and celebrations that goes with it we take a look at getting ourselves a little healthier before the over indulgence begins. Why not try out the new diet craze ‘Raw Foods’ page 18, or have a little pampering with The Pre Party Facial page 24.

Earlier this month we caught up with Hollywood superstar Warwick Davis, who is starring in this year’s panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Milton Keynes Theatre, to find out what it was really like travelling the world with Karl Pilkington in an Idiot Abroad 3 turn to page 72.

Have a great month

Jane x

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All adverts are printed in good faith.

Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts.

Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate.

@affinitymagz facebook.com/AffinityMag

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CONTENTS 14 Christmas party beauty 20 The eyes have it 25 This month’s hot picks

52 58 63 66 70

Decadent decorations Property of the month Bags of style Premier performance Christmas markets

26 Keep warm this winter 34 The best medicine 36 Exclusive readers offer

44 Christmas cocktails

72 A chat with...Warwick Davis 75 Night at the movies

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Ladies Night Bubbles Butlers in the Buff Canapes Fun & Games Ultimate Still Life Male Drawing Raffle Goody Bag

Thursday 30th January 2014 7.30pm – Late The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 3PD For Tickets please contact: Jane: 01234 215523 / 07507 602401 jane@affinitymag.co.uk

Tickets £30 per person

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Does your metabolism need

Pepping up W

ith the sudden onset of autumn, are you particularly sensitive to the cold, dry and windy weather? Have you noticed you feel lethargic and find it really hard to get going in the morning even after a long night’s sleep? Perhaps you have a tendency toward bloating and constipation. These are all classic signs (but there are many others) that your metabolism is not as efficient as it could be. And, there are several other factors that could point to a slow metabolism, adversely affecting energy levels, quality of life and sabotaging efforts to lose weight. These other pointers to sluggish metabolism include:

still you’re not only feeling sluggish but depressed and sluggish.

Dry cracked heels and hair loss – the thyroid is not as efficient as it should be. Low thyroid is also seen as a metabolic disorder which needs to be addressed, and there are many supplements and herbs that can help.

Terrible afternoon food cravings resulting from adrenal stress. The adrenals should aid release fat stored for energy (particularly around the middle), but if your hormones are out of whack, the energy dip is read as a need for a sugar (and/or caffeine) hit to keep you going until your evening meal. The energy spikes and troughs then become a vicious cycle and lead to new fat deposits or cellulite in different area as the body searches for new areas to store fat.

Is it easier to gain weight than to lose it? Slow metabolism is the bane of most of us trying to lose weight. Whatever you try doesn’t seem to lose any weight and you’re beginning to lose faith in dieting. Strategies that used to work are now unsuccessful. This is the number one alert to slow metabolism. But, if you have sudden unexplained change in weight, always consult your GP in case of an underlying medical issue.

Eating more bitter tasting foods, such as green vegetables, pungent foods - not necessarily really hot chillies - but spices like fresh ginger, cumin, coriander and fennel are all wonderful digestive aids, which help metabolism and the assimilation of nutrients from our foods. Eating more protein and fewer carbohydrates - whilst not eliminating them completely - along with the cardiovascular exercise will all help.

Even having cut down your calorie intake do you gain weight but eat little? You may feel a bit of a fraud and some may be sceptical when you say you are eating less.

However, your body has gone into starvation mode as it senses a famine and is storing your reserves, rather than burning excess fat as fuel. Very low calorie diets or drastically cutting down on the food you eat, is not the answer and is potentially dangerous in the long term. It seems counter productive, but you need to eat more to lose weight with small regular meals. That way your body can relax and trust when the next meal is due: our bodies love regularity, getting-up at the same time, eating at the same time, going to bed at the same time each day, etc.

Starting the day with fresh ginger tea with a slice of lemon is a great help in getting our metabolism kick-started, getting going and warming our body internally. This then has the knock-on effect of improving our circulation and energy levels.

Some simple detoxification, improved sleep, together with herbal help for the adrenal glands and thyroid, if necessary, should all get your metabolism going again.

You take regular exercise; but still no joy. You may be working out several times a week, but this still does not have the desired effect. Friends may helpfully say that losing weight is about eating less and exercising more but 12

Carolyn Wood - Herbalist and Naturopath 07944 886502

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Christmas Party Beauty Preperation 1 Week to Whiter Teeth

T

he Office Christmas Party is in a week’s time, you’ve got the LBD, the new shoes and makeup, but you’ve forgotten about your teeth. They’re not white enough to be kissing with confidence under the mistletoe, but don’t despair. Simply start using Pearl Drops Instant White 4D Toothpolish, which can make your teeth up to 2 shades whiter in just a week, so you can stand under the mistletoe all night with total confidence in your smile.

We decided to try it out for ourselves and see if it did exactly what it says on the tin! Because of the 4D Whitening System, Pearl Drops Instant White is more than a regular toothpaste: it goes beyond ordinary whitening, actively polishing teeth for a lustrous, gleaming smile, worthy of any glamorous A-list Christmas party, whilst preventing cavities and strengthening enamel, keeping teeth healthy. We tried it for 4 weeks and can't sing its praises enough, the only decision we have to make now is who to catch under the misletoe!

The 4D Whitening System is not only in Pearl Drops Instant White; you can find it also in other Pearl Drops toothpolishes: Pearl Drops Instant White 4D delivers up to 2 shades whiter teeth in just 1 week Pearl Drops Ultimate Whitening 4D delivers up to 4 shades whiter teeth in 3 weeks Pearl Drops Restore White 4D removes 3 x more stains than a regular toothpaste Pearl Drops Pro-White 4D whitens teeth up to 5 x more than regular toothpaste Available from Boots, major grocers and Chemists www.pearldrops.co.uk 14

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Affinity Calendar Girls 2014

Available to buy 1st October 2014

Help us support Breast Cancer Awareness

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The App

I

have been trying to get my head around ‘APPs’. I am sure there are quite a few really useful apps, and I guess I must just be a bit unlucky, because most of the apps I have downloaded seem flashy and fabulous initially, but when I use them a bit, I think to myself ‘what am I doing?’

be the ‘get teenagers out of bed app’ which would use their contact details to make a disturbing noise on their phone – not ring it, obviously, because everyone knows teenagers will just ignore a phone call if asleep, and ignore a call from parents whenever they want! Which strangely seems to be most of the time!

Take the weather app for example – yes it’s clever and it tells me what the temperature is and what chance of $ let’s&be#honest, ""I$could $ rain there might be – but really & look out of the window or even put my nose outside just the front door. And, of course, we all know that any prediction of weather can never be completely accurate – well I assume that is why I got soaked when, against my better judgement, I left my umbrella at home because my app told me there was zero % chance of rain. Yes brilliant I thought, but it was wrong!

Then I’d have the ‘dinner tonight app’ which I would activate on the way home from work- it would know what I have in the fridge and of course what the family likes, and it would come up with a recipe plan. ‘Things like that exist!’ I hear you cry! But the difference is that this would send a message to someone else in the house (usually the other half) explaining that I am delayed but here’s the recipe for dinner - and if it could be on the table for 7.30 that would be brilliant! Thus relieved of domestic toil, the valuable time can be enjoyed in the gym, chatting with mates or even, heaven forbid, having a glass of wine in the pub!

I also have an app on my phone that lets me do clever/silly things with photos and send them to my friends. I had fun with it for a little while but then when I was waiting in a doctors surgery the other day, I noticed that someone had drawn a moustache on the woman on the front of the magazine and I caught myself thinking ‘how childish!’ Yes, well I know it’s hypocritical, so I haven’t used it much since.

There’s also the ‘coming up with a quick witty reply instantly’ app; the ‘novel excuse to explain to the boss why I can’t work late - again – tonight’ app; the ‘I definitely told you we were going out tonight – and here’s the proof’ app, because we all know we did (and they just weren’t listening.) So lets use all this brilliant technology for some really useful applications!

I enjoy a bit of exercise so I thought I would love the app that lets me see how far I’ve gone, how many calories I’ve burned, my fastest pace – it even helpfully sends me an email to say I’ve achieved a personal best! Well I enjoy it, I thought it was brilliant for a few weeks but then once I had run my running routes or cycled my cycle paths I knew exactly how far I had been and how many calories I had used, so I was left thinking ‘what is the point?’ Again!

But the app I need the most is the one that can help me find my glasses, car keys, handbag, oh and yes my phone – that would save me hours of time.

But I have always been directionally challenged so I thought a map app would be just brilliant for me. I must $ $% $ confess it has been useful at times but,$sadly, on a )foggy, % drizzly day in London I spent a considerable amount of time walking around in circles because my signal wasn’t $ brilliant, so the blue dot that was me didn’t move for $ ages then leapt to the other side of my screen – further away from the red dot I was aiming at!!

But as a creative person I have come up with a few ideas for apps that I think would be brilliant. First there could 16

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A SCHOOL DESIGNED FOR LITTLE PEOPLE OPEN MORNING Saturday 9th November embe 10am - 12 noon www.pilgrims-school.info il i h li f THE HARPUR TRUST PRE PREP

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Eat your way to a healthy body and mind with raw food health craze People who eat a high proportion of raw foods have a tell-tale glow that is the envy of all their friends. Raw foodists look to nature to get it right. And it’s so simple.

Raw food meals are based on the following foods: • Fruits, dried, fresh or frozen, especially wild • Vegetables, dried or fresh, especially wild • Seed sprouts (alfalfa, broccoli, radish, onion, sunflower, quinoa etc) • Micro greens (buckwheat, sunflower etc) • Herbs and spices, fresh and dried, especially out of my garden • Nuts and their butters (cashew, macadamia, pecan, hazel, walnut, brazil etc) • Seeds and their butters (sunflower, sesame, hemp, flax, Salba etc) • Ancient grains, soaked or ground (buckwheat, amaranth etc) • Sea vegetables, often dried (Clearspring’s Japanese sea vegetables is my favourite brand) • Algaes, sometimes frozen, powdered or compressed into tablets (AFA algae, spirulina, chlorella etc) • Superfoods (cacao, maca, goji berries, Incan berries, wheatgrass, aloe vera, algae etc)

R

enowed raw foodist and nutritionist Shazzie has created hundreds of raw food recipes, and believes that raw food can improve energy levels, weight management, illness and happiness. She shot to fame in 2000 when her blog attracted millions of readers, since then she has published several books and last month saw her host the brand new series on the Active Channel called ‘Raw Kitchen’. A unique show which creates recipes and discusses the benefits of raw food. We caught up with Shazzie and she explained a bit about the whole concept: What is raw food?

People on a raw food diet eat 100% raw, uncooked food.

Many people find this a little difficult (often for social reasons) so they choose a 75-99% raw food diet. Most raw foodists are vegetarian or vegan, but some eat raw fish and meat. If you make sure at least half of your food is raw at every meal, you’ll feel the benefits.

The benefits of a high-raw or all-raw diet are clear: • Increased energy • Weight loss (or gain if you were too skinny) • Diseases disappearing • Happiness, and often ecstatic bliss Raw foods are cleansing, energy-giving, full of life and help people avoid disease associated with the Standard UK Diet (SUKD) and Standard American Diet (SAD).

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How do I start eating raw food?

I’ve coached many people with raw food, and the most successful method has been this: change one meal at a time. Become comfortable with that meal, and then change the next one.

amino acids and histidine, meaning it provides a complete protein for children and adults alike.

Algae and seaweed Chlorella, though sharing many of its cousins’ attributes, has shown a tremendous ability to remove radiation from animals and to help humans detoxify dioxins.

For example, you could first alter your breakfast. Make smoothies, eat fruit, make juices, have raw muesli with nut mylk etc.

Chlorella contains genuine vitamin B12.

Spirulina is probably the most commonly known algae.

It’s a rich source of essential amino acids. Although few clinical trials have been conducted on humans it has been used on animals with some surprising results.

Those with cancer, strokes, hayfever and brain deterioration have all benefited from spirulina All seaweeds have been promoted for weight loss (by stimulating thyroid activity), boosting the immune system, decreasing blood sugar and cholesterol, increasing gastro-intestinal tract function, and for decreasing the symptoms of arthritic joint pains.

Then when you’re happy with that, alter your lunch.

Make cabbage burritos, lettuce or nori wraps, salads, dehydrated goodies such as burgers or crackers with hummous and guacamole. Top it all with a mix of superfoods such as purple corn extract, Seagreens, Crystal Manna, pink salt, digestive enzymes and spirulina.

Then alter your evening meal, dipping into raw food recipe books when you have time.

Making your snacks raw could mean eating fresh or dried fruits, nuts or seeds, or raw chocolate, or enjoying vegetable sticks with dips.

Mushrooms With so many varieties at our feet, mushrooms can give us the flavours no other plant-like thing can, but be aware that they often carry other strains of nonbeneficial fungi upon them. A thorough rinse in a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide will zap the nasties.

There are also many medicinal mushrooms that help improve organ and immune function, such as reishi and shiitake. Anyone with cancer ought to be researching the medicinal effects of chaga, as it’s known worldwide for helping with this.

Foods that may be new to you You will be familiar with most of the fresh foods that raw foodists eat. Here’s a list of some ingredients that may be new to you.

Cacao Since discovering raw chocolate in Maui in 2003, and co-writing Naked Chocolate with David Wolfe in 2005, I’ve been astonished at how quickly the raw food revolution has taken off. Cacao is the most nutrientdense and antioxidant-rich food on the planet! In fact nothing else comes close with a massive 955 ORAC units per gram. Cooked chocolate powder only has 260 ORAC units per gram.

Chia A South American seed, chia is a very rich source of EFAs and is very high in protein, minerals and fibre. It improves bowel function. When ground up it’s great as a sticky base for dehydrated foods, similar to flax.

Goji berries Gojis are a real medicinal food and can help you with inflammation, immunity, strength, stamina (in all parts of your body) and hormone function. Just like cacao, they contain chemicals that aid rejuvenation. Gojis are known as a fountain of youth.

Maca The medicinal qualities of this plant are classified as being adaptogenic, meaning that it helps the body to deal with stress and bring bodily functions back to a normal state. For example, it will help raise thyroid function if it’s too sluggish yet will subdue function if it’s overactive. Adaptogens help to balance all bodily functions in a similar way.

So that’s raw food

Hemp seeds There are three unique nutritional factors that make hemp one of my favourite ingredients. Firstly it contains about thirty five per cent fats, including omegas 3, 6 and 9. These essential fatty acids come in the ideal ratio for superior human health. Secondly it is loaded with trace minerals. Thirdly it contains the full array of essential

So that’s what raw food is all about.

Give it a go with these easy to make raw food recipes in this free ebook: www.shazzie.com Shazzie presents ‘Raw Kitchen’ on The Active Channel available on Sky 281 and Freesat 408 (theactivechannel.com) 19

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The Eyes Have It Did you know the skin around your eyes is ten times thinner than the cheeks, hence why you should use an actual Eye Cream for this area. Here’s our pick of the best…...

Murad Essential C Eye Cream Stimulates collagen synthesis.

Caffeine and Tiger's Herb increase elasticity and firm the skin. Light diffusers soften the appearance of fine lines and dark circles for a luminous glow. £39.95 murad.co.uk

Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair This triple-action cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. Light-reflective particles brighten dark under-eye shadows, while SPF10 mineral sunscreen also helps protect this delicate area from UV light. £14.75 lizearle.com

Nivea Visage Q10 Refreshing Eye Roll-On Roll this refreshing gel from Nivea around your eyes to instantly cool tired peepers, as well as reduce puffiness, combat shadows and combat pesky fine lines and wrinkles. £9.99 Boots

Elemis Pro Collagen Eye Renewal In just 28 days, Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Renewal reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area by up to 60%*. Containing the revolutionary Padina Pavonica, Chlorella and Buckwheat, this dynamic cream gel helps increase moisturisation and firmness of the skin. £59.50 timetospa.co.uk

Clarins Extra Firming Eye Lift Perfecting Serum The silky cream-gel formula is made with Green Banana and Lemon Thyme extracts, which restore the bounce, lift and suppleness of the eye contour. Beetroot Extract encourages moisture retention for a brighter looking eye area. £39 clarins.co.uk

Olay Professional Eye Wrinkle Complex A great value but high performing product that specifically targets the delicate eye area to reduce dark circles and crow's feet for an instantly brighter and tighter look. £29.99 Boots

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SporTS MaSSagE ThErapy all your questions answered Massage has been around since early civilisation in many cultures and is the earliest form of physical therapy on record. There are many different types of massage ranging from Swedish, hot stone, Shiatsu, deep tissue and sports massage. They all have their benefits depending on what you want from a massage and what your body needs. The power of touch is amazing - if you think of the last time you hurt yourself the instant reaction is to rub the area better. Touch is a human reaction to pain.

Massage can offer pain relief without the use of medication or the side effects associated with pain medication.

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What does Sport Massage do?

With any type of massage, one of the most important benefits is an increase in circulation. If you increase circulation to a muscle you also increase oxygen and vital nutrients to the muscle. These vital nutrients can aid in the repair of damaged muscle tissue. Massage also stimulates the flow of lymph, the body’s defense system.

Lymph helps takes away the waste products in muscle tissue which can speed up recovery following exercise or sports.

A sports massage therapist can also aid with stretching muscles which can reduce pain, improve range of movement and decrease muscle tension.

How does Sports Massage vary from remedial massages?

When people think of a traditional massage they think of calm, relaxing music, beautiful smelling oils and sheer relaxation. When people tend to think of sports massage the image is somewhat less relaxing! That’s not to say that image is correct but sports massage is generally a deeper massage, where the therapist addresses imbalances, muscle dysfunctions and tight and painful muscle tissue. This can cause some discomfort but should not be agonisingly painful.

Who can have a sports massage?

Generally we would use sports massage techniques on an active person, not necessarily a sports person but someone who partakes in physical activity on a regular basis or who has an active job where repetitive movements take place.

How frequently should I have a sports massage?

If money and time is no issue then weekly, however in the real world this isn’t always an option, so as frequently as you can. If you are building up to an event, such a marathon or triathlon, then your sports massage sessions should featured strongly in your training plan but if you

have no planned event then at least every 6-8 weeks you should aim to have one.

The goal with sports massage therapy is to treat an injury before it happens.

What happens during a session?

It depends on what you’ve contacted your therapist about. If you have injured yourself then the therapist will assess the injury and treat that area and will normally give you some exercises or stretches to do at home to reduce the reoccurence of that injury.

If you’ve come for a ‘rub down’ then the therapist will massage a specific area and treat what they find (this may be tight muscles, muscle adhesions/knots or muscle imbalances.)

Does it hurt?

No it shouldn’t HURT but there will be discomfort. As a therapist we need you to relax as much as possible. We need the muscle to be relaxed so we can treat it effectively, if you are bouncing off the couch in pain you aren’t relaxing so the work we are trying to do won’t be successful. Where scar tissue has formed it can be uncomfortable to massage but the long term gains are much more appealing than the short term discomfort.

Do your best to remain calm and use slow breathing techniques to keep you as relaxed as possible.

What do I need to wear?

This is a personal choice. If I am massaging a clients legs then I ask them to wear shorts, so they can manoeuvre on the massage couch without worrying about their dignity! If you are having your back and shoulders massaged then wear something that is comfortable, your therapist will either leave the room as you get changed and onto the couch or they will position a towel between you and them to maintain modesty. Therapists will do their best to make sure you feel comfortable.

If you think you are overdue for a sport massage then get in touch on 07808 739651 Jules@hollgroup.com Julie Holl Personal Trainer www.hollfitness.co.uk 23

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Treatment of the Month Pre Party Facial MURAD Intensive Wrinkle Reducer - Peel

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t’s that time of year again where it’s the usual pre Christmas get together with friends, colleagues and family. You have the outfit sorted but you’re looking tiered and old, you’ve had too many late nights fuelled with just a little too much alcohol and you’ve got to do it all again tonight – well despair not – take a little time out of your day and book yourself in for one of these fabulous facials by MURAD. Murad is a clinically proven skincare range, licensed to provide products and treatments which will change the behaviour of your skin and restore it to its healthiest. Using the most advanced ingredients and the latest skincare technology your skin will be instantly youthful, radiant & flawless.

This treatment is more than just a peel - it is part of the new generation exfoliation processes. It gives you a swift and dramatic reduction of the appearance of wrinkles, whilst infusing the skin with long lasting hydration, ideal for that Pre Party preperation.

So I put it to the test, at Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes. While the Intensive Wrinkle Reducer is just as relaxing as a normal facial, it is results-focused with the powerful epidermal resurfacing formula providing immediate smoothing, firming and brightening without the irritation of aggressive exfoliation, it loosens the bonds holding debris and cells to the skin’s surface, sweeping it away to reveal youthful-looking skin.

Incorporating a neck and shoulder massage this was a truly indulgent treatment with the added bonus being the end result my skin really did look brighter, smoother and firmer all ready for me to go out partying!

The Rapid Peel Facial is £70 for a 70 minute treatment www.yspa.co.uk 24

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Untold Dress £135 House of Fraser

Catherine Best Signature Necklace £45 www.swagsworld.com

Lashes Sympephide Eyelash Growth Serum £69.95 www.eternalcosmeceuticais.com

Hue Animation Studio £49.95 www.hueanimation.com

Hotel Chocolat Trick or Treat Pouch £37 www.hotelchocolat.com

Tartan Napkin rings £12 each Joanna Wood

aFFINITy hoT pICKS This month’s must have gifts and accessories

Cloud Nine Styling Sets From £99.95 www.cloudninehair.com

Racy Bow Shoes £55 www.office.co.uk

Superdry Fragrance Set Men & Women £29.50 www.superdry.com

Bonilla Patatas Fritas £12.95 www.riversidelifestyle.co.uk

Tresor Paris Cherir Rose Bracelet £129 Millmans Jewellers, Bedford

Hotel Chocolat Trick or Treat Box £37 www.hotelchocolat.com

Amaryllis Hurricane Vase £40 www.miafleur.com

Lick Frozen Yoghurt £1.79 (small), £4.95 (large) Sainsburys

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Well Collared Oliver Bonas

Julien MacDonald £160 Debenhams

Babyshka Coat £149 Monsoon

Coat £119 Monsoon

Betty £150 Debenhams

Faux Shearling Pappy Coat £89 Marks & Spencer

Reefer Coat £85 La Redoute

Per Una Coat £150 Marks & Spencer Alice Temperley Leather Jacket £299 John Lewis

Fur Collar Tweed £60 Tesco

J by Jasper £169 Debenhams

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Cool & Casual Melana Jacket Fenn Wright Manson H by Henry Holland £85 Debenhams

Noah £90 www.puffa.com

Label Lab £99 House of Fraser

Wallis

Lucian Duffle Hobbs

Julia Leather Jacket £180 Fatface

Tia £120 www.puffa.com

Orange Padded Jacket £35 La Redoute

Amy Gilet £72 Fatface

Multi Coloured Jacket £129 La Redoute

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Belt Up Blue Trench £59 La Redoute Coat £129 Marks & Spencer

Leopard Belted £55 F&F Tesco

Coat £65 BHS

Nobis Tula £923.40 Harrods

J Jasper £110 Debenhams

Nobis Jillian £747.90 House of Fraser

Skater Coat £50 F&F Tesco

J by Jasper £159 Debenhams

Coat £175 La Redoute

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Out and about with

Affinity Calendar girls

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For more images visit our FB Page: Affinity Calendar Girls To purchase a calendar or become a stockist contact: jane@affinitymag.co.uk 31

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FEEL THE BLAST, RUMBLE AND ROAR WITH CLASSIC AMERICAN MUSCLE THIS CHRISTMAS

Classic American Muscle (www.classicamericanmuscle.co.uk), the track day company with a dynamic difference, is delighted to offer three new Ford Mustang driving experiences, all in time for Christmas.

The three new driving packages – Blast, Rumble and Roar – cater for a range of gift budgets and are the ideal festive treat for friends and family with a penchant for classic American muscle cars such as the Ford Mustang or Corvette Stingray.

Each experience gets the lucky recipient behind the wheel of fully-restored, track-ready American V8 Ford Mustangs and the opportunity to put them through their paces at a classic UK race track.

For just £299, Classic American Muscle offers its premium Mustang driving experience – the Rumble. Designed with true petrol-heads in mind, the Rumble package lets

drivers live the American dream, enjoying 20 miles worth of track time at the wheel of three classic Mustangs, each with their own personality and set-up.

Meanwhile, the £199 Roar experience puts drivers behind the wheel of two of the company’s fully-restored Mustangs for ten miles of track action.

Alternatively, for just £149, the entry-level Blast experience straps drivers into the cockpit of one of the company’s V8 Mustangs for six miles of the circuit, reaching speeds of up to 100mph as they harness the raw power of the legendary Ford Mustang. A Half-Blast package is also offered for £79.99 with three miles of track-time.

For those who want to feel the thrill of a classic muscle car but would rather leave the driving to the professionals, passenger experiences are also available from just £29.99 for three laps of the race track at top

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speed with one of C.A.M’s (Classic American Muscle’s) professional ARDS drivers at the wheel of either a Mustang or Corvette Stingray.

engines with true horse power – what more could you want in your stocking. These packages will be a Christmas gift to remember!’

Proud to offer more time on track than a typical driving experience day, Classic American Muscle lets drivers put the performance characteristics of these powerful vehicles to the test, pushing the cars to the limit in a real race-track environment, challenging their performance in acceleration, braking, cornering and high-speed driving – all carried out under expert ARDS instruction.

The Ford Mustang is one of the most legendary American muscle cars of all time and has been an eye-catching fixture on U.S highways since 1964 – the model celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014. A star of the big screen, the Ford Mustang has provided the four-wheel-thrills for Steve.

‘We wanted people to experience the raw driving thrills these fantastic cars offer,’ said Ant Webb, Director of Classic American Muscle. ‘Our unique and affordable driving packages make the ideal Christmas gift for thrill seekers and enthusiasts looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they get behind the wheel of these fantastic cars. Iconic American muscle, aggressive suspension systems, high performance braking and growling V8

McQueen in Bullitt (1968), Nicolas Cage in Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000) and Will Smith in I Am Legend (2007) amongst many others.

For more information or to book, head to www.classicamericanmuscle.co.uk or call 01634 510 054

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The Best Medicine - Laughter “A day without laughter is a day wasted” said Charlie Chaplin, and now studies agree with him

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Health Benefits Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

aughter is infectious. The sound of someone laughing is contagious. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. It can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free and easy to use

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. It lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others and keeps you grounded, focused and alert.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships and supporting both physical and emotional health.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

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Emotional Benefits Laughter makes you feel good. And the good feeling that you get when you laugh remains with you even after the laughter subsides. It helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments and loss.

easily - both at themselves and at life’s absurdities - and who routinely find the humour in everyday events. Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious.

Developing your sense of humour - One essential characteristic that helps us laugh is not taking ourselves too seriously. We’ve all known the classic tight-jawed sourpuss who takes everything with deathly seriousness and never laughs at anything. No fun there!

More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh, or even simply a smile, can go a long way toward making you feel better.

Some events are clearly sad and not occasions for laughter. But most events in life don’t carry an overwhelming sense of either sadness or delight. They fall into the neutral zone of ordinary life - giving you the choice to laugh or not.

The Link between Laughter and Mental Health Laughter dissolves distressing emotions. You can’t feel anxious, angry, or sad when you’re laughing.

Ways to Help Yourself Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments.

The best way to take yourself less seriously is to talk about times when you took yourself too seriously.

Laughter helps you relax and recharge. It reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more.

Attempt to laugh at situations rather than moan about them. Look for the humour in a bad situation, and uncover the irony and absurdity of life. This will help improve your mood and the mood of those around you.

It shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your family or friends having fun.

Bringing more Laughter into your Life Laughter is your birthright, a natural part of life that is innate and inborn. Infants begin smiling during the first weeks of life and laugh out loud within months of being born. Even if you did not grow up in a household where laughter was a common sound, you can learn to laugh at any stage of life.

Keep things in perspective. Many things in life are beyond your control, particularly the behaviour of other people.

While you might think taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is admirable, in the long run it’s unrealistic, unproductive, unhealthy and even egotistical.

Begin by setting aside special times to seek out humour and laughter, as you might with working out and build from there. Eventually, you’ll want to incorporate humor and laughter into the fabric of your life, finding it naturally in everything you do.

Deal with your stress. Stress is a major impediment to humour and laughter.

Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly and laughing.

Shared laughter is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting. All emotional sharing builds strong and lasting relationship bonds, but sharing laughter and play also adds joy, vitality, and resilience. It is a powerful and effective way to heal resentments, disagreements, and hurts. Laughter unites people during difficult times.

Physical Health Benefits: Boosts immunity Lowers stress hormones Decreases pain Relaxes your muscles Prevents heart disease

Smile - Smiling is the beginning of laughter. Like laughter, it’s contagious. Pioneers in “laugh therapy,” find it’s possible to laugh without even experiencing a funny event. The same holds for smiling. When you look at someone or see something even mildly pleasing, practice smiling.

Mental Health Benefits: Adds joy and zest to life Eases anxiety and fear Relieves stress Improves mood Enhances resilience

Count your Blessings - Literally make a list. The simple act of considering the good things in your life will distance you from negative thoughts that are a barrier to humor and laughter. When you’re in a state of sadness, you have further to travel to get to humour and laughter.

Social Benefits: Strengthens relationships Attracts others to us Enhances teamwork Helps defuse conflict Promotes group bonding

Spend time with fun people - these are people who laugh 35

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Readers Offer Escape to Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa with our Simply Indulgent Reader Offer

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award-winning facilities and take time out to refresh in our luxurious Spa and a getaway with a difference at Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa.

he award-winning Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa, set in rural Northamptonshire, is presenting you with a simply indulgent offer. Treat yourself and a friend or loved one to the perfect pampering treat – a One Night Spa Stay for £85 per person and receive a COMPLIMENTARY 25 minute Energising Express Facial, OR Soothing Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage*.

To take advantage of this great value offer call us today and quote ‘AFFINITY13’ on 0845 400 0002 To book day spa, hotel and spa breaks online, find out more and to register for our latest offers visit :

The One Night Spa Stay package allows you to enjoy full use of our Heat and Ice Experiences, a three-course dinner in Astons Restaurant, overnight stay and full English breakfast. And if that isn’t tempting enough, a Complimentary 25 minute Energising Express Facial, OR Soothing Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage provides the perfect addition for some well-earned pampering.

www.whittleburyhall.co.uk

Whilst on your Spa Stay you will unwind and experience the beauty of Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa. This 4* deluxe hotel, boasts some truly impressive features, 213 bedrooms, 3 restaurants, one of which holds 2AA Rosettes for gourmet excellence and The Day Spa, one of the largest Spa’s in the country with 23 treatments rooms and some of the latest in Heat and Ice Experiences. In addition, The Leisure Club includes a 19-metre pool, whirlpool spa and gym with the latest equipment.

Enjoy a rejuvenating escape with friends and family in our *Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability. This offer is available Sunday - Thursday only. This offer is non-transferable and non-refundable, has no cash equivalent and full prepayment is required at time of booking. Offer applies to new purchases only. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Guests must be aged 18 years or over. This offer is not open to the employees of Whittlebury Hall and their family members.

Accommodation is based on two people sharing a standard room. Offer includes a complimentary 25 minute Energising Express Facial or Soothing Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage per person when purchasing a 1 Night Spa Stay for £85 per person. Treatment and Heat and Ice Experiences to be taken on day of arrival. £40 single supplement applies. Offer valid for bookings made and taken by 30th December 2013.

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STOCK TOC OCK U UP YOUR UR R STOCKINGS OCK KIN Visit Hotel Chocolat hoccolat in Royal Victoria ctoria Place Shopping Centre . ellpers ar e perf ect stocking tocking gifts this his Christmas.

Ch Our little helpers £77 h b 3 re f or £6 each. h.

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Family Fun with

Puss in Boots

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uss in Boots is coming to Bedford this year to entertain children and adults alike in The Corn Exchange’s pantomime.

time. By concentrating on panto and nothing else, they are able to put together a show that is of really high quality but without losing sight of what panto is all about.

The hero, Puss in Boots arrives in the merry Kingdom of Bedford, to gain wealth and power for his master. This cunning feline swashbuckler has it all; the looks, the walk, the talk and most importantly, his magic boots. Expect laughs and sparks as the loveable cat defeats all the odds and wins the day!

Expect all of the usual show-stopping songs, dazzling dance routines and knockabout comedy that you get at a pantomime, as well as bags of audience participation, with every child invited on stage to join in the singing.

There'll be slapstick and mayhem on stage and loads of opportunity for the audience to join in the fun. Oh no there won't. Oh yes there will !

Performed by The Bedford Pantomime Company, a community theatre group that exists to produce affordable, family Pantomime in Bedford at Christmas

Guaranteed to be yet another Bedford hit and the perfect treat for all the family.

Puss in Boots Sat 28th December – Fri 3rd January 01234 718044 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk 38

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BOX OFFICE 01234 718044 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

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Sausage & Noodle Stir-Fry 40

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This Bonfire night why not be different and wrap your hands around a bowl of meatballs and steaming noodles, pepped up with a sticky sauce of orange and soy

Ingredients 12 good-quality sausages 250g thick or medium egg noodles 4 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp clear honey Juice 1 large orange 2 tbsp groundnut or vegetable oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed Finger-length piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped 2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 4 large carrots, cut into matchsticks 2 red peppers, deseeded and thinly sliced 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced 200g pack sugar snap peas 1 bunch spring onions, shredded lengthways 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Method Heat oven to 180C/Gas 6. Squeeze the sausagemeat from the skins into a large bowl. Then, using your hands, roll the meat into meatballs, getting about three from each sausage. Place on a roasting tray, and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to pack instructions.

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey and orange juice.

Heat a large non-stick wok or frying pan and add the oil. Add the garlic, ginger and chilli then fry for 1 minute. Add the carrot and peppers, stir-fry for 3 minutes, then add the sugar snaps and spring onions for the final minute of cooking.

Drain the noodles, then add to the vegetables, along with the soy sauce mixture. Toss well, season, then scatter with the sesame seeds.

Serve in warm bowls and top with the sausage meatballs.

Louis Jadot Bouzeron 2011

This 2011 Bouzeron is rich, honeyed and structured.

Honey, almonds, orange peel and sweet spices all flesh out in the glass. This is a surprisingly overt Aligote with tons of character.

£13.99, Cambridge Wine Merchants, Winedirect.co.uk

Louis Jadot Ladoix, Le Cloud D’orge 2010 A fabulous, beautifully crafted and well-oaked Chardonnay from masters of their game - a great vanilla encrusted peachiness with a great edge of creaminess and freshness in the form of lemon.

Fabulously complete.Totally wonderful and a must for any white Burgundy lover. £18.99, Cambridge wine Merchants, Oxford Wine Company

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Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2010

Displaying subtle hints of red fruit and violets on the nose, with a well rounded palate of cherry and raspberry fruit with a rounded texture. Gently tannic and with good length

£13.49, Tesco, Wine Rack, Nisa

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Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredients for the sponge

Method

200g dried dates stoned and chopped.

250ml black tea (not too strong) 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 2 eggs 85g unsalted butter 175g self raising flour 1 tsp mixed spice 175g golden caser sugar

Heat the oven to 180c/fan 160c/gas 6. Put the dates and tea in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes to soften the dates. Stir in the bicarbonate of soda.

For the sauce 150ml double cream 75g light brown soft sugar 25g butter

Beat the butter and caster sugar together with electric beaters until pale and creamy, then beat in the eggs, flour and mixed spice. Fold in the date mixture and pour into a buttered ovenproof dish or tin.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is just firm to touch.

Meanwhile, make the sauce by putting the sugar, butter and cream in a pan over a low heat and simmer until the sugar has dissolved.

Cook until the sauce is a lovely toffee colour.

Cut the pudding into squares and serve with the warm sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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

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Christmas at The Millhouse 1st - 24th Lunch and Dinner £19.95 for 2 courses and £24.95 for 3 courses (Friday and Saturday nights in December includes a Disco)

Every Saturday 10am - 1pm To join contact us: 01234 782414 Email: Bedford@theatretrain.co.uk St Marks Church Halls, Calder Rise, Brickhill, Bedford, MK41 7UY

Christmas Day Lunch 3 Courses including champagne and canapes on arrival £65.00 per person Boxing Day Lunch 2 courses £24.95 and 3 courses £29.95 New Years Eve Party Fizz on arrival, Hot Winter Buffet and Live Music from The VIPeas, £25.00 per person The Spider Club!

Friday 15th November Seven piece swing band playing songs from the 1930's to modern day!

Tickets only £15.00 including a hot buffet! *Remember we are still doing “Buy 1 get 1 free” on main courses every Tuesday all day, 12pm- 9pm!*

We are here with a more casual and fun approach to networking Join us on the first Thursday of each month 12.30pm – 2.00pm 5th December for drinks and a delicious buffet lunch Decembers venue: Wyboston Lakes Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK 44 3AL

Affinity’s Social Networking’s aim is to bring people and businesses together in a relaxed sociable atmosphere

01234 781678 info@millhouse-riverside.co.uk www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk

Come along, meet new faces and enjoy a couple of sociable and productive hours each month

millhouse_hotel

£10 per person to include a drink on arrival (red/white wine, lager or soft drinks). Plus a selection of food from our hosts delicious menu

Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant Mill Road, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1NP

RSVP to book your place - Jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 215523 or 07507 602401

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Christmas Cocktails Tis the season for Christmas parties whether they be with friends or colleagues and nearly always involve drinking of one kind or another so we decided to start our Christmas party with a ‘Cocktail Masterclass’ at M Champagne & Cocktail Lounge in the Hub at Milton Keynes, before hunting down some poor unsuspecting man to trap under the mistletoe!

W

e arrived at M Lounge to be welcomed by Alan our very own mixologist for the evening and were given a welcome glass of bubbles and some nibbles, a small introduction and then the poor guy tried inbetween our heckling and interrupting to give us a brief history of cocktails, the special bar tools that are used and introduce us to the stories behind certain ones.

Then it was time for the best bit………………..

Our choice for the first cocktail he showed us how to make was a classic Mojito, he made it look easy – could we do it as well as him? Probably not but we put our skills to the test to much amusement, laughing and showing off, the bonus is not only do you get to sample Alan’s cocktail, you get to drink your own as well!!!!

Next up was a cosmopolitan – it looked simple – so we put our newly learnt skills to the test yet again and conjured up something that resembled a cosmopolitan and was just as tasty - little did we know it’s all in the wrist action!!! This fun and interactive session made for a great evening full of so much fun and laughter and not asprig of mistletoe in sight!

We then chose a couple of ingredients and Alan conjured up cocktails from them, he is a very brave man!

By far this was a great start to a Christmas party night something we all agreed we would recommend to any group of friends it was soo much fun!! But be warned if you are a light weight then you might want to sit out on a few cocktails as we could hardly walk out the door – luckily we had our fabulous photographer who made sure none of us came to any harm!

To book your own Cocktail Masterclass contact: M Champagne & Cocktail Lounge The Hub Milton Keynes MK9 2FB 01908 668774

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We are a small traditional restaurant in the heart of Bedford with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, it is the ideal setting for any occasion, whether it is a romantic meal for two, a dinner with friends or a lively celebration!

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU! Our food is freshly cooked to order by our chef, using the finest local ingredients and we can cater for most dietary requirements SPECIAL 2 COURSE LUNCH MENU only £10 per person Children's menu available only £5.50 to include a drink, main course and a dessert

We are open Christmas Day 3 courses Dinner - £22.50 and Lunch - £19 per person

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday noon to 3pm and 5.30pm to late

27 St Peters Street, Bedford, MK40 2PN 01234 340734 www.amici-restaurant.co.uk

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A Little Piece of

Amici 46

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:08 Page 45

A

mici is a small traditional restaurant in the heart of Bedford’s historical town centre. With its relaxed and intimate atmosphere, it is the ideal setting for any occasion, whether it is a romantic meal for two, a dinner with friends, a business lunch or a celebration.

We popped along on a midweek evening and although not crowded it was certainly busy.

We were shown to our table by the lovely Halil who took over the running of Amici earlier this year, he told us all the food is freshly cooked to order by the chef, using only the finest, freshest, local ingredients. Which means they can cater for most dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, etc) We left our choice of starters to the chef who certainly impressed us with sautéed mushrooms, chicken liver and bacon in a rich white sauce, Antipasto all’ Italiana (Parma ham, salami, bresola, sliced chorizo, mozzarella and artichokes.)

A selection of calamari, white bait, buttered fried tiger prawns with tartar sauce and mushrooms cooked in garlic, olive oil and white wine all served with fresh bread and was mouth-wateringly delicious. My favourite was the sautéed mushrooms with chicken and bacon, this dish certainly tantalised my taste buds.

Our mains were just as appetizing with my choice being fillet of sea bream pan fried and finished in the oven with new potatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes & capers accompanied with lemon and fresh basil. I asked if my potatoes could be replaced with vegetables which was no problem at all, the fish was fresh and succulent and the vegetables were full of flavour, the whole dish was delightful. My husband’s choice was escalope of veal topped with Parma ham and sage in a white wine and demi glaze sauce; the Parma ham complimented the veal perfectly and was cooked to perfection.

Dessert for me was an orange sorbet - WOW it was refreshingly tasty, I definitely made the right choice. Whilst my husband’s chocolatey choice was equally as delightful.

Presentation was perfect, service excellent and food fabulous. If you haven’t paid a visit to Amici yet or you haven’t been for a while, I suggest you pay them a visit, you won’t be disappointed.

01234 340734 www.amici-restaurant.co.uk

Affinity master Nov 2013 20_Layout 1 copy 18/10/2013 11:01 Page 46

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01234 950029 - 07701 086394 brightandclean2@gmail.com Part-time cleaning staff required

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 â&#x20AC;˘ Immunity â&#x20AC;˘ Skin Conditions â&#x20AC;˘ Digestive Complaints â&#x20AC;˘ Hormonal imbalances â&#x20AC;˘ Heart health & Circulation â&#x20AC;˘ Energy & Wellbeing â&#x20AC;˘ Insomnia â&#x20AC;˘ Depression â&#x20AC;˘ Other chronic health conditions â&#x20AC;˘ Acute coughs & colds

07944 886502

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Traditional cleaning method used Good, friendly & reliable service Other services:

WE CLEAN: Glass - Frames - Sills -Doors

Gutter cleaning Conservatory cleans Professional house cleans Gardening Landscaping Patio cleaning

Call Lino on 07966 222976

Christmas Fair Erskine May Hall - Bedford School 16th November 10am - 4.00pm Many fine gifts ready for Christmas Handmade Jewellery, Chocolates, Toys, Fashion & Outdoor Wear and lots more Entrance ÂŁ3.50 Children under 14 free Drinks and Cakes available Located in Bedford, at the back of John Bunyan statue - MK40 2TT

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:08 Page 47

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:08 Page 48

Chris Dunne Advert :Layout 1

16/1/13

12:44

Page 1

Chris Dunne Building & Maintenance

Family Run Business • Quality Finish • Competitively Priced

01234 261682

Loft Conversions • Extensions • Renovations www.chrisdunnebuildingandmaintenance.co.uk 1 0 1 54a, G e o Caves r g e SLane, t r e e tBedford, B e d f MK40 o r d 3GN MK40 3SJ

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:08 Page 49

IMPACT INTERIORS AND FLOORING High Street, Henlow

W

e are delighted to announce the opening of our new shop Impact Interiors based in Henlow Village, Bedfordshire. We are a family run interiors and flooring company established in 2009. We gained our expertise by working within luxury residential homes in Central London and we are now bringing our skills back to our home county. We offer an exemplary service at an affordable price.

Here at Impact Interiors, we pride ourselves in offering a friendly, quality, and personal service. We provide a wide choice of stylish, luxurious, contemporary and traditional products. We are competitive on price with all major and local outlets.

We stock leading fabric and wall covering brands, such as Romo,(Zinc,Lens,Black Edition), Sanderson, and Harlequin.

We supply and fit carpets, solid wood, engineered and laminate flooring brands such as Crucial Trading, Victoria Carpets, Quick-Step laminate , Lifestyle floors, Boen wood, Balterio, Kersaint Cobb, Harlequin and Sanderson rugs and many others. We also supply and fit the new ranges of Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and top domestic and commercial vinyl systems.

Our Luxury Home accessories selection includes brands such as Parlane, Gisela Graham, True Grace candles, Thomas Kent clocks, Five Dollar Shake greetings cards, Harlequin and Sanderson cushions, mirrors & decorative lighting.

We supply and fit curtain fabrics from and many coordinated wallpapers. This includes a beautiful and colourful children’s range “all about me” by Harlequin.

Also Morris & Co fabrics and wallpapers.

Our range of curtain poles and finials enables us to offer a solution for most applications. All blinds and curtains are made to measure by local experienced curtain makers using modern and traditional methods; we also make cushions, re- cover furniture, supply tiebacks, decorative trimmings and roman blinds.

We invite you to visit our brand new shop and spend time looking through our product ranges with our help. There is free parking next to our shop and opposite in the Crown pub, so visiting us is easy. We also have an online shop on our website. Or, if you would prefer we can visit you in the comfort of your own home.

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Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:08 Page 50

House of Fraser

White Wonderland

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:08 Page 51

Debenhams

Heart £6 Marks & Spencer

Fairydress Bauble Debenhams

Bauble £4 Marks & Spencer

Debenhams

Decoration £5 Marks & Spencer

Honeycomb (set 6) £5 Marks & Spencer

Heaven Sends Wooden Carved Angel Wings £8.99 Molly and Fred

House of Fraser

Paper Jewel Decoration £3 Marks & Spencer

Lantern House of Fraser White Pine Cone Wreath £20 John Lewis

Snowflake decoration £15 Marks & Spencer

Penguin Debenhams

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:08 Page 52

Black Magic

House of fraser

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:09 Page 53

£3.75 Gisela Graham

Bauble £4 Marks & Spencer.

Bauble £4 Marks & Spencer.

Crackers (set 6) £15 BHS Glitter Pear £3 Marks & Spencer.

Biba Bauble House of Fraser

Bauble House of Fraser

Giant Ribbed Bauble £4.99 Berry Red

Hollow Bauble £5 Marks & Spencer Sequin Bauble £3.75 Berry Red

Stockng House of Fraser

Sequin Wreath £55 House of Fraser

Glitter Snowflake £2.50 BHS

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:09 Page 54

Silver Sparkle

Affinity master Nov 2013 20_Layout 1 copy 18/10/2013 11:01 Page 55

Dragonfly Debenhams Chandelier Decoration £2 Tesco

Bauble £8 House of Fraser

Debenhams

Glitter Mesh Bauble £2.99 Dobbies

Silver Gem Baubles £5 (pack 4) Tesco

Dimpled Heart £6 retreat-home.com

Silver Bauble £6 House of Fraser

Handbag Bauble Debenhams

Sequin Butterfly £5 House of Fraser

Debenhams

Wreath £9.99 homesense.com

Nickel Westie Dog - £7.00 tch.net

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:09 Page 56

Property of the Month Immaculate and beautifully presented extended four double bedroom detached home sitting on approximately 0.45 of an acre (sts) in the picturesque village of Bolnhurst.

This character and charming home comprises of entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, study, family room, side lobby, downstairs w.c, four double bedrooms, two en-suites and a family bathroom. The property further benefits form ample off road parking, carport, double width garage, workshop and a large plot overlooking fields both to the front and the rear. This property really must be viewed to fully appreciate its fantastic living accommodation as well as the plot it sits on. EPC F Bolnhurst is in rural countryside on the B660 Bedford to Kimbolton Road, located approximately 8 miles from Bedford.

The Plough public house/restaurant is just over 1/2 a mile to the south and the village is within the catchment area of Sharnbrook Upper School. The A1 and St Neots are approximately 6 miles and 8 miles respectively.

The Post House, Kimbolton Road, Bolnhurst, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK44 2EL - Offers in excess of ÂŁ500,000 For further details contact Advancing Property on 01234 268064 info@advancingproperty.co.uk www.advancingproperty.co.uk

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:09 Page 57

HIGH QUALITY AFFORDABLE FURNITURE There’s no place like home....or

With over 50 years experience as specialist furniture manufacturers and stockists of Oak and Pine furniture, we have a wide selection ranging from modern to traditional styles for rooms throughout your home as well as garden furnishings; all designed to enhance your living experience....

Furnishers Delivery in time for Christmas on some of our ranges - call in to find out more!

Occasional & Dining

The LaDuna Range

BEAUTIFUL UPHOLSTERED HAND MADE BEDS AND MATTRESSES TO GO, MIRRORS AND SO MUCH MORE

Bedroom 127 BARKERS LANE, BEDFORD MK41 9RT MON - SAT 9.30AM - 5PM

SUN 11AM - 4PM

01234 355525 info@carlofurnishers.com www.carlofurnishers.com Like us on Facebook

TAKE THE GOOGLE VIRTUAL TOUR

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:09 Page 58

Affinity gardening Poinsettas

N

ovember is here and it is normally around this time that thoughts turn towards Christmas, it’s not just the presents, food, who’s going to who’s house etc, a large emphasis is placed on the Christmas tree and decorations around the house. A very popular and easy decoration to dot around the house is a Poinsettia. Poinsettias are cheery plants that are widely grown indoors over the festive season for their brightly coloured bracts. They are often disposed of once they start to fade, but with a little care, you can keep them all year and the bracts will colour up again the following year.

Poinsettias need bright, but filtered light, away from strong sun and draughts. They need a minimum temperature of 13-15°C (55-59°F).

Be careful when transporting poinsettias from the shop to your home in the winter, as the cold outdoor temperatures can damage the foliage. Always ask if the shop can wrap the plant in paper right around the top of the foliage, or put it in a plastic bag so that it is completely protected.

Sometimes a poinsettia will start wilting once you get it home, and continue to deteriorate, no matter what you do. This could be due to the plant having been stored in cold conditions in the shop before you bought it.

Unfortunately there is little you can do about this. Buying plants from reputable supplier such as Frosts.

Water poinsettias sparingly as overwatering can damage plants. As a rule of thumb, only water when the surface of the compost has begun to dry out. The flowering life of plants is extended by humidity, so mist plants regularly.

Feed monthly with a low nitrogen, high potassium fertiliser.

Affinity Loves....

Reindeer Treat Bowl £5.49 Frosts

Real Glass Christmas Decorations £4.99 Frosts

Christmas Sign £3.99 Frosts

Frosts Garden Center

Inspiring gardeners since 1946 Sandy Road, Willington, Bedford, MK44 3QP 01234 838777 www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk 60

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:09 Page 59

G.Butler Loft conversions Loft and Garage Conversion Specialist 01234 327205 07801We 880557 will provide a service from Family getting bigger?to completion planning Specialists in loft and garage conversions.

Need more space for the toys?

Or just need an extra room? █ Over 23 years experience We may be able to help! █ █ █ █ █

Free quotes ★ Well established local business Professional advice ★ Reference available on request Design,★ planning & construction available Comprehensive service from planning to All work completion fully insured ★ Qualified Trades people Local business ★ Free quotes and

01234 327205 Call Jane on: 0780101234 880557 215523 www.loftconversionsbedfordshire.co.uk 07507 602401 practical advice

The space above your head is the room you have always dreamed of

jane@affinitymag.co.uk The space above your head is the room you have always dreamed of

Bedford Wheels for friendly professional advice with competitive prices The price we quote is the price you pay!

Vehicle Servicing - Cars and Commercial Vehicles ∙ Established 17 years ∙ Genuine Vehicle Service Parts Used (Maintaining Warranty) ∙ Courtesy Cars Available ∙ Car Collection & Delivery

Mon - Fri 8am-5.30pm Sat 8am-1pm

∙ MOT Repairs Carried Out ∙ Bedford Wheels carries out full and interim servicing by professional technicians ∙ Specialists in High Performance Car Tyres

Winter Checks Being Carried Out ∙ Anti-freeze

∙ Brakes

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56 College St. Kempston Bedford MK42 8LU T: 01234 216 662 F: 01234 400 047 info@bedford-wheels.co.uk www.bedford-wheels.co.uk Bedford Wheels for Vehicle Servicing & Tyres, Technology you can Lean on!

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:09 Page 60

All about...

Carlo Arduini

Age: 66 years young Occupation: Chairman Carlos Furnishers

What would you do if you had a time machine?

Correct my past mistakes!

Describe yourself in three words?

Honest, Open-minded, Kind

You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave the house without? iPhone and wife!

What makes you stand out in a crowd?

My straight talking

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

Fish and vegetables, I'm on a health kick at the moment

Your top three movies?

Mama Mia, Skyfall, Life of PI What do you do to relax?

Work

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

Frank Sinatra, because he did it my way!

Your most extravagant purchase and why?

Rolex watch on the occasion of my 65th Birthday

If you were a biscuit what would you be?

Digestive

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

Richard Branson

Who is your inspiration/role model?

Stanley Wood, who was my one and only boss. He taught me everything I know

Describe your ideal woman?

My wife (I have to say that!)

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

Razor

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

Nespresso machine & refills, Biscotti and a good book

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Alive and Kicking!

62

Hol Rive

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Bag £45 Fat Face

Canvas Holdall £40 Next

Bag of Style

Fred Perry House of Fr

Fred Perry £120 House of Fraser

Vivienne westwood Bag £280 House of Faser

Riverisland

Holdall £70 River Island

River Island

Ted Baker £219 House of Fraser

John Rocha £120 Debenhams

Hugo Boss £800 House of Fraser

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:10 Page 62

Fry’s

footie corner

T

he big difference once you become the owner of a club means the buck stops with you. You are responsible for paying everyone’s wages. When Colin Hill sold me Peterborough in 2003, he knew – and everyone else agreed – that I wouldn’t last two minutes. To be fair, he was right. What I took on was incredible. I had no experience of owning a business, I didn’t know what VAT was or what police bills meant, and it knocked me for six. Not only that, I was still the manager of the football club at the time.

However, what people had forgotten was my knack of doing deals, and I survived because of my ability to sell players or agreements on players. I would do anything to keep the club going and I had to do that. Who else would have taken a second mortgage on their house for £300,000? Not only that, my wife Kirstine even signed the bloody form. Not many women would have done that.

www.theposh.com When Darragh became interested, I was honest and told him the bad things about the club. At first he didn’t believe me, but once he had completed the due diligence, he realised what I had been up against. He bought the club on the stipulation that I stayed on in a Director of Football role because he could see how much money I had brought into the club through transfer dealings. That man saved me.

I sold my house in Portugal to plough the money into the football club, I cashed in my pension to keep the club going and I used my mother-in-law’s house as collateral to get a bank overdraft. I did these things because I wanted Peterborough United to survive, but believe me, it was hard. It was almost impossible.

A lot of people helped me. The staff worked morning, afternoon and night for very little reward, but we were a team, we worked together. They would have run through a brick wall for me and that is why when Darragh MacAnthony bought the club it was on one stipulation: that the staff were kept on.

I am so pleased all of that heartache was worth it. In the last seven years, we have enjoyed three promotions and please God, it is four this year and we have had such fun along the way. Darren Ferguson has a great squad and improves every player and we have sold players to the tune of £20 million. Our current group are worth millions of pounds to us and for this little club, it is fantastic.

The responsibility of paying everyone’s wages (£150,000 per month) was just enormous, and there were weeks when I didn’t sleep at all. I was on the training ground and I would receive a call from Mary Faxon in the office to tell me the bailiffs had arrived in reception. I used to have to dash back to the ground – no manager should be doing that.

To go from those dark days when I owned the club to what the club are enjoying now, I see as a miracle. I go round with a permanent smile on my face. Every day at London Road is a bonus for me.

In the end, I had to look at myself in the mirror and realise that I couldn’t do both jobs, so I stepped down as manager to try and concentrate on paying the bills. That alone was a huge challenge every month. I look back on those days and if I had not been given the support that I got from my wife and some close friends, honest to God, I would have been dead by now.

I’m often asked to give advice to would-be managers and owners.

I think as a manager it is so difficult to be a success. I read a statistic that said that 72% of first-time managers never get a second job once they are sacked. I personally think that is scandalous – they put so much into the job, both in terms of qualifications and in the hours they work. My advice is that there is one certainty: you will get the sack, so enjoy it while you can.

And as regards ownership, it is an unbelievable task to be the owner of a football club. The expectations from fans, who just want success, is hard to contain. It is worrying. It ruins your life both as an owner and a manager. It ruins your weekend. It ruins your family’s weekend. It affects you that much. I know many owners who have put multi-million pound sums of money into clubs. All they have suffered is abuse, and it is unfair. They care about their club. Trust me, they care. So my advice is simple. Don’t do it!

The worry of paying the staff was killing me – not so much the players, it was more the people behind the scenes who had mortgages to pay and were relying on that money. It was a very difficult time for me and I don’t know how I would have survived – in fact I know I wouldn’t have – if Darragh MacAnthony hadn’t watched the documentary series Big Ron Manager filmed at Posh, and focusing on Ron Atkinson’s troubleshooting efforts at the club.

I took a lot of criticism for that show. It put Peterborough United in a bad light. I had a meeting with everyone at the club and was honest about the situation. I couldn’t pay them that month or the next month. This “warts and all” show would generate revenue to be able to pay them, and that is what happened.

64

Barry Fry

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:10 Page 63

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Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:10 Page 64

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:10 Page 65

Here it is!!!

The Premier Performance Track Experience If you like the idea of driving fast then this is right up your alley!

At Premier Performance we are offering you something slightly dfferent. We have two Ford Puma cars that are so easy to drive.

They have been completely stripped and have sports suspension.

Our Track days are not only designed for you to drive fast but to enhance your driving which in turn will make you a better driver.

We decided to put the cars to the test ourselves. So on a wet Saturday morning we went along to Bedford Autodrome for our very own Track Day to see exactly what the cars could do, and regardless of the wet conditions the cars were pushed to their limits!

Check out our FB page for the pictures.

If you are a novice or a bit nervous, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry we also provide one to one tuition. We can also accomodate small groups making it easier to spread the cost.

If you want your next life changing experience to be a Prmier Performance Track Day, drop us an email and let us help you unleash your inner Racing Driver!

For more information vist our new improved website www.premier- performance.co.uk follow us on Facebook and don't forget to let us know your thoughts.

Premier Performance - 13A, Shuttleworth Road, Elms Industrial Estate, Bedford, MK41 OPE 01234 272549

www.premier-performance.co.uk

Premier Tyres & Exhausts

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:10 Page 66

Welcome to the musings of Yummy Mummy. Living in Bedford she is married to ‘The Husband’ and together they have 4 children, Rafferty 8, Violet 6, Roman 5 and baby Clementine 1

All my views are my own and are not intended to offend anyone but alas I may frustrate you as I certainly do myself and no doubt those around me at times. I would love to hear from you, your views, questions or indeed just to share your experiences of trying to be a Yummy Mummy. Email me at info@affinitymag.co.uk

Play Date Etiquette!

U

nless you are a really antisocial parent then you will be a fully fledged member of the play date brigade!

chit-chat can be quite useful here too, not only in gleaning this information but getting to know the parents is also a good measure as to what friendships you do want to nurture! However I really have to force myself to approach certain parent groups on the playground as all too often they stick together in cliques! Now that is a whole different column and I break out in a sweat just thinking about it!

When children are of pre-school age it is easier to negotiate the trials and tribulations of play dates.

Normally you limit yourself with trips to your good friend’s houses for a cuppa and a catch up, whether it is a long term friend or a new-ish one you have met through antenatal or play groups. Of course you may get an over-enthusiastic mum wanting to befriend you, so you have to endure a couple of hours of small talk that is peppered with awkward silences, which you try to fill with utter babble as you wonder why you ever agreed to meet up! There is nothing wrong with these mums, after all if we were all the same then the world would be a very boring place. But we are all different and not suited to be best friends with everyone – besides I’m sure alot of people probably cross the road when they see me approaching!

The day arrives of the first play date of someone new, and you are disappointed your child doesn’t wake with a temperature, cough, cold etc – I draw the line at vomit here as an unknown play date is still preferable to scrubbing sick out of the carpet! Your day progresses as normal however the time between 3.30pm and pick up time goes really slowly and your phone never leaves your side. You start to develop RSI symptoms from picking up your phone to check it is still on! 6pm arrives and your child is delivered back safely after having a wonderful time and after breathing a huge sigh of relief you think that the parents seem really nice and maybe you could have new friends too!

When the children start school, you then get the dilemma of the non-accompanied play dates. Normally I will go along with them until they start in Year 1, as at reception class age they still seem so little to me.

Anyway I don’t want to play host to children who need help in the toilet department as I am sure there are children at that age who still need it.

Thankfully my children are still within the age range where you can have some influence with who they play with and therefore who they want to invite home. Now before you think I am some kind of snob, rest assured I am far from it and of course my children are no angels.

However I do try to discourage friendships with the more disruptive members of the class and my children keep me informed as to who they are! And playground

When the children are in bed, I kick back with a glass of something chilled and I reflect on the day and wonder what all the fuss was about. Then a thought creeps in, if I got this stressed about today, what am I going to be like as they get older and they start deciding for themselves where they want to go, or I don’t know where they are or when I am waiting for them to get home from a nightclub.............So I reach for the rest of the bottle!!

Yummy Mummy 68

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Was the Night before Christmas Personalised Gingerbread Man & Sweetie Stocking £26 Bundles of Joy

Baby's 1st Stocking £10 Marks & Spencer Santa Sack Debenhams

Personalised Stocking £24.99 gettingpersonal.co.uk

Reindeer Stocking £15 Marks & Spencer

Knitted Stocking £15 House of Fraser

Stocking Debenhams

Vintage Stocking £6.99 cloth-ears.co.uk Christmas Pudding Stocking £12.00 tch.co.uk

Christmas Tree Stocking £9.95 Dot Com Gift shop

Affinity master Nov 2013 19_Layout 1 copy 17/10/2013 19:11 Page 68

Christmas Markets

Cologne Christmas Market Cologne is a fantastic place to get into the Christmas spirit, with the whole city being used to ring in the festive season. Enjoy 2 nights on board a DFDS ferry with comfortable cabins, live entertainment and a range of shops, restaurants and bars, before staying for 2 nights in the 4 star* Cologne Marriott Hotel for the perfect Christmas getaway.

Brussels Christmas Market Brussels Christmas market is one of the biggest and best in Europe, with over 240 chalets offering gifts and decorations from sellers across Belgium and Europe in a magical winter wonderland. It’s the ideal way to get into the Christmas spirit whilst enjoying a relaxing break in one of Belgium’s most beautiful cities.

You can enjoy great entertainment and cosy en-suite cabins to and from Holland, with inclusive coach transfers taking you directly to your hotel, where you can unpack before heading out to explore. The Christmas market stretches for more than a mile, between Grand’Place and the Marché aux Poissons along an illuminated route, with lots of traditional Christmas attractions and activities along the way.

The diversity of the marketplaces in Cologne is incredible, and you’re certain to find the perfect last-minute gift – or even a treat for yourself – among the hundreds of stalls.

There is a huge range of goodies on offer, from handmade toys and winter clothing to delicious food gifts. See traditional glassblowers at work along with magicians and jugglers providing some great entertainment as you shop.

Brass bands and choirs create a seasonal atmosphere, along with a huge Ferris wheel and a huge outdoor ice rink - adding the finishing touches to the perfect Christmas experience. The main marketplace is in Grand’Place, the main square in Brussels, and amongst the illuminated gothic architecture are charming wooden stalls filled with festive treats and tasty seasonal delicacies.

One of the best markets is Märchenweihnachtsmarkt (fairytale Christmas market) at the appropriately-named Rudolfplatz, where you will find a range of traditional decorations, handmade gingerbread hearts and wooden toys.

The Christmas Market of Angels at Neumarkt is a beautiful market, set amongst decorated chalet-style stalls and surrounded by trees, where lights twinkle festively to add a warm glow to the scene.

You’ll find that a Brussels Christmas market mini cruise gives you the perfect opportunity to unwind and prepare for Christmas in the traditional market, as well as experiencing the beauty of the city at Christmastime. www.dfdsseaways.co.uk

The new Cologne Harbour Christmas Market is near to the popular Chocolate Museum, by the historical harbour.

Modern and elegant, with about 80 white marquee pagoda tents and roof peaks, like ship sails, this Christmas Market aims to inspire a nautical theme. www.dfdsseaways.co.uk 70

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Bruges Christmas Market Bruges was named amongst ‘ten of Europe’s best Christmas markets’ by the Daily Telegraph and now you can visit the enchanting city, thanks to this special festive market break.

The beautiful Belgian city is the perfect place to enjoy a festive break so much so it is almost as if the city was tailor-made for Christmas markets, with its fairytale-like medieval buildings, quaint cobbled streets and picturesque canals. Browse market stalls with the air scented by honey waffle biscuits and discover beautiful handmade jewellery, wooden toys perfect for children, leather goods and many more delightful gift ideas. Should you wish to stray beyond the stalls there are fairground rides, horse and cart rides and an outdoor ice rink as well as all the cultural richness of fairy-tale Bruges. www.dfdsseaways.co.uk Glasgow Christmas Market This year's Glasgow Christmas Market is once again located in St Enoch Square. Fifty colourful stalls will offer a selection of gifts, artisan products and global cuisine set in the festive village of rustic cabins and stalls. This truly seasonal experience for all the family has something for everyone, from scarves, jewellery, hats and purses, to chutneys, cheeses and waffles.

Browse round the stalls and fill your senses with the smells and sounds of Christmas as you sip Gluhweine or a warming hot chocolate. You'll be tempted by the fresh food on offer day and night, including gourmet burgers, hog roast and traditional french crepes.

Come and enjoy the Christmas Market - it’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

For a cool family day out, get your skates on and head to Glasgow on Ice at George Square. Opening on Saturday 23rd November, the city’s only open-air ice rink is one of the largest in Europe and is the perfect place to experience the city’s Christmas cheer.

16th November – 23rd December

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Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it’s off to Panto we Go! Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho

it’s off to panto we go with Hollywood superstar Warwick Davis who is known to millions for his roles in Star Wars, Harry Potter and Willow. He has recently been seen on our TV screens in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s hilarious ‘Life’s too Short’ and ‘Idiot Abroad 3’ and this December he will be appearing in panto at The Milton Keynes Theatre in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

most memorable person that you’ve worked with?

“Wow that’s really hard to answer I’ve worked with so many people and they’ve all been memorable. There’s been a few that are closer to my mind so let’s work it over the years and go through a few. Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford in Star Wars, they were my heroes, remember I was 11 years old and I was getting to work with people I admired and looked up to that was truly amazing. Going on through my career Steve Coogan, when I worked with him years ago he was my hero as far as the character Alan Partridge goes, his character comedies were brilliant so I suppose he would be somebody and then there’s Ricky, Stephen and Karl. I think just getting to work with the actors that I’m a fan of is amazing.”

We caught up with the lovely Warwick as he was getting ready for rehearsals to talk about Robin Williams, dinosaurs and time travel!

You’ve been an actor since you were 11 years old?

“That’s right my nan heard an advert on the radio and I got the job purely because I was the right height, that was all it was down to. As the film went on though, they thought hang on he’s quite interesting we like what he’s doing with the character and I was then given a bigger role, that film then finished and another one started, again produced by George Lucas, they wanted me to come back in this film as the same character and then from that point on it’s just never really stopped I’ve just had one lucky break after another”

Is there anybody on your bucket list that you would like to work with in the future?

“Aaah yes I’d like to work with Chevy Chase and Will Ferrell. John Candy was my ultimate hero I would have loved to work with him - Robin Williams (Laughs)” I’ll keep an eye out for that in the future “Yeah have you got any influence?”

I’ll try next time I’m out to dinner with any of them I’ll put in a good word for you!”

Do you think that if you hadn’t had that initial break you would have still gone into this industry?

“I don’t know its hard to say – I kind of think that my grandmother hearing that advert was my sort of sliding doors moment, it was the moment that changed my life so to speak – Who knows what would have happened, my dad was an Insurance Salesman so I may have just gone to school done my exams and followed in his footsteps, but instead acting came along it seemed like a good idea and I enjoyed it. It is kind of weird though to think that I didn’t seek out this career it kind of found me.”

So in your career of over 30 years who’s been the

With Star Wars, Willow and the likes of Harry potter under your belt – An Idiot Abroad something completely different, where did that come from?

“Well it was sort of my own fault a little bit, when we were filming Life’s too Short Karl was away on his second trip an Idiot Abroad 2 and I said he’s lucky he gets to do all these trips that he doesn’t even appreciate, he’s seeing all this amazing stuff and at the same time Karl is saying “I am never dong another one of these again unless you come with me” to Ricky. Ricky hardly leaves the house so 72

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he wasn’t going to join Karl on the other side of the World.

But then he was like hang on Warwick said Karl doesn’t appreciate what he’s doing so he kind of put two and two together and put the two of us together! It was weird - I remember as we flew out to Venice we were both like I guess we’re doing this aren’t we? and we’re like yeah how did this happen it was really odd it was like it came about so quickly and we were thrown into it before we knew what was going on!”

everyone was getting ill and dyeing so if I could just pop in and out, have a little look around and pop back out again that would be perfect. The era of Sherlock Holmes that’s the sort of London where there’s lots of atmosphere that’s definitely where I’d go – I would also like to go back and see some dinosaurs in the flesh. We were in the lake district last week in the fells and the valleys and you kind of picture a dinosaur wandering across some of the landscapes. So I would pop back in time and see what it was actually like but again pop back before I get eaten!!”

On his travels Karl just says it how it is, what you see is what you get, did this get you into any trouble when you were away?

“Karl says what he says but you can tell there’s no malice in it so when you’re out and about people don’t readily take offence. Some of the things I did worry about was that he might upset the people because of their particular beliefs but it was ok we didn’t get into any bother. I think most people looked at him and thought yeah we’ll let him off – he cant help it (laughs out loud)”

Ha Ha Warwick does Jurassic Park, you heard it here first “Thank you very much, hang on a minute that’s a good idea for a documentary!”

Would you do a follow up?

“I would definitely, there’s a lot more of the world to explore.”

You can credit me that’s fine “Yeah we could do the series based in a time machine.

Didn’t Nigel Marven do a series where they trawled through time to visit sea monsters it was really great – my daughter loved it.”

Here at Affinity we always like to finish with a random question – slightly connected with Dr Who, he has a tardis but I’m asking you what would you do if you had a time machine?

“I would go back to the time when London was Victorian London maybe even the time of the plague. I know it sounds weird but that’s London when it was really London I’d like to pop in and out when I want”

You’d be better at it though………………………

Snow white and the Seven Dwarfs comes to Milton Keynes Theatre on Friday 6th December – Sunday 12th January Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Well yes you don’t want to catch the plague!

“That’s right I need to get out before I get the plague, 73

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A quiet night in T

he story begins in the dark chill of an Icelandic winter, in her boyfriend’s flat: she has just been dumped. Her lover is blunt, and insists this will be their last meeting. She returns home, to her husband, and discovers that he plans to divorce her. And that his mistress is expecting a child.

Our heroine sets about preparing his supper - a goose she mistakenly ran over on the way home - taking great care to cover the tyre marks…

liberating surprise is to follow, when her and Tumi’s shared lottery ticket nets them a prize of over forty million kroner.

They make the obvious decision – to head off together on a road trip across Iceland. Along the way, they take in Estonian choirs, cucumber farming hotels, dead sheep, and any number of her exes desperate for another chance; with highly entertaining consequences.

So opens this elegant and surprising novel; a novel which entrancingly juxtaposes dark wit and lively twists at every turn.

Accepting the impending divorce, she moves into her office and dreams of travelling far away from the men who claim they don’t want her, but who somehow keep finding excuses to appear in her life. Her holiday plans are wrecked, however, when her heavily pregnant best friend Audur is hospitalised; as a favour, she very reluctantly agrees to look after Audur’s deaf-mute son Tumi. But a

Butterflies in November is at once light, comical and uniquely moving. It is a legacy of life’s mistakes; a deliciously unaffected commentary on the nature of relationships and motherhood; a feast of dramatic, rough-hewn landscapes, succulent local delicacies and peculiar customs.

Butterflies in November is one woman’s story of divorce, escape and unplanned parental responsibilities – a heart-warming tale unlike anything you'd imagine…You will cry, you will laugh, you will recognise yourself and people you know … and you will learn something new about the nature of love.

A

s the planet of Krypton crumbles, General Zod (Michael Shannon) stages a coup as concerned leader Jor-El (Russell Crowe) and his wife send their infant son Kal-El to a distant world called Earth. While the young child travels through space with an object containing the DNA of his home planet, General Zod and his cohorts are sentenced to an eternity in a black-hole prison.

Named Clark and raised by kindly farmers Jonathan (Kevin Costner) and Martha Kent (Diane Lane), young Kal-El lives in fear of what might happen should his neighbors learn about his extraterrestrial origins,but eventually he explores the world in search of himself.

Clark's travels take him to a frozen tundra, where the American government has discovered an 18,000-year-old anomaly buried deep in the ice. Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane (Amy Adams) has just come to investigate when, after venturing out with her camera, she has a profound encounter with Clark.

General Zod, takes over the airwaves and threatens to obliterate the human race if they fail to hand over Kal-El within 24 hours.

Forced to embrace his otherworldly origins for the first time in his life, Clark Kent dons the special suit from Krypton and prepares to take a stand against an enemy far more powerful than any he's ever known. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi Release Date: 12th November 74

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A night at the movies Last Vegas

M

ichael Douglas, Robert De Niro and Morgan Freeman star in a riotous sixtysomething bachelor party comedy!

Billy (Michael Douglas) has always been happily single. But now he's in his sixties, he finally feels it's time to settle down and get married. After all, his intended bride is getting on a bit too. She's nearly 32. So Billy calls childhood friends Paddy (Robert De Niro), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Sam (Kevin Kline) with a plan. They're going back to Las Vegas together to party like it's 1959! Trouble is, Archie is not in the best of health these days. What's more, when the aging quartet arrive in Las Vegas, they find their old haunts have changed out of all recognition since they were young. Unresolved issues between them soon bubble to the surface too. 'National Treasure' director Jon Turteltaub's brilliantly cast comedy brings together four Oscar-winning screen legends for a feast of senior misbehaviour!

Release Date: 8th November

Gravity

S

andra Bullock and George Clooney are cast adrift in space in this intense 3D sci-fi thriller! Medical engineer Dr Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is on her very first mission aboard the space shuttle Explore. Her commander is veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney), who's on his final flight before retiring. But a seemingly routine spacewalk 372 miles above the Earth ends in disaster when satellite debris ploughs into the shuttle. The impact catapults Stone and Kowalsky into the unforgiving blackness. An eerie silence tells them they have also lost contact with NASA altogether. With a finite supply of oxygen, their prospects seem bleak. But panic and fear gives way to a realisation that their only hope of survival is to work together and travel further into deep space.

Release Date: 8th November

The Counselor

M

ichael Fassbender and Brad Pitt star in Ridley Scott's gripping thriller about a lawyer who becomes a drugs trafficker. The counsellor (Michael Fassbender) seems to have it all, including the beautiful Laura (Penelope Cruz) as his fiancee. But he wants more. An opportunity arises to become involved in a huge international drug deal overseen by scaryhaired Reiner (Javier Bardem). He ignores warnings about how this will change his life and dives right in. But then fixer Westray (Brad Pitt) breaks the bad news that the $20 million shipment has been hijacked. Worse still, their ruthless business partners blame the counsellor alone for this loss.

And they're out for revenge!

Release Date: 15th November

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your guide to .........

What’s On November 2013

Sat 2nd November Firework Display Blunham Playing field, Blunham Gate Opens 6pm - Bonfire lit 6.30pm - Fireworks 7pm BBQ, Bar, Hot drinks Adults £5.00 (U16 free must be accompanied by an adult - max of 2 children per adult) 01767640880 www.blunhampfa.co.uk

Admission £1 with free cup of tea or coffee, children under 14 free www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk Mon 11th November Christmas Shopping Event 6.30pm – 9.30pm Mercedes Benz, Bedford in association with 5th Avenue Hair & Beuty Spa Drinks & Nibbles/ Demonstrations/ Free Mini Treatment Tasters/ Gift Vouchers/Free Prize draw and lots more FREE Entry Places Limited so book today 01234 341377 / 01234 272888

Sun 3rd November Gamlingay Fireworks Eco Hub, Gamlingay The sky will be alight with colourful, innovative and exciting new fireworks from Fantastic Fireworks. There will be BBQ, Soup, jacket potatoes and lots more refreshments. You can enter our 'movies themed' guy competition for just £1. (Bring guys at 4:30 for judging) Gates open 4:30pm - Fireworks 5:30pm Tickets £3.50 in advance (£4.00 on the gate) 07950 029714 Thurs 7th November Christmas Shopping Event 6pm – 9pm Y Spa, Wyboston Lakes Come along for this great evening to include a glass of bubbles on arrival and FREE entry into a prize draw.

A representative from Murad and Elemis will be on hand to help wih your skincare problems and to give a small talk. As well as a glamour table (glamlash, OPI, and HD Brows), a Neom table, mini treatments and lots more Book on the night, and pay for 1 treatment receive 15% discount or book and pay for 3 or more treatments receive 25% discount.

10% discount on retail products including gift sets.

Yickets are FREE, but you do need to book www.yspa.co.uk Fri 8th November 70’s Party Night 7.30pm – 12.30am Whittlebury Hall and Spa 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. Join us for a night of singing and dancing with a six-piece live band and disco, with the funkiest sounds around such as Play That Funky Music, Disco Inferno, Dancing Queen, Lady Marmalade, Blame It On The Boogie and of course the classic Car Wash to name but a few... £49 per person including a three-course dinner, half bottle of house wine, two complimentary drinks vouchers and entertainment £99 per person including the event, bed and breakfast and full use of The Leisure Club facilities 0845 400 1406 www.whittleburyhall.co.uk

Tues 12th – Fri 15th November Bedford Art Society Autumn Exhibition 10am – 4pm This Exhibition will be held in the Staff Lounge of Bedford Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street.

All pictures are original work by members. Also there is a guest section from Mark Rutherford School. All work is for sale.

Entry is free.

01234 307210 www.bedsartsociety.co.uk Fri 15th November Affinity Diamond & Pearl Charity Ball 7pm – 1am The Sharnbrook Hotel, Beds Join us for our Annual Charity Ball in memory of ‘Pat McGirl’ and in aid of Keech Hospice Care. A night full of glitz and glamour to include a drinks and canapé reception, three course meal, coffee and cheese table, fabulous raffle, spectacular auction, casino tables, fun photobooth, dancing to Vision and lots more. Tickets are £50 with 10% discount for tables of ten – don’t miss out, why not combine it as your works Christams party.

07507 602401 jane@affinitymag.co.uk Fri 29th November Pure Heart Fashion Show – 7pm Oakley Village Hall Featuring Ladies Italian designer clothing, collections Amari, Hollister, & children's clothing. Stunning jewellery, scarves & accessories, exciting stalls perfect Christmas gifts. Tickets £5 includes a Goodie Bag. Raffle for The Child Development Centre Bedford.

Ticket / Stall contact Tabitha 07957 580331 tabitha_h_walker@yahoo.co.uk Facebook - Pure Heart Jewellery Clothing & Accessories Sat 30th November The South (The Beautiful South) 7.30pm The Bedford Corn Exchange Featuring ex members of the Beautiful South band. This 9 piece perform many of the Beautiful South hits including A Little Time, Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Song For Whoever, Don't Marry Her. The South continue to supply new, fresh, caustic pop on their debut album "Sweet Refrains", which was released in November 2012 on Zoo Records to critical acclaim. www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

Sat 9th November Christmas Craft Fayre and John Bunyan Museum Open Day 10am – 3pm A variety of craft stalls, charity stalls, children’s activities and much more. Take this opportunity to explore this historic church, have some tasty refreshments, get some lovely unique Christmas gifts and discover the story of John Bunyan in the Museum. Come along and join the fun!

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Santa is coming to

I

FROSTS

t has become one of the biggest calendar events of the year for families in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas – Santa’s Arrival at Frosts Garden Centre in Woburn Sands.

been a closely guarded secret! There’s only one way to find out…

Each child will leave the Christmas experience with their reindeer food, a present, a secret gift and a chocolate while parents will also have a secret gift and mince pie.

Father Christmas has confirmed he will be arriving on Saturday 16th November at 11am, and he has promised to make this year the most magical ever. Arriving on his magical carriage and joined by his fairy-tale friends, Santa will travel straight from his home in the North Pole before taking residency in his grotto.

Each family is given a time allocation to avoid queuing.

Santa’s arrival is packed with activities and excitement throughout the whole day and this year Prince Charming and Snow White from this year’s Milton Keynes Theatre’s Panto will be joining the fun.

True to tradition, the Frosts grotto offers a complete journey from start to finish that lasts 45 minutes. An enchanting experience for the whole family, children and adults will enter the magical woodland, make reindeer food and learn a Christmas song with the Head Elf before entering Santa’s living room where he will share a story by the warm fireplace. This year, the adventure doesn’t end there as there is another room to enter - but what’s inside? Only Santa knows as it has

Frosts is also delighted to welcome back its popular real ice-skating rink.

Tickets cost £8.99 per child and £3.49 per adult.

Tickets can be booked online at www.frostsgroup.co.uk

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A Stitch in Time …

W

e’ve noticed a trend which is very interesting. More and more people are buying sewing machines. The economist in me (and common sense) suggests that this is an economic decision by people – some of whom are existing sewers, many of whom were sewers some time ago as well as people who have never sewed before. The trend began in 2009 and hasn’t really tailed off, which we thought it would. So, logic says, people have decided that sewing their own clothes, or making repairs, perhaps, is cheaper than buying new clothes. “Make do and mend”.

And, although we’re glad to make the sales, the fact that people are reduced to having to do this because of money woes is very sad. We empathise – we’re not immune to the problem ourselves!

At the shop we have Janome and Pfaff sewing machine agencies.

We inherited the Janome agency when we took over the business, but we’ve seen no reason to change it. Janome make good machines with a wide range of prices - from £99 to over £2000. They also make excellent specialist quilting machines.

Pfaff are the top of the range, making a great robust machine based on decades of experience of building industrial sewing machines. Pfaffs typically cost more, but with sewing machines you really do get what you pay for.

If you can afford a Pfaff then a Pfaff is probably what you should buy. Several of our staff are all enthusiastic converts!

And here’s something interesting – there’s a sheltered workshop in Northampton that converts mechanical and electric (but not electronic) sewing machines to treadlepower and sends them to Africa. We’ve sent several machines to them over the past few years, and they’re always grateful to get them.

Their web address is http://tfsrnorthampton.co.uk/

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Affinity Sept 2013 Cover _Layout 1 copy 12/08/2013 14:40 Page 1

AUGUST 2013 ISSUE 27

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August 2013

SUMMER BEAUTY

Create your pendant from hundreds of interchangeable discs

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Hair, nails and footwear to dazzle in the sun

All psyched out Psychic Sally returns to Bedford

Body Beautiful

This month’s beauty treatment

AromaWorks

Candles to complement any home

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