Lifestyle february 2015

happy valentine's day to all our readers and advertisers

Lifestyle issue82

lifestyle

february 2015 www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk

01 - front cover

february 2015

helen skelton

www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk

pop star...

jillian michaels

megHAn trainor

the bierkeller Find Your Free Recipe Inside

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Lifestyle editor's letter

february ISSUE 82 A note from our editor...

Hello lovely Lifestyle readers!

Ahh hello February, oh how I have missed thee.

I’m a hopeless romantic.

My capacity for watching cheesy romantic flicks and reading Wuthering Heights over and over again, can only be described as super human. Let me explain, in a few short weeks it’s Valentine’s day, which is also my Birthday and my wedding anniversary is the week after that. So this is a full month of celebration in my household and of course a full month of cheesy romance. Valentines doesn’t have to be about romantic love, it’s a celebration of all love, and an excuse for me to exuberantly display to those around me how much I care about them. So for a full month, I plan on wearing my ridiculous but wonderful heart shaped glasses, and bake heart shaped cakes, while I celebrate the existence of love in general and the people and things that I love most, in particular—my husband and twins, my family and friends. Many nights out have been planned, cake will be copiously consumed at Leaf on Bold Street, Indian street food will be sampled at the new Mowgli and cocktails slurped at the Bierkeller.

I can’t wait for this year’s Lifestyle Awards on the 7th March, I already have my outfit picked, with shiny new shoes. I’ll see you there, it’s going to be an amazing fun filled night.

Happy Valentine’s Joy Lewis, Editor 4

Joy x

www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk Email: joykinsedge@aol.com

ROME 84’ SPEZIALS M U R R E L L S T O U R S & E V E N T S P R O U D LY P R E S E N T S

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The winner will be notified by email. The editor’s decision is final.

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the award winning number one magazine for people who love

style in their life

Lifestyle Contents

18 helen skelton

on th e cover

10 meghan trainor

fashion and beauty Creative beauty Kids fashion Lifestyle loves...

Beauty with Michael Perks

features 08 23 38

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regulars 6

What’s on February DIY with Craig Phillips Motoring

16 58 64

Martin Mere How to stop/spot domestic abuse Give blood Jillian Michaels Nightlife with Martin Quirk

14 20 32 34 50

competitions WIN ODEON Tickets

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THE BLOGGER PROGRAMME _ the lifestyle team

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managing director AMANDA MOSS editor@lifestylemonthly.co.uk 07916332469 editor JOY LEWIS joykinsedge@aol.com 07729221922 business development director SIMON MOSS 07563192989 sales NEIL WOODS neil@lifestylemonthly.co.uk 07931 812 390 head of design EVE RUSSELL - PURPLE PARROT DESIGN www.purpleparrotdesign.com design contributors CATHERINE CORNFORTH, SOPHIE IDDON Thanks to photography contributions from Dave “the pap” Evans

www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk Copyright: Panda Print Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form without the publishers’ permission.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published but Panda Print Ltd cannot accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by advertisers. Advertising must be paid for at the time of going to print. A late payment of more than 30 days will result in us charging the full rate card.

Note to advertisers: We go to print on 24th of every month. Copy deadline is 20th of every month. Any advertising space cancelled after the 17th of the month will be charged as standard.

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Lifestyle

beauty

Sarah Victoria GEL II™

Reactions Speak Louder Than Words

If like me, you are constantly on the hunt for the latest beauty product, then look no further. Gel II™ has recently landed on our shores and has become a huge hit with nail professionals and their clients.

Gel II™ takes gel polish to a whole new level and it is taking Liverpool & the UK by storm!

It was recently voted The BEST SOAK OFF GEL POLISH 2014 and is already nominated in the Guild Awards for 2015.

What makes Gel II™ So Popular?

If you love colour and want your nails to match any outfit or mood then Gel II™ wont disappoint. Neons, glitters, glow in the dark and even temperature sensitive colour changing hues are in the range along with a huge choice of more traditional nail colours.

Over 200 in total!

Gel II™ will last for up to 3 weeks thanks to a top coat that wont lose it’s shine. Combine that with a fast twenty minute application using the Gel II™ cordless LED Lamp, it is easy to fit in a quick Gel II Manicure or pedicure during your week.

Although we weren’t actually born with nail plates just so that we could decorate them, it certainly is an added

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bonus that they offer the perfect platform for this so lets make the most of it and transform those talons into eye catching pieces of artwork that need very little aftercare.

Gel II™ dries instantly and won’t chip, peel or smudge!

Not only does Gel II™ offer a huge array of wearable colours & endless nail art opportunities but it is also kind to the natural nail as it is infused with vitamins and minerals that will enhance the condition of the natural nail instead of damaging them.

Annemarie, the owner of Indulgence Nails & Beauty in Liverpool says “ I love Gell II™ as do my clients. It has incredible durability. It lasts longer than other gel polish systems and is infused with vitamins to promote healthy nail growth.”

Gel II™ offers a protective coating that is infused with beneficial ingredients that will adhere to the uppermost layers of the nail and salon owners and clients are noticing the difference!

If you are as excited about wearing Gel II™ as Rhianna, The Saturdays and many more who have been spotted with Gel II™ on their nails then contact your local salon and ask for Gel II™ by name.

Salon Owner Lynsey Bate from LK Tanning & Beauty in Merseyside believes “it is the best gel polish that she has ever used.” Her clients love how shiny their nails are with Gel II™ and how durable it is.

If you would like to train in Manicure/ pedicure or Gel II™ application then please contact: The Creative Beauty Group North West, Unit 7, 24 Derby Rd, Bootle, L5 9PR Tel: 0845 606 6663 www.thecreativebeautygroupnorthwest.co.uk

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We offer a wide range of training including foundation courses for the novice, conversion courses for professionals and master classes for technicians wishing to further their career.

WE PARTNER WITH THE LEADING INDUSTRY BRANDS. In addition to providing education, The Academy is also a TRADE SALON SUPPLIER to salons, technicians and beauticians throughout

If you are considering a career in nails, tanning or beauty or you are already a professional, we look forward to hearing from you to see how partnering with us can help your business: The Creative Beauty Group North West, Unit 7, 24 Derby Rd, Bootle, L5 9PR Tel: 0845 606 6663 www.thecreativebeautygroupnorthwest.co.uk

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Lifestyle it's all about the base

MEGHAN TRAINOR Meghan Trainor signed her record deal just under a year ago, and in less than a year she’s gone from being a successful, but relatively unknown songwriter, to being a Grammy nominated global star…

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FINDING OUT YOU WERE NOMINATED FOR TWO GRAMMYS? Epic. A person who makes music only dreams… Dreams in life are to get Grammy’s.

And I’ve done that at 20 years old, now I’m 21.

But, to win it is a whole other game but, just to be nominated for the rest of my life, I’ll be introduced as ‘Grammy nominated Meghan Trainor’. That’s fricking epic!

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‘ALL ABOUT THAT BASS’ WAS SO BIG IN THE STATES AND HAS CONSEQUENTLY GONE GLOBAL. QUITE OFTEN WITH ARTISTS, THEY’LL LAUNCH IN THEIR OWN COUNTRIES FIRST AND THEY’LL BREAK THERE, AND THEN FOCUS ON OTHER COUNTRIES, BUT WITH YOU, IT ALL JUST HAPPENED ALL AT ONCE… Yeah, this is my first time being here and my song has - I already have two songs that are like, huge. Which is crazy.

Lifestyle it's all about the base ‘ALL ABOUT THAT BASS’ HAS BECOME A GLOBAL HIT AND WAS #1 HERE FOR 4 WEEKS. DID YOU HAVE A BIT OF AN INKLING THAT IT WAS GOING BE SO SUCCESSFUL WHEN YOU WERE WRITING IT? As a songwriter, I went to my favourite songwriters, and they said ‘how do you know you had a hit?’ and I said ‘it’s the ones you never guess, it’s ones you never know’ and we did ‘All About That Bass’ and we shelved it and we were like ‘cool song, whatever.

No ones gonna hear this. No pop star can sing this ‘cause they’re all fricking size zero’s and no one can rap and sing’. So the fact that this was probably my biggest song of life, it was one of those, I had no clue. And what you hear today is what the demo is. No auto tune or nothing, I walked out of the studio and that’s what I heard and that’s what’s played everyday

SO HOW’S IT BEEN FLYING AROUND THE WORLD AND VISITING LOADS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES? It’s amazing. It’s one of those things that at 20 years old, I could, I can say I’ve been Australia, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the UK. And a lot of 20 year olds can’t say that. They can say they’ve studied abroad but in one place.

NOW YOUR DEBUT ALBUM ‘TITLE’ IS OUT. WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE TRACK? It changes everyday, but today it’s ‘Bang Dem Sticks’.

YOU’VE GOT TO LOVE NANDO’S All I’ve eaten was chicken from the hotel, which was bomb, and then Nando’s chicken.

I’ve only eaten chicken since being here.

THE ALBUM WAS ALSO CO-WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY KEVIN KADISH, WHO HAS SOME AMAZING SONGS IN HIS BACK CATALOGUE. ‘STUCK’ BY STACIE ORRICO, FOR ONE. Ahhh! Listen, I was his biggest fan as a songwriter and he did Jason Mraz too. He did ‘Geek In The Pink’ and he did ‘It’s all about the wordplay’, that one, Dude! So I walked in there trying to be cool and was like… ‘I listen I rap’, he was like ‘okay’, I was like ‘and I like Doo Wop’ he was like ‘cool’, and I was like ‘and I’m not a size two’! And then we wrote about it and we were like ‘do you like it?’ he was like ‘I like it dude’ I like it. But I was such a fan, like to the end of the album I kept telling him ‘I’m still star-struck by you’. It’s crazy and no one gives him enough credit and that’s why this is a big moment for him too like, I’m just so happy he’s on this. It’s just amazing to see his face at these number one parties; it’s just like what the hell.

YOU’RE COMING BACK TO THE UK IN APRIL, PLAYING BIRMINGHAM, MANCHESTER, GLASGOW AND LONDON. I know, my, my heritage - or whatever it’s called - I’m Scottish! I’m Scottish and Polish and…Pale-ish. And, I’m all the ishs! So I’m excited to go there, then I can say ‘what’s up, I’m one of you’!

HAVE YOU GOT A FAVOURITE COUNTRY THAT YOU’VE VISITED SO FAR? This ones the prettiest, and I’m not saying that ‘cause you’re here! This one reminds me of Germany for some reason, my view was exactly the same. But the food in Germany was outstanding.

FOR SOME REASON WE ALWAYS SEEM TO GET QUITE A BAD REP FOR NOT HAVING THE BEST FOOD HERE. Really?! Nando’s kills it.

FINALLY, WHAT DOES THE REST OF THE YEAR HOLD FOR YOU? The tour in April, the Grammy’s! It’s just, it’s gonna be my year to really get people, let people start to know Meghan Trainor and who she is and what she’s about. And I’m so excited. 2014 was pretty epic… I think 2015, I think there’ll be more special performances that I haven’t done yet like Saturday Night Live or stuff.

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Lifestyle news

Cruise liner facility set to expand LIVERPOOL’S Cruise Liner facility is to be expanded to enable it to deal with larger vessels – while the council looks at options for a permanent building.

The expanded Cruise Liner facility is expected to contribute around £5.8 million to the city’s visitor economy in 2015, up from £1.3 million when it was a port of call destination.

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We knew the turnaround facility would be a huge success and the increase in demand we have seen since it opened means that we are now pretty much at capacity. It makes economic sense for us to purchase the building as, even with the improvements we are carrying out,

the cost is less than half the amount of continuing to rent it. This will put us in a position to continue the success of the cruise liner terminal while we look at options for a more permanent facility in the longer term.”

The great northern powerhouse will join up the Mersey and the Tyne say leaders

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CUTTING journey times between Liverpool and Newcastle from three hours to two hours will be a key part of the One North proposals for improved transport links in the region say the leaders of the two cities.

transport spending. The Government has invested billions on Cross Rail in London and continues to spend significantly more per capita in London than it does across the entire north.”

The Transport for the North Project Board has met for the first time to discuss the plans for a new hi speed route across the Pennines, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, have teamed up to back the case for coast to coast transport improvements which will genuinely unlock the potential for economic growth across the North.

“In Liverpool, our port is busier than ever and we are investing to grow it significantly over the next few years. We have to make sure we have the transport infrastructure in place to be able to carry freight and passengers across the north if we are to maximise the benefits. It’s only with this approach that the whole of the UK economy will benefit.”

The One North Plans will link the west and east coast “We are ready to go, we are ready to mainlines greatly improving connections between provide, we are ready to thrive, but we the North’s two great port cities. simply can’t do it without the long term Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool said: “If we want commitment of government to invest for to rebalance the economy, we also have to rebalance a whole Northern future.”

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Sat 14 - Sun 22 February Look online for details of all half term activities

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new look for holly lodge

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Lifestyle

work is complete on the construction of

the new £7 million Holly Lodge Girls’ College in West Derby in Liverpool.

The scheme has seen a new main teaching block built comprising new humanities classrooms, arts, music and drama spaces including an activity hall, and a Sixth Form centre with a central atrium and café area.

It forms part of the Liverpool Schools Investment Programme, devised as a rescue package following the scrapping of Wave Six of Liverpool’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project, and one of the Mayor of Liverpool’s key pledges.

The funding, a combination of city council and Government money, was negotiated as part of Liverpool’s City Deal, and is seeing at least 12 schools receive investment – with work on 10 already underway or complete.

The aim at Holly Lodge has been to reduce the number of school buildings, some of which were over 100 years old and unsuited to delivering a modern curriculum.

Headteacher Julia Tinsley said: “Our pupils and staff absolutely love our new buildings and we simply can’t wait to start teaching in them.

“We have been really anxious to make sure that the new buildings enhance the beautiful campus on which the school is built, and maintain the unique character of Holly Lodge.

“As well as getting much-needed new accommodation and ICT facilities, it will also be a much more environmentally friendly

school news

school and will cost us less to heat, maintain and repair.”

The new building is arranged in proximity to the five buildings which are being retained, greatly reducing lost teaching time as a result of pupils having to walk long distances between lessons.

Around a third of the existing site at the front nearest Queens Drive will be sold when the work is complete, to help contribute towards the costs of the Schools Investment Programme.

The work has been carried out by Kier Construction, with 85 percent of it subcontracted to firms in Liverpool and a further nine percent to those in the city region.

More than 100 apprenticeships have also been created through the schools investment programme.

Pupils moved in on January 12th and are delighted with their building.

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Lifestyle what's on

a night at

st georges hall

A

Night At St George’s Hall will be staged at 7pm on Friday 27 February, 2015 – and Lovehistory promises an evening like no other it has staged before at the illustrious venue. Upon arriving for 7pm, guests will be treated to an evening of all things grand. They will be greeted with

dinner, and then entertainment in the Great Hall.

There will be music, song and performances, show will take audiences back in time with spontaneous animations and projections.

Characters will include the city’s rich merchants in their heyday to the other end of the spectrum, the criminal underworld who will be lurking in the dark corners of the hall’s court, corridors and prison cells.

Guests will be given the option to roam the Hall and encounter characters at their own leisure and there will also be a number of promenade performances and guided tours.

Tickets are priced at £45 each which includes the .

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For further information please visit www.lovehistory.co.uk or www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk

That’s Amore

L

iverpool’s renowned Tmesis Theatre have announced a new brand production for Winter 2015 – and it’s all about love – wanting it, having it, keeping it and losing it.

That’s Amore will open at the Unity Theatre, Liverpool, before touring to a further six venues until 27th February. The 10-date tour will also include Norwich, Ormskirk, Bury, Halifax, Runcorn and Barnsley.

That’s Amore is a hilarious, fast paced, passionate and emotional piece of physical theatre which explores the vast world and culture of romantic love – from chance encounters to hidden desires, and emotional extremes to the science of romance. The

behind what makes our hearts beat faster.

For more information and tickets visit www.tmesistheatre.com

Lifestyle what's on

julian cope Rock musician

Julian Cope returns to liverpool at the epstein theatre

Liverpool welcomes the return of visionary rock musician and musicologist Julian Cope as he announces a date at the city’s Epstein Theatre on Thursday 5th February 2015 promising fans an evening of music spanning a career of 30 years.

Cope was the one-time front man of Liverpool band The Teardrop Explodes but musical output is only one facet to this singer, poet, occultist and photographer's work. His best-selling tome The Modern Antiquarian, a full colour 484-page hardback and follow-up The Megalithic European were the result of eight years of research into lost stone temples and ancient monuments.

The tour follows the release a new ‘Best Of’ compilation covering the years 1999-2014 entitled Trip Advisor. This was one the most prolific periods of his 30-year career in the rock business which not only saw Cope unleash a series of superb solo albums but also saw him collaborating with Sunn0))) and recording with proto-metal power trio Brain Donor.

Thursday 5th February - 7.30pm Ticket price: ADV: £23/ Door: £25.00 To book call 0844 888 4411* | Online at www. epsteinliverpool.co.uk* or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 2pm - 6pm Monday Thursday and 12pm-6pm Friday - Saturday. *Subject to booking fee.

MAGNUM are playing LIVERPOOL’s – Arts Club on Friday 6th February for one night only!

Five piece rockers Magnum released their 18th studio album ‘Escape From the Shadow Garden’ earlier this year and the epic tour that followed saw them rocking out venues all around Europe. The band are certainly no strangers to the road and will be doing it all again at Liverpool Arts Club for one night only.

Magnum, who regularly breached the Top 40 of both the singles and album charts in the Eighties and early Nineties, came together in the Midlands in the mid-Seventies and released their debut album 'Kingdom Of Madness' in 1978, followed by 'Magnum II' in 1979 and their first live album 'Marauder' in 1980. During this period they toured relentlessly with the likes of Def Leppard, Blue Oyster Cult and Judas Priest.

Tickets for the LIVERPOOL – Arts Centre Box Office No: 0151 559 3773 Website - www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/

magnum-tickets/149541 Show start at 7.00pm

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Lifestyle skelton’s outdoor adventures

HELEN SKELTON C

ountryfile recently debuted a Celebration of the Seasons, a 50-minute, beautifully shot documentary taking in some of the greatest landscapes the UK has to offer. Regular presenter Helen Skelton took the Countryfile team back to her

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native Cumbria to explore everything that spectacular part of the UK has to offer. She reveals how outdoor activities have been an integral part of her life since childhood – and why she believes this is a great time for women’s sport.

The documentary, which spans the length and breadth of the UK through the changing

Lifestyle skelton’s outdoor adventures seasons, also sees Skelton back in the Lake District, where she grew up on a dairy farm.

“I’ve been lucky with my job to go all over the world; Alaska, New Zealand, Australia and Africa, yet I always compare those places to the Lake District and to Cumbria, because Cumbria has a bit of everything! Huge mountains, big lakes, stunning coastline - I feel really proud of where I’m from,” she smiles.

A natural in front of the camera, Skelton says that in fact, “I never set out to be a telly presenter. I just like talking to people. I was quite content working at Radio Cumbria, I was never there wishing I could be a TV presenter. I went to Newsround because I was encouraged to, and the only reason why I ended up on screen was because I covered someone’s maternity leave. I’m very naïve and I think that life is too short, you should do stuff that you enjoy, and I’ve been very lucky to chase things in my career that I actually enjoy.”

Fatefully, Skelton’s television work has fused her passion for outdoor activities, sports and fitness with her presenting ability. “I was really lucky with Blue Peter that I was able to combine my loves; I love training for stuff,so doing stunts like the High Wire challenge (Skelton walked a 150-metre tightrope between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station for Comic Relief in 2011) was perfect,” she recalls. Even when she is off duty, she and her England rugby league player husband constantly challenge each other. “We are probably the only couple who went to the gym together on Christmas Day, on our honeymoon! But to be honest, when we train together it is a disaster because he really knows how to push my buttons and we are stupidly competitive.”

Sport and fitness has always been extremely important to Skelton. “I grew up in a sportsmad family. My brother is a footballer, my mum and dad have always played loads of sport.

My dad used to get us up in the middle of the night to watch the Ryder Cup, even when I was seven and had no idea what the Ryder Cup even meant,” she smiles. “Also, we always played as a family; it was never ‘oh Mum’s going to watch’. So without realising it, my mum has been a big role model for me – if we went on a bike ride, so did she. I’ll never forget mucking around with her on a skateboard, and that implanted in my mind so that I think of doing stuff like that, as a woman, as totally normal.”

Skelton has an insider perspective on the noticeable sudden media interest in women’s sport, especially women’s football, which she reports on. “Maybe there is an appetite for female role models who are doing something different and out there achieving something, as opposed to just looking good,” she says. “I know loads of women who play for the England women’s team: Fara Williams for example, an amazing woman; she was playing for her country, the top flight of women’s football, yet she was homeless at one point. So when you think about stories like that, I say, ‘you know what, ladies? Take everything you can get.’ We are at a really interesting point for sport, because there will be loads of seven, eight, nine-yearolds who have sportswomen as role models after the Olympics. That generation is where we’ll see the real dividends.”

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Lifestyle my story

karen johnson My story:

T

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his is how my story began, at the age of just 13 in the modeling world.

I was naive, young, with a lot of ambition. I had a dream to become a model. It has to be noted that to become a model is not just about the physicality, it also requires a lot of mental and psychological strength. It is a tough job and a rough world, only those with the best support (friends and family) and the right agency will succeed. Having to mature and grow up quicker than most teenagers, it was not long before I was offered 'jobs', most of which I refused, but others were so cleverly deceitful that I soon came to accept one of them.

I must emphasize that all models, of any age, must be careful. I moved on from this world, and I gained confidence and explored new careers. I wanted to see the world, and I did literally by working with Cabin Crew. It has only been through these stories and experiences that I am the person I am today. My book tells my story, a story about glamour and domestic abuse, something which we are not taught at school. It covers how to deal, cope and survive with all types of domestic abuse, regardless of gender.

Knowing the tactics of a bully, aggressor and a dominator, I would not have been in an abusive relationship for 7 years.

Unknowingly part of one, however, I became a victim of emotional, physical and domestic abuse. Thankfully, after many years, and through much support,

I had the strength to break free with my children. I am one of the lucky few.

It is my mission now to help all victims of domestic abuse to live a fear free and happy life, by giving my advice, which I have gained through my own experience, my story. My aim is to give confidence, self-esteem, self-belief and most importantly hope to all of those who need it. We all get backed into a corner no matter the many trials life throws at us. It is how we get out of this corner that is important. My autobiography 'Out of the Corner' is for sale now on Amazon and in selected bookstores.

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Going grey

Lifestyle

going grey

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OVER 100 BRANDS • STYLE ASSISTANTS • FREE EXPRESS DELIVERY • FREE RETURNS *Valid on products from the AW14 season only, excluding Burberry, Chloe, Gucci and other selected items. Valid once per customer and can not be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

23

Lifestyle Lifestyle winston'ssport wish

bring on

JUDI DENCH SOL CAMPBELL

brekkie!

Winston’s Wish is so eggcited to host the Great British Brekkie once again to help raise vital funds for bereaved children by

CHRIS RAMSEY

style with Winston’s Wish.

F

rom the 9th–15th February, Winston’s Wish is asking everyone to make their morning special and revive the tradition of the Great British Breakfast!

This can be anything from a sturdy full English, to a good old cuppa and toast, to a fancy continental dish. Winston’s Wish wants you, together with your family, friends or colleagues, to join us and help raise thousands of pounds in February 2015. This will help us to support even more bereaved children every year and continue to expand our services to meet the increasing demand.

24

Every 22 minutes in Britain a child is bereaved of a parent. We need to raise £2.4 million each year so we can continue to help as many of these children as possible. The money you are helping us raise will go towards services like their Helpline, allowing them to answer around 13,000 calls a year from parents, teachers and health care professionals who need advice and guidance or just someone to speak to. This is such a vital service and is often the first time the person has spoken to someone about their concerns for a bereaved child.

HESTON BLUMENTHAL From the 9th to the 15th February Winston’s Wish are asking everyone to hold their own Great British Brekkie! Join in; and help them raise much needed funds and revive the tradition of the Great British breakfast! Remember this can be anything from a traditional full English to a good ol’ cuppa and toast! Let your imagination get boiling!

When: 9th-15th February 2015 Where: your home, work or school What: breakfast…think muesli, muffins or mango. Why not go fancy with a champagne breakfast for friends or take 10 to have a tea and toast moment with your colleagues How much: it’s free to take part, we just ask that all your guests donate what they can!

www.greatbritishbrekkie.org.uk

Fostering

Service

Foster Caring Lifestyle in Liverpool

every child matters

Have you got passion and the commitment to make a difference to a child’s life?

as this role has been called in the past)?

Foster families come from all walks of life.

They reflect Liverpool children’s heritage, culture and ethnic backgrounds; they have great understanding of the importance of belonging so no child feels they are different.

Liverpool City Council has a responsibility for looking after over 800 children across the city, who for many different reasons, are unable to live with their birth families.

Every one of these children matters, and the council are working hard to find loving families who are looking to foster a child.

To give those children the opportunity to flourish.

So who can be a foster carer (or foster parent,

Our city needs more people to become foster carers. If you have a warm heart, the time and opportunity to devote to turning a local child’s life around then please get in touch and explore a career with Liverpool City Council.

Every day foster carers in Liverpool look after local children who are unable to live with their birth families.

www.fosteringforliverpool.co.uk 25

Coveted Outerwear

Lifestyle

winter staple

TARTAN CHECKED CAPE, AX PARIS

£28

OMBRE PATTERN OVERSIZED BLANKET WRAP CARDIGAN, APRICOT

£29

CHESTER BLANKET COAT, MONSOON

£129

AZTEC PRINT KIMONO BLANKET WRAP CARDIGAN, APRICOT

£29

is this winter’s MUST have accessory!

If you want to wear a blanket coat, which you do, of course you do, not only are you combining your down to earth ruggedness with the other seasons look – folk, but this style of coat can take you from daytime lunch to evening cocktails. So come on what are you waiting for. From patterned to colour block, there's definitely one for every fashion taste.

BLACK & PINK LONGLINE AZTEC OPEN CARDIGAN, APRICOT

£29

VERY DEFINITIONS FUR COLLAR CHECK BLANKET COAT, LITTLEWOODS.COM

£89

merseyside's

Lifestyle A new round of collective switching is being launched for Merseyside. Householders are invited to be a part of it and see how much they could save on their energy bills.

The Switch Together, Save Together scheme is organised by local charity, Energy Projects Plus, alongside the six Merseyside local authorities.

Previous rounds have saved residents an average of ÂŁ212 a year, with top savings of ÂŁ825 a year.

Collective switching works by asking people to register their interest, then using collective buying power to negotiate an exclusive tariff from energy suppliers. The exclusive tariff is only available to those who register for the collective switch.

Previous rounds of the Merseyside Collective Switch have attracted exclusive offers from E.on, British Gas, Npower, Scottish Power, The Co-operative Energy and Good Energy and have included tariffs for direct debit, payment

energy saving

on receipt of bill and prepayment customers.

The scheme aims to make it safer and easier to switch supplier, and expert advisors are on hand to offer free and impartial help every step of the way.

The offers will be announced on 2nd March and you need to register before then in order to find out about the exclusive deals.

You can join the collective switch at www.LCRenergyswitch.co.uk or by calling the local Save Energy Advice Line on freephonwe 0800 043 0151, where residents can also get free and impartial help and advice about saving energy at home.

If you are in a significant amount of debt to your supplier, you may not be able to switch.

The Fuel Debt Advice Service offers help to those with fuel debts and in many cases debts can be completely cleared. Grants are also available for energy efficient measures such as a new boiler and white goods. To speak in confidence to an advisor call 0800 043 0151.

27

Lifestyle

folk story

littlewhitelieslondon.co.uk | £75

Becksondergaard | £25

Discover Folklore, where folk fashion merges with the bohemian glamour of the ‘70s, be rustic, romantic and care free. Think beads, embellishment and embroidery.

Becksondergaard | £99

Apricot | £34 Apricot | £24 littlewhitelieslondon.co.uk | £80

Becksondergaard | £59

28

New Look | £19

Phase Eight | £69

littlewhitelieslondon.co.uk | £105

Glamorous BEAUTY SPA Be prepared for that special someone with our exclusive

Valentines pamper package...

Shellac hands and toes Bikini-wax Eyelashes Eyebrow wax and tint And full body tan All for just £45 Crystalclear clear microdermabrasion microdermabrasion facials Crystal facialsfrom from£10 £10 Visit www.glamorousbeautyspa.co.uk For all your beauty needs 52 Aintree Road Bootle, Liverpool, L20 9DN. Tel: 0151-944-2277 @glamorousspa 36

Glamorous Beauty Spa

Lifestyle

weight watchers

WHY NOT TRY OUR…

Mini chicken and broccoli pies Chicken thigh contains only 55 more calories per 100g (raw weight) than breast meat but it has much more flavour - it’s absolutely delicious in stews, bakes and pies.

Ingredients • Low fat cooking spray • 400g (14oz) skinless, boneless chicken thigh, cut into large chunks • 250g (9oz) shallots, halved if large • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 300ml (1/2 pint) light chicken stock • 125g(41/2oz) broccoli florets, cut into bite sized chunks • 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 4 tbsp water • 150g (51/2oz) half fat crème fraîche • 100g (31/2oz) filo pastry

*7 ProPoints per serving *ProPoints v alue of 31 pe r recipe *344 calorie s per serving *10 minutes to prepare, 5 0 minutes to *Serves 4 cook

method 1 Preheat the oven to gas mark 6/ 200°C/180°C fan oven. Heat a large, nonstick frying pan, mist with low fat cooking spray and cook the chicken over a medium heat for 10 minutes or so, turning occasionally, until it’s well browned. Remove from the pan and set to one side.

2 Add the shallots to the same pan and cook 30

for 5 minutes or until golden, adding a splash of water if it looks as if it might stick. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for a further 2 minutes.

3 Add the stock and broccoli and return the chicken to the pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cornflour paste and simmer for about a minute until thickened. Stir in the crème fraîche and season to taste.

4 Spoon the pie filling into 4 x 200ml ovenproof dishes. Cut each of the filo sheets into quarters. Scrunch the pieces and use to top the pies. Mist with low fat spray, season and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Serve immediately with steamed vegetables.

We’re

Meetings | Online | Mobile

HERE TO HELP WITH A PLAN TO SUIT YOU

We’re here to help with a range of options to suit you.

However you choose to eat, vegetarian, gluten-free, lower carb - it doesn’t matter. The Weight Watchers approach offers you different ways to eat, enjoy the food you love and achieve a healthy weight loss.

*Qualifying period and conditions apply. See website for details. Excludes Northern Ireland.

Find out more at your local meeting Willaston Memorial Hall The Green Willaston, Wirral CH64 2XR Friday 6:00pm Tessa Malpus 07966 290 376 Christ Church Kings Road, Bebington CH63 8LX Friday 10:00am Ruth Kennedy 07712 693 342

Masonic Hall 141 Chester Road, Whitby CH65 6SD Monday 6:30pm Alison Moreton 07949 100 313 Tuesday 9:30am, 5:30pm, 7:00pm Elaine Martin 0345 677 7788 Wednesday 12:30pm Thursday 10:00am Alison Jones 0345 677 7788 Thursday 5:15pm Alison Moreton 07949 100 313 Friday 10:00am Sally Burgess 07854 473 733 Saturday 9:30am Alison Moreton 07949 100 313

For more local meetings visit

weightwatcherslocal.co.uk 0345 677 7788 text LOCAL + postcode to 62223**

£10

** Standard network charges apply.

First month

monthly

pass

MEETINGS

+

ONLINE

C90011561

+

MOBILE

HAND THIS VOUCHER IN AT YOUR MEETING C90011561 844

†Purchase Monthly Pass in your first Weight Watchers meeting before 28 February 2015 and pay £10 for the first month upon presentation of this coupon. Note that if you purchase Monthly Pass without a coupon, you will be charged £16.95 for the first month. Monthly fee (currently £21.45) will be payable for all subsequent months until you cancel. Fees subject to change. Available in England, Scotland or Wales. Coupon cannot be transferred, combined with other offers, exchanged for cash or used with At Work. Activation needs to be completed on our website. Available to individuals aged 18 years or older.

31

Lifestyle health

give blood In 2015, why not give blood and help save lives?

NHS Blood and Transplant is asking people to consider giving an hour of their time to donate blood. With each donation you could save or transform up to three people’s lives.

At this time of year we tend to be focused on life improving plans - what we’d like to achieve, do better, where we’d like to travel.

clock and 1.8 million units of blood a year are collected from over 23,000 donation sessions.

Like many, Sarah, 32, is hoping for a holiday.

Sarah’s spent much of 2014 in semi-isolation, unable to work, meet friends, go for a run, or even visit the supermarket: relaxing on a beach or enjoying a city-break resigned to dreams.

Although around 1 million people donated last year, that’s only 4 % of people that can – and not all those donors will be able to donate this year.

Until last year, Sarah was healthy, active and working full-time as a hairdresser. In April, she was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, needing regular blood and platelet transfusions to keep her alive.

Hospitals in England and North Wales need around 6,100 units of blood and 330 units of platelets every day to treat patients like Sarah. These are donated by around a million people a year and collected by NHS Blood and Transplant.

Whole blood donations treat patients with cancer and anaemias, after accidents or childbirth complications, and during surgery. Platelets - small cells within blood – are collected separately, and treat those with cancer, serious blood disorders and transplant patients.

32

Blood and platelets are needed around-the-

In 2015, 200,000 new donors are needed –to replace those no longer able to donate through ill health, pregnancy or some foreign travel.

Donations must also represent the diverse population - with rare blood groups and some blood disorders more common among ethnic communities.

And it’s vital younger donors are recruited to ensure patient needs are met for years to come.

NHS Blood and Transplant particularly needs to ensure supplies of the universal blood group O negative which is often in short supply as demand is so great.

If you would like to become a donor then get in touch today. To book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk, call 0300 123 2323, or search 'NHSGiveBlood' in the app store and book on your Windows, Android or Apple device.

Just

2015

£9.95 per month

Chilled Membership Relaxing Body & Mind Forget the gym membership and try something different this year. As a and free treatments, It’s also a great way to budget for your spa experiences.

• • • • • • • • •

Over £250 worth of treatments Priority Booking Complimentary Tapas Meal for two in our Bistro 1 x Complimentary Massage 1x Complimentary Facial 1 x Complimentary Manicure Exclusive offers to Chilled Members only Free entry to our VIP events and launches Free Life Coaching consultation session

Loyalty Points Awarded for every £ you spend with us.

• 10% members' discount on all Beauty Treatments • 10% off all Spa treatments and packages • 10% off all Bistro food and beverages Apply on line at www.chilloutspa.co.uk Or CALL 0844 9670 599 for more details

33

Lifestyle life fitness

jillian michaels former The Biggest

34

Lifestyle life fitness people to choose the grilled salmon over the pizza.

I recommend making appointments with friends to work out so you are held accountable. Or take a fun class which you enjoy and is social to help boost your mood.

seriously in a very long time?

Educate yourself on how to work out safely. Hire a trainer for a session or two to familiarise you with the gym. Or take a class so you have the benefit of a fitness expert at a much cheaper price than a personal trainer.

I’m looking to lose weight. Will Of course! Weight loss is not easy, but it is simple: eat less, move more. Eat the healthier foods 80% of the time and the treat foods 20% of the time. Avoid fake foods and chemicals in foods as often as possible.

Be patient and determined. If you are consistent and watch your calorie intake the weight will come off, period. There has never been a person that I have not been able to help lose weight in n 23 years.

It’s simple science.

to love?

They don’t. They need to learn to love themselves... as silly as that sounds.

And from this place of self worth they can emotionally attach to the promise of a happier healthier life. This is what allows

Is training and working out harder in the winter than the summer?

For many, yes. Simply because the lack of sunshine can get people down, it can depress them, and sap their energy.

How does the Maximise Your Life Well, it’s actually not a fitness plan, it’s a comprehensive plan to build a better life overall, not just a better body. And while health is the platform you build your life on and I do touch upon effective diet and fitness techniques, the overall Maximise Your Life plan works by helping people connect with and cultivate their passions.

Discover and subsequently uproot the origins of negative and sabotaging attitudes, actions, and behaviours.

Redefining one’s self-image dramatically enhance self-worth and esteem. Empowering people with tools to take on informed actions yield powerful and positive results.

can selfthe that

allowed?

Maximise Your Life is a way of life. It’s about a shift in attitude, perspective, which is accompanied by a new set of tools with which to tackle problems. So as such I would hope what the program espouses and becomes a constant for all who follow the plan as it really is a life fitness system.

For more information visit 35

Lifestyle army

THE BRITISH ARMy

T

he British Army has launched a new nationwide recruitment campaign and is encouraging women to take up a parttime role in the Army Reserve.

New research, commissioned as part of the campaign, has found that a quarter of women feel challenge and excitement are missing from their current day jobs. Around a third of women would be interested in a part-time role beyond their day job and one in five women said they would consider joining the Army Reserve to fulfil those elements lacking in their day jobs.

A part time job with the Army Reserve offers many opportunities which are missing from people’s careers, such as the opportunity to travel the world and the ability to secure professional qualifications for free, from apprenticeships, literacy and numeracy skills through to Masters and PhDs - which improve employability outside of the Army in civilian life, all for a minimum commitment of 19 days a year.

36

There are also over 200 exciting and challenging roles to choose from in the Army Reserve. Women are already significantly represented in Corps such as the Army Medical Corps, Royal Logistics Corps and Royal Military Police, but there are many other roles, including jobs in IT, music, catering, law, HR and environmental health.

If a part time role is for you, the Army Reserve has a particularly flexible career path which can be added on to your existing job or done in your spare time. This is reflected in the popularity of the Reserve force among women at the moment.

Men and women have an equal part to play in society – and they have an equal part to play in the Army too. Women receive exactly the same pay and opportunities for training, travel and promotion as their male colleagues.

If you are interested in joining the Army Reserve and would like to find out more you can visit: www.army.mod.uk/join/Womenin-the-Army.aspx

l a i t n e d i Res Bootcamp

We have a Residential Bootcamp Starting on 20th-22nd March 2015 at a secret location in Liverpool.

Ideal for Corporate team Building, Hen or Stag do, Great Kick start to a lifestyle change, or just a group of girls or lads just wanting a challenge for the weekend and to do something different and fun.

Call or text for more information or to book: Daniel:07917865144 Tony:07715356223 info@pioneerfitness.co.uk www.pioneerfitness.co.uk Limited places, T&C’s apply, Deposit £50

Includes: Accommodation, All meals, Cooking Demo, Nutrition and Fitness Lecture and Q&A, Team Bonding Games, Fat Busting & Toning Fitness Sessions, Group Orienteering Competitions, Prizes, Challenges and Presentations, Fitness and nutrition plans to take home and follow with continued support help afterwards.

Fitness sessions will be: Fat busting Cardio workouts, Resistance work, HIIT Training, Core strength and much more.

Your Detox Specialist We supply a 3-5 day detox course, prices start from £35.

Delivered directly to your home, workplace or collect from shop.

When you have your four juices per day each one is a stage 184 Townsend lane, Liverpool L13 9DN Tel: 0151-538-2648 Email : info@ fruit2juice.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Google +

37

e l y t s e Lif

Lifestyle

we love

Will you be my Valentine?

Loves

Here’s a few ideas to sh ow your most romantic day of the

year.

TWO HEARTS BATHING TOGETHER SOAP, LUSH

£17.50 VALENTINE’S POUCH, MELVITA

£18

LOVE HEART SWEET TREE, CUCKOOLAND.COM

M & CO

£29

£39 PERSONALISED CHAMPAGNE, GETTINGPERSONAL.CO.UK

£34.99

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART, HOTEL CHOCOLAT

£39

SPRING CHERRY EAU DE TOILETTE, L’OCCITANE

£35

KINDRED SOUL EARRINGS, LINKS OF LONDON

£75

MARKS & SPENCER

£15

HEART GLASSES, PAPERCHASE

£4

Love Aesthetics Tel: 07718 224 702

Facial Peels

Anti Wrinkle Injections

Medical Microdermabrasion PDO Threadlifts

Lip Fillers

Dermal Fillers Genuine Dermaroller

PRP Vampire Facials

What have you got planned for your Loved One on St Valentine’s Day? As part of our Valentines weekend special event, Friday 13th & Saturday 14th February we have got just 8 VIP Packages available that include: Chauffeur to & from Harrison Hair Studio, Champagne, Luxury Chocolates & their hair styled by the best hairstylists in the city. What more could a girl want!

All for just £49.00

T&C’s apply

#hhsliverpool

39

Harrison Hair Studio, Nominated for Liverpool’s Best Independent Hairdresser 2015 ‘Lifestyle Magazine Awards’

r u o y t e Lifestyle G glow back W

e all know that winter isn’t our skins best friend. And after a relatively mild October, the harsh winter chill seems to have really set in…and it’s wreaking havoc with our skin. Harsh weather, central heating, and heavy partying keeping you from your beauty kip – all wreaks havoc on your skin.

It’s time to shrug off the cold weather and get your complexion glowing - even when the sky is grey and it’s raining cats and dogs.

From face masks, exfoliators, pore minimisers, skin illuminators and luxurious moisturisers there are lots of ways to get the healthy summer look to your skin in February.

winter skin

ILLUMINATING EYE GEL, CREME DE LA MER

£100

CLARINS HYDRAQUENCH CREAM MASK, TJ HUGHES

£19.99

MOISTURE INTENSE OVERNIGHT MASK, CLINIQUE ANTI-DARK CIRCLE EYE ILLUMINATOR, DARPHIN PARIS

£30

PORE REFINING SOLUTIONS, CLINIQUE

£44

£20 MEGA BRIGHT MOISTURISER, DR ANDREW WEIL FOR ORIGINS

£46

MICRO-BLUR SKIN PERFECTOR, KIEHL’S

£23 ELIZABETH ARDEN VISIBLE DIFFERENCE CREAM, TJ HUGHES

£14.99

ULTRA FACIAL CREAM, KIEHL’S 40

£24

OLAY REGENERIST AGE DEFYING EYE ROLLER, TJ HUGHES

£5.99

Love on the Plate

Lifestyle

T

he ability to cook a good meal is the most desirable skill in an extra marital partner, according to a recent survey

by Illicit Encounters, the UK’s top married dating site. 500 women were asked ‘what’s the most vital skillset for your potential partner – DIY, playing a musical instrument, speaking in public, dancing, speaking a foreign language, or cooking a good meal?’

The ability to stimulate taste buds came out on top!

“The result of our survey proves that the old saying ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ also applies to women.” Claire Page, spokesperson for Illicit Encounters said, “People who seek affairs also seek escapism

the food of love

from their often boring, mundane lives. Both husbands and wives in stale marriages can begin to resent their partner if they have to do the bulk a chore they don’t enjoy, such as cooking. It can naturally become a huge priority for them that their new partner has cooking skills so they don’t have to do the cooking themselves.”

The research also found that over 78% (394) of the surveyed women on IllicitEncounters. com would like to be wined and dined at least once a week!

Don’t worry if cooking isn’t your thing – Liverpool has some of the best restaurants around, certainly enough to woo the love in your life.

CARGO RESTAURANT BAR & DELI 0151 227 4448 Alexandra Tower, 19 Princes Parade, Liverpool L3 1BD www.cargoliverpool.com Like us on facebook for our latest offers

@Cargorestaurant

Cargoliverpool

Cargoliverpool

Wow your loved one this

Valentine’s Day

with our romantic waterfront setting and fantastic food. It’s sure to be a night to remember!

Every Monday 5-10pm 3 course meal and a bottle of wine (per couple) for just £16.95

Tuesday night is Steak Night 5-10pm A juicy Cargo Steak, 2 sides of your choice and a drink for just £15.95

Sundays & Cargo Amazing Sunday roast platters lamb, chicken or beef & salmon or seabass served with all the trimmings... for just £15.95

41

Lifestyle beauty michael perks make-up studio

134 Albert road, Widnes, WA86LG, 01514204412

M

ichael Perks Make-up Studio on Albert Road, Widnes, is not only the perfect local spot to get glam before your night out, but is the go-to place to learn all the tricks of the trade so you can replicate your favourite make-up styles at home. The studio offers a number of different courses and workshops to clients of all ages and skill sets, all ran by Studio Owner and Head Make-Up Artist of both Manchester and Liverpool Fashion Weeks, Michael Perks.

A workshop proving to be very popular is the Personal Make-Up Lesson, where Michael will talk through your daily routine with you (both skincare and make-up), giving advice on the best products to use for your skin and teaching you how to apply the best shades and tones to suit you. A lesson costs just £25 per person and can make a great mate date if you and a friend are looking to try something different, as you can practice applying makeup on yourself or on each other. Book in February to get the 2 for 1 offer on personal lessons.

If you’re already a Make-Up Artist or are confident with make-up, the Professional Make-Up Course could be ideal for you. At £150, the one-day course offers you a chance to refresh, expand and recap on any skills. Alternatively, if you feel your foundation skills are fierce but just really want 42

to up your eye make-up game, then check out the Professional Eye Make-Up Course which teaches you everything from the fifties flick to a sexy smoky look for just £70.

Or why not go back to basics and give yourself a confidence boost at Make-Up Bootcamp.

The course is six weeks intense training that you attend once a week, putting you on the path to becoming a professional MUA for just £390.

For any Make-Up training undertaken at the studio, you will receive an in-house training certificate as proof of the skills gained and learnt with Michael. For more information or to book now call 0151 420 4412.

Facebook - Michael Perks Make-up Artist Twitter - MichaelperksMUA Instagram - MichaelperksMUA

43

Lifestyle

year of the goat a

fter the huge success of the Year of the Horse, Liverpool’s Chinatown will celebrate the Year of the Goat celebrations, starting on Sunday 22nd February 2015.

The Kuei Szu year welcomes the eighth animal sign of the Chinese Zodiac – the elegant, artistic and good-natured Goat.

The kind hearted Goat tends to be polite, sensitive and compassionate with good manners and a charming nature which means they are often popular with many admirers and friends. With a tender but sometimes insecure personality, Goats can often shy from confrontation and prefer to absorb themselves with art and nature.

People born in the Year of the Goat are genuine, forgiving and understanding and place a strong focus on family. Goats are often cared for deeply by those around them and as such, will never go without in life.

To celebrate the Year of the Goat, Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Chinese Community groups and other organisations have arranged a series of arts and cultural events, with the main activities taking place on the 22nd

44

chinese new year

As always, the street festivities will be funfilled, with plenty of activities for children and adults to enjoy, including:

11.00am

Chinese New Year Market Starts (Great George Street)

11am-4pm

Great George Square performances

12.00 noon

Dragon & Lion Street Parades (Chinatow

1.00pm

Spectacular Fire Cracker Display (Great George Square) Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Erica Kemp said: “I am delighted to wish the Chinese community, both here in Liverpool and beyond a happy and prosperous New Year.

“As 2015 represents the Year of the Goat, I hope all our Chinese friends across the globe enjoy a peaceful, calm, creative and kind year.”

Information and images provided by Liverpool City Council.

Chinese New Year

新年快樂 新年快樂 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2 15 YEAR OF THE GOAT

OPENING TIMES & PRICES LUNCH

GRAND

MON - THURS £7.50 £10.50 FRI - SAT £7.90 £11.50 SUNDAY ALL DAY & BANK HOLIDAYS £8.50

LION DANCING WILL BE ATTENDING AT OUR RESTAURANT ANY TIME BETWEEN 14:30 - 16:30, SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY

BEIJING GOLD BEER OFFER : 2 FOR £3.30

87-89 HANOVER STREET, LIVERPOOL, MERSEYSIDE L1 3DZ TEL: 0151 703 064545

Lifestyle peaceful thoughts

PEACE

Peace, who created a huge buzz with their debut single ‘Follow Baby’ and the February with their new EP Delicious.

Forming in autumn 2011, Peace made an instant impact with their debut single ‘Follow Baby’ gaining early support throughout Radio 1, as well as receiving great praise from critics across the board. They landed somewhere between acid house and Aztec Camera, mix that with whirlpool of syrupy melodies, muscular rhythms and miasmic guitars is tied together by a desire to bend their instruments’ capacity (The 46

Lifestyle peaceful thoughts Fly). The band have already supported the likes of Manic Street Preachers, The Vaccines and Mystery Jets across the UK and Europe and with Zane Lowe declaring their recent single ‘Bloodshake’ the hottest record in the world, things are set to get a lot bigger for the Birmingham born band. firstly can i ask how the band formed and what made you choose the name peace?

Doug and I went to high school together, the Koissers are brothers and then we kind of all came together in college.

Peace was one of the first names we came up with. It was Harry's idea, and the more we asked around, the more we were told it was a terrible idea, and therefore the more we wanted to do it. to those who are new to you and your music can you describe your sound?

From where I'm sitting when I'm listening to it, the best way I could describe it would be loud. I found it hard to talk objectively about our own music, I only really hear it as Peace. But there is definitely loud guitars, and choruses that dont take long to get stuck in your head. in 2013, as a band you attracted a lot of buzz and high level interest from the likes of radio one and nme, did this pile on the pressure or spur you on to succeed?

I think it was always just healthy encouragement. It was, and still is the first time for all of us that we are doing all this, so nothing has ever felt wrong or right. So we've always just been grateful, and taken it as a nod to carry on.

you have come a long way in a few short years from indie clubs in birmingham to county wide tours - when did it all become serious?

I think since the day we started the band we have taken it seriously. In the sense that we have never tried to fool anyone that we didn’t want to achieve any level of success from it, we have all always wanted to play music for a living. However we have, and probably will never be able to take ourselves too seriously, that’s when it starts to go a bit wrong. how is the tour going, and what was it like performing in liverpool - a very musical city?

I've always loved Liverpool. We have played here a lot in the past and each time it betters the last. There is definitely a sense of musical pride, but in a warm and welcoming way, instead of being snobbish and possessive.

It's great to be touring again, it feels like forever since we have done a tour, especially our own one. what else is on the horizon for 2015?

The album will out February 9th, and then I think the plan is to just to play as much as we can, in as many places as we can.

Just exactly the same as the first album, but MORE! 47

Check out www.odeon.co.uk or the ODEON app for more info and film times.

C

ontinuing the global exploits in the unstoppable franchise built on speed, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of Fast & Furious 7.

The Super Car Thrill Experience - Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini are three of the most famous, iconic and most sought after car brand names in the world. An instructor will provide a full run down on each of the cars, the track and the best way to get the most out of each drive. Sit in the passenger seat with a qualified instructor

Lifestyle competition for two practise laps before stepping into each car for four laps of the track. The Aston Martin exudes British class (drive either a V12 DB9 or a V8 Vantage), the Lamborghini Gallardo does 0 - 60 mph in just over four seconds with a top speed of 192mph. The Ferrari (either a 355 or 360) is always a classic and offers luxurious handling and second to none acceleration.

WIN! a Super Car Thrill

Experience* with Fast & Furious 7 - In Cinema's 3rd April To enter - email: editor@lifestylemonthly.co.uk with the words "Fast & Furious 7" in the subject box, and your full name, address and contact number in the email.

The winner will be notified by email. The editors decision is final. *The Red Letter Day Super Car Thrill Experience voucher is worth ÂŁ239.00, is available at a choice of venues and will last for approximately two hours. Transport/travel to venue will NOT be provided.

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Lifestyle’s nightlife columinst...

Lifestyle nightlife

MARTIN

QUIRK THE FOOD OF LOVE

S

hakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ opens with those immortal words; ‘If music be the food of love, play on .. ‘. Why, then, please, does every wedding do have to involve the musical equivalent of a beef and tomato Pot Noodle and a spam butty? ... Some guy, usually supplied by the venue, stood on a stage with too much product in his hair, being annoying with a microphone and inflicting the Birdy Song and Jive Bunny upon the invited guests.

Although an awful lot of people are partial to the odd Pot Noodle, nobody would dream of serving them up to their wedding guests on the big day. Yet this is what invariably happens.

Despite the vast fortunes shelled out and the months of agonising with a host of wedding industry experts over clothes, transport, menus, food, colour schemes, flowers, the cake, table decorations and the obligatory chocolate fountain; the all important job of making one of the biggest nights of your life go with a bang is usually delegated, with no more than an after‐thought, to some uninspiring amateur with a laptop.

Liverpool company Wedding Jam was set up a couple of years ago to fill this unseemly gap in the market. Founder and Chibuku resident DJ, Paul McGuire, has the very cream of both

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Liverpool and Manchester’s established DJing talent at his disposal, the very people who have established most of the best bars in the region over the last twenty years, proper DJs who will rock any party and provide everybody with a night to remember. People like Cream resident and founder Andy Carroll or turntable legends No Fakin’, to name but two, and all for no more than hosts would expect to shell out for some random bloke who happens to be related to the venue’s manager. They also have a fantastic roster of live entertainment to choose from too. So, if you know somebody planning to tie the knot, tell them to visit Wedding Jam’s website or just to call Paul, himself, on 07807 006708. Your friends will definitely thank you for it later.

by joy lewis

Lifestyle doo-wop pop

album review...

meghan trainor

I

f you like your music happy, in shades of pastel with a heavy mix of feel good doo-wop influenced pop, then Meghan Trainor’s first album, Title, is the one for you.

No other song got me bopping like Meghan’s debut single “It’s all about the bass” last year, and determined to prove she’s no one hit wonder, her second release “Lips Are Movin’,” is going great guns up the album charts both here and in her native USA. While the album may be caked in Trainor’s sunny feel-good sentiment, with a touch of saccharin sweetness with a retro musical framing. The underlying theme is once again close to many a girl’s heart – calling out promiscuous, unfaithful men as she sings, “You can buy me diamond earrings and deny-ny-ny/ But I smell her on your collar/so goodbye bye-bye-bye/I know you’re lying/ cause your lips are movin’/tell me do you think I’m dumb?”

The same self-esteem mantra is repeated in every track ‘girls they don’t have to conform to be beautiful” which as messages to young listeners go, it’s very positive, and one many teens need to hear. ‘Dear Future Husband’ and ‘Title’ set out minimum standards for suitors. Meanwhile, ’3 am’ and ‘Walkashame’ depict romantic missteps (drunken mobile phone fails, a blotto one-night stand) with

wry self-awareness. Therein lies the problem for me with this album, yes it’s good, and

My verdic

3/5

t

I’m sure it will do very well as every track is catchy with its anthem like singalongable tracks - but by the final track I felt that I had been beaten down somewhat by the feel good, continuously smiley retro factor.

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RACHEL SPENCER

Lifestyle music 3. Limit dairy products, they increase mucus build up in the throat, leading to irritation. Try the herbal remedies, slippery elm, which singers discovered more than a century ago, is a good way to coat the throat and soothe tired vocal cords after a performance. Also use honey, I find Manuka to be the best.

4. Turn off the AirCon. It can dry out your vocal cords! Sleep with a humidifier by your bed, especially before an audition or performance: vocal cords work best when moist. In fact, you need to keep the surface of the cords slippery enough to vibrate up to 1700 times per second!

Steam your throat by holding your head over a bowl of hot water.

Another busy year ahead and a question that I am regularly asked is how to keep the voice in shape? As with musicians looking after an instrument is a vital part of producing a quality performance; and the voice is no different as it is the instrument of choice for performers including Actors and singers whether old, young, professional or amateur.

Here are a few tips which I hope you find useful and keep you in shape to meet the demands of performing.

1. Drink lots of water. Performers need a higher daily intake water than the average person in order to keep the vocal cords and the mucous membranes surrounding them moist. Drink eight to ten glasses of room temperature water every day, cold water can damage the vocal chords.

2. Warm up your vocal chords frequently using vocal chord exercises. Performers need to loosen up their vocal chords to keep them in good shape.

Remember, don’t overdo it. Don't whisper to try or save your voice, whispering actually makes the vocal chords work up to thirty times harder!

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5. Sip warm tea, especially marshmallow-root or liquorice tea. Both contain mucilage, which has been proven to coat the throat and soothe vocal cords. Drink it preventively and for relief when you get a sore throat. Don't add Lemon it can dry out the vocal chords 6. Gargle with a mixture of warm salt water and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda to help keep the vocal cords moist.

7. Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can be drying to vocal chords. If you have a cough or cold, avoid antihistamines and menthol cough drops, which dry out and irritate vocal chords.

Using these few tips will help you to keep your vocal chords in good shape and help to maintain consistent quality sound and an extended life span for your chosen instrument!

You can read more about Rachel and where she is performing by visiting her at www.rachelspencer86.com

Rachel is also up for Best Entertainer at liverpoollifestyleawards.co.uk under her stage name which appears on the voting page as Sophia Spencer.

Lifestyle THE BLOGGER PROGRAMME _

t

he Blogger Programme (TBP) is a new platform designed to help brands and bloggers connect easily.

Bloggers, vloggers and social media icons have a huge influence on their followers and create a massive impact within the online community, of which brands should be taking advantage of to reach their ideal demographic on a large scale.

connecting

B R A N DS & BL OGGER S

For brands, the biggest difficulty is finding 10,000 BLOGGERS a suitableOVER blogger for each collaboration.

FREE this TUTORIAL ALL TBP simplifies process byFOR giving youBRANDS access to a database of over 9,000 bloggers.

FREE MONTH TRIAL USING LIFESTYLE15 Using the easy to use search facility you can find your ideal blogger by location, gender, genre of blog or even platform. You can then even sort these results by highest following (per platform), fastest growers, most favourited, recently active and many more.

THEBLOGGERPROGRAMME.CO.UK

TBP enables you to manage and organise all of your blogger outreach campaigns in one place, with notifications, messages and an online community to promote any opportunities, competitions and jobs you have available.

We offer a free 1-2-1 tutorial to enable us to show you how to make the most of using the programme so feel free to get in touch and start increasing your online exposure straight away!

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IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU SHOULD BE ADVERTISING WITH US!

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everton in the community birthday fixture

Lifestyle charity

T

he Blues upcoming fixture against Nigel Pearson’s Foxes on Sunday 22 February will see Everton in the Community celebrate its 27th birthday and to mark this special occasion the charity is offering young Evertonians the chance to lead out their favourite players as mascots.

Everton Football Club has donated the mascot places and the opportunity to be Toffee Lady for this fixture to its official charity to enable them to raise vital funds to continue the fantastic work they deliver throughout Merseyside.

This one in a lifetime opportunity will offer young Evertonians a truly memorable day where in advance of kick-off they will travel to Finch Farm for a training session before journeying to Goodison Park where they will be welcomed upon arrival by one of the Club ambassadors.

Children will then have the opportunity to have photographs pitch side with a handful

of Everton stars before making their way to their own private party room in the stadium where a buffet lunch and entertainment will be provided.

Prior to kick-off the children will be taken pitch side again where they will start preparing for their roles as player mascots and the Toffee Lady will begin her traditional duties for throwing Everton mints around the stadium.

As kick-off arrives, the children will be allocated a player to walk out of the tunnel with to the sound of Z Cars and the applause of thousands of Evertonians in the stadium.

Both packages will also include a full Everton kit, three tickets for two adults and one child and a goody bag. Additional tickets can be purchased through Everton in the Community discounted ticket scheme.

Official photography of the day will be posted to each child as a lasting souvenir of their experience.

The cost of the mascot and Toffee Lady experience* is £900 +VAT with all proceeds going to Everton in the Community. Packages to lead out the Leicester City players are also available at a price of £750. For more information or to secure your place call 0151 530 5253.

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*Children must be aged between five to 12 years old.

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CRAIG PHILLIP’S

DIY...

Hello Lifestyle Readers!

I hope everyone has enjoyed a wonderful festive period and you have managed to needed rest and relaxation.

You may have managed to

Lifestyle diy

CUT AND INSTALL SKIRTING BOARDS MATERIALS

Skirting boards • Screws and plugs

TOOLS

and I had the pleasure of attending the Redwood

The whole team have spent over a year raising

Chop saw • Combi drill / drivers Brill bits • Jigsaw Skirting boards not only look great but serve a dual purpose they aesthetically finish off the floor and the walls, as well as protecting the lower walls when hoovering and cleaning etc Skirting boards come in lots of shapes and sizes ranging from 4 inches to 9 inches high.

toilets.

Measure and cut the length of the skirting board to size, then when it comes to cutting the corners there are two ways of achieving a perfect corner; one is a 45 degree mitre cut and the other is by having a straight piece of skirt already fixed to one wall, then scribe and cut the adjoining piece to meet the corner.

These can both easily be achieved, but you are going to have to use a chop saw to get a perfect 45 degree angle and a jigsaw to cut your scribed corner.

Until next time…

craig phillips 58

To fix your skirting to the wall you want to drill a clearance hole in the skirt, mark the plaster on your walls then drill and plug the holes - so you can firmly screw your skirts to the walling.

FRANK WARREN PRESENTS*

* IN ASSOCIATION WITH BRANCO SPORTS

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Euro Co.

Lifestyle

Merseyside

company Oceanic has put one of the world's most iconic brands back into the spotlight by creating a series of handcrafted 'White Star' beers.

The red flag five pointed white star was the logo of The Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, otherwise known as The White Star Line, which in the late 19th and early 20thcentury was one of the largest shipping companies in the world.

Four bottled beers – Seafarer, Pier 59, White Star and Majestic named In honour of the RMS Majestic the White Star Line’s replacement of the Titanic - are currently available in a growing number of hotels, bars and restaurants throughout the region, with a fifth beer– named ISMAY in honour of the White Star Line's founder, Thomas Ismay. By taking advantage of the current trend for artisan beers, Oceanic's ‘beers with history' have found an inventive way of keeping tales of Liverpool's seafaring past alive in the city's taverns and beyond.

business round up

Future Cabs Future cabs exists to protect the business of

hackney cabbies by helping them move with the times and generate additional business.

“Future Cabs is here for hackneys. That’s our mission statement.” Says MD, Gerard Murphy.

The system adds a level of safety and convenience for both drivers and customers.

Future Cabs drivers are provided with a Smartphone, equipped with the same technology used by the iconic yellow cabs in New York. It utilises GPS tracking to show operators exactly where the drivers are in relation to bookings. When a booking comes in the system automatically picks the closest cab. Just three months since the launch of the business, Nearly a year in since launch and the service means less fuel used in driving around, looking for fares. Customers know which cab to expect and exactly when, because they have watched it approach on the map!

Future Cabs GPS location tracking journeys are safe, economical, energy efficient and available across Liverpool now. You can download the app or register as a driver at

www.futurecabs.co.uk.

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LOVE CYPRUS

to rent near Ayia Napa, Cyprus.

Sleeps 8 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms

20m Pool

Rates:

£450 per week all year round

or £800 per fortnight.

For more details and to book, please visit: www.homeaway.co.uk/p95985

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Lifestyle valentines romantic breaks Looking for the perfect break just for two this Valentine’s?

Here’s just a few ideas, all oozing enough romantic charm to make even the hardest heart swoon Sussex, the historic black and white timbered country house dates back to the 17th Century and its secluded situation in the village of Rusper makes it the ideal place to unwind and relax over the Valentine’s weekend.

Having checked in, guests will be treated

the ducket Looking for a magical, unusual place for a romantic break? Look no further than this spellbinding 18th century fairytale tower which has been lovingly restored to five star status and merges the mystery and intrigue of the past with 21st century comforts.

The Ducket – as it is locally known- looks out over the sea and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne on one side and offers views over tranquil green fields to the Cheviot Hills on the other.

It has five rooms on five floors, connected by a hand crafted spiral staircase.

To book visit www.rosscottages.co.uk/ the-ducket-northumberland.cfm ghyll maonr a country manor house - west sussex For those looking for a romantic hideaway this Valentine’s Day, what better way than to unwind with your loved one that at Ghyll Manor - a stunning country house hotel and restaurant nestled within a 40 acre estate 62 with gardens. Located in the heart of West

to a half a bottle of champagne, a rose and chocolates in their bedroom.

To book, visit www.ghyllmanor.co.uk the scotch whisky experience - edinburgh Visit the Scotch Whisky Experience for a sensational, fun and memorable trip with your partner. Take a swirling, bubbling barrel ride through a replica distillery as you become part of the Whisky making process.

Along the way you’ll hear the stories behind this magical craft, with expert tour guides and whisky advisors with you every sip of the way. You’ll also get to taste the product, whilst gazing at the world’s largest collection of Scotch Whisky.

Lifestyle valentines romantic breaks the london eye london Come on, it doesn’t get more romantic than popping the question at the top of the Eye! For a real treat, you can hire out a capsule for you and a partner complete with champers and truffles, host a dinner up there or even tie the knot in the sky.

Imagine popping the question with the glamorous sprawl of the capital city as your back drop. From the top of this 135-metre high steel and glass grown up’s fairground ride, you can take in Wren’s genius alongside Renzo Piano’s Shard.

Whisk your loved one to the big smoke and hop on and see across the capital and beyond. Enjoy a panoramic view of all of the city’s fabulous landmarks, from the elegant distinctive dome of St Paul’s to the soaring brutalism of the BT Tower. On a clear day you can see two of the Queen’s hang outs – Buckingham Palace just across the river and, 25 miles further, the stately Windsor Castle. cliveden house hotel taplow Cliveden House is unique. The setting, architecture and interiors all speak eloquently of extraordinary extravagance and remarkable refinement.

Cliveden is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway with 376 acres of spectacular National Trust managed gardens and woodland. You can be certain of a beautiful room filled with exquisite furnishings and priceless antiques. As you enter you are welcomed with muted music, the scent of fresh flowers and, if it is winter, a crackling log fire. Each of the rooms is named after a prominent guest or figure from Cliveden's past, and furnished accordingly. As one

would expect there is an ample choice of rooms in which to enjoy the fine cuisine and faultless hospitality, which has attracted numerous awards and accolades. ripley castle - harrogate Ripley Castle is one of Yorkshire's greatest historic attractions. Make history with your loved one here and listen to the fascinating stories to be told about the Castle and its inhabitants. Enjoy the magnificent grounds with Walled Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Lakes and Deer Park. golspie

Stride up to the main entrance to Dunrobin Castle, past the spectacular formal gardens (the Moray Firth crashing just beyond the grounds) and you are entering this grand chateau-like fairytale of a building just as the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland would have done back in 1850.

Romance your special one whilst enjoying the sea views, ornate gardens, towers, turrets and fountains – the perfect and most stunning setting for your romantic getaway.

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Lifestyle motoring

LAND ROVER TO SEAT LEON SELL UPMARKET ESTATE COUPE FINAL DEFENDER LIMITED EDITIONS

The Land Rover Defender is almost as old as the hills it's so good at climbing, but it is about to draw its last breath as the British manufacturer has finally decided to kill it off.

The current Defender will be built in Solihull until December, when production will come to a dramatic end.

To celebrate its historic machine, Land Rover has come up with three limitedrun final special edition models, which each celebrate one aspect of the vehicle's character – Heritage, Adventure and Autobiography. True to its name, Heritage cars will have a retro-design featuring classic green paintwork and a white roof. Just 400 examples will be produced, with prices starting at £27,800.

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Normally the words estate and performance car does not mix, there are of course a few notable exceptions, however they are not found in this price bracket. The ST Cupra 280, is he first ever performance estate from the Spanish carmaker, and estate drivers everywhere who have missed the ability to put their foot down and actually leave a few cars for dead at the traffic lights will breathe a huge sigh of relief. Because finally here is an estate that other drivers won’t commiserate you on but actually look upon you with envy.

Joining the Cupra hatchback and Cupra SC coupe at the very top of the Leon model range, the ST offers the same performance allure, but with the added practicality of a much larger boot. At 587 litres, the rear load space is some 207 litres larger than the already commodious hatchback, despite being only 27cm longer. Fold the rear seats flat and space swells to 1,470 litres.

Under the bonnet the ST Cupra is fitted solely with the 276bhp version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine fitted to the hatchback (though that car is also available in lesser 256bhp guise). Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential, with a six-speed twin-clutch automatic 'box available as an option.

Lifestyle motoring

ALFA ROMEO 4C SPIDER The production version of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider made its debut in January at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. And it’s roofless. Don’t go thinking this is automatic roll back kind of roof, oh no it’s actually made of canvas. But this somehow does don’t dissuade from the car at all, even the fact that Alfa unveiled their new, much whispered about spider in canary yellow.

It is simply stunning, they have combined scintillating performance with open-top thrills and the unmistakable soundtrack of an Italian, performance-tuned engine and exhaust. And not to worry, for those that prefer the

security provided by a hard top, a removable carbon-fiber roof will be added after launch.

Like its Coupé sibling, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is built around an exotic, ultralightweight monocoque chassis, comprised entirely of unilateral, "pre-preg", carbon fibre layers that delivers material performance that is three-times stronger and seven-times lighter than steel. Because of its inherent rigidity, Alfa Romeo engineers were able to minimise structural differences between the 4C Spider and 4C Coupé: The 4C Spider features a unilateral carbon fibre windscreen frame that is adhered and bolted to the monocoque chassis; a specially-contoured aluminium rollover bar (underneath the "halo") which provides mounting points for the new rear deck-lid; unique upper body brackets and a high-strength steel engine compartment cross beam to maximise torsional rigidity.

It will go on sale here this summer, with prices and UK specifications announced closer to that time. Better start saving then.

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Hello

Lifestyle the last word with amanda moss

FEBRUARY

S

o the awards season is well and truly upon us. Forget the Golden Globes and the Oscars, the count down has begun for the Bierkeller Liverpool Lifestyle Awards. We are just weeks away from our star studded event now, showcasing the hardworking people of our city and shouting about their success. We cannot wait for this and look forward to seeing you there.

It is of course Valentine’s Day, the month of love and romance. You may have seen me recently on ITV This Morning talking about my marriage, I have had lots of comments about it, mostly positive. One thing that always gets me is that why do people feel compelled to judge others? If we are happy and indeed we are, and the arrangement works then we must be doing something right.

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On the subject of doing things right, I would like to thank my Lifestyle team for putting together yet another fantastic issue. So much so that a neighbour crossed the street to congratulate me on the issue as I came out of my house, delighted that she could pick it up in her local supermarket again.

So back to the awards - I have been nominated for a Woman in Business Award and would be delighted if you could take a minute to vote for me as Best Marketer. http://downtowninbusiness.com/event/ women-business-awards-2015 Thank you, Stay stylish,

Amanda Moss

THE PERFECT VENUE LARGE BOOKINGS & CORPORATE FUNCTIONS

INFO & BOOKINGS CALL 08455 333 000 FOLLOW US ON THE BIERKELLER ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX LIVERPOOL ONE. 6 THOMAS STEERS WAY. L1 8LW

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www.thebierkeller.com 67

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