Inside:
Nicole Scherzinger talks tour, X Factor and future plans Plus Egyptian Spring at The Showroom
Venture / Health / Fashion / Beauty / Travel / Motoring
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Contents
Issue
04
Editor’s Letter Venture | Page 22 A quick glance at some of Sheffield’s hottest businesses
Fashion| Page 30 A look at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week
Editor’s Letter Here at Asian Chic, each month we strive to highlight the most creative, influential and entrepreneurial individuals within Sheffield’s Asian community; we feel that this month’s issue is our best yet. Following on from her packed out UK tour, we bring you an interview with former Pussycat Doll, X-Factor judge and international superstar, Nicole Scherzinger. It’s just over a year now since civil unrest in Egypt led to the downfall of tyrannical President Hosni Mubarak. To mark the occasion Sheffield’s Showroom Cinema are screening a series of films made in response; we take a closer look in Showroom Showcase. We do like to take care of you here at Asian Chic, with that in mind, we’ve called in local health and well-being specialist Penelope Crawford to give us her hottest tips to feeling your best; this month we’re tackling sleep – I’m a four-hour-night man myself, I’m not sure Penelope would approve. Of course we have all our regular features, including a glance in at some of Sheffield’s most promising up-and-coming-businesses. The Big Easy is destination Chic this month as our itchy-footed traveller walks us through the busy streets of New Orleans. The most chic of the Chic staff give you a sneaky look at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, while resident rev-head Tim Barnes-Clay talks us through the stunning Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 – what more could you ask for?
Inside:
Nicole Scherzinger talks tour, X Factor and future plans Plus Egyptian Spring at The Showroom
Venture / Health / Fashion / Beauty / Travel / Motoring
Issue 04
free
Asian Lifestyle, Asian Living, Asian Chic
Your editor
Kieran Smith
Local Businesses | Page 06 We take a look at car body repair specialists ChipsAway and Sheffield based Monster Signs
The Team
Nicole Scherzinger | Page 10
Beauty Beneath | Page 30
Managing Director
The former Pussycat Doll turned international superstar speaks to us about her recent tour and plans for the future
Beauty Beneath’s Afshan Islam is moving up in the game
Editor
Travel | Page 34
Design Director
Chic’s travel guide pays a visit to the Big Easy, New Orleans, just in time for Mardi Gras
Web Designer
Hussain Shafique Kieran Smith
Shane Gilmartin
Francesca Cirillo
Sales Manager Melanie Jackson
Fashion Editor Rebecca Towler
Contributers
Rebecca Towler, Kate Hobson, Tim Barnes-Clay, Penelope Crawford.
Special Thanks To
Warren Higgins, Chuff Media, Penelope Crawford, Anna Lord, The Showroom Cinema and Beauty Beneath.
Motoring | Page 40 Our resident rev-head, Tim Barnes-Clay delivers his verdict on the new Mercedes-Benz CLS 250
Health| Page 14 Health Detective Penelope Crawford explores the restorative powers of sleep
Showroom Showcase| Page 18 This month, Sheffield’s Showroom Cinema will play host to a series of films examining the aftermath of the Egyptian Revolution; Chic takes a closer look
Asian
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Not connected with any other company or group. All material is copyright of Chic Promotions Marketing LTD and is not to be reproduced without permission. The placing of an order for an insertion of an advert in this publication shall amount to an acceptance of our terms and conditions. We aim to produce a high quality, up to date magazine for your pleasure. We strive with every care possible to ensure the information published is correct. However on occasion some material may be altered after the magazine has gone to print. Therefore we cannot accept any responsibility for these changes and can only offer our sincerest apologies in such an event.
Asian Chic Magazine 25 Leigh Street, Sheffield, S9 2PR Tel: 0114 261 07 07 Email: info@asianchic.co.uk
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Local Businesses Sheffield Monster Signs Phone: 07917 897 422 or 07850 372 331 In a turbulent economic environment, strategic marketing and first impressions are imperative for fledgling businesses. Monster Signs, based on Mowbray Street, understand the importance of capturing an audience from the off; using creative signage and graphics-solutions the team strive to give companies that competitive edge. Among the services offered by Monster are; full design and artwork, digital printing, sign manufacture and instillation, clothing embroidery and printing, promotional goods, exhibition design-print manufacture, and vehicle colour-change and wrapping.
“ striking designs “ The Monster team are unreservedly passionate about their work, and empathetic to customer needs. Specialising in high-impact exterior signs, short-term banner based campaigns, and hasslefree vehicle wraps, Monster guarantee low-cost, big-result marketing. Working alongside clients, Monster Signs operate quickly, cost-effectively, and with an unbridled vigour for their craft. If your business is in need of striking designs with a personal touch, be sure to contact Monster.
Monster Signs, Unit 5b Lionworks, Mowbray Street, Sheffield, S3 8EN Email: studio@monstersigns.co.uk
ChipsAway Email: chipsawayhallam@btconnect.com
ChipsAway is the UK’s leading minor car body repair specialist, their Sheffield branch, ChipsAway Hallam Car Care Centre, operates from a unit on Carlisle Court. Offering a same day service, repairing scratches, scuffs, minor dents and alloy wheels, ChipsAway Hallam’s technicians, Stuart and Steve have thirty two years of experience behind them, and guarantee all work. Repairs are effected to the highest standards, at a fraction of the cost of a traditional body-shop.
“ friendly, efficient service “ Work is carried out using ChipsAway’s unique, efficient water-based system and are of the highest quality, preserving the integrity of the car’s original paintwork and therefore its value. Having been operating in the Sheffield area for the past five years, completing more than 1500 repairs, the team have a wealth of experience behind them and countless testimonial from satisfied customers. The work is carried out at the customer’s convenience, six days a week from their specialist Car Care Centre. Also on offer is a free collection and delivery service and free quotations on all repairs. ChipsAway are willing to put in the leg work, braving all weather to leave their customers satisfied; for everyday wear and tear, be sure to give the ChipsAway team a call for friendly, efficient service.
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ChipsAway , Unit 1, Carlisle Court Carlisle Street East, Sheffield S4 8DT, Tel: 0114 242 1118
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There is no shortage of reasons to be concerned about the current state of the music industry; each year we’re warned of the decline in record sales, the increase in illegal downloads, the death of “proper music”. We’re urged to see the error of our Napster abusing ways, and rescue the supposedly ailing industry any way we can. The validity of these claims is questionable to say the least. Whilst the economic climate may have led to a decline in music sales in general, it seems to have re-birthed a musical phenomenon not seen in the last decade – the pop superstar. Not since Britney and Christina battled it out in the charts, have solo females held such a monopoly, with acts like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and this month’s pop royalty interviewee, Nicole Scherzinger. After a brief, unpleasant stint in short lived reality-TV group, Eden’s Crush, Scherzinger was propelled to international stardom when in 2003 she became the lead singer of the new burlesque-turned-pop act, The Pussycat Dolls. After two UK platinum albums and eight top-ten singles with the group, Scherzinger has gone on to find further fame as a solo artist, with her third single “Don’t Hold Your Breath” topping the charts last year. It takes more than record sales to make a superstar of course; as well as being an international style-icon and sex-symbol, Nicole recently became Simon Cowell’s latest muse as a judge on the first season of the US X-Factor. Couple this with the fact that she happens to have an on-off, tabloid friendly relationship with Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton, and you have a proper, old-fashioned, Superstar. Chuff Media’s Warren Higgins recently caught up with Nicole, who took time off from her day job as international a-lister to discuss her album Killer Love, her time on the road, and her recent Dancing With the Stars success.
Hi Nicole, how’s it going? Wonderful, how are you?
We’re great thanks. Are you pleased with the reaction to your début album here, the UK seems to hold a soft spot for you?
INTERV IEW “As long as there are fans and the people connect and will continue to have me, i will do it”
Oh my gosh, I am beyond pleased, it means everything to me. I’m so happy, I’m so excited and I’m so grateful. I mean I had my first number one single in the UK, and am very fortunate to have five singles there from this album so far and I’m so grateful for my UK fans, Pussycat Dolls fans and the X factor fans there.
You’ve released five singles from Killer Love here in the UK - are there plans for anything more or is there new material that you’ve been working on? I’m always in the studio, we repackaged the album I believe late last year, I added four extra songs – Try With Me, Right There featuring 50 Cent, Trust Me I Lie, and Tomorrow Never Dies, which is a really cool song as well. I’ve been in the studio even though I was doing X factor in the US last year - I was in the studio every other night, and we had music coming out. So after this Killer Love album there’s gonna be another album, and I’m never gonna stop! As long as there are fans and the people connect and love it and will have me I will continue to do it.
When you were working on this album you were also appearing on Dancing With The Stars, was it literally a case of going from the dance studio to the recording studio for many months?
Always. Well I did the studio with Dancing With The Stars, and then after Dancing With The Stars, because it was so time consuming, I didn’t take a break for three months. I didn’t take one day off for three months. After that, I went to Europe and that’s when I really honed in on this album with RedOne in his camp.
What is the Nicole Scherzinger live experience like, do you perform any new material or stick to what the crowd knows?
Well, on my most recent tour there has been new material, you know, I’ve been thinking about that. On my live tour I had the singles that you’ll all have heard and of course I pay homage to the Pussycat Dolls with a couple of songs that I love and adore. I also did an acoustic set. As far as the new material I’ve been writing, I’m going to wait for that for the next album, because I want the fans to at least have been acquainted with it and to have heard it a little bit before I perform it for the first time ever.
When you’re touring the UK do you get the chance to look around and be a bit of a tourist or is it straight in, sound check, gig and then straight on to the next town? It’s on to the next one. You get acquainted with the hotel, the tour bus, the airport, the venues, so honestly you judge the towns by the people in the crowd!
The British public love you so much; would there be scope for a bigger tour, perhaps next year or in the Autumn? That’s my ultimate dream – to have a world tour, but also a bigger UK tour. But you’ve got to start somewhere and I’m honoured that I got to start in the theatres and that the fans came out for it. I’ll be back!
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You did musical theatre at college and at the Royal Variety Performance you blew everybody away with some of your renditions. Would you like to do a full run some day on Broadway or London’s West End in a musical?
Absolutely, theatre has a big part of my heart. There’s nothing like the stage, and that’s why I was honoured to play Christine in the Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Variety Show. It’s just rewarding, as an artist, for me to be able to have that outlet and to do that part of me that I love.
How did it feel to be a judge on X Factor in the US seeing as you came through a similar route yourself when you were younger, and was guesting on the UK version a good rehearsal for you?
Absolutely. First of all, after starting out on a show like that I’ve come full circle, and I feel like that gave me an advantage because for me as an artist I could empathise with the other contestants. I knew what they were going through, I knew how they felt and I knew how much it really meant to them, so I was able to go from that empathetic point of view. But guesting for the X Factor UK was definitely great prep work for me and I do miss the X Factor UK, because I found the contestants to be a lot more bubbly and fun, the crowd could be really outrageous and very outspoken which I love. I loved that they really welcomed me with open arms there.
On the X Factor you came second this year, are you aiming for first next year?
I’ll always aim for first. Like Simon says you don’t go into a competition hoping you get second. But second for me was first this year with Josh. I’m proud of the work we did together and for me I feel like we won. Thanks to Warren at Chuff Media
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Sleep Yourself Younger People are always asking me for my “top tips” for fresher, younger skin. I’d have to put sleep in my top three. People the world over are sleep-deprived, and this can lead to a whole host of problems, including weight gain. Scientists have found that too little sleep increases the “hunger hormone” levels, and decreases the levels of the hormone that makes you feel full. Interest-
ingly, the rise in the obesity rate correlates to the reduction in daily sleep hours compared to a few decades ago. A survey of more than a million people in 1960 found that people were getting an average of eight-and-a-half hours of sleep a night. Most surveys today find that people only sleep six or seven hours per night. Our bodies get a “tune up” when we’re sleeping. So, if you short-change your body with
too little sleep, you lose some of that vital repair time. This is the valuable time your body - and especially your skin - needs to refresh and regenerate while you get your rest. Your body uses your sleep time to rejuvenate and beautify your skin, not to mention protect your health; hence the term “beauty sleep”! Still tossing and turning? Here are my tips for the best sleep to support your skin’s health from the inside out:
1. Keep your room dark. Light interferes with the hormone melatonin - a natural immune system booster. One study found that electric light during the night could even contribute to breast cancer. 2. Sleep with ear plugs if you live in a noisy area (or have a snoring spouse!). You may want to buy some soft, squishy earplugs and use them at night. Studies show that nighttime noise can raise your blood pressure, even when you’re unaware of it. 3. Love your mattress. For years I complained about my mattress, until one day I finally decided to get a new one. What a difference a mattress makes! I love mine, and it has truly improved the quality of my sleep. 4. Keep cool. Keeping the temperature in your bedroom cool is conducive to better sleep. According to research, around 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal. 5. No caffeine after 3:00 p.m. I know many people who say they can drink coffee after dinner and go straight to sleep. But I always wonder about the “quality” of the sleep. The 3:00 pm cut-off is my personal rule and it seems to be working for me. I sleep like a baby every night. So, if you want to start looking as young as you feel, take inventory of your sleep habits. Try these tips for better, deeper sleep and wake up looking visibly younger and fresher! For more information on how to look and feel younger book a session with The Health Detective.
www.hydrodetox.net hydrodetox@gmail.com
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Health: Hydro Detox
Health awareness is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s body-conscious society. Sadly it too is becoming more and more essential, with levels of obesity, cancer and mental illness rising annually. People are often uneducated on how best to care for their body and can end up doing more harm than good. Penelope Crawford runs Hydrodetox, a colonic hydrotheraphy and health screening service based in Sheffield. An expert in all things good for you, Penelope is also a health and wellness coach. She has been kind enough to offer her expert advice to our lovely Asian Chic readers, in order to help keep you looking and feeling your best. This month, The Health Detective looks at sleep, and how not getting enough can lead to obesity and bad skin, while the right amount can take years off! 14
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Showroom Showcase Egyptian Spring
O
n 26th of January last year, the world watched as thousands of Egyptians took to the streets across the nation’s cities in a “Day of Revolt”, opposing the regime of tyrannical leader, President Hosni Mubarak. Over the course of the past year, the mostly peaceful protests have fought for an end to police brutality, state of emergency laws, lack of free elections and freedom of speech, political corruption, high unemployment, food price inflation, and low minimum wages. On February 11th 2011, Mubarak resigned from office, but civil unrest has continued over the past year, in the form of protests, civil disobedience, online activism and even rioting, resulting in the deaths of some nine hundred civilians. Art is often at its most visceral, perceptive and thrilling when it is reactionary. In the aftermath of any social or political unrest, artists in all mediums are quick to respond, creating works that examine change in ways that simple facts and figures can’t articulate. Egypt’s cinematic history is longer and broader than you might expect, with films being produced since the early twentieth century, and its national industry accounting for three quarters of all Arabic cinema. In collaboration with the University of Sheffield Concerts Department, over the next month the Showroom Cinema will be presenting their Egyptian Spring season; a series of films, music and discussions celebrating contemporary Egyptian culture, bringing musicians and film-makers to Sheffield for this unique event. Starting on International Women’s Day, Thursday 8th March, running until Wednesday 14th March, the season includes three films, a music concert as well as further events to be announced. The opening film is the national première of Cairo 678, a drama examining how the lives of three very different women are blighted by sexual harassment and what happens when one of the women makes a stand. The film examines the cause, effect and consequences of the women’s experiences, revealing a side to Egypt that is rarely seen and demonstrating that silence and denial do not offer a solution. Cairo 678 is written and directed by Mohamed Diab , a rising star of Egyptian cinema. Diab will be appearing at The Showroom as their special guest on 8th March to present his film and take part in a question and answer session after the screening. The season continues with 18 Days on Monday 12th March, a series of short films tackling the revolution head on, examining how the dramatic events of January 2011 affected the citizens of Cairo from all walks of life. The final film will be Cairo Exit on Wednesday 14th March; a drama about a pair of starcrossed lovers caught in impossible circumstances. Amal is an impoverished Coptic girl, her boyfriend Tarek is Muslim and determined to leave Egypt illegally to start a new life in Italy . When Amal discovers she is pregnant, the couple face an agonising choice. To tie in with the Showroom’s Egyptian Spring season, the University of Sheffield presents Arab Spring - Music of the Egyptian Revolution: Reem Kelani is a Palestinian singer, musicologist and broadcaster, born in the UK and brought up in Kuwait and will be appearing on Tuesday 13th March . On 25th January 2011 she was present in Tahrir square, where she witnessed firsthand the ten thousand protesters gathering to oppose President Muburak’s regime. She will be presenting a concert of music by the Egyptian composer Sayyid Darwish; considered by many to be the father of contemporary Arabic music, Sayyid Darwish is little known outside the Arab world. Most recently Darwish’s music has dominated the protests in Tahrir Square and elsewhere in Egypt . Collectively his music has provided a backdrop to the most important events in modern Egyptian history This presentation of the first wave of art inspired and influenced by the events unfolding in Egypt over the past year is the first of its kind. Cinema is rarely this affecting, relevant and important, don’t miss out.
w w w.showroomworkstation.org.uk 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX
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Atif Aslam Live in Concert www.atifaslam.org f: AtifAslamOfficialFanPage Email: info@aadeez.com
Lockdown Promotions along with Flex FX are proud to be presenting international singing sensation Atif Aslam at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Friday 27th of April. Having made his name as the front-man of Pakistani pop rock band Jal, Atif Aslam has gone on to establish himself as one of Pakistan’s most high profile performers; starring in blockbuster Bollywood films, as well as setting international charts ablaze with his diverse, dynamic sounds. Aslam will be supported by a host of rising talent, before taking to the stage to deliver what promises to be a stunning performance. Lockdown Promotions are supporters of Bait-Ul-Yatamaa, a charity aiming to provide a safe haven for homeless children by building an orphanage; offering shelter, food, clothing, education and most importantly, support for their future hopes and aspirations.
Chippingham Motors
228 Chippingham Street, Sheffield, S9 3SE Telephone: 0114 244 5374 Email: saj1964@hotmail.co.uk Chippingham Motors has been established in the region for over six years having built up an excellent reputation, by always offering a top-notch customer service and quality workmanship. The Chippingham Motors’ team have over 35 years of experience within the auto trade; no matter how big or small the job may be, you can be sure of receiving a dedicated and professional service at all times. Chippingham Motors offer high quality services in MOT tests, car repairs, vehicle servicing, brake and clutch repair and tyre work. As a VOSA registered MOT station (V102545), customers can be assured of a consummate professionalism and quality that ensures thorough and affordable MOT inspection, currently on offer at a hugely competitive £30. All technicians are fully trained and qualified, and are passionate about high standards of customer service and satisfaction - for the best value garage in Sheffield, be sure to give the Chippingham team a call.
German Marques
Unit 1, Fell Road, Sheffield, S9 2AL Telephone: 0114 327 2027 German Marques, based on Fell Road offer specialist service, repair and maintenance for high-performance German cars such as Porsche, Audi and BMW. German Marques understand that it is important for high end cars to be serviced by highly trained technicians, who have passion and experience working with the machines they encounter. Offering full diagnostic equipment, engine tuning and modifications, body repairs, respray and restoration, wheel refurbishments, paint-free dent removal and stone chip repairs; German Marques pride themselves on their knowledge, quality customer service and competitive rates. If you’re lucky enough to own a German beauty, it won’t get taken care of better than at German Marques.
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Venture About Town The Bluebeards Revenge & Orchid www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk f: bluebeardsrevenge
The Bluebeards Revenge is a premium range of quality men’s grooming and shaving products designed to combat tough stubble and tackle common shaving problems like razor burn and rash. The company have recently have joined forces with charity, Orchid to launch an innovative on-pack campaign to educate men on the three uniquely male cancers. The iconic grooming brand’s eye-catching packaging will feature potentially life saving advice for men on the inside of all its cartons. It will encourage men to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of the three male specific cancers - testicular, penile and prostate – so they can seek advice from a GP as early as possible. The campaign has the backing of 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Phil “The Raging Bull” Vickery, who explained; “Male cancers don’t receive enough coverage and awareness and far too many men aren’t proactive enough in seeking help if they have any concerns. That’s why I’m backing Orchid’s awareness messages on The Bluebeards Revenge product range to promote life-saving checks and to encourage men to stand up and take action.”
Fight Night
www.showdownevents.co.uk / Sunday 18th March f: search Showdown Events Showdown Events, in association with Man Metals, Tasties and Chic Promotions Marketing is proud to present Fight Night, an evening of full contact Thai Boxing, K1 and Kickboxing to be hosted at Hillsborough football ground. Fight Night will bring together some of the most promising novice fighters from Sheffield, Derby, Durham, Rotherham, Halifax and Doncaster, with bouts from both juniors and adults. Showdown Events are one of the UK’s premier Thai Boxing, K1 and Full Contact promoters. Working closely with various governing bodies, previous events have featured some of the sport’s biggest names, including Christian Di Paolo, Andrei Kulebin, Imran Khan, Helene Garnett and Marlon Hunt. Fight Night will take place on Sunday 18th March, getting under way from 4pm; always providing massive spectacle and great entertainment to our spectators, it’s not to be missed.
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Anand Kambra
Anand Kambra
Taurus by Dhruv & Pallavi
The Next Episode by Shantanu Singh
A Kaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta
A Kaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta
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Fashion
Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week
Preeti Chandra Rohit Bal
Anju Modi
Autumn Winter 2012-2013
Over the years Wills Lifestyle have injected a hint of glamour into the streets of India with Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. Kicking off their Autumn/Winter runway shows in New Delhi this February, WIFW showcased the works of around 138 designers. The likes of Preeti Chandra, Anupama Dayal, Rohit Bal and Anand Kabra were just some of the designers to open fashion week with their works of art. With any fashion week, a mixed bag of designs were expected – some fashion houses deciding to include traditional Indian styles, whilst others boasted eclectic imported fabrics and structured silhouettes. With the star-studded front row, exquisitely beautiful models, bursts of colour and to-die-for collections what’s not to love about Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week?
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Beauty Beneath I
Afshan Islam
n October 2011, Beauty Beneath’s Afshan Islam travelled to Manchester to take part in The National Make up Awards at The Professional Beauty Exhibition. Two looks were to be created, with an hour given to each; inspired by an English Rose bride and the chameleonic Lady Gaga. Then it was on to the judging panel whilst the finalists awaited their fate. First place prizes were given to each look, both consisting of £250 of Artdeco Couture make up. Afshan cleared up, reigning victorious in both categories and taking home not only £500 of professional make up but the overall make up artist award – therefore earning the chance to assist the Artdeco team (a group of selected artists who currently work on Emmerdale, Coronation St, Hollyoaks and Dancing on Ice to name a few!) at a celebrity red carpet event in Manchester . Before long Afshan was demonstrating the new winter range of make up on selected soap stars and celebs. Making a great impression on the Artdeco team was key, Afshan remained unfazed, after the event she was asked to travel down to London to work with the team at Professional Beauty. Afshan then went on to win a further prestigious prize in her field - one on one time with celebrity make up artist Louise Page. With experience in movies and award shows such as the Brit Awards, this was a once in a lifetime chance for Afshan to polish up her techniques. Managing to impress once again, Louise asked Afshan to join her on a shoot for OK Magazine and work on four Miss World models. In just a short space of time things have gone from good to greatr for Afshan as she has now been hand-picked by Artdeco to represent them in an international competition taking place in Dusseldorf this March. With a hugely successful six months under her belt it seems nothing can stop Afshan; we wish her the best of luck and hope to see her arrive home with the first place price as the newly crowned International Make up Artists Champion.
Beauty Beneath Sheffield
Ladies Hair & Beauty Salon 620 Attercliffe Road Sheffield S9 3QS T: 0114 242 2122 E: info@beautybeneathsalon.co.uk
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Travel Guide
New Orleans
World-famous for music and cuisine, The Big Easy has countless major attractions to entice the thousands that flock to this Southern Belle every year. From the renowned French Quarter and Bourbon Street’s notorious night-life, to voodoo museums and famous, flamboyant festival, Mardi Gras. New Orleans earns its place as one of the top ten most visited US cities and moreover, proves one of the most strikingly unique. Perfect for a short break away, New Orleans offers an array of boutique shopping, live music, indigenous fare and night-life to rival that of London or New York. A direct flight from Manchester for less than £500 return will land you in Louis Armstrong Airport, with just another short taxi journey to the heart of the city. For basic accomodation, opt for the authentic, historical French Quarter, for luxury try the nearby Central Business District. A trip to New Orleans means plenty of mouth-watering Cajun cuisine and soul food, perfect for those who love their grub. With its diverse cultural heritage, New Orleans offers distinctive dishes, taking inspiration from French, Cuban and Spanish traditions. Their Louisiana specialities include the Po’ boy - traditional submarine style sandwiches which were once given to the poor boys of the area, from which it inherits its dialect in-
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flicted name. Jambalaya, cornbread, crawfish, Gumbo, pralines and the popular favourite of rice and beans, are just a few good reasons to skip the diet for your visit.
“ night-life to rival London or New York” For an enjoyable lesson on traditional Louisiana food, the New Orleans School of Cooking in the French Quarter is highly recommended. An enlightening, entertaining class; experienced chefs prepare the food whilst explaining the history, leaving you to relax and enjoy the regional delicacies as well as locally brewed Abita beer. For great restaurants serving up locally sourced food, head to Frenchmen Street – you know it’s the best when it has the locals seal of approval! Those with a passion for music will be spoilt for choice in the Big Easy. The birthplace
of Jazz is constantly buzzing as the hums of horns and drums echo down the bustling streets, day and night. Local musicians play nightly on the streets and in the countless music bars, whilst well known, touring acts headline venues such as the House of Blues, situated just a stones throw away from all the action on Bourbon. A haven for blues and jazz musicians who want to hone their craft, New Orleans is receptive to musicians starting out, who just want a platform to play - most notably at one point being the only city in North America that allowed slaves to gather in public and play their native music. Bourbon Street is the place to be; filled with bars, all offering live music, karaoke or a crowd-pleaser DJ spinning the latest hits and some old school favourites for the masses of tourists and locals alike. For an evening you won’t forget, try Cats Meow on Bourbon -
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always packed with tourist patrons, hen and stags and karaoke, this is one serious party bar. For more of a relaxed atmosphere then Pat O’Brian’s, birthplace of the famous ‘Hurricane’ New Orleans Cocktail, it’s a great way to start your evening. If tourist bars and clubs aren’t your thing, Frenchmen Street at night is New Orleans at its most authentic and entrancing, as you mingle with the locals amongst the great selection of Jazz and piano bars.
“ culture, history and passion ” Daytime activities are much more relaxed (that’s if you aren’t nursing a dreaded hangover of course). Locals and tourists can’t get enough of the unique aura of The French Quarter and its exquisite attractions. Beautiful architecture graces the streets as well as art galleries, museums, tours, candid souvenir shops, cafés and bakeries – there are attractions and activities for anyone to enjoy, regardless of budget. New Orleans is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful cemeteries, the oldest and most famous of which being Saint Louis Cemetery. With its distinct above-ground tombs, Saint Louis has a rich history and is reportedly home to Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau’s family crypt. Visitors are said to persistently draw ‘XXX’ on the side of the crypt in hopes that Laveau’s spirit will grant them a wish. When absorbed in the culture and life in and around the French Quarter it’s hard to believe that if you take a short ten minute drive, you will be greeted by a city that seven years on is still recovering from the aftermath of the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, with much of the population still living in poverty stricken conditions. Although it isn’t for everyone, a trip to these areas is extremely humbling - and though the landscape of the city hasn’t yet recovered, the spirit, humour and vigour of its people are stronger than ever . New Orleans is a beautiful city, with a wealth of culture, history and passion, it’s simply impossible not to fall head over heels for this southern belle.
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You Drink We Drive
Tel: 0114 239-39-39 www.sheffieldcitytaxis.com Sheffield’s No1
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Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
www.mercedes-benz.co.uk
Max speed: 150 mph 0-62 mph: 7.5 secs Tech Combined mpg: 54.3 Spec Engine: 2143 cc 4 cylinder twin-turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 201 at 4200 rpm Max. torque (Ib/ft): 369 at 1600-1800 rpm CO2: 135 g/km Price: £46,860 on the road www.asianchic.co.uk
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Motoring Car Review
Pace, Grace, comfort and beauty are the perfect words to describe this German machine. - Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY After a 200 mile journey I felt as fresh when I got out of the Mercedes-Benz CLS as I had when I’d first buckled up. The car is great at soaking up the UK’s pothole ridden A and B roads and it has bags of smooth, seamless grunt for straight stretch sprints, thanks to its powerful 2143cc twin-turbo diesel engine. With a 0-62 mph time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 150mph, the 250 CDI has a split personality: it’s stimulating, yet, at the same time, relaxing to drive. The seats are ultra supportive and the car is so quiet it’s easy to forget that an oil-burner lurks under the bonnet. A sleek shifting G-Tronic Plus 7-speed auto box with steering column gear selector and gearshift paddles, along with Speedtronic cruise control, makes motorway commuting a breeze. The only niggle I found was getting used to the Mercedes’ control layout. I kept turning the indicators on when I wanted the windscreen wipers to work!
“ smooth, seamless grunt ” You get as much of a thrill seeing the CLS parked up as you do driving it. What immediately strikes the eye is the front design, reminiscent of the MercedesBenz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the bonnet but is formed separately, highlighting the long, sporty bonnet even further. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s look. Another distinguish-
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ing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom. A total of 71 LEDs not only provide a ‘string of pearls’ appearance, but they also give you a really clear view of the road at night. The CLS’s outline, with its pleasingly long proportions, is the main attribute of the model’s appearance. A distinctive and brawny shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the latest CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to attack. The side view is rounded off with wide tail lights, again featuring LED technology, which are arranged in the form of a linking element to the rear of the vehicle.
“ handcrafted perfection” Back inside, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI is distinguished by an enduring design which combines straightforward sophistication with modern details and handcrafted perfection. An attention-grabbing feature is the wrap-around effect of the cockpit: a high line sweeps from the driver’s door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been nicely integrated into the upper part of the instrument panel. At the same time, the downward sweeping side line on the doors continues the energetic dropping line of the exterior.
The model also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the nature of the materials used in the cabin. These consist of a mixture of satin and highgloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights include matt galvanised air vents, which form the ideal frame for a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock - it’s a lovely, classy touch. Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched leather seat covers, dashboard covering and wood trim. The particularly fine leather which is used has an especially warm and soft feel to it.
“ luxury fittings ” Looks, speed and luxury fittings aside, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is pretty practical too. There is enough room to seat four adults and the large boot with remote release is convenient and easy to access. The German motor will also do 54.3mpg on the combined cycle and with CO2 emissions of just 135g/km, the car will be cost-effective to run. So, in my opinion, if you want a stylish, fast, comfortable and safe car that also tells the world you’ve not done badly in business, then the CLS could well be the one for you. By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Writer www.carwriteups.co.uk u@carwriteups