Chic Lifestyle Asian Issue 11 by Chic Lifestyle Magazine

ASIAN LIFESTYLE issue 11 |

Welcome ASIAN LIFESTYLE Here at Asian Chic, each month we strive to highlight the most creative, influential and entrepreneurial individuals within Yorkshire’s Asian community; we feel that this month’s issue is our most inspired to date. This issue, we have a sterling interview for our wonderful Asian Chic readers; former Apprentice contestant, Melody Hossaini, described by Lord Sugar as, “a woman of exceptional ability”. The award winning social entrepreneur and CEO of InspirEngage - a company which endeavours to support young people in fulfilling their potential – dropped by for a chat to tell us a little bit more about her time on The Apprentice and the work of InspirEngage. Over the past century, eastern religious beliefs and culture have steadily made their way into the western consciousness, but there’s a strong argument to suggest that celebrity endorsements, overnight retreats and ‘New-Age’ shops, have only acted to diminish their integrity. In our feature Welcome to the New Age, we explore the danger of reducing ancient traditions to fads. On our Charity page, we feature a guest piece from the Alstrom Syndrome Society UK, an organisation which works tirelessly with sufferers of the rare genetic disorder and their families. The illness has an uncommonly high incidence among Asian families and yet is rarely talked about, we learn more about Alstrom Syndrome and what we can do to help the society.

10 MANAGING DIRECTOR Hussain Shafique hussain@chicpromotions.co.uk EDITOR Kieran Smith kieran@chicpromotions.co.uk DESIGN DIRECTOR Shane Gilmartin shane@chicpromotions.co.uk

WEB DESIGNER Francesca Cirillo francesca@chicpromotions.co.uk

We’re still working on that post-Christmas bulge which just doesn’t seem to budge – lucky then, that we have the Chic health expert at hand to give us some tips on squeezing in our thirty minutes of exercise on even the busiest schedule, while our Fashion experts give their picks of the latest fashion week trends. Of course we have all our regular features, including a glance in at some of Yorkshire’s most promising up-andcoming-businesses. Our itchy-footed traveller pays a visit to Argentina’s vibrant capital, Buenos Aries, while resident rev-head Tim Barnes-Clay talks us through the sleek new Lexus GS Luxury Hybrid Auto – what more could you ask for?

Asian Chic Magazine 25 Leigh Street, Sheffield, S9 2PR General Enquiries/advertising Tel: 0114 281 07 07 Email: info@chicpromotions.co.uk www.asianchic.co.uk

JUNIOR DESIGNER Amy Gilbert amy@chicpromotions.co.uk ADVERTISING MANAGER Melanie Jackson melanie@chicpromotions.co.uk SALES REPRESENTATIVE Dawn Goodwin dawn@chicpromotions.co.uk

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recycle when you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

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CONTRIBUTORS Joe Davies, Megan Habberfield, Gemma Rose, Yasmine Gleghorn, Kate Hobson, Romana Shah, Tim Barnes-Clay

LOCAL BUSINESSES

We take a look at three of Yorkshire’s most exciting entrepreneurial endeavours, including Shaadi Fayre.

MELODY HOSSAINI

The award winning social entrepreneur, founder and CEO of InspirEngage and former Apprentice contestant drops by for a chat about her continuing endeavour to grant valuable life skills to disad vantaged youths.

VENTURE CHARITY

Over the past century, eastern religious beliefs and culture have steadily made their way into the western consciousness, but have they lost their integrity? We explore the danger of reducing ancient traditions to fads.

FASHION

HEALTH

A quick glance at some of Sheffield’s hottest businesses.

Alstrom Syndrome Support Group UK work tirelessly with sufferers of the rare genetic disorder – we learn more about the illness which has a high incidence occurrence in Asian families.

THE NEW AGE

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The Chic fashionista gives us her tips on looking our best this winter.

Not having much luck ridding yourself of that festive bulge? Don’t worry, the Chic fitness guru is on hand to help.

TRAVEL

This month, we pay a visit to Argentina’s vibrant capital city, Buenos Aries.

MOTORING

Our resident rev-head Tim Barnes-Clay gives us his take on the sleek new Lexus GS Luxury Hybrid Auto.

SPECIAL THANKS Melody Hossaini, InspirEngage, Alstrom Syndrome Society UK 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.

Local Businesses Pure Gym

Web: www.puregym.com

That time has rolled around again, it’s the New Year and we’re all suddenly desperate to burn off the pounds by any means necessary. The New Year’s resolution has officially taken effect, the chocolates have been thrown in the bin and the booze has been poured down the sink in an effort to lose the pounds. For your efforts to be truly effective, you’re going to need to get down to the gym, lift a few weights and get on the running machines. If you’re looking for that perfect gym for you, then why not try Pure Gym? Pure Gym is a highly successful chain of gyms that run the length and breadth of the British Isles; a chain which is known for their high standards of customer service, efficient high tech equipment and a complete commitment to ensuring that you are the healthiest you can possibly be. Sheffield has several Pure Gym facilities, and a new establishment has recently opened up in Millhouses. Already building a reputation for quality and excellence, the Millhouses Pure Gym is proving a big hit. With prices as low as £10.99 per monthly membership, you can see why Pure Gym has the best possible service and equipment, for the most desirable prices.

The Shaadi Fayre The Yorkshire Asian Wedding Fayre Any brides and grooms looking to shower their wedding with something a little bit special definitely need to add this date to their diary. On Sunday 17th February between 1pm-8pm, The Shaadi Fayre comes to Sheffield, the first of its kind in the city, organised by wedding specialists, chandiweddings.com and asianshaadi.com. Taking place at Sheffield Wednesday FC, entry is free and approximately 20 different companies will be in attendance, including Chandi Weddings, Asianshaadi.com, Asira.co.uk, Apna Sounds, Newroomstyle and many more, providing solutions to all areas of your wedding planning. Other entertainment lined up includes a fashion show and live music by Khiza, plus a free prize draw for brides to be and special discounts on the day. Wedding planning can be stressful at the best of times, but The Shaadi Fayre is packed with inspiration to help you make your wedding the best time of your life, from the major features to the extra special details. A great family day out, this is something not to be missed for couples and their families. For more information, contact Taf Khan on 07960 960840 or Naeem Ul-Haq on 01782 279279, and visit www.asianshaadi.com.

Noodle Inn Hot Pot Address: 162 London Road, Sheffield Phone: 0114 258 3200

Following the success of their recently opened Noodle Inn Centro establishment, the Noodle Inn team have opened a new eatery on London Road. Already proving to be a success, Noodle Inn Hot Pot brings authentic Far Eastern cuisine to the residents of Sheffield. Focusing on an exciting and unique style of hot pot cooking, the restaurant boasts traditional, luxury décor and a cemented brand reputation with locals and visitors alike. With a specialised Vegetarian menu, the food provides something for all foodies and we can’t wait to try it.

Smokey’s Diner & Take Out

Address: Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, S9 3RA - Phone: 07717 340 986

Attercliffe isn’t exactly a cactus and cattle-filled Tex Mex haven but new diner and take out, Smokey’s, brings a little flavour of the US to Sheffield. Having opened just before Christmas, the diner offers a range of American-Mexican inspired treats, all cooked fresh to order using the finest ingredients, and all Halal. Toppings on the Loaded Burgers range from the indulgent, like The Rodeo (crispy onion rings, jalapenos, jalapeno relish and cheese), to the more distinctive, like The Nutter (peanut butter, hot banana and honey). But if you’re seriously hungry, then Smokey’s Tower Burgers aren’t for the faint hearted – can you handle The Superman Burger, piled with three handcrafted burgers, omelette, onion rings, hash brown, cheese melts and coleslaw? Or take a deep breath and tackle The Mother Of All Burgers – chicken burger, handcrafted beef burger, Louisiana beef, beef chilli, onion rings, pulled beef, hash brown, omelette, fried egg, cheese melts and coleslaw. Yee-haw.

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Hi Melody, can you start by telling us a little about your early life and how you got started in business? I’ve had quite a dramatic life- thinking one day I need to write a book! I was born in Iran amidst the gulf war in the early eighties, at the time it was quite a time of change in Iran, my parents explained to me that even our neighbours’ houses were bombed. We fled as asylum seekers looking for a better life. I was 2 at the time; it was me, my parents and my little brother who was one. We fled by land to Sweden where I grew up and had a really good upbringing with lots of opportunities. Going to school there and being a part of Swedish culture really formed a part of who I am, and perhaps partly formed a foundation for my passion for social justice. When I moved to the UK at the age of 13, partly due to a tragic incident where my brother and I were held at gun point in our own home, I became very passionate about the youth sector. This sparked what became 11 years of volunteering building up my experience in the sector before setting up InspirEngage. For those of our readers who are not familiar with InspirEngage can you tell us a little more about the company and how it acts to train and inspire the young people of Britain? InspirEngage is a Social enterprise, set up in 2009. For us the bottom line is about delivering skills Bootcamps and programmes to be able to support young people to be confident, work ready and to be enterprising. This year we’ve got three focuses, the first thing is the social enterprise revolution; and that is all to do with building young people’s skills to be socially responsible, we’re supporting young people to set up their own social enterprise. The second focus is Startup and Stiletto, which is all about women. We’re actually working with a college to develop accredited courses for women, to empower women, also to support them to look at which careers they would like to go into. There are some cultural barriers I think for women, depending on what communities they come from and we want to change that. We want to support women to really persevere with what they want to achieve. The last one is revise. We really want to focus on working with young offenders in prison, we’re working with communities where there’s a lot of anti-social behaviour, and we’re actually putting on Bootcamps to support young people to develop a social enterprise that benefits the community.

How can young people get in contact with InspirEngage and how easy is it for them to get involved with the company? In terms of getting involved, we take on a number of volunteers through the InspirEngage Young Ambassadors Programme. If anybody’s interested in that then look out for us online, get in touch with us via Twitter or Facebook. In terms of us delivering Bootcamps and going on our programmes we deliver those through organisations who perhaps want to sponsor or fund a Bootcamp in their community or through educational establishments. Sometimes in the past when young people have wanted them at school, we provide them with the materials. We’re always looking for potential sponsors. I also work with individuals through Skype tutorials to offer them 1 to 1 coaching and advice. Can you tell us a little more about the specialised InspirEngage Bootcamps? How does this unique experience aid a young person to go on and realise their full potential? The reason we call them Bootcamps is because they are not a lecture- the Bootcamps are a doing-thing, they’re high energy skills workshops! Young people will come into them through their school, colleges or universities. Or even organisations who work with young people. They get in touch with us and we design a Bootcamp tailored to them. We cover a range of skills modules including communication skills, personal branding and identity, project management, and how you go about setting up a business and how to make a CV and handle interviews. We ensure that once you’ve completed the Bootcamp you will possess the necessary life skills to be able to be successful and to be able to stand out in a very competitive job market. Did you encounter difficulties in becoming successful in business because of your ethnicity or gender and if so how did you overcome those difficulties? At InspirEngage that is one of our focuses this year through Startup and Stiletto and challenging the wrongful misconception of feminine women in business. It’s not just in men’s minds, it’s in women’s. Women need to redefine that, we’re as much a part of the solution, rather than us telling men to think a certain way. It needs to come from women; women can be women’s worst enemy as well. I would say to people in a similar situation don’t feel like you have to change yourself, continue to let your work speak for you.

What inspired you to apply as a contestant on The Apprentice? I’d never thought about applying for The Apprentice because working for Lord Sugar for a six figure sum doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest. When I was watching an episode one day, at the end they said we’re going to be running a new series, which gives you the opportunity to run a business with Lord Sugar, 50/50, for a £250,000 investment and I thought now you’re talking, that’s something I could get on board with! So I thought I want to go on to a very corporate platform, because that’s what the Apprentice is, and I want to bring something new to the table. So I had a social enterprise idea. When people ask why I was there, I wanted to win, get on board with Lord Sugar, and get his funding to be able to run a social enterprise. That was my thought, but onto plan B. It was definitely an experience, it really was. What did ‘The Apprentice’ teach you, how did it help you grow as a business woman? What it’s taught me is how much you can do in one day; he would wake up super early and its incredible how much you can achieve in one day if you really wanted to. Sometimes it’s just about picking up the phone and asking the right questions and you will get the answers you want. If you really wanted to do it you can fit things into a day that you wouldn’t ever believe! Reaching the heights of success that you have, what’s next for you? I want to continue to drive the social enterprise revolution forward and make InspirEngage one of the leading organisations for social enterprise education in the UK. This year, I’m also going to be continuing my public speaking tours. I often speak at a range of events (whether corporate, events or educationally based) with the aim of provoking thought, sharing my top tips and experience as well as to mobilise individuals towards their personal success. melodyhossaini.com

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Melody Hossaini The woman who climbed metaphorical mountains, Melody Hossaini is the Founder and CEO of InspirEngage International, an organisation dedicated to training young people to develop Life Skills to be: Confident, Work-Ready and Enterprising. Melody was also a contestant on The Apprentice back in 2011, where Lord Sugar himself described her as, “a woman of exceptional ability”. This month Asian Chic got the chance to sit Melody down for a chat, where we grilled her on everything from her time on The Apprentice and how she got started in business, to how she built an internationally renowned company and what’s next for Melody Hossaini and InspirEngage.

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Venture Akbars

Web: www.akbars.co.uk - Address: 1424 Leeds Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD3 7AE - Phone: 01274 000 000

Asian cuisine is easy to cook, but incredibly hard to cook well; training, skill and determination are essential to produce the mouth watering contents the eastern reaches of the world’s largest continent are known for. So what do you need to make it work? Ultimately, experience, top notch ingredients, unrivalled culinary skill and perhaps most important, fierce determination to provide the best food possible. One new restaurant - rooted in a tradition of culinary excellence - is already proving to be a success in producing the very best authentic Oriental food, Akbars Oriental. Located on 1424 Leeds Road, Bradford, Akbars Oriental is the newest edition to the Akbars chain, which includes establishments dotted all over the North of England. Akbars founder, Shabir Hussain opened his first 28 seat eatery in Bradford. The determined man with big dreams soon saw his humble restaurant prosper, as his years of experience in Asian cookery proved popular with customers looking for something authentic. His efforts bore fruit, and his personal philosophy, “anything is possible – it’s just a case of how bad you want it”, became his driving force as he opened new restaurants, striking gold each time. Today Hussain is the Chief Executive of over 10 restaurants, employing more than 400 staff. So why has the chain - the Bradford Restaurant in particular - proved so popular? Quite simply, its good food. Akbars is known for its fresh ingredients, quality service, the high level of skill among its staff and its pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Previous restaurants have focused on South Asian cuisine, and their curry dishes have proved a particular highlight of the Akbars experience, and you don’t just need to take our word for it as Akbars are the proud winners of the ‘King of Curry Award’. Now Akbars ambition to bring all manner of Asian cuisine straight to the plates of us Northern folk has reached new heights as Akbars has just opened its first Oriental cuisine house. It was a potentially risky move that has already proved to pay off in spades. Business is booming, people are excited, customers are talking and what they’re saying is impressive; “sumptuous”, “delicious” and “tasty” are words being thrown around en masse, customers are leaving happy and satisfied, their curiosity sated and their stomachs full of hearty classic Oriental cuisine. Akbars Oriental is a welcome addition to the chain, a place to go and relax, take in the enchanting atmosphere and let your cares wash away. Put yourself in their capable hands and sample the Oriental dish of your choice from their varied menu. The results speak for themselves. To find out more visit www.akbars.co.uk or simply download the new Akbars app on your Android smartphone (available from the Android App Store).

Fancie Cupcakes

Web: www.fancie.co.uk - Phone: 0114 266 3311

Alright, be honest, who jumps up in unrestrained abandon when they hear the words ‘Fancie Cupcake’? I’d definitely count myself within the number of people who would be delighted at the sight of one of these extraordinary confections. That’s quite frankly because they are such a luxury. For me personally, it’s the rich, creamy icing that makes my head spin as it gives me the ultimate sugar high. These days the Fancie Cupcake shops have become a Sheffield institution, and for good reason, as they provide just a little touch of luxury to our everyday lives. Lucky for us locals then that a new shop has just opened. Fancie Cupcakes have decided to bring their special brand of charm and icing to Ecclesall Road with a new shop having recently opened at 359- 361 Ecclesall Road, with the opening hours of 9am – 7pm Monday through Saturdays and 11am – 5pm on Sundays. It’s more wacky colour, more heart stopping icing and more delicious cakes and people are already raving about it. What’s not to love? If you find yourself on Eccy Road with a few quid to spare then what are you waiting for, treat yourself to the ultimate feel good factor!

Doom Valley Jessica Ennis was the first Olympic Gold medalist from Sheffield and will probably be the last. Her legacy’s potentially over before it even began. And for what? For Sheffield Council to annually save £700,000 by reducing Don Valley to a pile of rubble! What a joke. Demolish the stadium and demolish children’s dreams, their potential, and their health. It may save you money now Sheffield council, but it’ll cost you later in the form of healthcare for obesity and bored youths turning to crime. You can’t put a price on the benefit’s the venue brings, so leave it alone. If you have an opinion you need to express about Sheffield culture, write a 50-100 word piece and email it in to joe@chicpromotions.co.uk. We want to hear from you!

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Run for Bluebell Wood It’s that time of year again when we’re all reflecting on the past year and looking to the future. It’s a time to focus on the changes we want to make and resolve to follow through on these by making our New Year resolutions.

Wood since it opened in 2008. Oliver always has a smile on his face and loves football, playing on his Playstation 3 and spending time with his best friend Connor. During his visits at Bluebell Wood he became friends with Lilly.

I’m sure lots of you reading this will have decided that 2013 is the year for you to become healthier and improve your fitness. At Bluebell Wood, we know that this can be a battle, and hitting the streets at the end of a busy day can be a chore, However, running for your local children’s hospice could be just the motivation you need.

The very gorgeous Lilly who is 6 years-old and is from Bolton upon Dearne, visits the hospice as she suffers from Koolen Syndrome which means she has severe learning difficulties, epilepsy, worsening visual impairment and deteriorating mobility issues. Mum Vikky, says, “We come to Bluebell as a family for quality time as that is rare in our lives.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice cares for local children who have a shortened life expectancy. By running for ‘Team Bluebell’ you could help us continue to provide this valuable service which costs £3 million per year and receives no statutory government funding.

“It gives us the chance to get a full night’s sleep as her endless medication and continuous therapy is taken over by the care team, and we know no matter what the future holds for Lilly they will always be there for us’.

11 year old Oliver from Gleadless suffers from a rare genetic condition called SMA type 2 and has been accessing the respite services at Bluebell

The children inspired International Football Referee Howard Webb, is a patron for the charity, to dig out his running shoes and run for the hospice. Howard said, “I had a great time meeting Lilly and Oliver

and always feel very humbled when visiting Bluebell Wood. “The work they do is fantastic and I’m honoured to be an Ambassador for them. They have inspired me to get my running shoes back on again to show my support and I’m urging others to do the same and help raise funds for this amazing place.” Think you’d like to join Team Bluebell? Why not sign up to a fun run, 10K or even a half marathon? Our fabulous fundraising team will be behind you all the way. They will provide you with inspirational stories, top fundraising tips, sponsorship forms and even a free Bluebell Wood running vest! Go to www.bluebellwood.org/running to sign up now or find out further information about local runs in the area. Alternatively call us on 01909 517365. You can also show your support by following us on f: Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice or u:@BluebellwoodCH www.asianchic.co.uk

Charity Once a diagnosis is made there is often a sense of relief, diagnosis establishes a sense of direction and hope.

Alstrom Syndrome Support Group U Alstrom syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. It is characterised by blindness. The syndrome manifests at an early age, from birth onwards. It consists of many different conditions: • Dilated Cardiomyopathy • Nystagmus • Obesity • Diabetes • Kidney and Heart Failure Alstrom Syndrome Support Group UK came into being when a family from Paignton, Devonshire had two children diagnosed with the condition at the ages of 15 and 18. Kay and John Parkinson had two children who were extremely sensitive to bright lights and their eyes would seem to wobble up and down. Their daughters heart collapsed due to dilated cardiomyopathy at eleven weeks of age. Both their children were registered blind at the age of 5. Having had the distressful experience of going from doctor to doctor, each with their own view on the diagnosis, Kay and John eventually lost hope in obtaining a diagnosis for their children. They were more concerned with managing the different conditions their children developed. However, a meeting with a consultant in the Great Ormond Street Hospital resulted in a diagnosis being madeAlstrom Syndrome. Having a diagnosis finally after so many years was a relief. After doing some Internet research Kay realised that there is only one support group for Alstrom Syndrome which was international. This support group linked to research in the Jackson Laboratory in Maine USA. Kay and John became determined to find as many families with Alstrom Syndrome and offer them both support and access to the latest treatments and research. The Challenge of Diagnosis The condition is not diagnosed instantaneously. Unlike other chronic conditions such as diabetes, it is not easy to diagnose with a simple blood test. As a support group our experiences of working with many different children and adults with Alstrom

Syndrome has allowed us to view just how different each individual’s experience of Alstrom is - loss of vision differs in each child; it is more pronounced in some children than others. Some Alstrom children develop heart failure as new born babies and others don’t. The condition which manifests itself in the child ( nystagmus, blindness, dilated cardiomyopathy) becomes the focus of the doctors diagnosis. It is only after repeated visits to the emergency department, to the GPs, ( with various ailments such as chest infections, which are often life threatening in Alstrom children) that doctors see a pattern and refer patients for genetic testing. Many of our families struggle before a diagnosis. A child can be in and out of hospitals for many different conditions beforehand and once a diagnosis is made there is often a sense of relief Diagnosis establishes a sense of direction and hope. A carefully tailored health plan can be made around the child’s needs. What can Alstrom Syndrome Support Group Offer? As a national charity we offer the following services to families with children who have Alstrom syndrome : The Clinics Working with Alstrom patients over the years we have come to realise that many patients often attend the hospital for a variety of appointments ranging from cardiology and opthamology, to audiology and diabetes testing. Often we find that our parents and children are in and out of hospital departments. To overcome the antagonising waiting periods, Alstrom Syndrome Support Group offer, in conjunction with the NHS, NHS Alstrom Syndrome Multi Disciplinary Clinics. These clinics are based at Birmingham Childrens Hospital, Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital and St James Hospital. The main purpose of these clinics is to compress all the different tests an Alstrom patient requires into one day, while accommodation costs are footed by the various NHS trusts.

We also provide assistance with the following things: • Home visits and help to fill in forms for social welfare benefits • Supporting parents in ensuring their children have adequate support in school. We attend educational needs statement meetings which liaise with staff. • Supporting families in accessing local health care. If families feel their local primary healthcare service is providing inadequate care, we step in. • Helping families fill in application forms for Make a Wish Foundation. Some of our families have gone on holidays to DisneyLand Paris and others have used the foundation to obtain specialist braille equipment. Asian Mentoring Scheme Upon finding families with the syndrome there was a noticeable trend - a high incidence of Asian families have children with the condition. Further research indicated that at least 90% of Alstrom children had parents who were first cousins. This prompted the Support Group to raise awareness of the condition. We have done this by: • Setting stalls in the Mela in Birmingham, Bradford and hopefully London next year • Attending Asian only events like Chand Raats, Local Community Bazaars • Speaking with Community Leaders, Imams As the response from Asian families has increased, we have been prompted to go back to the roots, back to Pakistan. Alstrom Asia Currently we are setting up Alstrom Asia. We have a vision to find individuals with Alstrom syndrome in the Pakistan and offer them access to medical professionals. We are currently working with a genetics counsellor in Lahore who has access to a database of Alstrom patients. Like any charitable endeavour, this work takes time and funding. We are currently seeking individuals to donate or become directors of our project, and we are striving to continue raising awareness of Alstrom Syndrome and helping those individuals diagnosed and their families.

For more information please contact: Shamila Kafait - Shamila.kafait@asltrom.org.uk - 07943386230 www.alstrom.org.uk

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The spiritual landscape of Britain, and by extension the entire Western World, showed a vastly different picture 100 years ago. Coming out of the strict austerity of the Victorian era, spirituality as a concept didn’t exist, at least as not as far as the general public were concerned. Instead there was a bizarre balance between the rituals of Anglicanism and the cold opportunism of Imperial industry. In other words, the Western world seemed often to only pay lip service to religious institutions, that in fact had lost touch with modernity. Of course, we all know what happened next; two World Wars, along with the rapid advancement of technology over the course of the first half of the 20th Century, changed the face of the world beyond belief. Millions of people found their lives torn asunder and their societies changed forever by the ravages of total destruction. Notably, governments in the 50s tried to turn the clock back and return the world to traditional values. It didn’t work, eyes were opened to the excesses of the colonial age and what resulted, over time, was a gradual, but resounding, disavowal of colonial values. Then the 60s happened. It was like a pressure cooker, only made worse by the out of place austerity of the immediate post war period, and suddenly all the ideas and concepts that previously only had followings along the fringes of society, burst onto the scene, in the process colliding together and creating something the world had never seen before. Huge societal movements such as feminism and racial equality came into their own and in the process the liberalising public began to look to the East for their Spiritual reawakening. The 60s is full of famous examples of this, The Beatles, being perhaps the most important; their growing interest in Hindu philosophies informed much of their best work. Where celebrities go, the public follow, and the succeeding decades saw a massive shift in the way the world as a whole saw spirituality, it was no longer frowned upon to take inspiration from Eastern beliefs, it became the ‘in thing’, and such Eastern practices such as yoga, tai chi and reiki turned into fads that just everyone had to try. Eastern concepts such as reincarnation and karma worked their way into mainstream consciousness and such Eastern spiritual philosophies as Zen Buddhism and Kabala came to the fore as legitimate alternatives to Christian theology. The world we live in today is very different to how it was 100 years ago - spirituality is more diverse than ever, the Church doesn’t have a stranglehold on morality any more and while a lot of this is down to the success of such movements as civil rights and feminist equality, Eastern philosophy and spirituality has played a major role in the diversification of the Western World. Or has it? More specifically, how much of a role has original Eastern philosophy played? It cannot be denied that ideas and concepts that root back to traditional Asian spiritual prac-

tices have changed the world. However, the challenge that has often been lobbied by critics is that in the process of popularisation they have been westernised to such an extent that they bear almost no resemblance to what they once were. Take perhaps the most famous of these practices, yoga. In 2013 yoga is perhaps most popular as a form of alternative exercise. Phrases such as ‘downward facing dog’ have come to be associated with a practice that is sometimes seen as humorous in nature, an exercise fad designed to help middle aged women hold onto their youth and beauty. In reality yoga is a collection of physical, mental and spiritual practices associated with all manner of religious traditions that originated in the Indian sub continent. Yoga is in fact designed to focus the body so that you can hone the mind, it is a form of meditation and the actual purpose isn’t to lose weight at all, but to advance your philosophical understanding world around us. So how do more complex forms of Eastern philosophy fare under such scrutiny? It isn’t just eastern philosophical practices that have become popularised. Entire schools of thought have come into the Western mainstream and these days, concepts such as karma and reincarnation - major elements of many Indian religious traditions – are concepts used in everyday conversation. Take perhaps the most famous of these schools of thought to come to come over to the west, Zen Buddhism. Zen is actually a common term in societal discourse in the 21st Century. It’s almost taken on slang proportions, and people use the term to denote a state of meditative calm, or in some more secular circles the idea of being ‘cool’. In actual fact, Zen Buddhism is a form of Mahayana Buddhism (one of the two commonly acknowledged mainstream schools of Buddhism) that is prevalent in countries such as China and Japan. Although meditation is an important part of the Zen school of thought, it is merely a means to an end, not the sole focus, as the Western understanding of the term might lead one to believe. Zen rather emphasises the attainment of enlightenment and personal direct insight into Buddhist teachings, often encouraging personal interaction with Buddhist teachers rather than focusing too heavily on commonly accepted Buddhist doctrine. Here is a perfect example of the Western world taking what seems to fit in with post modern philosophy without understanding, or even trying to comprehend, the meaning behind those ideas. This isn’t always true; traditional Zen Buddhist establishments do exist, and in great numbers, but in popular culture, this is the common consensus. Let’s look at Kabala, a school of Jewish Mysticism. Kabala was popularised in the West by Madonna, who famously became a convert around the late 90’s and has since had a strong involvement with bringing Kabala over to the Western world. Not to go too deeply into it, it’s

a practise that uses ancient Jewish teachings to explain escoterism. The problem here is that it is secretive by nature, and the actual beliefs and practices of the main Kabala movement have not been publicised. Rather the trappings of the movement, such as the infamous red string bracelet, have been popularised, in the course condemning the school of Kabala into just another fad, something that those looking for the next ‘in thing’ say they follow, but are in fact only paying lip service to in order to appear bang on trend. So it seems that whether it be activity or school of thought, many (though importantly not all) Westerners seem to be taking the surface layers and adapting them into their own lives, ignoring the deeper philosophical meaning in the process. These institutions are = as far as the West is concerned - losing their old meanings and taking on new ones. The question I put to you readers - is this such a bad thing? Admittedly, taking the core Eastern philosophy away from Eastern philosophy is reminiscent of Imperial attitudes in many respects. We only have to look at the portrayal of the Ottoman concept of the ‘harem’ as a den of sexual activity, when in fact it was so much more, and was nowhere near as predatory as many Victorians would have had us believe, to realise that the West has been bastardising Eastern institutions for centuries and that this is possibly rooted in the Western view of the East as exotic, but actually lacking in substance. However, I would say that this is a false conclusion, and that times really have changed. The difference seems to lay in the idea of respect. Compare and contrast the depiction of the ‘harem’ and The Beatles spiritual awakening in India. The attitudes around the ‘harem’ were based in Colonial misogyny, xenophobia and racism. Society wasn’t in the right place to view this concept as anything more than a bizarre novelty, societal attitudes wouldn’t allow for any other interpretation. The world in which the Beatles lived was one in which people were actively fighting these institutional evils, and as such there was no longer a stigma about attaching respect to something that was different and Eastern. Ultimately this idea of respect made the difference; we may have somewhat trivialised these philosophies, however unlike our ancestors we do not hold them in disdain. Rather many of us see them as legitimate ways to transform our modern Western lives into something less commercial and more spiritual. East and West are being brought together, whatever the circumstances, Yes, there are negatives and certain things need closer scrutiny; however, the level of understanding and tolerance being fostered as a result is higher than at any point throughout history. This world is a vastly different place now, it’s a better place and Eastern philosophies and traditions have played a major role in achieving this. www.asianchic.co.uk

Welcome to the New Age Distinguishing Between New Age Fads and Real Asian Philosophy Britain has never been more culturally diverse than it is in the 21st Century. Over the last hundred years there has been an exchange of cultural ideas and philosophies between East and West on a massive scale, one unseen before throughout history. Especially over the course of the last few decades, many so called, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;New Ageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ideas have become popular in the West that draw on traditional Asian teachings, religion and philosophy. This would seem to be a good thing, as information flows, people become more open minded and it is clearly having on an effect on a Western world that is gradually throwing the shackles of archaic Victorian values and coming to accept diversity in a way that never would have been imaginable at the height of the British Empire. However, the criticism that has often been lobbied at these New Age ideas is that in the process of becoming popularised in the West they have been altered beyond recognition and are in fact incomparable to their Asian ancestor traditions. This month we at Asian Chic have decided to take a look at this phenomenon in closer detail and ask, have these traditions been changed beyond recognition?

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Watch one you

HAVING

A good watch is the ultimate men’s accessory. It is the main focus of a man’s outfit and will attract a lot of attention. Whether flashy and technical or classic and understated, there’s so much variety and the key is to find the one that suits you, your personality and of course, your wardrobe.

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FashionNews The catwalks and high street are all about being bold, bold, bold this spring - from animal prints to eye popping, vibrant colours, this season it is all about making a statement. 2013 is the year to be brave and get creative.

ALICE by Temperley | Alexander Drape Jacket www.seasonsclothing.com £680

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Lilly | Raspberry Glossy Goat ETON £695

Immune boosters Sneezing, coughing and headaches – the winter months go hand in hand with getting ill. While you may feel like curling up in a bed with a hot water bottle, try and include these immune boosting foods into your diet and cure that cold. It’s important to keep up with your daily vitamins. Your mum’s rants about vitamin C may have annoyed you at the time but she had a point! Whether you’re taking supplements or just eating plenty of fruit and veg, you’ll recover quicker as the vitamin protects your body. Vitamin E is also key to a healthy immune system. Found in seeds, vegetable oil and grains, this handy vitamin enhances the production of immune cells and helps destroy bacteria. Once you’ve stocked up on your vitamins, include some garlic in your dinner. This tasty herb is your immune systems best friend, helping your body fight off bacteria, parasites and viruses while improving overall immune performance. Once you’ve finished your garlicky meal, have some yoghurt with a serving of fresh blueberries. The friendly bacteria of probiotic yogurts keep away harmful germs, while the antioxidants in blueberries will strengthen your immune system and have you feeling better in no time.

TrekDesk is a desk that is designed to fit over a treadmill, with room for your laptop, papers and telephone so you can be walking and working at the same time.

Smile your way through January Nobody likes January. The mornings are dark, there’s frost all over your car and Christmas presents and New Year’s parties have drained your bank account. Finding ways to keep cheerful may seem impossible, but it can be as simple as changing what you eat! There’s no need to say goodbye to all your favourite foods. Dark chocolate and pasta are known for boosting your serotonin levels which improves your mood and far from causing nightmares, cheese can actually increase melatonin production which will help you get a good night’s sleep and wake up happier. Just be sure to eat them in moderation and don’t forget to add in some oily fish and green leafy vegetables for the healthier mood enhancers. Get the leftover turkey out for lunch – it contains amino acids that make you more relaxed, exactly what you need when the New Year work load’s got you stressed out.

Have some yoghurt with a serving of fresh blueberries. The friendly bacteria of probiotic yogurts keep away harmful germs

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Health

Beat the bulge and banish those post-Christmas blues

Keep your fluid intake up - drinking plenty of water is the most tried and tested method for speeding up a slacking metabolism

There’s no way of avoiding it, Christmas food is delicious and there’s lots of it. Pair that with the cold weather and constant supply of feel good films on TV tempting us to want to stay inside on the sofa and it’s pretty inevitable that our waistlines will increase over the festive season and our mood levels will sink as we head back to work feeling ill. Once the New Year rolls around, it can seem like a challenge to shift those extra pounds put on by the eggnog, mince pies and Ferrero Rochers, but with a few little changes you’ll be back to your best with a smile on your face in no time. Exercises at home You don’t need an over-priced gym membership or loads of equipment to work out – there are plenty of simple exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home, even while watching TV! Set yourself a target for how many crunches, squats or lunges you can achieve during an advert break of your favourite show. You’ll find that you’re pushing yourself harder if you’re using short bursts of exercise rather than putting less effort in over a full hour. Get off the sofa and stand up while you’re watching! Walking in place, doing lunges or star jumps are easy ways to get yourself moving and get your body burning calories. If you usually lay back and relax while you’re flicking through channels, try sitting up straight and tensing your stomach instead. As well as improving your posture, you’re exercising those long forgotten stomach muscles, which will help you with those crunches!

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Walk while you work If you’re stuck behind a desk all day at home, it can be tough to find the time for exercise. Experts recommend that we should be walking 10,000 steps every day but when the majority of your life is spent in a chair, how can you find the time? An American company may have come up with the perfect solution. TrekDesk is a desk that is designed to fit over a treadmill, with room for your laptop, papers and telephone so you can be walking and working at the same time. There are even cup holders so you can keep moving while you have your mid-morning cuppa. You can get all your typing done and emails sent as you work towards your 10,000 steps without even breaking a sweat. They are a pricey product as one TrekDesk will set you back £300 but you’ll get much more out of it than that gym membership you used once and then forgot all about. Metabolism boosting food Not all of us can be blessed with the metabolism of a supermodel. If even looking at a Big Mac makes

you go up a dress size, don’t despair, there may be some food and drinks that can help you out! Keep your fluid intake up – drinking plenty of water is the most tried and tested method for speeding up a slacking metabolism. If you’re not a water lover, you can always supplement in a cup of green tea for a tastier, healthy alternative. Don’t be tempted to skip your coffee as the caffeine can give you a morning boost. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon for a quick kick which will maintain steady blood sugar levels. If you’re a fan of all things spicy, then you’ll be pleased to know that jalapenos and cayenne peppers contain a chemical that speeds up your heart rate and metabolism, causing you to burn more calories after you’ve eaten them. Apples are a dieter’s best friend - it’s a perfect low calorie snack, that will help you stay fuller for longer and stop you reaching for the chocolate. They also contain fibre, which your body breaks down by burning calories.

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What’s more, a former world class Taekwondo champion who competed for England will be managing the shop! So you can expect highly personalised service and get real insightful tips and advice from Shabir Akhtar and his experienced team.

The 1000 square foot shop on London Road will be home to what promises to be the largest stock of equipment and clothing in South Yorkshire.

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Travel

Buenos Aires

“Fill me up with your heat, with your noise with your dirt overdo me/ Let me dance to your beat, make it loud, let it hurt running through me/ Don’t hold back, you are certain to impress” These familiar lyrics from the hit musical number ‘Buenos Aires’, a production centring around Argentina’s most infamous first lady, Eva Peron, fit this fabulous city perfectly. Often called the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires is full of passion and fire, a gorgeous city where dreams come true, where the Latin character of the buildings acts to delight and enchant in equal measure and where ultimately, once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave! Flights to Buenos Aires, by nature of the sheer distance between the British Isles and the Southern Continent, will not be cheap by any stretch of the imagination. However, if you do get the desire to travel to Argentina’s capital city and have an eye for a relative bargain, then prices usually range from £600 - £700 for a return trip from Manchester. Once you arrive at Buenos Aires International Airport, arrange a shuttle service, readily available from most Airlines, and ride straight into the heart of the city centre. From there you’re going to need a place to stay, and you’re in luck as Buenos Aires plays host to some of the best hotels in the world. Why not try the Lennox Hotel Buenos Aires, right in the heart of the historic city centre near San Martin Square on Talcahuano? Built in the classic Art Deco style of the early modern period, the exterior is stylish and elegant, whilst the rooms are decked in draperies and tapestries of burgundy and gold, with simple, sophisticated wall art and rich, sumptuous bed linens. Facilities at the Lennox include free Wi-Fi, LCD TV’s, iPod docks, a sauna and a bar/lounge. Prices for single rooms usually start from the

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penny-pinching sum of £81 per night. If you want something a little closer to Argentina’s most fascinating attractions, including the Museum of Modern Argentine Art and the infamous Casa Rosada, then why not try the more luxurious Hotel Madero, a 4.5 star luxury hotel in Puerto Madero on Rosario Vera Penaloza. The ultimate in post modernism, the Hotel Madero is all about vast white surfaces and walls, chrome fixtures and soft, red 60s psychedelic-style egg chairs. The rooms follow the pattern with dark laminate oak flooring, artistic, sparse, multi coloured light fittings and fluffy white bed linens. Facilities at the Hotel Madero include, air conditioning, laptop compatible safes, free WiFi, an indoor pool and a hotel restaurant. Prices are a little steeper, starting at £150 per night, but if you just have to have the added charm and luxury, then this is the place for you! After you’re settled in and over your jet lag you’re going to want to relax and get a bite to eat, maybe make a night of it, and you’re in luck there too, Buenos Aires has some top notch restaurants with both traditional and modern fare on the menu. If you want some traditional Argentine cuisine then why not head on down to Cantina La Maroma, a classic Argentine bodegon (tavern style restaurant) in the Almagro district at Mario Bravo 584, Humahuaca. Decorated with traditional art fixtures in a bare early 20th Century style, the Argentine take on the pasta dish is a particular speciality and doesn’t set you back too much. If you want something a little more upmarket and modern then why not try specialist vegetarian restaurant Jueves a la Mesa on San

Telmo, just a little out of the way of the main city thoroughfare. Small and intimate with soft atmosphere lighting, this gem is the perfect out-of-theway place to get some peace and quiet and enjoy a simple meal and a relaxing evening. Specialising exclusively in vegetarian dishes, specialities include healthy vegetarian pasta dishes. Intimate and moderately priced, this is the place to detox after that rich Christmas diet that’s left your body reeling once the toll of the New Year bells has died. After sating your hunger you might want to sample the local nightlife, and Buenos Aires, when it comes to nightlife, is one of the most exotic and exciting cities in the world! If you want to sample local culture then you need to do it at a Tango bar, and you can get a real sense of local atmosphere at the La Divina Milonga in San Telmo. Though crumbling, the building has a certain sense of archaic Argentine charm and along with cheap wine and beer, offers Tango lessons and demonstrations from experts in this uniquely Argentine form of dance. An adventure to be sure, it isn’t the Ritz but for those looking for something uniquely continental, it’s the perfect place. In contrast, if you want something a little more modern and upbeat, then why not take a visit to Je, a purpose built modern club on the Costanera Norte near the airport (hence the name). A little more out of the way, nevertheless the stylish crowdready club is a party hotspot with its neon lights, shiny dance floors and chic wall art. An electro/ dance club at heart, no matter the night, the decks are always stacked and the tunes flowing, beats

bouncing from wall to wall as you prepare to dance the night away. Drinks are more expensive, but you get what you pay for, with an extensive cocktail menu and high class local beers and wines on tap. After you recover from the hangover, it’s time to shake it off and do what you came to Buenos Aires to do – see the sights! Established by Spanish settlers, the foundation stones of Buenos Aires were first laid in the late 16th Century and the city consequently is full to the brim with historical delights. Your first stop just has to be a visit to the Casa Rosada on the Plaza de Mayo, in the heart of the city. The building, which translates as, ‘The Pink House’ in Argentina’s native Spanish, is the official residence of the Argentine president, and is perhaps most famous as the home of Juan and Eva Peron, the controversial leaders of Argentina during the post war period. Interesting fact: the Casa Rosada itself was allowed to be used for filming of the musical film Evita, centring on the lives of the Perons. The building is a triumph in Argentine architecture and can only be viewed from the outside, but definitely worth a visit to see the impressive Imperial architecture and the infamous balcony where both Madonna and the real Eva Peron have stood and made their impact. If you want to stick to touring Argentine architecture, then why not visit the Palacio Barolo located at 1370 Avenida de Mayo in the neighbourhood of Montserrat? The famous Barolo tower is often called Argentina’s best known and greatest example of ArtNouveau architecture. The whole building has been declared a national historic monument, however it is open to the public and is commercially used, even hosting a special shop that sells Tango clothing! The building was designed in accordance with Dante’s Divine Comedy and has 22 floors, with certain sections representing heaven, hell and purgatory, through architecture. Beautiful and historic yet functional, this is the perfect place for the shopper with an eye for all things historical. If you want to get to the heart of Argentina’s centuries old Catholic tradition, then you just have to take a visit to the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, in the north of the original settlement of the city, overlooking the Plaza de Mayo. Built in colonial times for Buenos Aires first Spanish Catholic settlers the building has been renovated to keep up with the times whilst still retaining that sense of tradition Catholicism is especially known for. The result is a building that has bright colours, vast arches, ornate architecture and fascinating murals and frescos. It is the ultimate Catholic architectural triumph and still regularly holds services, an absolute treat for those wanting to take some time to embrace their spirituality. So there you have it. Buenos Aires really is the place of passion and fire and no wonder a woman as entrancing, if morally dubious, as Eva Peron moved there at age 15 to make her way to stardom. It’s the perfect Latin stereotype in some ways, but this makes it enchanting, not stale or boring. On the other hand, Buenos Aires is changing - indeed it is embracing modernity at a furious rate. However, the key to this city’s charms is that it is the perfect blend of old and new, of traditional and modern. Take a look yourself, you might just fall in love.

San Telmo Market

San Martin Square

Lennox Hotel

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Tel: 0114 239-39-39 www.sheffieldcitytaxis.com Sheffield’s No1

You Drink We Drive This is incredibly useful, not to mention a great safety feature, especially when visibility is reduced on those dark, spray-ridden motorway commutes. If I had a wallet fat enough to contain nearly £50k, then I might well walk into a Lexus dealership and buy a GS 450h. It’s less flashy than some of the German marques that many businessmen feel they must drive, but it looks after you just as well - maybe even better. It’s a cracking car – but I suspect it’s slightly too expensive for many – and maybe not quite cool enough for others. If this was America it’d be a different story – Lexus is seen as the crème de la crème of motoring there.

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Lexus GS 450h Luxury Hybrid Auto www.lexus.co.uk

Max Speed: 155 mph 0-60 mph: 5.9 secs Combined mpg: 46.3 Engine: 3456 cc V6 24 valve petrol/electric Max Power (bhp): 286 at 6000rpm Max Torque (Ib/ft): 254 at 4600 rpm CO2: 141 g/km Tech Price: £44,995

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Motoring

Car Review

Sitting Behind the wheel of a Lexus is always a pleasure. It doesn’t really feel like you’re driving the GS 450h though – it’s so accomplished it almost drives itself. - Lexus GS 450h Luxury hybrid Auto -

The full hybrid GS 450h Luxury model, introduced in February 2012, does what it says on the tin well. It oozes opulence on the inside and has a heady mix of petrol and electric power underneath its skin. The first clue that it’s a hybrid (apart from the ‘Hybrid’ badges discreetly stuck to each side of the car) is when you push the starter button. There’s no engine noise and no exhaust note – just a barely audible hum. You see, the Lexus operates in electric-only mode as much as possible, the petrol engine kicking in without a glitch when you get to around 30mph or when extra power is needed – e.g. climbing hills. But you don’t need to drive the 450h like an eco-warrior if you don’t want to. It’s a true beast when not tootling along at ‘green’ speeds. And so it should be with a massive 3.5

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litre V6 lump under the bonnet. Developing 286bhp with 197bhp worth of electric assistance makes it disgracefully rapid. It’ll hit 0-62mph in under six seconds and the needle will rise all the way to 155mph before an electronic limiter says enough is enough. But be warned, the power output can surprise you and sometimes the back end can skip out on greasy surfaces if you’re too heavy footed. Despite the excitement the motor can stir up, the big GS appears fairly modest on the outside. Inside is a different story: the car includes a high specification that’s rich in advanced technology and features, combined with precision fit and finish and attention to detail.

gearbox, it glides effortlessly along the straights. Cabin contentment is assured with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and electrically adjustable front seats. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, too, and incorporates paddle shifts. On-board entertainment is provided by a 12-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB tuner, Bluetooth and USB/Aux ports for connecting personal music players. A Mark Levinson premium surround system with 12.3-inch navigation and multimedia screen is available as an option on the 450h Luxury model, and came already fitted to my test car. It’s the largest screen on the market, yet it doesn’t dominate; in fact it seems at one with the Lexus’ interior.

The Lexus is definitely best for long distance motorway commutes. It can feel a little big and ungainly on twisty country roads but, with the help of its smooth auto

The 450h Luxury grade has lots of other kit, but standing head and shoulders above the crowd is the blind spot detection system which is integrated into the door mirrors.

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