Close Up April 2023

LET’S GET

SAVE EGGSTATIC

Balmy BEAUTY

Luscious lips on lock

FOR EASTER

Ruling the runway EMILY RATAJKOWSKI

Spring is in full swing, and we're excited to bring you another jam-packed edition filled with fresh inspiration and ideas. This month's cover features the stunning Emily Ratajkowski, who graces us with her effortless beauty and effortless style. Our cover story dives into Emily's life, career, and how she balances it all.

As we emerge from the darkness of winter, we're reminded of the power of change and renewal. With warmer weather on the horizon, we can look forward to spending more time outdoors, enjoying the beauty of nature and the fresh air. And with the clocks changing, we have even more daylight to enjoy.

In this issue, we're thrilled to feature a range of stories and inspiration to help you make the most of this special time of year. From interviews with some of TV’s most familiar

faces, fashion and beauty trends to travel ideas and wellness tips. As we approach Easter, we've also included a special feature that celebrates this beloved holiday. We've got ideas for decorating your home, delicious recipes to try, and exciting family holidays.

As always, we strive to bring you the best in lifestyle content, and we hope this issue inspires you to live your best life. Thank you for your continued support, and we can't wait to hear what you think of this edition!

Southgate, Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, Grange Park, Enfield, Oakwood, Hampden Square, Cockfosters, Crouch End, Hadley Wood, Barnet, Totteridge, Whetstone,

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WISHlist

Close Up’s monthly guide to what you should be wishing for…

MISSION MINDFULNESS

Maximise your wellbeing with Mosley’s mission to unearth small, simple things you can introduce into your routine which will have a big impact on your mental and physical health.

Dr Michael Mosley – Just One Thing, £14.99 www.waterstones.com

HOW HANDY

Whatever your fitness goal is, let this duffel bag be your companion. Simple and sleek, the Nike Gym Club Duffel has the space to hold all the essentials without the bulkiness of a normal duffel.

Nike Gym Club Duffel Bag, £37.95 www.nike.com

FALLEN ANGEL

Unlike no ordinary lamp, add a little quirkiness and individuality to your home with this super cool angel bearing lamp!

Lamp, £24.99 www.homesense.com

BEAT IT

Get ahead of the game with the Powerbeats Pro True Wireless earbuds. This must have accessory will revolutionise your workouts with just the tap of the play button!

Powerbeats Pro, £269.95 www.beatsbydre.com

DREAM ON

Blissful dreaming awaits. Transform your bedroom into an elegant oasis with this luxurious silk pillowcase. Inherent properties of silk keep you cool and refreshed, with breathable qualities to support a heavenly nights sleep.

ESPA Home Oxford Edge Silk Pillowcase, £60 www.lookfantastic.com

HEAVEN SCENT

The iconic fragrance is back, mixed with a sensual wave of distinguished patchouli and citrus fruits, this unique fragrance is the ultimate staple for an irresistible and long lasting scent.

CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle, £126 www.chanel.com

MY CUPPA TEA

Mornings have never felt better with this playful hand-made ‘bubble’ mug, its fun design makes even the gloomiest of mornings full of joy!

Bubble Handmade Mug, £16 www.sazy.com

I WOKE UP LIKE THIS

It’s time to ditch the nights out for a cosy night in! Get in the Easter spirit with this super cute sunshine yellow pyjama set, perfect for the spring months ahead.

Primark Bralette & Brief, £14 www.primark.com

PUFF DADDY

As the days get longer and the temperatures get higher, this padded gilet is the perfect transition accessory to throw over your OOTD as we approach the not so cold months!

Short Puffer Gilet, £35.99 www.zara.com

EMILY RATAJKOWSKI

Redefining Beauty Standards

Emily Ratajkowski is a model, actress, author and a household name in the fashion industry. She rose to fame after starring in Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” music video in 2013, and has since graced the covers of major fashion magazines and walked the runway for numerous designers. However, Ratajkowski is more than just a pretty face; she is also an outspoken feminist and advocate for body positivity.

It is nine years since the model became famous off the back of the video for Robin Thicke’s hit song Blurred Lines. The debate that song ignited – about consent and the nature of sexiness – raged on through the intervening neardecade, defining Emily’s star as it ascended. She continues to embrace the nuances around it, making both a quasi-feminist statement and a highly lucrative brand identity of it. She wrote a book about it, My Body (‘a portrait of the tension between objectification and empowerment’, according to The Atlantic), launched a swimwear line and built an influential social media presence, one that has merged so completely with her public identity, she’s now more commonly known by her Instagram handle – @emrata – than her actual name.

Despite her success, Ratajkowski has faced criticism for her looks and her outspoken views on feminism. In an interview with InStyle magazine in 2018, she said, “People don’t want to work with me because I’m too sexy. They’re afraid of what that means, of the way that people will perceive me.” However, Ratajkowski has never let criticism get in her way. Instead, she has used her platform to speak out on important issues like women’s rights and body positivity.

“AS YOUNG WOMEN, [WE] feel the pressure of being young forever. BUT IN YOUR 30S, YOU LOOK THE SAME, BUT YOU’VE FIGURED OUT WHO THE HELL YOU ARE.”

Ratajkowski has been a vocal advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance. She said, “I’m very comfortable with my body. I think that’s something that comes with age and experience. I feel like I have a responsibility to other women to show that you can be sexy and confident and comfortable in your own skin.” Ratajkowski has also been critical of the fashion industry’s narrow beauty standards, saying in an interview with Porter magazine, “We need to see more diversity in fashion. It’s not enough to have one token person of colour or one token curvy model. We need to see real diversity.”

Ratajkowski’s comments highlight the double standards that exist in the fashion industry when it comes to women’s bodies. While male models are praised for having chiselled abs and defined muscles, female models are often criticised for being “too curvy” or “not thin enough.” Ratajkowski has been vocal about the need for the industry to embrace diversity and inclusivity, and to stop perpetuating harmful beauty standards.

It’s possible that you’ve heard Emily Ratajkowski is currently in what some may call her “bitch era”. This could be due to her declaration of such on The Today Show with Hoda and Jenna, or possibly because she started her own media company called Bitch Era. Interestingly enough, Bitch Era was also a contender for the name of her podcast, but she ended up choosing the more subdued title of High, Low instead.

“I’m definitely in a givingno-f**ks period of my life,” the 31-year-old says. “I was playing with my son, building his magnet tiles with him, and I was like, ‘Huh, I wonder if I’m going to come out of this period and be like, Damn, I really give a f**k now, and I wish I had handled things differently.’”

Ratajkowski admits that she isn’t going to allow the media buzz to change who she is or how she chooses to navigate the world -- publicly or privately -- and especially on her High, Low podcast. “I felt like I was constantly negotiating things in a way that was making me very meek,” she says. “I’ve stopped caring so much, which is, funny enough, an act of taking control. I’ve accepted what I can and can’t control, and found joy in things that I can. And the podcast is one of them.”

“I grew up listening to radio — podcasts before they were podcasts — because I was always commuting from San Diego to L.A. for modelling when I was in high school. I fell asleep at the wheel a few times. So, the way that I would stay awake was by listening to talk radio because it kept me more engaged than music. I became kind of an NPR head and loved Terry Gross and This American Life particularly. “When podcasts started popping off, my friends and people who are close to me would say, ‘I think you’d be so good at this — you should have a podcast.’ I knew that I wasn’t ready for it. When I started writing the book [My Body], somebody approached me about doing a podcast. I had been writing for about a year and had finally decided I was going to publish. At that point I was like, I think I want to wait until the book is done and it’s out in the world and people understand my POV a little bit more. A year after it was published, we started [the podcast]. It was a perfect evolution.”

Ratajkowski divorced Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2022, after almost four years of marriage. Since her split, the model has been linked to various high-profile men including Pete Davidson, Eric Andre, Brad Pitt and, most recently, Harry Styles. “I got married when I was 27. That was just four years ago, but it feels like a really long time. I think I felt like I was getting older. I think I felt older at 27 than I do at 31. Something was freaking me out. I had this realisation that I was getting closer to 30 and wasn’t going to be young forever. But something about 31, I’m like, I’m so young. I turned to my friend the other day and was like, ‘Did we ever think 30 was old?’ She was like, ‘Bitch, we thought 30 was so old.’ But you have so much time. Yes, life goes fast, but ultimately 27 is so young and it gets better. It got so much better for me. I think you’ll know yourself more. Of course, as young women, [we] feel the pressure of being young forever. But in your 30s, you look the same, but you’ve figured out who the hell you are.”

For the 1.4 million people who follow her on Twitter, the 2.4 million who follow her on TikTok and the 29.9 million who follow her on Instagram, Ratajkowski’s candour and insight into the corrosive sexism at the heart of the entertainment industry has made her an unusual, and unusually compelling, figure.

Ratajkowski has acquired a new fondness for TikTok as a social media platform that truly lets her be herself. As a model and founder of the swimwear line Inamorata, Ratajkowski often sees Meta-owned Instagram as an unavoidable part of her job, while Twitter’s traditionally been a site of “weird, corny men saying weird, scary things.” On TikTok, though, she can just have fun. She can dance with her son and post enticing snippets of events. She can answer an “if you identify as bisexual, do you own a green velvet couch?” prompt by showing off her own green velvet couch, and all that implies, with a casual smirk that says she knows exactly what people might make of it.

“I have a generally complicated relationship to the internet as a celebrity,” she admits. “One of the things I write about in the last essay of the book is about control and kind of understanding that one of the best ways to actually be happy and have some semblance of control is letting go,” she says.

As for letting looser on TikTok, Ratajkowski explains that there’s a curious freedom in being more “unfiltered” than she felt able to on other social media platforms. All you have to strive for is to be as honest and as upfront as you can, and make it feel like people are just in your iPhone camera roll.” In that respect, she says, “I enjoy vulnerability and radical honesty, so TikTok is a perfect medium for that.” “Women seeking attention is always the classic misogyny hot topic. It’s really what gets people going, to accuse a woman of seeking attention. Personally, I know that really well,” she says. “So, yeah, I get a lot of hate. But as they say on TikTok: ‘The girls who get it, get it.’ That’s my motto these days.”

“WE NEED TO SEE more diversity in fashion. IT’S NOT ENOUGH TO HAVE ONE TOKEN PERSON OF COLOUR OR ONE TOKEN CURVY MODEL. We need to see real diversity.”

Spring BREAK

Upgrade your airport style game and travel in comfort and style with our expert fashion advice for the spring season. From layering essentials to statement accessories, our guide will help you look and feel your best on your next plane journey.

Tabby Pillow Mini Leather Cross-Body Bag COACH

Image: Christy Turlington, Copyright: Steven Meisel, 1992, Vogue

Italia

Stylist: Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele

DESIGNER DUPES

The ultimate shopping guide to looking expensive whilst on a budget.

Looking for designer products but without the hefty price tag? We have collected a bunch of amazing dupes from our favourite designer brands to elevate your OOTD without splashing the cash!

Welcome to Carmelle Boutique. If you are looking for elegant and classy jewellery – you are in the right place.

At Carmelle we make sure that each of our customers can find exactly what they need. Browse our shop to find natural stone accessories, gold plated pieces and many more.

With multiple styles and pieces in the range, there is something for everyone, and every style.

Antonia’s Little Creations is a home fragrance company based in Scotland guaranteed to fill your home with beautiful, long-lasting aromas.

We have created a unique range of luxury handmade products that invoke a sense of relaxation and tranquillity within your home while offering a wide range of favourite fragrances.

Wax Melts, Carpet Fresheners, room sprays and our bestselling Gummy Bear wax melt pots are all available on our website. Make your house a home. Treat yourself, or a loved one now with your exclusive closeup discount.

Follow us on Instagram to keep up to date with brand new collections.

@CARMELLEJEWELLERY | CARMELLE-JEWELLERY.COM

20% off all products with the code

Natural Wax Candles

Botanical Wax Melts

Botanical Soap Bars

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Imag e by Thyme Lane Photography

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CLEAN Slate

What’s chicer than an all-white outfit?

Taking its inspiration from the ‘60s, this futuristic and effortless trend creates clean lines and is the perfect outfit choice for any season. Be it hot or cold, this aesthetic is paired back and timeless, and thanks to its versatility, you can style it any way you like.

White Tie

Cardigan Primark £8

Streams Bootie Bone

Steve Madden £70 530 New Balance £95

Satin Maxi Skirt River Island £30

This Is Her! ZADIG & VOLTAIRE £50.99

Runway Sunglasses CELINE £370

Le Chiquito Jacquemus £475

Trousers H&M £139.99

Blazer H&M £139.99

Adjustable Rise Poplin Baggy Cargo Pants Hollister £49

LIP Language

Everyone should have a trusty lip balm in their makeup bag. The colder months call for that extra bit of skincare TLC, but even outside of winter, our lips can always use a touch of nourishment. We have found the best balms to keep your pout well-hydrated all year long!

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Protectant Stick John Lewis

Healthy Mind, Healthy Life

We caught up this month with Too Hot To Handle’s Sophie Stonehouse where she bares all about her relationship with body positivity and how it has helped her re-gain control over herself, her go-to selflove rituals, and her battle with body dysmorphia.

Daily Habits

At this stage in my life I am really struggling to maintain a workout routine. It’s something that I am working on, as I would love to get back into fitness fully. Despite this, I ensure that every day I go on a nice long walk and if can find the time, I will do a Pilates or a yoga class in the morning or evening. I am the biggest foodie, so I find it very difficult to say no to the naughty things. I try and stick to two meals a day. I tend to have a late brunch that consists of boiled eggs and a homemade smoothie and then for my dinner I have been using Hello Fresh which I love. It really helps with my portion control and always satisfies my cravings.

Self-love

To me, self-love means taking care of one’s self. I take my self-care/love very seriously and ensure that it’s a part of my daily practice. I make sure that I pamper myself every day. I choose when I get ready for the day or when I get ready for bed to implement this self-care. I will either do a skincare routine or a hair mask, anything that you can think of that links to a good old pamper. I also make sure that I am consistent with a feel-good morning and evening routine that I do every day. I wake up and tidy my flat, light all of my candles, burn my incense, and sage my apartment. It creates a really lovely atmosphere.

Body positivity

It’s taken a long time and it hasn’t been easy, but I have just accepted that people don’t really care that much about what you look like. Even when you’re feeling your worst, no one is looking at you in public and thinking “she looks her worst right now”. I have accepted that one of my favourite things is yummy food! So, I will never be ridiculously thin and I’m okay with that. I would rather enjoy the food I love. However, I know that when I am starting to dislike my body that it’s self-inflicted and I do have the power to change it if I want to. Knowing that I have the power gives me a sense of control.

Body dysmorphia

I have definitely experienced body dysmorphia first hand. I fully understood that my way of thinking directly linked to body dysmorphia after I went through a stressful period in my life. Throughout lockdown I turned to fitness and health, it was my main focus throughout that period of time. After we came out of lockdown, I found it very difficult to maintain the same amount of exercise as I did through the first lockdown. I went back to work and finally had my life back, which meant I didn’t have the same amount of time. Because of this, I convinced myself that I was gaining weight. I look back at pictures of myself from that time and I was ridiculously thin, my boobs and bum had practically disappeared, I remember hating my body. After having this realisation, I accepted that body dysmorphia was something that I was going to live with. I know from past experiences I’m probably never going to be fully happy with my body – I don’t know if anyone truly is. I have come to terms with the fact that even if I was in the best shape of my life, I probably would still find something to complain about. Ultimately, I have accepted my body the way it is and I’m happy with that and who I am.

Varicose Vein FAQ’s

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a common condition affecting around 30 percent of people in the UK. They are defined by big, twisted and often blue or purple prominent veins close to the surface of the skin, most commonly found on the legs.

What are the causes?

Varicose veins are usually caused by weak vein walls or leaky valves that allow the blood to flow in the wrong direction, away from the heart.

What

are the most common symptoms?

Although varicose veins are not deemed to be dangerous, many people experience a range of unpleasant symptoms, such as aching, pain, itching and swelling. Some people also report being troubled at night, sometimes with a burning sensation while others simply do not like their appearance and find that their self-confidence is affected.

Who can be affected?

People of any age can be affected, but varicose veins tend to present worse in older people. Some other factors that can increase the chance of developing varicose veins include: having somebody in the family with varicose veins, being overweight, having a job that involves standing for long periods of time and other conditions.

What treatment options are available?

Whether the varicose veins are causing unpleasant symptoms or the appearance is troubling, dependent on suitability, a range of simple surgical and non-surgical treatments are usually available. These can include: laser or radiofrequency treatment, injections and compression stockings, as well as, traditional “stripping” – a technique that involves tying off the vein in the affected leg and removing it. Some of these procedures immediately block or remove the veins, while others are used to manage the condition over a period of time. An ultrasound scan is usually required to decide the best treatment.

Worried about varicose veins?

If you are worried about the appearance of your veins or the symptoms you are experiencing, you should arrange to see a vascular surgeon who can assess your suitability for treatment and help decide on the best option for you.

Want more information?

Mr Michael Guest is offering free varicose vein mini consultations between 18:00 and 20:00 pm on Thursday 18th May 2023 at One Hatfield Hospital.

To book your place please contact Kelsey Grace, Self-Pay Lead on 01707 44 3465 or kelsey.grace@onehealthcare.co.uk

SUMMER SNEEZE

Nearly half of us experience allergies at some point in our lives and one in two think we suffer from them, but haven’t been diagnosed.

Despite how common they are, there’s much confusion around allergies. What are they, how do they develop and – most importantly – how can we avoid illness or emergencies as a result of them?

Allergy myths – busted

'Once you've had an allergic reaction, exposure to the same allergen will be much worse'

This is a myth. Many factors influence the severity of a reaction, including the length of time since the last exposure and the degree of exposure. That said, if you've been told you are allergic to a food or a drug, you must not try it again until a specialist has excluded an allergy.

'You can avoid pet allergies by getting hypoallergenic cat and dog breeds'

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic animal. Certain breeds may shed less hair, but all dogs and cats produce allergenic proteins from saliva, skin and sebaceous glands.

‘Honey Cures Hayfever'

Sadly not. Bees make honey using pollen from flowers, not the pollen in weeds, grasses and trees that trigger hayfever.

What is an allergy?

It’s when your immune system – your body’s defence – is overreacting and treating a harmless substance as a threat, leading to symptoms such as rashes and swelling. With food allergies, the most common in adults are peanuts, tree nuts, seeded and stoned fruit, and shellfish, while in children, eggs, cow’s milk and peanuts dominate.

Are allergies more likely to develop in some people than others?

The UK has one of the highest allergy rates in the world, although it’s not understood exactly why. Genes play an important part; if you have one parent with an allergy, you have a 30-50% chance of developing one, and this rises to 60-80% if both parents have allergies. But it’s more complicated than that. We suspect that bacteria in your gut have an influence over whether or not you

develop an allergy. Events in early childhood, such as being born by caesarean section or requiring multiple courses of antibiotics, may influence the balance of gut bacteria, tipping susceptible infants into allergy. However, early exposure to bacteria appears to reduce chance of allergy, so younger siblings are less likely to get hayfever or eczema because they encounter more germs, and babies that share a home with a dog are less likely to develop a food allergy.

How can hayfever be kept under control?

Pollen allergy affects around 26% a reaction, including the length of UK adults, resulting in seasonal of time since the last exposure allergic rhinitis (or hayfever). Symptoms include an itchy nose, eyes and throat, It can also affect mental health; one US study suggested that sufferers are 40% more likely to develop depression, while a study of 1,800 UK teenagers found those with allergic rhinitis were 40% more likely to drop a grade between mocks and final exams. The correct treatment can help more than 95% of sufferers.

Simple ways to reduce pollen exposure include wearing a face mask and not hanging washing outside, as pollen will stick to it. Antihistamine cetirizine is usually recommended as it is effective, acts quickly, and is long lasting, however if this doesn’t work try to use an anti-inflammatory nasal steroid spray – but it can take time to kick in, so it is suggested to start a fortnight before pollen season.

Can

you develop allergies in later life?

You can develop one at any time.

Food allergies, hayfever and allergic asthma tend to develop earlier, while reactions to wasp or bee stings and medicines are more common in later life. If you develop one allergy in childhood, you’ll often develop another along the way.

Do at-home allergy tests work?

No! At-home allergy blood tests don’t give clear ‘yes or no’ answers like a pregnancy test and need to be interpreted by allergy experts. If you have rhinitis, asthma, a rash or swelling, speak to your GP, who can refer you to an allergy clinic in severe cases.

Can you tell the difference between an intolerance and an allergy?

Food intolerance refers to a food triggering a digestive problem, rather than allergy symptoms. For example, a common intolerance is to the milk-sugar lactose, which occurs if you don’t have enough of the enzyme lactase in the gut to digest cow’s milk, therefore causing upset stomach, diarrhoea and bloating. Food intolerance can be unpleasant, but it’s rarely dangerous. In contrast, food allergies cause the body’s immune system to be activated and can be dangerous, potentially causing anaphylaxis: the allergic reaction at the severe end of the spectrum, when either someone’s breathing is affected or their blood pressure has dropped, or both. Symptoms of low blood pressure include feeling dizzy, lightheaded, clammy, or faint. Insect stings, latex and medicines can also cause anaphylaxis.

SkinGlowingAwaits

Discreetly tucked away in a cosy room at Hampden Square’s Pure Beauty, Skin Retreat awaits. Tailoring each facial to exactly what your troublesome skin is crying out for, whether it’s hormone, pollution, stress or diet-related, Ellie’s treatments provide the ultimate detoxification.

As I stepped into the treatment room on a gloomy Friday morning, I was greeted by Ellie who would be providing me with the Skin Retreat Deluxe facial. Her warm smile and friendly demeanour immediately put me at ease, and I couldn’t wait to see what this luxurious treatment had in store for me.

The facial began with a thorough cleanse and exfoliation, which helped to remove any dirt, oil, or dead skin cells that were clogging my pores, using gentle, yet effective products that left my skin feeling clean and refreshed.

After the cleanse and exfoliation, Ellie performed extractions to remove any remaining impurities and congestion from my skin. She was very skilled and gentle with this process, which can sometimes be uncomfortable, however her thoroughness was appreciated as I could feel the weight coming away from my clogged pores.

Next, the microdermabrasion and dermaplaning steps were performed, which helped to remove the outermost layers of dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. I could immediately feel the difference in my skin and felt completely relaxed whilst my life’s stresses melted away.

During the hydro jelly mask step, Ellie also provided a neck and shoulder massage, which was a lovely touch and helped me to fully relax and enjoy the experience. The mask itself felt cooling and refreshing, and I could feel it hydrating and plumping my skin. The gorgeous mask (which I just had to take a peek at after the treatment) was a glittering beauty with specs of gold and rose petals.

Following on was the high frequency treatment, this treatment uses high frequency electrical currents to eliminate toxins and acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Next was the LED light therapy, which uses blue infrared light to kill off acne causing bacteria, reduce redness and irritation, and minimise future breakouts. This treatment is a game changer for those who suffer from inflamed acne as it calms existing breakouts, redness and inflammation all while destroying acne-causing bacteria and minimising future breakouts.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Skin Retreat Deluxe facial to anyone looking for a comprehensive and luxurious skincare experience. The attention to detail and personalised approach, combined with the use of high-quality products and techniques, left me feeling pampered and with noticeably brighter, smoother, and more hydrated skin.

Ellie made the entire facial experience even more enjoyable, throughout the facial, she checked in on my comfort level and provided helpful tips for maintaining healthy skin. She took the time to explain each step during the process, as well as take an interest into my skincare routine at home, and listen to my skincare concerns and goals, whilst providing personalised recommendations for the treatment and offering her expert advice on how to improve my skin with at-home tips and regular facials.

Whether it’s for a deep cleanse or an afternoon of deep relaxation and pampering, I can guarantee you’ll be leaving Skin Retreat with an impossibly gleaming complexion.

“I COULDN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THIS luxurious treatment HAD IN STORE FOR ME.”

“THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND PERSONALISED APPROACH left me feeling pampered AND WITH NOTICEABLY BRIGHTER, SMOOTHER, AND MORE HYDRATED SKIN.”

Acne is an inflammation of the oil glands in the skin & scalp. Hormonal imbalancment is mainly the cause of this condition, where surplus amount of oil produced causes bacteria to infect the skin. Active products will help to keep the skin clean, tightens the pores & stabilises oil production. Ayur-medic products for acne contain antibacterial active ingredients to prevent & heal breakouts. For acne prone skin

Lemongrass Cleansing Gel

THE DECEIT OF DATING Bad Grandpa;

Has anyone haunted you so much that you’ve had to hit the pause or delete button on your apps? And the title? Yes, it is as you’d expect. He could be someone’s grandpa. This love story lasted 3 hours, end to end, it was the quickest shit show I’d ever partaken in, which, I guess, is the bigger silver lining here and I ended up deleting Hinge YET AGAIN!

I always feel quite sceptical when a man messages on a dating app with his opening line as “I don’t like many women on here, but I like you.” Well, I’m sure not many women like you either bud, but here I am, entertaining it. It’s a standard Tuesday at work, I’m a bit bored, up to my ears in spreadsheets, so let’s see what this one has to say. Make my day, or at the very least, be my content for this column.

We started the back and forth. He was 42, lived and worked nearby, conventionally attractive and the conversation was just another bog standard talking stage to be honest. At least he wasn’t odd… yet.

The conversation quickly moved on at warp speed, his choice not mine. We exchanged Instagrams which is fine by me, you can always tell something about a person from their profile. His résumé was impressive and looked as he said he did. Although, the thing about Bad Grandpas is that they love filters, so you can never be sure… but in his case, it was all Botox.

We spoke on Instagram. The voice notes were coming in thick and fast. It was comforting. He provided that homely north London twang which feels so familiar. I was kind of getting sick of the Clapham local dialect. So far so goodish. We are two hours in. And then it happens. “I really need to speak to you about something, it’s really urgent.”

What on earth is the emergency after 2 hours of knowing me?

Hesitantly I give him my number. I was less than enthusiastic but that didn’t stop his persistence. I roll my eyes as my phone starts ringing. Patience is a virtue I’m lacking as of late because of people like him. I pick up with a lack lustre hello.

We begin by having a fairly standard getting to know each other conversation. I ask the question about his previous relationship, as you do. He acted like I’d just insulted his granny. So offended I’d asked because he believes that speaking about exes ruins the beginning stages of a new relationship. In my humble opinion, if you’re not willing to answer why you’re single at your big age of 42, you’re hiding something.

Going from not wanting to discuss it to chewing my ear off for 30 minutes about how his ex was a narcissist threw me off entirely. He hit me with everything but the kitchen sink; using all the self-help relationship buzzwords to describe how awful she was and how he was the victim. If I didn’t know any better, I’d have

believed him. But, unfortunately for him, I do know better.

He then continued an extremely long-winded rant about the failure of society due to an increase in feminism. He spoke just like an Incel and now it all made sense why he was single. Apparently, “women are far too masculine these days and that’s caused the demise of a traditional home and the role of a woman.” The last time I checked, his hero was locked up in a prison in Romania for sex trafficking so let’s not take him too seriously.

I tried to hurry the conversation along because I was bored. “You had something important to speak about?” To the point, I’m tired and you’ve drained me. “Yes. I thought it’s best to be honest before we move forward because I don’t like to start a potential new relationship with deceit.”

Well, his confidence was certainly misplaced in this scenario because he was definitely not going to speak to me again after that phone call. “Go on.” I usher.

“I’m not really 42. How old do you think I am?” He chuckles. “I’m not playing this game with you.” I snap back. “I’m 53” he retorts as he chuckles. My blood was boiling. “Sorry?! You’re old enough to be my dad. What would I possibly have in common with someone your age? We are on two very different paths.”

“IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, IF YOU’RE NOT WILLING TO ANSWER WHY YOU’RE SINGLE AT YOUR BIG AGE OF 42, you’re hiding something.”

“Most girls I tell don’t mind it at all, I’m not sure why you do? So, because of my age, you don’t want to consider dating me? So, you’re ageist?” I respond, “I don’t feel like we would have much in common and to be honest, I’m not comfortable that you lied and I don’t think we are aligned.” He says, “It’s because women are too masculine, that’s why they’re threatened by an older man.”

“Well, have you ever considered that women may be more defensive because you make them feel uncomfortable? Because I’m feminine when a man makes me feel safe and you’ve just had my back up the whole time. This is probably a YOU problem which you may need to address.” At this point I think I was frothing at the mouth.

Firstly, don’t gaslight me and diminish my feelings about the fact that you heinously under declared your age and lied. I’m not ok with it. If I wanted to date a man who was over 50, I would set my dating preferences as that on Hinge. I haven’t. Even 42 is a stretch for me. Not because there is anything wrong with it, I am just entitled to my preferences.

However; if we had met out, and we spoke and I enjoyed his conversation and he told me from the very start how old he was, I probably wouldn’t care. But let’s be clear, the conversation was borderline offensive, he clearly has an inherent hatred for women and he is insecure about his age and projecting that onto me. It’s not my job to heal you. I’ve known you for three hours.

What he did was predatory. He told me he doesn’t like women his age because he looks much younger (because he actively tries to with Botox and fillers) and women at his age are more set in their ways with more baggage and are too independent.

Now to translate: He’s looking for someone younger, who he thinks is more malleable, who can help him relive the youth he’s hanging onto dear life for. Someone who he can parade around

and show off because, apparently, it’s ok for men to date down but not ok for women to and an age gap big enough that you could’ve wiped my arse as a kid is ok, but not ok enough for you to put this as your real age on your Hinge profile.

Thirdly, you’re cheating your way into a pool of women who wouldn’t necessarily go for you so you talk to them long enough to entice them in before you tell them the truth, if at all. Because maybe you decide you just want to hit it then quit it, in which case, they needn’t know. But you couldn’t do that with me, because you’re only a mile down the road, we have mutuals and we all know about my investigation skills.

This wasn’t just a kittenfishing scenario (where you bend the truth slightly by 1-2 years), this was a full-blown catfish of 11 years! Word of warning to everyone out there. If he lies about his age, consider this a red flag, especially if it’s a big age gap. Every single person who has ever lied to me about their age has gone on to lie about so much more.

Also, take it seriously. I’m not saying this person would have gone for a 20-year-old, but what’s stopping him? In his head, he passes for mid thirties and he constantly told me he gets approached by women in their 20’s, so where’s the limit in men ‘dating down’? He didn’t get his way with me because I didn’t need anything he would offer to someone who is younger and maybe a little bit ‘greener’. Just tread with caution and don’t let anyone gaslight you into thinking you have done something wrong by not wanting to date a lying grandad. After all, it’s all about your preference.

Big Mouth xx

“THE CONVERSATION WAS BORDERLINE OFFENSIVEIt’s not my job to heal you.

I’VE KNOWN YOU FOR THREE HOURS.”

SCENT to be

There’s no better way to manifest bright, beautiful days than with spring perfumes. A dreamy spring fragrance can bring the sunshine and the flower petals whether the sun decides to shine. We’ve rounded up our favourite spring scents that you should have on your radar this month!

Ariana Grande Mod Vanilla The Perfume Shop £53

J’Adore Deodrant Dior £43

Deep Garden Zara £17.99

English Pear & Freesia Jo Malone £110

Burberry Her LOOK FANTASTIC £67

Juice House Coconut & Lime Hollister £17

OUAI Melrose Place Selfridges £54

Maison Frances Kurkdijan Amyris – Scented Hair Mist John Lewis £65

Atelier des Fleurs Papyrus Chloé £205

Maison Margiela Springtime In A Park Space NK £49

Discover luxury soy wax scented candles at MeadowFarm.

We are based in North Yorkshire and inspired by nature in the beautiful Nidderdale countryside.

What started as a wonderful hobby, has quickly evolved into a small business as a result of the many positive compliments received from friends and family who had previously been gifted a candle.

Rachel, the MeadowFarm Founder, had worked in the beauty industry for many years, only taking a break to have her daughters. Her passion is now developing this business and currently expanding the range of beautiful candles that complement the other aspects of her lifestyle. Her commitment and energy to create these new candle scents are just part of a stable of other natural products in planning at MeadowFarm, including natural Honey and organic food produce.

‘Watch this space’

285g wax

£25 large candle

180g wax

£15 small candle

2 wick 285g with white jar and bow

£27 large candle

Shop the range of scents including:

Wildflowers

Citrus Mint

Herb Garden

Into the woods

Follow

A calming blend of essential oils including lavender and honeysuckle

An uplifting mixture of lemon spearmint and bergamot

A beautiful spa like scent with rosemary and basil

An oaky woody scent akin to a walk in the woods

Behind the Scenes with Nadia Sawalha

From Loose Women and Culinary Queen to YouTube Sensation.

Nadia Sawalha is a renowned television presenter, actress, chef, and advocate for mental health. She rose to fame as a presenter on the popular daytime show “Loose Women” and has since become a household name.

In this exclusive interview, Nadia opens up about her career, personal life, and her journey to success. From her early days in the industry to her latest projects, Nadia shares her experiences and insights into the world of showbiz. Join us as we delve into the life of this multi-talented star.

From Loose Women to Saturday Cookbook, you’ve been a presenter on a variety of shows. What are some of the highlights of your career so far?

I look on everything I’ve done quite fondly because I’ve done movies, almost every daytime show that came up on the BBC, and then Loose Women which has been amazing, EastEnders; so, when I got Loose Women I just came out of EastEnders and I never thought I was going to be a presenter, so to then get a whole new career that has just spanned over 25 years has been amazing – I still do Loose Women and I love it passionately but to now have the freedom that we have with our YouTube channel where we can create the content we would want to see is great. I have recently just started a cookery show with my sister, we’re only 7 episodes in and it’s just fantastic, we’re having so much fun! People always say to me, ‘what do you want to do in the future, what did you like in the past?’, but I’m very much a person that says right here, right now, I’ve got such a good balance. I’ve got live TV, I’ve got my channel, the kids are doing well, and I’ve got great friends.

You’re also an accomplished author, with several cookbooks on your belt. Can you talk about your writing process and how you come up with new ideas?

My sister and I are currently working on one that will be out next summer, with recipe books I always think of it as putting it into groups, what do people want? They want something that’s easy, something that’s a bit fancy, nobody wants to buy a lot of ingredients, so I’m always thinking about what I know about the people that follow me, but this time with my sister it’s just so lovely because we can bounce ideas off each other and just talk about the food so much without worrying that the person would get bored (because most people get bored with how much I talk about food) but I know she never will! I’m enjoying this the most out of all the cookbooks I have done!

“THERE IS NEVER ANY HARM ABOUT knowing more about ourselves AND KNOWING WHY WE TICK AND understanding.”

You’re known for your love of cooking and have even competed on Celebrity MasterChef. What are some of your favourite recipes to cook at home?

I have recently started making homemade jam doughnuts freshly fried, honestly my kids’ faces when they bite into them, they’re like ‘OMG Mum’. And then recently I’ve been trying to perfect the most perfect cinnamon bun. Now, I’m not a baker, I would go onto British Bake Off and would come last so this year it has been my thing to bake more and make more bread because I’m not very good at it, and I’m actually really enjoying it. I love Middle Eastern food because that’s where I’m from, I love Spanish food – but I also love to cook a BIG roast, I love sometimes to take a whole day to cook the most perfect roast with everything on it from cauliflower cheese to homemade puddings and then to have the family round for everyone to enjoy and just be so happy.

You recently launched a new YouTube series which offers a behind-thescenes look at your family life. How has the response been to this series, and what can viewers expect to see in future episodes?

Well we’ve been doing our podcast, which is also a video on our channel called ‘How To Stay Married So Far’ which has been going great, but our reality show ‘Home Time’ is just our family living life, and I think the reason people like it so much is because the place is always upside down, we have a lot of laughs, there is no ‘living the perfect life’ whatsoever. I think people watch it and feel better about their lives, haha! A bit like on my Instagram, I do Instagram VS reality to make people aware that we don’t all have these perfect lives. So, everything we do on our channel is very much behind the scenes, you’re getting exactly what we live like. Mark, my husband, will literally just turn the camera on and we will start filming, there is never a plan. People say ‘this reality show ought to be on television’ but I say ‘no, if it was on television, we wouldn’t be able to do all the things we do!’

Your YouTube channel and social media presence have gained a large following. How has social media impacted your career and the way you connect with your audience?

I am hugely grateful to social media, I love the connection I’ve got with the audience on my Instagram, I love that I get so many comments about how I make people laugh, or make people feel better about their body image, or to entertain and inform them. We’re going to be making a documentary on ADHD and we have such a brilliant relationship with our subscribers on YouTube and Instagram, you could look at one of our videos and you will see we have so many amazing comments underneath, and they really feel like they know us because we share everything in our house!

You’ve been very open about your experience with ADHD and how it’s impacted your life. How did you first discover that you have ADHD, and how has it affected your career?

The full diagnoses are hundreds of questions going right back through your life, and then I got the diagnosis, there is never any harm about knowing more about ourselves and knowing why we tick and understanding. It’s been really amazing to look through my life at the good bits, at the bad bits and just go ‘oh I wonder if that was something to do with

this, where I felt like I was stupid, or I felt like I was lazy’. I’m still learning things all the time and I am so glad that I have had the diagnoses and so many people have contacted me and they’re so happy that it explains a lot of things. I don’t want thousands of children to be deemed stupid, or lazy, or naughty, when it could be that they have ADHD, so the more awareness, the better, because a person that goes through school with ADHD is not going to get the education they deserve which means they’re not going to be able to contribute to their families and society in the ways that they possibly could, so the more awareness we get, the better because in the long run people will be able to have more of a life that they deserve.

A number of your YouTube videos are about ADHD and what it was like to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, including your story ‘Living with ADHD’. What inspired you to share your story in this way?

I have been at Loose Women for 25 years, on our YouTube channel, and on Loose Women, we talk a lot about mental health and we will continue to talk about it and break down those taboos because there are still many people that think everybody should shut up and put up, but I know the struggles. My husband has bipolar and ADHD and I have watched how hard that can be and other friends of mine that have had depression, I also know how much it means to them when they see people in the public eye talking about it, helping people understand more.

Your YouTube channel covers a wide range of topics, from parenting to mental health to cooking. How do you decide what content to create?

We have very regular shows six days a week, ‘Coffee Moaning’ ‘Saturday Cooking Show’ ‘Movie Reviews’, ‘Trailer Reviews’, ‘Saturday Family Show’ and our gardening show, ‘Green Fingered Hell’ - so we have got a full channel. Then we will have an idea, like we want to do this ADHD documentary, so it’s everchanging. At the minute, I’m really fascinated with death doulas, people that help people on their journey into death, so were looking into it as a programme. But we just pick up our camera, and our presenter; me, and just go off and do it, so anything could happen at any time!

What advice do you have for others who are living with ADHD and looking for ways to cope and thrive?

I think the more you can find out about it the better. There is a podcast called ADDITUDE and there are hundreds of episodes on it. It covers absolutely everything so any subject within ADHD that you wanted to know whether it’s your kids or medication, there will be a podcast within that. There are lots of Instagram accounts too, so I think just get really curious about it, because the more curious you are, the more you find out and the better you can look after yourself or anyone in your family.

The SawalhaAdderleysFamily, Food, Films & Fun is available on YouTube now www.youtube.com/@ sawalhaadderleys

“I DON’T WANT THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN TO BE DEEMED STUPID, OR LAZY, OR NAUGHTY, WHEN it could be that they have ADHD”

So near SO SPA

Transform your bathroom into the ultimate spa haven of escapism. The combination of materials like wood, marble, and stone are the ideal components to re-create the most luxurious retreat experience in the comfort of your own home.

Circular Vase Cult £35 Cloudy Soap Dish Andrea House £20

Refillable Bathroom Bottles The Wisteria Tree £7.50 each

Drift Brass Finish Mirror John Lewis £20

Wellness Organic Waffle Towel George £9

Bubble Dispenser and Tumbler Set George POA

St Eval Oak Scented Candle National Trust £15

Bhodi Rug Walton & Co £30

Ambre Vanille Honey Bath Laura Mercier £45

Hydrea London Natural Bamboo Towel Hair Wrap Fenwick £13.50

My name is Narinda, and I help people with mental and physical conditions who are on low incomes to organise their homes. I focus on relieving the stress of daily tidying by finding practical solutions to let go of clutter which will create room for you to enjoy your living spaces.

Utilising things you already own, love and value, my passion is to help people make their place feel like home again whilst working towards their ideal lifestyle.

“When I first heard about an organising service, I was reluctant because of privacy reasons, but I decided to give it a go. I have never looked back since and have now used this service several times and recommended to family and friends. I cannot thank Narinda enough for helping me to organise my space, which in turn helped me in other areas of my life. I am so thankful for her help. Such a blessing”

To help with your transformation, I work in association with Hearts and Helpers and Nightingale Support Centre to recycle/reuse as many goods as possible for those in need.

SPRING in your step

As the days get brighter, interiors are beginning to feel more in touch with nature and uplifting colour palettes. We have rounded up some of our favourite kitchen and homeware featuring vivid hues and abstract designs to signal the start of spring, banishing gloomy greys!

Set of 4 Check Side Plates Dunelm £4

Square Tin Canister Dunelm £2

Land Abstract Cushion Next £15

Cotton & Hydrangea Candle National Trust £18

Faux Orchid Homesense £9.99

£49.50

Bee Double Oven Glove Cath Kidston £17.50

4pk Ribbed Mugs Wilko £10

Lila Cermanic Jug Oliver Bonas £34.50

BLUE SKY INTERIORS

Aiming to provide the highest level of individual service in order that every kitchen, bedroom or bathroom is tailored to the customer’s specifications.

We stock a wide range of materials from taps to floor coverings to door facias to give you a choice which is top of the range in its diversity.

www.blue-sky-interiors.co.uk

020 8449 3232

24-26 Church Hill Road

East Barnet Village

EN4 8TB

OH HOPPY Days!

Easter is just around the corner, so we’ve pulled together a collection of products to help you hop into the festivities this year! Characterised by traditional bunny, egg and chick motifs along with the signature powdery pastel colour palette, these egg-cellent items will add a sense of joy to any space!

Easter Plate

TkMaxx

Mini Chocolate Easter Eggs Cartwright £6.50

Dotted Wine Glass Homesense £3.99

Spring Harvest Tea Towels Dunelm £6

Yellow Neon Easter Bunny Light Lights4fun £19.99

Gingham Rabbit Napkin Rings, Set of 4 John Lewis £12

Primaverea Glass Tealight Pot Daisy Park £12

Eater Plates Next POA

Wooden Easter Decoration

Hobbycraft £3.50

Footed Mug Soft Paisley ProCook £7

£6.99

7 Pcs Easter Baking Set Dunelm £10

SERANDITE

This invigorating hue takes influence from the vibrant rare mineral of the same name – As a more muted coral shade, Serandite is a colour that nourishes the mind, body and soul, pairing well with neutrals for those who want to ease this hue into their home but also working well as a statement colour for those who wish to take the leap.

Covet House

Hendra Hammam Towel ebbflowcornwall £36

Coral Cushion Cover Walton & Co £30

Orange Glass Candle Holder Talking Tables £14

Orange Glass Bud Vase The Wisteria Tree £10

Orange Linen Cushion Idyll Home £44.95

Antique Gold Giraffe Lamp Cotterell & Co £121

Coral Decoration Natalia Willmott £28

Despite the increase in complexity of our candlemaking process, higher production time, and higher cost, we chose all-natural, non-toxic ingredients for our candles. During our journey to create Glitzy Sparkles Candles, we knew we wanted a one-of-a-kind candle for all homes. Our luxury candles are purely hand-poured in Kent with no chemicals and offer a variety of styles, including European, Greek, contemporary, and African.

Fragrance is what we love, so we decided to create candles to satisfy our clients' desire for luxury home scents. Our brand is all about luxury and memories, reflecting who we are and where we are now. We offer a range of designs in our many collections, making our luxury candles perfect for any home, as gifts for weddings, christenings, and more.

Introducing Glitzy Sparkles Candles, with an English name and an original elephant logo, the creator of GSC spent most of her life in the UK, although originally from Cote D’ivoire, she decided to use the elephant as her brand logo as it is the focal point of the emblem of her home country. Her vision was to combine European Greek and African art and sculptures with home decor, creating a unique mix of English and African influences.

When burned, our candles, made with soy wax, may neutralise pollutants in the air, unlike some types of candle wax that contain traces of toxins. Our candles are all-natural, non-toxic, and does not give off toxic by-products or heavy soot when burned.

Millionaire’s Easter egg CHEESECAKE

Grab a spoon and dig into this amazing Easter egg cheesecake topped with crunchy-shelled mini eggs.

This recipe can be adapted to any medium-sized Easter egg, but a 193.5g boxed Cadbury Mini Eggs Easter Egg works well.

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 mins

Cooking time: 1 min

Ingredients

155g hollow Easter egg • 4 digestive biscuits, crushed into fine crumbs (to give 60g) • 30g butter, melted • 150ml carton double cream • 60g Belgian dark chocolate • 100g essential Waitrose soft cheese • 1 tbsp icing sugar • 120g small chocolate eggs, to decorate • 4 tbsp No.1 Salted Caramel Sauce

Method

Cook’s tip

If you don’t have a microwave, put the chocolate into a small heatproof bowl. Put the cream into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth and silky. Cutting into portions is easiest if you use a warmed knife, as in step 1.

Dip a knife in hot water, wipe it dry, then carefully cut the Easter egg open along the seam to give 2 half shells. Stir together the biscuit crumbs and butter, then divide between the chocolate shells, pressing down lightly with the back of a spoon. Set on a plate, cover and chill while you prepare the filling.

Pour ½ the cream into a microwavesafe bowl and add the chocolate. Microwave on medium power for 1 minute, then leave to stand for 2 minutes. Stir gently until smooth and shiny, then set aside to cool.

Using an electric hand mixer, beat the soft cheese, icing sugar and remaining 75ml cream together until thick enough to hold its shape. Fold

in the cooled chocolate mixture until smooth and silky. Spoon the filling over the biscuit layer, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.

Gently crack or lightly crush some of the small chocolate eggs with a rolling pin. Spread the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer (no need to completely cover it), then decorate with the cracked (or crushed) and whole small chocolate eggs.

Recipes and images courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com

The Sweetie Pamper Hamper are the ultimate gift company! Specialising in unique, personalised items for all occasions. Whether you’re looking for a birthday treat, care package, or leaving gift, we have got you covered!

Everyone has that one person in their life that seems impossible to buy for, or you may be too busy to get out and buy a gift. The Sweetie Pamper Hamper are here to solve the difficulties of this, making gifting simple with providing luxury bespoke hampers for all.

The best tear & share HOT CROSS BUNS

Martha Collison’s hot cross bun recipe is close to the classic version featuring dried fruits and spices, but there are alternatives (see Cook’s tip). These are created to tear and share, but use the larger tin size mentioned in the recipe for conventional separate ones.

Makes 12

Prep 30 mins

Cook 20 mins

Ingredients

Cook’s tip

For variations, you can try chocolate orange, by replacing the sultanas (and tea) with 150g dark chocolate chips and grate in the zest of an extra orange to increase the citrus flavour. Brush with warmed fine-cut marmalade instead of honey. Another alternative is pecan caramel. Replace the mixed peel, sultanas and tea with 100g chopped pecan nuts and 100g finely chopped Werther’s Original Butter Candies. Use light brown soft sugar instead of caster sugar. Brush with golden syrup or salted caramel sauce instead of honey.

Method

Put the mixed peel and sultanas into a small bowl, then pour over the tea and leave to soak for 15 minutes. Melt the butter in a pan, then remove from the heat and add the milk and 125ml warm water. Beat in the egg, then set aside.

1-2 hours, or until almost doubled in size. Line a baking tray with baking parchment – the maximum size of the tray should be 30x23cm, but something slightly smaller is preferable so they join together as they bake.

• 50ml Earl Grey tea, strong and hot

50g mixed peel • 150g sultanas

• 200ml whole milk, plus extra if needed

• 50g unsalted butter

• 1 British Blacktail Free Range Medium Egg • 600g strong white bread flour, plus extra for shaping

• 80g caster sugar • 10g salt • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp mixed spice • 10g fast action yeast • 1 orange, scrubbed, zest • Vegetable oil, for greasing

• 30g plain flour

• 2 tbsp clear honey

Put the flour into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the sugar, salt, cinnamon and mixed spice. Mix together, then add the yeast and orange zest. Drain the sultanas and mixed peel (discard the liquid) and add to the bowl. Using the dough hook on medium speed, slowly pour the milk mixture in and knead for 4-5 minutes, or until a smooth, elastic dough forms. You may not need all the liquid, or you might need a splash more milk to clean any floury patches in the bowl. The dough will be sticky, but don’t be tempted to add extra flour at this stage.

When the dough feels soft and silky, place it in a lightly oiled, covered bowl and leave to rise in a warm place (near the boiler, next to the oven or in an airing cupboard) for

Tip the risen dough onto a lightly floured work surface and fold it over itself to knock out any large pockets of air. Divide the dough into 12 even pieces and, using a cupped hand, roll into balls. Evenly space the dough on the prepared baking tray, setting them about 2cm apart. Cover loosely and leave for 1 hour, or until the buns are larger. Just before baking, preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6.

For the crosses, mix the 30g plain flour with 2-2½ tbsp water to make a loose paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag, then pipe a cross shape over each bun and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown all over. Use a pastry brush to paint the honey over the tops while the buns are still hot. Serve warm or cold –they’re delicious toasted too.

White chocolate

EASTER CAKE

Light golden sponge, white chocolate ganache, and fruity rhubarb preserve, all topped off with a favourite Easter treat. It’s the perfect Bank Holiday bake to enjoy with friends and family.

Serves 10

Prep 30 mins

Cook 30 mins

Ingredients

250g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing

250g caster sugar

Method

•

• 4 British

Blacktail Free Range Medium

Eggs

• 100ml whole milk

• 1

COOK’S TIP

For a thicker ganache, after chilling, whisk by hand for 1-2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy and just holding its shape. If it splits, add a splash of just-boiled water until it comes back together.

tsp vanilla extract

• 250g selfraising flour

• ½ tsp salt

• 5

tbsp No.1 Rhubarb & Raspberry

Preserve (4-5tbsp)

Cadbury Mini Eggs

chocolate ganache

• 296g pack

• White

• 250 g

white chocolate, finely chopped

• 175ml double cream

Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Grease and line the base and sides of 2 x 20cm round cake tins with baking parchment. Place the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and use electric beaters to whisk together for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then gently beat in the milk and vanilla. Finally fold in the flour and salt. Divide between the tins and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Turn out on to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cake is baking, start making the ganache. Put the chocolate, cream and a pinch of salt in a large heatproof mixing bowl and microwave on low (600W) for

30 seconds; stir to combine. Keep heating in 30-second blasts until melted and combined. (Or heat the cream to steaming in a pan, tip in the chocolate and take the pan off the heat. Leave for 1 minute, then stir to combine.)

Cool the ganache for 30 minutes at room temperature, then chill until just set (about 1 hour).

Place one of the sponges on a stand or plate. Spread with the rhubarb preserve. Spread the base of the other sponge with ½ of the white chocolate ganache, then sandwich the sponges together. Spread the remaining ganache over the top and decorate with the Mini Eggs.

COOK’S TIP

The best CHOCOLATE CAKE

Serves 10 Prep 30 mins

Cook 25 mins

Ingredients

125ml vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing • 250g plain flour • 200g caster sugar • 200g light brown soft sugar • 75g cocoa powder • 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda • ½ tsp salt • 284ml tub buttermilk (or see tip, right)

• 2 British Blacktail Medium Free Range Eggs • 200ml strong brewed coffee, cooled

For the topping 200g dark chocolate, broken into small pieces • 50g butter • 2 tbsp golden syrup • 300ml double cream

• About 20 chocolate mini eggs, a few roughly chopped

• Cooks’ Ingredients Milk

Chocolate Vermicelli (to decorate)

Method

Preheat the oven to 180oC, gas mark 4. Grease 3 x 18cm round tins with a little oil, and line with baking parchment. Put the flour, both sugars, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large bowl and whisk to combine.

Whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs and coffee in a measuring jug until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms. It will be runny, so the best way to divide it between the tins is to transfer the batter to a large jug, use measuring cups to equally divide it, or put each tin on the scales and measure by weight. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until risen and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool.

Place the dark chocolate, butter and golden syrup into a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of just simmering water. Stir until smooth and melted, then remove from the heat and pour in the cream. Mix well, then spoon a couple of tablespoons of it into a bowl and set aside for the ganache drips. Put the remaining ganache into the fridge for at least 15 minutes to harden.

Once the ganache sets slightly, use an electric hand mixer to beat it for 2-3 minutes, until lighter in colour with a mousse-like texture.

To assemble, place 1 sponge onto a plate or cake stand. Top with ¼ of the whipped ganache, smooth with a spatula and repeat with the following sponges, topping each with the same amount of ganache

Gently warm the reserved ganache for the drips, either in the microwave or over a pan of warm water, until it flows easily. Spoon into a disposable piping bag, snip off the end, then pipe drips from the top edge of the cake. Put the remaining whipped ganache into a piping bag fitted with a closed star nozzle and pipe small swirls around the top of the cake. Decorate each swirl with a mini chocolate egg, then scatter with the chopped eggs and chocolate vermicelli.

Coffee is the secret to deep richness and the moist texture of this cake, and the flavour is indistinguishable from the chocolate. If you’d rather avoid caffeine, use decaffeinated coffee instead.

Recipes and images courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com

Motherhood #NoFilter

Katerina talks all things motherhood, family life, relationships, work, and trying to do it all at once, with of course, #NoFilter

@keepingupwithkaterina @keepingupwithmyclassroom

Happy April everyone! I’ve been very excited about my column this month, as I feel like it’s very fitting for April, new starts, new life, new beginnings.

I want to talk this month about getting your groove back. There’s no doubt that after having a child, your life goes on a bit of a stand still. Your body is still mourning that old pair of jeans and bodycon dress it used to fit comfortably in, you have no energy to even think about going out, you often don’t even want to fathom the thought of leaving your little ones side (because why would a mother ever do that?!), if you’re breastfeeding, you might as well still be attached to them by their umbilical cord and if you’re not, you’re probably at the stage where you don’t want anyone else to feed them anyway (because you obviously know how to do everything for your child better than anyone else). But, and I can say this well and truly having come out the other side, there really does come a time when you get your groove back. This might be 2 months after your baby, it might be 2 years, or if you’re me, it could be 5 years later. But, I am sure that at some point, points that vary from mum to mum, you really do get that spark back and want to start going out, having fun, changing up your environment from muslins, nappies and tantrums, to music, bars and bottles filled with something other than milk.

When I started to get my groove back, I almost felt a kind of weird guilt towards it. Am I bad for wanting to go out? Am I being a bad mum by actually craving time away? Should I be going to clubs at this stage of my life? But then I quickly reminded myself that before I was Rico’s mum, I was me. A person who enjoyed going out with her friends, enjoyed brunches and music, a person who wanted to stay out with the girls in a car singing our hearts out to nostalgic tracks from secondary school or sitting on the sofa taking out our extensions, wiping off our make up and having a good old chit chat until 4am. Even though you become a mum, you are still you. Maybe a different version of you, but still you, and that’s ok.

As a mum that has finally got her groove back to grooooooving, I thought I’d share an event happening locally to us that I can’t wait to attend and really enjoy the sound of. El Dorado is one of the biggest Latin events in North London, the first of its kind hosted at The Country Club on the 15th April. With Top Latin DJ’s playing the best in Reggaeton, R&B, Dembow, Dancehall, Salsa and Merengue, there’ll be enough good music to keep you dancing, shaking and enjoying your night out properly. If you feel like it’s time to get your groove back, I think this event with your friends will make you feel like you’re in the heart of South America, only without the long flight. You can find the details below with a QR code for more information and to buy tickets. I will be there with the girls, so if you come along, find me to say hi!

If you’re not at the point of feeling like you’re ready to go out out yet, I would suggest smaller steps like going for brunch with the girls to a place that plays music, or maybe a lively dinner, or even just having a girly night where you are NOT allowed to talk about parenting, children or moaning about the hubby and just have a giggle!

I hope you all enjoy your Easter breaks lovelies, Until next time

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Bespoke Sugar Cookies

| Tray Bakes

Baking Bonanza

Get down with the kids this Easter and create the perfect cookie with a soft, chewy centre and crisp outer edge. Add mini chocolate eggs, white and milk chocolate chunks to make them an indulgent

Easter treat for the family.

Ingredients

• 175g butter, softened

• 200g light brown soft sugar

• 100g golden caster sugar

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• 250g plain flour

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 50g white chocolate, chopped into chunks

• 100g mini chocolate eggs, lightly crushed with a rolling pin, leaving some larger pieces to decorate

STEP 1

Heat oven to 190oC/170oC fan/gas 5. Line two baking sheets with baking parchment. Tip the butter, sugars and vanilla into a bowl. Beat with a hand-held electric whisk until pale and fluffy. Add the egg and beat again. Tip in the flour, bicarb and a pinch of salt, then use a spatula to mix together before adding the chocolate chunks and about half the crushed mini eggs (set aside the larger pieces) and mix again until everything is combined.

STEP 2

Scoop golf-ball-sized mounds of cookie dough onto the baking sheets, making sure you leave plenty of space between each one. Push the remaining mini egg pieces into the tops. Bake for 15-18 mins, swapping the sheets around halfway through. For soft and chewy cookies, the cookies should be golden around the edges but still pale and soft in the middle. If you prefer a biscuit texture, you will need to bake them a little longer.

STEP 3

Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 10 mins before transferring to a wire rack, then bake the second batch. Continue until all the cookies are baked. Will keep in an airtight container for up to a week.

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WHY BECOME A TEACHER?

Ithought long and hard about what this article should be about as I am quite routine in what I usually share with my readers. I always want to make sure that I have given support and ideas for anyone who has and/or works with young children. On this occasion, I wanted to reflect back on why I became a teacher, what it’s really like and finally share with you some avenues to get into teaching.

I have always wanted to be a teacher since I can remember; I recall creating my own made up registers at home and role playing with my toys from a young age. Later, when the opportunities arose for ‘work experience’ I chose education settings as I wanted to know if it was what I really wanted to do. The rewards I felt whilst working with children encouraged me to fulfil my aspiration. After secondary education and sixth form, I attended University and soon after was awarded my first degree. I then decided it was time to take on a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in teaching. Finally, I became a primary school teacher, leader of education and ironically a mentor for student teachers.

If this is something you would be interested in there are many avenues which you can undertake to do so:

University led

PGCE: Post Graduate Certificate in Education, this is a post graduate degree where you will be expected to attend university and have in-school experience.

School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT)

SCITT programmes are delivered by a network of schools and focus on training as you teach.

These include School’s Direct, Post teaching apprenticeship and Teach First. These may be salaried or fee funded.

touch a life forever”

The reality of teaching is far from many people’s perceptions and judgements and I have had countless conversations trying to give people an insight into the job/vocation. I personally don’t think it is a job anyone can really prepare for as no day will ever be the same, and no year will ever have the same pressures. I have heard from many colleagues how many different hats we must wear and I will always agree. The holidays are not ‘holidays’ as people may think and the amount of hard work you must give is substantial. Despite the challenges, I do find teaching to be rewarding, challenging, fun, exciting, diverse and so much more! The job can be balanced; for all the pressure you will feel equally rewarded, for all the exhaustion, you will feel revived.

If you are considering a career change or getting into teaching I recommend talking to a teacher who has taught for some time.

These are the main courses, however there are other ways that may suit you which you can find on https://getintoteaching. education.gov.uk/ways-to-train

I always wanted to be a teacher whose students would remember them for a lifetime and would hope to inspire them to reach their full potentials. I still strive for this every new academic year.

“To teach is to touch a life forever”

You can find some more activities on my fun educational ideas Instagram for younger children.

@the_magic_of_eyfs (Early Years Foundation Stage)

By Anna Pericleous Teacher and Leader of Early Years and Primary Education

“TO TEACH IS TO

Holidays Hop into

Easter is the perfect time to indulge in a family getaway without needing to travel too far. Whether it's a short break to make the most of the Easter weekend, or a longer well deserved staycation for the kids, we have collected a few of our favourite UK destinations promising an Easter half term to remember!

COASTAL DORSET

There’s nothing more refreshing than a seaside break in the UK. Relax and unwind on the beach whilst discovering the miles of heritage across the coastline. So, whether you want to enjoy a stroll along the beach, dip in the sea or just enjoy some fish and chips, we’ve found the perfect place!

From cliff walks with incredible coastal views, to fun family days out at historic castles, there’s plenty to keep you busy while you’re exploring Dorset. Relax on pristine sandy beaches, explore the county’s quirky history, go fossil hunting along the world-famous Jurassic Coast, or escape one of the several islands that dot the coastline. Dorset is the perfect playground for you to explore as a family this easter half term with mile’s upon mile’s of thrilling cycle routes and some of the finest walking trails capturing breath-taking scenery making it an ideal staycation this April!

Where to stay:

With seafront views of Bournemouth’s golden sands, the 4-star Cumberland Hotel is ideal for taking in the traditional pier, award-winning beaches and exploring the vibrant coastal town. While on the South Coast, take a visit to the Jurassic Coast to witness glorious landscapes. And after a busy day working up an appetite, enjoy dinner in the Mirabelle restaurant.

www.greatlittlebreaks.com

COUNTRY LAKE DISTRICT - CUMBRIA

Across the UK there’s so much beautiful countryside to be explored, it’s hard to choose where to visit. From the craggy hills of the Peak District to the serenity of the Lake District, Britain has some beautiful open space.

In England’s north western corner is Cumbria and the timeless landscapes of the Lake District. In the shimmering lakes and hushed mountains whose radiant beauty inspired poets and painters to turn nature into art.

A landscape of adventure designed to challenge the imagination, from the exhilaration of the summits to the thrill of an open water swim. Draw back the curtains on this magnificent landscape and see it with your own eyes!

Where to stay:

Situated on the edge of the Lake District in the market town of Kendal is the 4 star Castle Green Hotel. An ideal base for visiting the South Lakes and Yorkshire Dales, enjoy 14 acres of wooded gardens and scenic views, and for a change of scenery, head to Kendal town and enjoy its historic market streets, art galleries, museums and coffee shops.

www.greatlittlebreaks.com

ADVENTURE CENTER PARCS

Swing into the Easter break with a trip to Center Parcs. The undisputed family-fun destination, home to a variety of activities including up to 200 indoor, outdoor and water sports activities! Whether you’re raring to go with a leisurely cycle through the forest, or ready to relax at the sandy beach or the Aqua Sana Spa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Center Parcs.

Where to stay:

Stay in a stylish lodge and experience the wellbeing benefits of a break in the forest.

Wake up to the sound of birdsong, see wildlife outside your window, spend your days exploring the beautiful forest and head back for a barbecue on your woodland patio.

Discover lodge types at www.centerparcs.co.uk

CITY BREAKS LONDON

London weekend breaks will whisk you away to some of the world’s most famous landmarks and historical attractions. From Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to the West End and the London Eye, you’ll be captivated by the iconic features which make this city so mesmerising. Attracting over 30 million tourists each year, London is renowned for its quirky villages and thriving financial industry. Just one walk through the town is enough to understand why London is regarded as the capital of capitals.

Where to stay:

Located in the heart of London's Covent Garden and near to the city’s West End theatres, exclusive boutiques, top sights and the hottest restaurants and bars, ME London is one of the leading luxury hotels in the centre of London. It is contemporary and cutting edge in style and located in one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Designed by the world-famous architects, ME London offers 157 exquisitely designed, modern guestrooms including 16 suites, New York restaurant STK London, lounge bar Marconi Lounge and award-winning Radio Rooftop restaurant and terrace bar with spectacular panoramic views of London including the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Tower Bridge.

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The seemingly endless scroll of Netflix’s treasure trove of terrific shows and movies can be more than a little paralyzing when trying to choose something to watch. If you’ve just finished a good series and need a new one to fill the void, Close Up is assembling a monthly list of the best TV shows currently available on the streaming service, from classics of yesteryear to the hottest new titles. Below, we’ve rounded up the best shows on Netflix right now, so you can binge-watch without having to hunt for the right title.

WHAT’S ON 1

2 3

OBSESSION SEASONS:

1

A respected London surgeon’s affair with his son’s fiancée turns into an erotic infatuation that threatens to change their lives forever. Anna is already engaged to William’s son Martyn, and she tries to keep both relationships alive, but it is inevitable that the truth will come out, and someone is going to get hurt. Meanwhile, William is drawn into an obsessive spiral that his wife, Ingrid, is unaware of.

MH370: THE PLANE THAT DISAPPEARED SEASONS:

1

Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 was supposed to be a routine trip: A redeye from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 passengers and crew on board. But shortly after take-off, MH370 vanished from radar screens for good. The shocking disappearance of a commercial airliner made headlines, sparked riots, plunged the passengers’ next of kin into a nightmare, and generated a global search for answers that never came.

THE DIPLOMAT SEASONS:

1

NETFLIX

UNSTABLE SEASONS:

1

Ellis Dragon is a universally admired, eccentric, narcissist-adjacent biotech entrepreneur working to make the world a better place. He’s also in emotional free-fall. His son Jackson Dragon is… none of those things. Can Jackson save Ellis and his company and salvage their estranged relationship while also doing what may actually be impossible: escaping the shadow of his larger-than-life father?

I AM GEORGINA SEASONS:

2

Georgina Rodríguez is, among many other things, a model, mother, influencer, businesswoman, dancer and Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner. Soy Georgina is an emotional and in-depth portrait of the woman behind the covers, the photos, the stories and the big headlines. We will experience her day-to-day life with her, her motherhood, her relationship, her travels, her parties... We will get to know who Georgina Rodríguez really is.

EMERGENCY: NYC SEASONS:

1

Join the fast-paced world of emergency medicine in this docuseries that follows the intense, merciless, dayto-day lives of emergency medical workers. Experience the relentless pulse of the city’s healthcare system through the struggles and triumphs of a helicopter flight nurse, transplant surgeons, paramedics, paediatric trauma surgeons and neurosurgeons as they give everything they have to help those who need it most.

TOPIC HOT

5 MINUTES WITH: HEROES HAIR

LUBA MUSHTUK

From her ballroom dancing and choreographing to her current role as a professional dancer on the popular TV show Strictly Come Dancing, Luba has captivated audiences around the world with her exceptional talent and dynamic performances. In this exclusive interview, Luba shares her personal journey to success and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

You’ve had the opportunity to work on several seasons of Strictly Come Dancing, how has that experience influenced your approach to choreography and teaching dance?

It’s definitely made me a much more open-minded choreographer, as everyone is so different and needs a different approach. Strictly also allows me to work with a wide range of dance ability. I absolutely love teaching and finding ways to make it easier for people who haven’t danced before to understand and learn. As a choreographer I like to bring out the strong sides of them through dance. It brings me so much joy to make a person feel comfortable and confident when they’re dancing.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start dancing but is concerned about their fitness level or physical limitations?

I would say do what you can, with what you have – don’t overthink, just do. Motivation won’t come knocking on your door – You just need to do it. And most importantly, have fun!

As a professional dancer, how do you prioritise your physical and mental health?

I believe that both physical and mental health are connected – I really look after myself as a dancer and as a person. Movement, nutrition and general self-care are important for all humans, not just dancers. When I’m on tour, eating the right foods that fuel me with the right nutrients is key to keeping me going during a very busy schedule.

What are some of your favourite foods or meals to fuel your body before or after dancing?

I love to eat healthy and clean. My usual day to day meal plans have a lot of plant based foods. I will occasionally have some fish. I never eat late at night, that’s just become a habit of mine over the years, so my dinner will always be before 7.30 pm. I also do a detox day during the week, usually on fresh juices. Once a year I do one week of Jason Vale’s juice program or go to his incredible retreat. I always feel incredible after that, keep my gut and body happy!

How have you been able to maintain a healthy mindset and cope with any mental health challenges whilst on tour? It all comes with experience. After so many years of touring I have become stronger, physically and mentally – I know my routine and know what works and what doesn’t. But that again comes with experience.

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CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD

From footballers and heavyweight champions, to gold medallist Olympic stars, here you’ll find the life stories of the biggest stars and greatest athletes. We have rounded up the bestselling sports biographies for sports fans.

Gloves Off

By Tyson Fury

Inside the pages:

Tyson pulls no punches in his most candid, comprehensive and entertaining book yet, which chronicles for the first time in full his inspirational story – the rise, the fall, and the rise again, which saw him come back from the brink of suicide to reclaim his heavyweight crown. Tyson looks back on his life and career to examine what’s really defined him: his Travelling upbringing, his fighting family, his mental health battles, and pitfalls and challenges along the way.

The Autobiography

By Jordan Henderson

Lioness: My Journey To Glory

By Beth Mead

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play

By Kobe Bryant

Faster Than Lightning

By Usain Bolt

Inside the pages: Captain, father, leader, a fearless ambassador for the causes he believes in and a world-class midfielder, Jordan Henderson is all of these things –and it is why he is one of the most widely respected players of his generation. His story will go down in history but his story also carries an inspirational message for anyone, showing hurdles and barriers won’t stop you reaching your goals. In this, his first autobiography, Jordan reveals how an early love for the game as a kid became an all-consuming passion growing up in Sunderland and the moments and role models that encouraged him to follow his dream to play for his home club.

Inside the pages: Beth Mead is one of the world’s most talented female footballers – Golden Boot winner and Player of the Tournament at the UEFA Euros 2022, Arsenal Player of the Season 2021-22, and nominee for the 2022 Ballon d’Or. But long before this, Beth was just an ordinary kid from Hinderwell, North Yorkshire who wanted to play football. From being placed in the local boys’ team as a child because her mum wanted her to run off her boundless energy, to joining Middlesborough FC’s academy and making her professional debut at Sunderland, Beth and women’s football have come a long way.

Inside the pages:

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play is Kobe Bryant’s personal perspective of his life and career on the basketball court and his exceptional, insightful style of playing the game – a fitting legacy from the late Los Angeles Laker superstar. Bryant decided to share his vast knowledge on an unprecedented journey to the core of the legendary “Mamba mentality.”

Citing an obligation and an opportunity to teach young players, fans, and devoted students how to play it “the right way,” this takes us inside the mind of one of the most intelligent, analytical, and creative basketball players ever.

Inside the pages:

The autobiography of the fastest man of all time and a superstar whose talent and charisma have made him one of the most famous people on the planet. Whether you know Athletics or not, chances are you know Usain Bolt. The fastest man on the planet, not just now but ever, Usain has won the hearts of people everywhere with his mind-blowing performances and his infectious charisma uniting supporters around the world. In this, his full autobiography, Usain tells his story in his own words: from humble beginnings in Jamaica, to international stardom at Beijing and on to the new heights of superstardom he has reached since lighting up London 2012.

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