Close Up May 2023

Winner of the British 2023 Kebab Awards

UK’s best Greek restaurant/take away

Winner of the British 2023 Kebab Awards

Founded in 2023 by Gemma Moore –Moore Haven Home specialise primarily in Country and Scandi Living homeware. Providing furniture that is only high quality and long lasting, each collection is made from hardwearing wood such as Mango, Pine and Oak. Style your Safe Haven with MHH's developing range of furniture and home décor with the colours, trends and finishes to blend with any colour scheme.

Country Copgrove 6

DrawerChest

-£995.00

CenotSldna

£16, Medium£21,Large£26.00

Pine Oxley Farmhouse Sideboard - £795.00

FrenchSwirl Candle (range of scents available)£18.99

The Delaney

NaturalAcaciaLamp£180 .00

Nordic Grey Dining Table - £850.00

Country Copgrove Round Pedestal Table – £725.00

Pine Oxley Farmhouse Dining Table - £750.00

Get ready to embark on a journey of adventure and exploration as our May issue embraces the essence of safari living. From adding warmth to your home to discovering travel inspiration for your next adventure, our magazine has everything you need to bring a touch of the exotic into your life.

If you're looking to spruce up your space, our Home & Living supplement is the perfect place to start. You'll find tips on everything from colour schemes to furniture choices, making your home a true oasis. And if you're in need of a new read, our adventurous book edit has got you covered with gripping tales that will take you on a wild ride.

This month's cover features the stunning Georgina Rodriguez, Queen of Ronaldo's heart. Not only do we delve deep into the glitz and glam of their lives, but we also take a closer look at the latest season of I Am Georgina on Netflix, and the rollercoaster of emotions the couple have experienced this past year.

And if that’s not all, this month we’re also commemorating the King's coronation, and we've got some amazing recipes that you can try out to celebrate. From delicious pastries to delectable desserts, these recipes are sure to impress your guests.

As we welcome the bank holiday weekends and the arrival of Spring, there's no better time to plan a weekend getaway, try out some new recipes, head to the shops, start the Spring clean you’ve been putting off for so long, and spend some good quality time with friends and family. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the May issue, filled with adventure, and plenty of inspiration.

WISHlist

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

SUN SCENTS

Step into summer with the freshness of bergamot and tangerine, mixed with sea-inspired notes in this stunning fusion of scents.

Eau De Parfum

Amber Fusion, £22.99 www.zara.com

SHADY LADY

Is it even SS without a new pair of sunnies? These super cool shades are a staple to add to your summer closet to stand out from the crowd!

Aviator Frame Acetate, £300 www.gucci.com

SANDAL STORY

These Raffia Lolitas slides will add a bohemian flair to any warm-weather attire. These casual flats make the perfect pairing with everything from denim to floaty dresses for the ultimate sundown ensemble. Lolitas, £95 www.dunelondon.com

HAIR HERO

This brush is the perfect addition to your hair care routine. You can use it to exfoliate the scalp and, when washing your hair, apply your favourite oil or conditioner and enjoy a relaxing massage with this scalp brush.

Hair Massager, £4.99 www.tkmaxx.com

STRAIGHT IN MY BUCKET

Understated and minimal, Jacquemus bucket hats are the finishing touch to your look. Featuring the brand’s signature logo plaque this accessory is a great addition to your spring break wish list!

Jacquemus Bucket Hat, £96 www.jacquemus.com

CLUTCH’N’GO

A timeless bag is a must in every woman’s wardrobe. This super cute mini pouch is the perfect way to add a delicate pop of colour to your new season look. Wear it in the hand or slip your wrist through the chain strap for effortless ease.

Victoria Beckham Mini Pouch, £650 www.fenwick.co.uk

COSY CORNER

Rainy days in just got better with this super soft large throw. Perfect for a movie night in or as a decorative piece to add to your bedroom or living space.

Large Sage Supersoft Throw, £10 www.bmstores.co.uk

MUSCLE MAGIC

An intense heating CBD muscle balm infused with natural Camphor, Menthol and Arnica to stimulate blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation and energise your muscles.

Pre Workout Balm, £34.99 www.missionc.com

MUG MANIA

Enjoy your morning coffee and embrace the blooming season of spring with this happy-go-lucky floral mug. Its colourful and fun design is sure to brighten up your morning!

Boho Soul – Floral Mug, £3.50 www.bmstores.co.uk

From only

£50

per month / per eye

24 months 0% interest-free finance

0208 445 8877

Wave goodbye to your reading glasses!

From ages 21- 60+

GEORGINA RODRÍGUEZ

Georgina Rodríguez is the captivating and glamorous girlfriend of footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The duo’s love story has had us all infatuated for quite some time now after following their high-life posts on social media, but underneath all the glitz and the glamour, who really is Georgina Rodríguez?

Georgina Rodríguez is a Spanish model, social media personality, and the partner of Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo. She was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and grew up in Spain. Rodríguez has worked as a model for various fashion brands and has also worked as a dancer. Rodríguez became well-known to the public after she started dating Ronaldo in 2016. Since then, she has been frequently seen accompanying him to events and matches, and has become a popular figure on social media. In addition to her modelling career, Rodríguez has also worked as a television presenter and has appeared on several Spanish television shows.

She had much of a happy childhood in her small home town of Jaca, Spain, with her family. She attended a Catholic school and was a devoted ballerina for most of her young life until she decided to make a big move to the city, where she became a luxury sales assistant in Madrid. First working in Massimo Dutti and shortly after transferring to Gucci, this is when her life drastically changed from selling luxury items to wearing Jean Paul Gaultier couture on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

“HOW DO I ORGANIZE MYSELF TO TRAVEL WITH SO MANY CHILDREN? I HAVE NO ANSWER.

When I come back, I need three days to recover”

It was while working at Gucci the romance began between her and Cristiano, when he was a personal shopping client of hers and asked her if she’d care to join him at an event. The rest is history after being shot together by the paparazzi several times, the pair’s relationship soon began to grow steadily. In her series, ‘I am Georgina’, the Netflix reality show that follows Georgina Rodríguez on her adventures around the world, she explains how she would travel to work on a bus and then be picked up by Cristiano in a Bugatti. Cristiano also explains in the series that he never expected that things would become so serious between the two, until eventually she became the woman of his world and have been together now for over 6 years.

Cristiano Ronaldo once had a reputation for being a ladies’ man. The football hunk has been linked to many gorgeous women throughout his life; mostly models, a couple of celebrities, and one Victoria’s Secret angel. But the famous football player has shed his bad-boy past and has settled down – with a few kids in the mix, too.

All sequels are supposed to offer more than their predecessors. That’s why the second season of ‘I Am Georgina’ offers more of everything: more money, more drama and more ‘Queridas’ [Dears], as her friends are known. While the first season focused on Rodríguez’s story of pulling herself up by the bootstraps — the girl from Jaca who dreamed of a life of luxury and achieved it through her relationship with the planet’s most famous football player — this second instalment uses a sitcom format and features Georgina’s group of friends. There are guest star appearances, including Rosalí.

Georgina presents herself as the super mum of a large family like any other, “How do I organize myself to travel with so many children? I have no answer. When I come back, I need three days to recover”. Motherhood is Georgina’s priority. Her daughter, Bella Esmeralda, was named after her two favourite Disney princesses. Choosing to devote the shows first two episodes to Bella’s twin Angel’s death shortly after he was born. “Whenever I look at Bella, I always wonder what Angel would be like,” she confesses. “I have six children. Angel is a son, a nephew, a brother and a cousin.”

Briefly speaking about the loss of Angel in an interview, she said, “There’s been a lot of darkness but a lot of love. Doing this second series has helped a lot because I had a female director who I really got on with and helped me massively. My friends have been by my side and Cristiano of course. I’ve had the good fortune to share this tragedy with those closest to me which has also helped.”

Rodríguez has stated in interviews that each of her tattoos holds personal significance and reflects her beliefs and values. One of the inking’s is a picture of an angel, dedicated to her daughter’s twin who died last April. Speaking of one of her latest tattoo’s, consisting of the initial’s ‘C’ and ‘G’ with a heart between them, Georgina said in an interview, “The moment I had this tattoo done is on my reality show. It was my first trip to

Paris with Cristiano. We were in the hotel room and on the bedside tables they leave notepads with a pencil. I went to lie down and I saw CG on the notepad and ended up taking it and still have it to this day. I always wanted to have a tattoo done with it and we were on holiday with friends in Sardinia and I said I wanted a tattoo, well a tattoo that ended up being three, and I had this one done.”

She went on to gush: “Cristiano is marvellous. He’s a wonderful father, a wonderful son, brother, friend and partner, boss and employee. He’s fantastic in every sense of the word. Sometimes we’re at home eating and I look at him and think ‘How lucky I feel to be the one he’s chosen to create this wonderful family with’ and I go to bed really happy.”

Insisting money had only changed her for the better because it meant she could help her family and friends much more than before which was very gratifying, she went on to speak glowingly of Saudi Arabia. Cristiano left Man United by mutual consent last November following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. His £173 million-a-year move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr after the World Cup made him the highest-paid sportsman ever.

Georgina made it clear she loves where she now lives. When asked how she was adapting to life in Riadh, where she and her family first lived in a skyscraper hotel before moving to their first proper Middle Eastern home, she said: “It’s a marvellous country. I have to admit I went there very conditioned by what people say about it and what you hear but it’s a very safe country, a real family place and they really look after women and their children. People are very generous and really thoughtful.”

“Cristiano is marvellous. HE’S A WONDERFUL FATHER, A WONDERFUL SON, BROTHER, FRIEND AND PARTNER, BOSS AND EMPLOYEE.”

RUNNING Errands

Picking a good casual outfit for running errands should never be disregarded. We have collected some trusty wardrobe essential staples to help you stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.

020 8245 1192

020 8245 1192

cv@sjrlondon.com

cv@sjrlondon.com

www.sjrlondon.com

www.sjrlondon.com

020 8245 1192

cv@sjrlondon.com

www.sjrlondon.com

Hiring experienced candidates for roles in luxury fashion and retail.

Hiring experienced candidates for roles in luxury fashion and retail.

Temporary and Permanent positions available.

Hiring experienced candidates for roles in luxury fashion and retail.

From our high-end clientele to our varied and exciting roles in the fashion industry, there is a role suited to all levels of experience.

Temporary and Permanent positions available.

Temporary and Permanent positions available. From our high-end clientele to our varied and exciting roles in the fashion industry, there is a role suited to all levels of experience.

From our high-end clientele to our varied and exciting roles in the fashion industry, there is a role suited to all levels of experience.

If you are looking to further your career or are looking to expand your brand and product knowledge – we have roles and placements to suit all expectations.

If you are looking to further your career or are looking to expand your brand and product knowledge – we have roles and placements to suit all expectations.

If you are looking to further your career or are looking to expand your brand and product knowledge – we have roles and placements to suit all expectations.

SAFARI Seekers

As the sun begins to shine we can’t help but imagine life on the safari. Khaki green, cocoa, burnt oranges and animal prints are considered staples to add some desert chic style to your wardrobe.

Le Bob Artichaut Jaquemus £105

Santa Fe INAMORTA £180

Le Specs Serpent Link Cat-Eye Sunglasses Missoma £130

Animal Print Midi Skirt George £16

Isla Hennes 2023 H&M £19.99

Paula Echevarria Primark £13

Mini Link Sun Anklet ChloBo £185

Amalfi Embroidery Longline Plunge Bra M&S £26

Beige Long Crochet Dress Monki £18

Lolita Dune £95

Short Cargo Shorts H&M £14.99

Gold Plated Pearl Necklace Accessorize £18

Initial & Birthstone Sphere Chain Anklet Abbot Lyon £59

Gold Layered Pearl Bracelet Lily & Roo £115

May Birthstone Huggies Astrid & Miyu £55

Dripping in GOLD

Boho Necklace

Freshwater Pearls Gold & White Cour De Lion £215

From delicate chains to bold statement pieces, discover our must-have selection of summer bling and get ready to stand out in the sun! Whether you’re looking to elevate a casual look or add a touch of elegance to your evening outfit, our selection of golden accessories is sure to bring an effortless glow to your summer style.

Maja Pearl Drop Earrings Bryony Bel £46

Fine Beaded Bracelet Monica Vinader £50

Sun Earrings Zara £15.99

Faro Charms Multi Row Layered Necklace

Oliver Bonas £28

CZ Drop Studs Seol + Gold £32

6 Pack Rings H&M 6.99

Zenyu Chandelier Hoop Earrings Missoma £139

PALETTE Party

Awaken your inner Goddess with our top picks of eyeshadow palettes this month. Indulge in the warmth, softness, and natural beauty of neutral tones and subtle shimmers, perfectly suited for the gentle and joyful vibes of Spring. From everyday elegance to glamorous sophistication.

Sweet Peach Eye Shadow Palette Too Faced £40

Hypnotising Pop Shots in Pillow Talk Charlotte Tilbury £25

Nude Collection

Unveiled Artistry Palette Illamasqua £35.88

Le 4 Rogues Eyes & Cheeks in Tendresse CHANEL £70

Gilded Nude Palette Milani £28.25

Hypnôse Palette Lancôme £45

Divine Bronze Luxe Quad in Venusian Sunrise Pat McGrath £40

Orgasm Rising Eyeshadow Palette NARS £49

Behold, The Best Shampoos For

Your Hair Type

Whether you’re looking to target thinning hair or replenish a dry scalp, to find the best shampoo for your hair, you need to start at the root.

First off, a good shampoo should cleanse the hair and scalp of oil and dirt build-up; be easy to rinse out; and leave your locks feeling soft and silky, so that they’re easy to style and manage. But sometimes your hair might need that something extra.

“Choosing the right shampoo for your hair type is very important to get the best results from your shampoo,” says trichologist, Hannah Gaboardi. “For hair which is excessively dry and dull looking, for example, you may need to choose the shampoo that offers moisturising and conditioning properties; whereas if your hair gets greasy quickly you should avoid silicone-based shampoos.”

But with so many options out there, and new releases dropping every week, it can be difficult to navigate, which is why we’ve selected some of our favourites. From gentle curl cleansing formulas to keratin-boosting power blends, we’ve rounded up the best shampoo for your hair needs.

Best shampoo for thinning hair

Augustinus Bader The Shampoo

Using the brand’s signature TFC8 technology (a complex of natural amino acids and vitamins), Augustinus Bader’s miracle-working Shampoo nourishes and hydrates the hair from first use. Furthermore, thanks to a keratin-boosting, follicle-stimulating blend of watercress and maca root, over time it promotes stronger, thicker hair that’s less prone to breakage and shedding.

Best shampoo for dandruff

Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo

Not to be confused with dry scalp, dandruff is the result of increased oil production and yeast overgrowth on the scalp. To combat this, Redken’s Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo uses a wet/dry formula powered by pyrithione zinc, lavender extract and glycerin, to cleanse and clarify the hair and relieve the scalp for good. Apply first to dry hair, massage into the scalp, and leave in for five minutes, before washing away with water.

Best shampoo for oily hair

Bumble and Bumble

Sunday Shampoo

Say goodbye to greasy hair with Bumble and Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo. A powerful blend of ginseng, rosemary and sage works to support the scalp, this weekly cleansing formula works to remove build-up, excess oil and product residue, providing optimal conditions for healthy hair growth and overall fuller looking locks.

Best shampoo for curly hair

Charlotte Mensah

Manketti Oil

Shampoo

Specially formulated for curls and textured hair, Charlotte Mensah’s Maneketti Oil

Shampoo is designed to nourish dry and damaged hair. Infused with nut and ximenia oils, the organic formula strengthens as it cleanses, leaving hair soft and manageable.

Best shampoo for dry hair

Shu Uemura Art of Hair

Ultimate Reset Shampoo

Powered by Japanese-sourced rice extract, which is rich in vitamins B and E and many nourishing minerals, Shu Uemura’s Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Shampoo helps protect hair from damaging and drying aggressors and cleanses hair thoroughly without stripping it of its natural oils.

Best shampoo for a dry scalp

Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo

Get you a shampoo that does both. Made with sugarcane extract, watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower, Oribe’s multi-tasking formula works to soothe and hydrate the scalp, protecting it from oxidative and environmental stress, while salicylic acid gently exfoliates, relieving the scalp from itchiness, dryness and redness. Hair is left feeling soft and shiny.

Best shampoo for coloured hair

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Formulated for colour-treated hair, Pureology Hydrate Shampoo uses a blend of sage, green tea and jojoba to target dry, dehydrated locks, locking in and revitalising colour. Meanwhile, the brand’s patented Antifade Complex® contains a UV filter designed to protect the hair from external aggressors that can accelerate fading.

The Power of Pilates

The famous and influential – from Margot Robbie to Meghan Markle – swear by the body conditioning benefits of reformer Pilates (where the low-impact, mind-body discipline is performed on specialist equipment, allowing for a more dynamic, supportive, and/or targeted workout). But the practice is for all, whatever your physique or fitness ability.

Around for nearly 100 years, Pilates is an effective workout regimen that strengthens and tones the body. The popular low-impact exercises were originally designed by Joseph Pilates using rudimentary materials such as bed springs to help add a level of resistance to exercises, but also support those who needed help during certain exercises. Movements combine core stabilization, strength, flexibility, balance, and proper alignment with concepts like mindfulness, breathing techniques and fluidity of movement for an incredible fullbody workout in minutes.

Many of the reformer exercises are simply mat Pilates exercises that use the machine to either make the exercise more challenging or make it easier. This is the beauty of the reformer – it can help intensify exercises (by increasing resistance) but it can also make exercises easier (by providing support through resistance). Therefore, it’s great for those who are injured, as the machine can feel supportive and helps ensure you’re in the correct position. Reformer Pilates is also recognised for being more engaging than mat Pilates, offering so many alternatives that the mat simply wouldn’t allow.

The Pilates reformer is an amazing piece of apparatus like no other, which helps you to find length and space in the body while under spring tension. Far from just a workout for your core, this piece of apparatus helps create internal pressure to elongate the spine, joints and muscles which then leads to greater flexibility, strength, stamina and a more balanced posture. This type of physical and mental workout is even more relevant now due to lifestyle factors such as long working days, being seated for long periods of time, and mental health aspects, to name just a few. Like any other sport or discipline, to become better at Pilates you must practice. It is recommended to start with twice a week to get to grips with the apparatus and get oriented with the workings of the reformer machine. The more you practice, the better you will become, and in time, as you become more familiar with the Pilates method, you’ll be moving using the deepest muscles of the mind and body that you didn’t even know you had.

All The Gear

Straight in my basket! We have collected a few of our favourite accessories that will become your best friend this Pilates season!

Travel Tips With Osteo Anisha This Summer

With many of us going away, whether by car or plane, sitting down for hours on end can be tough on your body. It’s important to keep moving during your flight to avoid stiffness, soreness, and even blood clots. Here are some tips to keep your body feeling good whilst traveling.

If you can, try to get up and walk around every hour or two. Whether this is pulling over for five minutes or walking around the plane. This will help to get your blood flowing and prevent swelling in your legs and feet. Take advantage of any opportunities to stretch your legs, whether that’s going to the bathroom or walking up and down the aisle.

When you’re sitting, there are also several exercises you can do to keep your muscles active. Start by rotating your ankles, moving them clockwise and then counterclockwise. This will help to prevent blood from pooling in your feet and ankles. You can also stretch your legs out straight and point your toes up towards your head, then flex them down towards the ground. Repeat this movement several times.

Another exercise you can do is to bring your knees up towards your chest and hold them there for a few seconds before releasing. This helps to stretch out your lower back and hips, which can get tight after hours of sitting.

One simple exercise to follow is putting your hands on your shoulders and rotating your elbows clockwise and then anticlockwise to get some mobility through your upper back area.

It’s also good to stay hydrated during your travels. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, as it can dehydrate you and make it harder to move around comfortably. When it comes to clothing, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes that won’t restrict your movement. If you’re flying, compression socks can also help to prevent swelling and improve blood flow.

If you have any specific medical conditions or concerns, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before you travel. They may have additional advice or precautions to take into consideration.

In addition to keeping your body moving, there are a few other things you can do to make a long haul flight more comfortable. Bring a neck pillow or travel pillow to support your head and neck while you sleep, and consider bringing an eye mask and earplugs to block out noise and light. If you’re driving, be sure to take several breaks and get some fresh air.

In summary movement, sleep and relaxation are key to helping your body feel refreshed and mobile when travelling.

Anisha Joshi has clinics in London, Hitchin, Surrey and Dubai https://osteoanisha.com

WAIT FOR ME!

Don’t leave me behind

You hear a bit of news and suddenly the anxiety wakes you up in the middle of the night, you’re staring at the ceiling and then running off to the kitchen for a 3am Nutella snack. That last part may just be me, but we all go through the motions in one way or another.

What’s brought this on this month? I’m sure you’re asking. Well in our friendship group, two of our lovely girls got engaged to the men of their dreams. 10+ years of being in love and having the most magical relationships and honestly, I could not be more delighted for them. To see my friends happy is my happiness. Let the good times roll! However, the emotions you feel when the people around you are moving upwards and onwards can be a cheese board of both happiness and self-loathing. So, I’ll talk through these one by one from a personal perspective, as this is what got me and a 500g tub of Nutella bonding so closely this month. Firstly, the fear of dying alone. Ok, that seems overly dramatic, but sometimes when your relationship anxiety has been fizzing under the surface for so long, all it takes is one trigger to send you to the streets, flailing your arms and falling to your knees asking God why no one loves you. When you see others around you treated in a way that you can only dream of, you wonder why this has not happened for you and if it will ever happen.

Let’s break this down. Monophobia is now a term coined for the fear of dying alone. I know, realistically, I will not be dying alone, but my fear is that I will go through life having halfhearted relationships which do not fulfil me until my dying day.

This is all to do with the fear of the unknown. You don’t know where you’re going to be, if you’ll ever meet the person of your dreams, but right now, you’re not where you want to be, and that’s ok. Use this as an opportunity to be excited for what’s about to come. That for whatever reason, the pages of your story have yet to be written. Don’t look at life through other peoples’ eyes, what they hold true and important may not be the same as you. You’ve chosen to be here (whether you see that or not). You control the narrative of your life, the relationships you embark on and the criteria you set for what you would consider a fulfilling relationship. Yes, I get anxiety about the when’s, how’s and who’s, but then I take notice and give thanks for all the things I have, what I’ve overcome and how much I’ve grown to get here; then I get that belly flop feeling that something exhilarating is just around the corner.

If when you reflect you can’t even pick three things in your life which you’re happy or thankful for, then worry less about where your next relationship is coming from and take more time on focussing to get to a place of happiness, contentment, and gratitude – the rest will follow.

“DON’T LOOK AT LIFE through other peoples’ eyes, WHAT THEY HOLD TRUE AND IMPORTANT MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS YOU.”

So, this month, this has been the topic of a couple of late-night catchups over a glass of wine, and it’s the age-old fear we all suffer from; being left behind. Whether it’s professionally, financially, suffering FOMO or finally, the fear or sadness that your love story won’t be as great as others, we’ve all been there.

Secondly, it’s the sadness of what could’ve been and what wasn’t. This is the one which upset me the most. When we were much younger, we all assumed that I’d be the first to get married and settled down and I loved that. I needed it growing up. Looking back now, it was to try and fill a void.

Then I spent my twenties and early thirties with horrible men. Men who I knew weren’t right for me, but I persisted anyway. I’m now in my mid *cough* thirties and although I know that I will find my person eventually, it’s sad to look back and realise that I spent my good years crying over bad men. I didn’t get the opportunity to grow with someone, to make those special long lasting, unspoilt memories with the person I will grow old with. I spent my most valuable asset, my time, on people who didn’t deserve it. I’m disappointed that I didn’t respect or believe in myself more to leave and grow sooner. It also didn’t help that my family life made me believe that toxic love was the only love. If it didn’t have those high highs and those terribly low lows, it wasn’t real. Now I know better.

The best advice I can give to anyone is if it doesn’t feel right, or if there is an unspeakable number of low points that are tinged with sadness or pain, cut it loose; you will save yourself the regret of what could have been sooner. Life is too short to be unhappy for the rest of your life. If you’re trying to fit a square peg into a small hole, how will you both handle the important things life throws at you? Don’t belittle your wants or bend too much because, one day, you will resent the decisions you made. Love yourself more than worrying about what the future holds. Your priority is making sure you’re on your path to achieve your goals.

It’s easier said when you’re out of it, but you will thank yourself for it. Deal with the immediate pain of cutting off what is not for you so you can make way for what really is. Use every experience as a learning opportunity to grow from. Don’t feel sadness for the past, use it as fuel to accelerate you forward.

Finally, fear of abandonment and loneliness. This is one I can testify to. I had this horrible ideology that everyone will abandon me eventually because that’s all I knew. That no one will stick around for me or make time for me when they all move on and start living their own lives. This is for fact, not true. But the more you permeate your mind with this notion, the more you will radiate this into your life. Before you know it, you become needy, clingy, and negative because you don’t want people to take you out of your comfort zone. Or you even become distant in anticipation of abandonment then suddenly, you’re doing the very thing you don’t want, pushing people away. The best advice I can give is, create your own path in life. You have these feelings of being left behind because you’re not happy with where you are. So, this is your cue to look within yourself to understand why you’re unhappy, re-evaluate your goals and start making the steps forward to achieve them. It may be that you have been sitting in your comfort zone for so long, too scared to rock the boat or change the dynamic of your life but really, deep inside, you’re unhappy. Take a moment to give thanks and gratitude for what you do have, before trying to dismantle everything out of fear. But fear isn’t a terrible thing. Fear is often the emotion we need to drive us forward towards our ultimate goals.

Also remember that life has no correct order. Your journey may be entirely different to everyone else’s, but that does not have to be a bad thing. My greatest losses have spurred me onto some of my biggest wins and the best, I know, is yet to come. Stop putting pressure on yourself to be where you think everyone else needs you to be. By living your life through someone else’s expectations, is not living your life at all. By all means, take the advice, let people provide help based on first hand experience, take guidance, but make your own choices. It’s your own life after all.

And if you ever feel like you’re falling behind, take stock, give thanks, applaud all that you have done and become excited by the prospects of what has yet to come. When you start living for yourself, you will radiate that energy into everything that you do.

Big Mouth xx

“LOVE YOURSELF MORE THAN WORRYING ABOUT WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS. Your priority is MAKING SURE YOU’RE ON YOUR PATH to achieve your goals.”

THE CORONATION of King Charles III

As the date of King Charles’ Coronation draws nearer, excitement and anticipation are building up around the world. The British monarchy has a long and storied history, and the Coronation ceremony is steeped in tradition and pageantry, making it one of the most exciting and spectacular events to witness.

The Coronation of King Charles is not just an event for the British people but also an event of global significance. The ceremony will be watched by millions of people around the world, eager to witness the continuation of an ancient and revered tradition. The ceremony itself is a feast for the senses. The sound of trumpets heralding the arrival of the King, the aroma of incense wafting through the air, and the sight of the newly crowned King, bedecked in robes of the finest materials and adorned with the most magnificent crown, is a spectacle to behold.

Queen Elizabeth II, the late monarch and mother of King Charles, had a long and distinguished reign, serving as the Queen of the

United Kingdom for over 63 years. Her Coronation, which took place in 1953, was a grand and historic event that set the tone for her reign. The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was attended by dignitaries and heads of state from around the world, and the streets of London were lined with people eager to catch a glimpse of the new Queen.

The King ascended the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September last year, making him the oldest new monarch in British history. Since then, plans for the muchanticipated Coronation weekend, code-named Operation Golden Orb, have been released.

When is the King’s Coronation?

The Coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6 at Westminster Abbey, followed by a weekend of events, including a concert at Windsor Castle.

What will happen at the Coronation ceremony?

The King and the Queen Consort will arrive at Westminster Abbey in a procession starting from Buckingham Palace known as The King’s Procession. Their Majesties will be crowned in the Abbey in London in a service that will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The service has been planned to be representative of different faiths and community groups, in line with the King’s wish to reflect the ethnic diversity of modern Britain.

He will still pledge to be “Defender of the Faith” in the Coronation oath, but palace aides and church officials plan to add further words that will allow the King to recognise he serves all religions.

The King has asked for Greek Orthodox music to be played in the service in tribute to his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, to be performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble. Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber has been commissioned by King Charles to write his Coronation Anthem, in what the composer hopes will “reflect the joyful occasion”. The anthem is one of 12 new pieces of music selected personally by the new monarch for his ceremony.

The Coronation will also include many of the ceremonies that were seen in the late Queen’s service, such as anointing with consecrated oil, the delivery of the orb and the enthroning itself. Over 8,000 guests from 129 nations travelled to Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, but the King’s Coronation will be limited to 2,000 to accommodate health and safety restrictions.

The King will be asked if he will govern the United Kingdom and other nations of the Commonwealth with law and justice and if he will maintain Christianity in the nation. He will be seated in the Coronation Chair, known as Edward’s Chair, holding the sovereign’s sceptre and rod, to represent his control of the nation, and the sovereign’s orb, to represent the Christian world.

After being anointed, blessed and consecrated by the Archbishop, Charles will have the crown of St Edward placed on his head, officially crowning him as King Charles III. Meanwhile, Prince George is to become the youngest future king to play an official role at a coronation, having been named one of his grandfather’s four Pages of Honour.

Will the Coronation be televised?

The Coronation will be televised for British and international audiences to watch. It comes after the Accession Council was broadcast for the first time ever in September last year.

The late Queen’s Coronation was the first ever to be televised and came at her own request. An estimated 27 million people in the UK watched the ceremony on television, with 11 million tuning in on the radio.

On Sunday, May 7, a Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC.

What will happen the day after the Coronation?

People across Britain will take part in the Coronation Big Lunch, during which neighbours and communities will be invited to share food and fun.

The Government announced that the Prime Minister will host a Big Lunch at Downing Street on the Sunday and that guests will include community volunteers from across the country.

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

Hello everyone!

May already. God, I love May. May for me is that transitional month into the summer. When May comes you know there’s going to be some sunshine, some BBQ’s, bank holiday fun, in my younger pre-child days there would have always been a girls trip in May. It really is the start again isn’t it?

I always feel like for me, May is the time where I start maybe feeling a little bit more body aware and body conscious –thinking about getting into shape for the less baggier and more figure exposing outfits that summer brings. Don’t get me wrong, apart from those few weeks during Christmas where everyone’s eating their weight in all of the indulgent foods that the world has to offer, I’m always thinking about my body. It’s funny because looking back, I think the older I get the more I’m worrying and borderline obsessing with my body and how it changes. Age I think plays a big part in your metabolism, the ability to lose weight as quick, and of course the effect that gravity has on some parts (you know you don’t need any more detail on this). But honestly – I’m not sure if I’ll ever get over (or accept), my new body since having a baby. Like don’t get me wrong – I’m back to wearing the sizes I used to wear, I haven’t drastically changed looking in, but somethings just different. The way my belly feels is different, the weight I am just carries different, I feel just, well, different.

Rico is nearly 6 now, and I hoped there would be a time where I would just accept and love my new self. I see all of those posts on Instagram of these women really embracing their stretch marks, belly pouches, and cellulite and I really admire those people, but it sometimes leads to me asking myself, am I wrong or bad for not loving my new mum bod? It’s funny because there are always two lots of people, those that love their body, accept their body, appreciate their body, proud of their bodies and then there are those who can’t stand the effects of pregnancy on their physique, can’t wait to get back to dieting or in the gym (or on the surgeons table). I think its important to remember that you don’t have to justify how you feel about yourself to anyone. You shouldn’t feel guilty for not liking your body after a baby or feel guilty about being excited to try to get back to what you used to be, and you also shouldn’t feel abnormal for embracing your new body and not being in any particular rush to bounce back.

This year I’ve been ready to really take my health, fitness and weight loss journey a lot more seriously than I have in previous years, and it’s the first time i’m actually signed up to exercise programmes and tracking what I’m eating, not using slimming world (which was my go to weight loss strategy for my whole life before this year).

I am working out with the amazing Athletic Development Club in Cockfosters. The team of experienced coaches offer personal training sessions, group workout classes, personalised nutrition plans and Facebook and Whatsapp groups to help you stay motivated and on track. You even have access to lifestyle chats from coaches that can really help you to tackle those patterns of behaviour, eating and mental challenges to really get you where you need to be. What I love most about ADC is the fact that it’s not a gym, sessions are booked in and tailored so you don’t have that ‘walking into a packed gym full of people who know what they’re doing’ anxiety or waiting years to use a leg press.

I also subscribed to ‘Bodied By XO’ which is an app and platform run by personal trainer Xtina Okenla, where app membership gives you access to a library of workout materials, videos and content that you can use at the gym or in the comfort of your own home, which is always good for me because by the time Rico can sometimes get to sleep, walking to my front room to work out is the furthest I can commit to travelling!

I hope you all have a wonderful May lovelies. Until next time,

WHY effective verbal communication IS IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN

To encourage good verbal communication, consider the following:

• Show interest and model good eye contact.

Effective communication is undoubtedly the most essential skill in our daily lives. While technological advancements have made communication easier, faceto-face interactions have become less frequent. As a result, it is crucial to ensure that we communicate effectively when we do engage in conversations. When teaching or parenting children of any age, clear and specific communication is key. Communication begins from birth and continues throughout our lives. It is vital for adults who look after, nurture, and support children to model successful communication. Children learn from adopting and mirroring those around them. Therefore, the way we speak to our children matters more than ever.

As adults, most of us are quite fixed in our communication patterns and language, and we may not notice the habits we have developed. As a teacher, I have been guilty of using similar phrases to manage behaviour or praise children, and as parents, carers, or guardians, our language and behaviour have become routine.

It is crucial to think about the words we use and how supportive and influential they may be to the children who are listening and learning. Regardless of their uniqueness, most children look for praise and reassurance, and they express themselves positively and passionately when given the chance.

• Use different forms of positive language.

• Avoid repetition of phrases.

• Make a conscious effort to broaden your vocabulary.

• Remember to model good manners.

• Encourage children to share their experiences.

• Use open-ended questions.

By following these simple strategies, we can create an environment that encourages effective communication and supports children’s development

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

HOME & LIVING Supplement

MOCHA Magic

From rich chocolate to creamy caramel hues, brown and mocha homeware is taking the interior design world by storm. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of warmth to a minimalist space or create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, this trend is perfect for you. With a variety of textures and materials to choose from, including plush fabrics, rustic woods, and sleek metals, this trend can be used to achieve both a sophisticated and laid-back look. So why not embrace this timeless trend and create your own inviting oasis?

Vetiver & Saltwood Candle

Hand Poured, Scented Soy Candles

Give the perfect gift for any special occasion, wedding, new home, baby shower, birthdays, anniversaries and more.

Bespoke personalised labels can also be made upon request.

www.etsy.com/shop/DLSCandles @debbielloydsmithcandles

Wax and Scents UK is a small Bristol business led by a Lebanese female founder. We focus on high quality and ethical fragrance and soap products. From luxurious wax melts and scented candles, to pampering natural soap bars, every product is vegan friendly, cruelty free, and lovingly handmade in England. All of our packaging is fully recyclable, and we take our responsibility towards the environment as seriously as we take our passion for high quality, ethical, ingredients.

Whether you are looking for that perfect wax melt for your home, or the soothing bathing experience of whipped soap, look no further than Wax and Scents UK.

WAX MELT GIFT SET

www.waxandscentsuk.co.uk • @waxandscentsuk

This is a great way to get cosy & calm. Take a break and allow yourself a moment to breathe.

Included in this gift set is everything you need to get going with wax melts and a beautiful storage bag.

Receive two packs of our best-selling wax melts. Each pack includes 6 melts.

Black Fig & Vetiver

Bergamot & Patchouli – Sultry notes of bergamot, mandarin and geranium over a compelling musk and patchouli base.

1x Matte White Lattice Wax Melter

1x Wax melt storage bag

4 x Tealights

£29.95

Sage Ombre Ceramic Ribbed Jug

Gisela Graham London

£19.99

Boho Fringe Padded Double Hammock BTFY

£99.99

Seagrass Basket Stuff Oliver Bonas

£19.50

Seasons GRECIAN

Bring the tranquil beauty of Greece to your home. As the weather warms up and the sun begins to shine brighter, there is no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than by spending time outdoors surrounded by nature’s stunning beauty. Incorporate decorative elements like cushions, throws, and outdoor rugs in soft and subtle cream and blue shades to create a cosy and relaxing ambiance.

Garden Arch Mirror Studio £30

Blue Twisted Dinner Candle Primark Home £1.80

Tahiti Double Egg Chair Next £750

Throw Home Sense

£22.99

Bamboo Parasol Dobbies

£199

Set of 4 Abstract Watercolour Picnic Tumblers

M&S £15

Experts in microcement, polished plaster, clay and lime plasters, crafting beautifully bespoke surfaces for homes and business.

www.profileplasteringlondon.com

Featured Project: 2023 renovation of a family home in London with microcement finishing throughout.

Architecture: JAAM Architects – Interior Design: Fiona Wallace Design – Images: Makki Photography

PECAN

Rich, warming brown hues have been a fanfavourite in the fashion world over the last year, and we’ll continue to see them play an equally important role in the interiors sphere over the next year, particularly with the rise of warm minimalism and the resurgence of mid-century aesthetic. If you’re looking to weave hues of coffee and cocoa into your space, then explore the full edit below for some inspiration!

Large Rattan Waste Paper Bin Must Have Bins £142.50

Chocolate Washed Brown Plant Pot Curated Pieces £16.99

Brown Textured Linen Cushion True Linen £39.99

Brabbu Design Forces

Rattan Charger Rebecca Udall £16

Ceramic Workshop Cup Nordic Nest £9

Crosby Armchair Dark Vellum OKA UK £1395

Morola Marble Cylinder Table Lamp Lights and Lamps £180

TOPIC HOT

WITH BEER FILL YOUR BOOTS

Brew//LDN is back again, bringing with them all the beer-y goodness they’re renowned for. It’s the UK’s largest and most diverse craft beer festival, with over 100 craft beers and drinks producers, live DJs, and street food. And you get access to all that for less than £30. And once you’re in, you’re looking at pints that cost less than a fiver each – a bargain in London!

www.brewldn.com

KING’S CORONATION RING IN THE

Union Jacks are sprouting from virtually every surface in London as the capital braces for the coronation of the new King. To accompany the once-in-a-lifetime event, a host of themed afternoon teas, cocktails, special meals, and more have been announced. The best part? We get an extra Bank Holiday the following Monday, May 8, giving us plenty of time for festivities.

BLOOM IN FULL

We are thrilled to see the launch of Pollinators, the latest addition to Pleasing, a brand founded by Harry Styles that aims to combine delightful experiences with innovative products that push boundaries and stimulate the senses. Pollinators continues Pleasing’s mission to bring joy and excitement into our lives. Inspired by Hampstead Heath and the crocuses that line the pathways on Hampstead Heath, Pollinators is an invitation to experience, embrace and evoke a wild instinct. It’s a colourful celebration of that certain breed of ferocious optimism that blossoms at this time of year, and swells as the summer months draw in.

Pollinators features five new shades of 12-free biodegradable polish, complete with decals. Bride’s Buttercream, Bell Boy Blue, Peachy Cheeks, Pond Goo, and Live Laugh Lilac. https://uk-eu.pleasing.com/

SPRING CLEAN with Clara

It’s that time of year once again, so grab your mop, broom, the bucket and gloves and get ready to get rid of that grime for the spring season. Spring cleaning is generally one of those things that we do once a year in areas we don’t think about. So, a good time to start is around mid-March the first day of spring! But if you're reading this after March 20, the rest of April and May can still be the perfect time to begin the cleaning process in your home.

One of the first tips is tending to forgotten items, there are things in our home that we use but we don’t realise we’re using them all the time for example, the bathroom ventilators which are often out of sight, your stove knobs, the trivets you put underneath your pots and pans, tooth brush holders, the makeup containers and skirting boards that collect an immense amount of dust and are often forgotten about.

My specific tip during this season is for those of you who have pets, more specifically Labradors and Golden Retrievers, they’re like tumble weeds of hair. Dampened dryer sheets, lint rollers, even duct tape, can be effective solutions for quickly removing pet hair in a pinch. Another way to get rid of pet hairs is to use a simple damp microfibre cloth or sponges work particularly well. Similarly, another trick is using a slightly damp fabric softener sheet that you'd normally pop in your dryer – they're great for picking pet hairs up.

The best way to start your spring cleaning is by decluttering. Yes, I said it, get rid of anything that you haven’t worn or used in the past year! If you can’t remember when you last wore an outfit or used an item, then get rid of it. Use this time to give back to your community by donating your items to charities or giving them away to friends and family. A decluttered house can also reduce stress and depression as well as help avoid injuries.

Here are 5 easy ways to help you get started with your spring cleaning that won’t overwhelm you.

1. Make a cleaning checklist of areas you would like to start with, so you don’t get overwhelmed with how much you need to do and tackle them one by one.

2. Dust and wipe light fixtures, pictures and artwork including cobwebs.

3. Clean the inside of your dishwasher by removing the racks. Use a non-toxic cleaning product.

4. Wipe down your door frames by using a duster or soft cloth. You can do this by mixing a bucket of warm water with soap and gently washing the frame with a sponge.

5. Flip your mattress

Officiallyclara_

My Spring favs

Zoflora is one of my all-time favourite cleaning products. Not only does it sanitize your home, but it leaves a beautiful clean lasting scent.

Microfiber cloths are great for dusting surfaces because they can pick up even the tiniest particles. They last longer than most cleaning cloths making them more durable and can be used for cleaning all areas of the home.

Last but not least, one of my everyday go-to cleaning products is the Method Antic Bacterial AllPurpose Cleaner. It kills 99% of bacteria and cleaves surfaces clean smelling fresh.

Happy spring cleaning!

PURE IMAGINATION

Leap into a world of pure imagination with these adventurous fiction reads. Transporting you into a place of exotic islands, lost worlds, and faraway landscapes. Who knows where your next read will take you?

Clap When You Land

By Elizabeth Acevedo

Inside the pages:

Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people...

In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office, where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash. Separated by distance – and Papi’s secrets – the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered.

The Getaway Girls

By Dee MacDonald

Inside the pages:

Connie McColl is finally free to make her own decisions for the first time in decades. And when she meets glamorous Gill and downtrodden Maggie, at a rather dull flower arranging class, it seems that she’s not the only one dreaming of adventure. The three very different women all agree it’s about time they had a holiday to remember. So they make a pact for this summer to be their best yet –and drive off into the sunset together… As they meander their way along the beautiful beaches of France and onto the glorious delights of Italy in their luxury campervan, the new friends have plenty of fun and frolics in the sunshine. But the vacation isn’t quite what they expected…

Great Circle

By Maggie Shipstead

Inside the pages:

From the days of giant passenger ships sliding past Arctic icebergs, to the daring pilots of WWII, to presentday Hollywood, at the core of this story is the indomitable Marian Graves and her twin brother Jamie who are twice abandoned by their parents. Marian and Jamie grow up roaming Montana forests, more comfortable with landscape than with people.

When a pair of aerobat’s take their exhilarating show to a nearby airfield, Marian’s life is changed forever. Watching them roll, dive, and loop in their mini plane, she can think of nothing else but flying.

Every Summer After

By Carley Fortune

Inside the pages:

Instead of glittering summers on the lakeshore of her childhood, Persephone Fraser spends her days in a stylish apartment in the city, keeping everyone a safe distance from her heart. Until the day she gets a call that sends her racing back to Barry’s Bay and into the orbit of Sam Florek. For five summers, through hazy afternoons working in his family restaurant and curling up together with booksmedical textbooks for him and workin-progress horror short stories for herPercy and Sam had been inseparable. And slowly that friendship turned into something breathtakingly more, before it fell spectacularly apart.

The Murmer Of Bees

By Sophia Segovia

Inside the pages:

From the day that old Nana Reja found a baby abandoned under a bridge, the life of a small Mexican town forever changed. Disfigured and covered in a blanket of bees, little Simonopio is for some locals the stuff of superstition, a child kissed by the devil. But he is welcomed by landowners Francisco and Beatriz Morales, who adopt him and care for him as if he were their own. As he grows up, Simonopio becomes a cause for wonder to the Morales family, because when the uncannily gifted child closes his eyes, he can see what no one else can—visions of all that’s yet to come, both beautiful and dangerous..

Discount code WELCOME20gives 20% off your first order

Here at Luxe Melts Leeds all products are handmade and hand poured using 100% soy wax that is eco and vegan friendly.

My products are made with the highest fragrance load to provide you with a long lasting product that is luxurious and affordable. There’s a wide range of products available from wax melts to candles and room sprays to reed diffusers that will all have your home smelling fabulous! There’s so many scents to choose from that there’s sure to be something for everyone!

All the products are cruelty free and we’re fully insured and CLP compliant. We also offer personalised gifts!

www.luxemeltsleeds.com

Follow our journey!

@luxe_melts_leeds TikTok @luxemeltsleeds

Welcome to KaysHampers where we hope to bring you 'a little bit of everything' in your hamper! We love creating seasonal and personalised hampers tailored to suit your needs, as well as the desired occasion. All products are chosen carefully and made with care and attention to detail.

We understand that you might not always have ideas or the time to go out and buy gifts for that special someone, but we have got you covered!

We can help you to create meaningful moments with sentential value all in one hamper.

Handcrafted using centuries-old traditions by British artisans, Glass Cloche offers customers a truly unique experience with elegant glass domes inspired by antique designs.

Display your most cherished items such as flowers, jewellery, or photos; with a glass cloche, these contents become truly extraordinary centrepieces for your dinner table or special occasion.

With quality craftsmanship and timeless design, your collection of glass cloches is sure to be cherished for years to come.

www.glasscloche.com @glasscloche

We are a family run business based in North East England. All of our melts are highly scented, and we have over 200 scents to choose from. All melts are made with soy wax and are hand poured.

We have lots of fabulous collections to choose from.

Cook’s tip

Eggs royale SANDWICHES

Makes 32

Prep 15 mins

Cook 6 mins

Ingredients

4 Free Range Medium Eggs

•

3 tbsp hollandaise sauce

1/8 x 20g chives, chopped

• 8 slice/s soft white

farmhouse bread, crusts removed

• 40g butter

•

2 x 120g Smoked Salmon

•

Method

•

Handful washed and ready to eat spinach or lamb’s lettuce

Cutting the crusts from the bread before making the sandwiches saves waste and is easier, particularly when cutting these sandwiches small. Blitz into breadcrumbs and keep in the freezer for another recipe.

Place the eggs in a saucepan in which they will fit snugly, add a pinch of salt and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 6 minutes. Drain and run under cold water, changing the water a couple of times, for about 10 minutes, or until completely cold.

Peel the eggs, finely chop and tip into a bowl. Add the hollandaise sauce and chives, season and mix to combine.

Lay the bread on the work surface and spread with butter. Lay slices of the smoked salmon over ½ the bread, then divide the egg mixture on top, spreading it evenly.

Top with the spinach or lettuce and the other bread slices, butter-side down, and gently press together. Cut each sandwich into 8 bite sized triangles and serve.

Ice-cream

SANDWICHES

Makes 10 Prep 15 mins Cook 10 mins

Ingredients

For the chocolate & raspberry sandwiches

180g 72% Belgian dark chocolate, melted • 480ml Waitrose

Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream • 75g raspberry jam • 10 Waitrose

Duchy Organic Chocolate

Chip All Butter Shortbreads • 50g Cooks’ Ingredients Milk

Chocolate Vermicelli

For the vanilla & lemon sandwiches

180g Waitrose Belgian White Chocolate • 480ml Waitrose

Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream

• 75g lemon curd • 10 Waitrose

Duchy Organic Highland All Butter Shortbread Rounds • 25g pistachios nut kernels, chopped

Cook’s tip

Save leftover ice cream trimmings for ice cream cones (coronation cornets!), or blend into milkshakes.

Method

Melt the chocolates in separate bowls over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Set aside until cooled, but still liquid. Stir often as they cool.

Line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment. Carefully cut through the ice cream tubs with a sharp serrated knife (discard the packaging). Cut the ice cream into 5 rounds per tub. Using a circular cutter, about the same size as the biscuits, cut a disc from each round of ice cream. Return the discs to the freezer on 1 of the baking sheets. Return the trimmings to another freezerproof tub and freeze for another time.

Top each disc of ice cream with ½ tbsp jam or lemon curd, between 2 biscuits.

Half-dip the chocolate sandwiches in the cooled dark chocolate, then sprinkle over the vermicelli and place on the other lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm and ready to serve. Do the same for the vanilla lemon sandwiches in the white chocolate, and sprinkle with the chopped pistachios.

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

Baked SCOTCH EGGS

Baking in the oven makes light work of a picnic favourite, and they’re perfect to share around at street parties, too.

Makes 6

Prep 25 mins

Cook 35 mins

Ingredients

6 Clarence Court Large Burford Browns Eggs, plus 1 extra egg for coating • 400g pack The Jolly Hog

6 British Pork Sausages • 1 small onion, roughly chopped • 25g pack flat leaf parsley, roughly torn • 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard • 150g soft white breadcrumbs • 4 tbsp sunflower oil, for drizzling • 25g plain flour • Piccalilli, to serve

Method

Preheat the oven to 240oC, gas mark 9. Bring a large saucepan of water to a gentle boil, add the 6 eggs and simmer for 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl of iced water. When cool enough to handle, peel carefully and set aside.

Squeeze the meat from the sausage skins. Whizz the onion and parsley in a small food processor until finely chopped. Add the sausage meat and mustard and whizz again until well mixed. (If you don’t have a food processor, grate the onion and finely chop the herbs before adding and mixing.)

Divide the sausage mixture into 6 balls. Flatten one ball out in the palm of your hand, then place a softly boiled egg in the centre. Gently wrap with the sausage meat so the egg is completely encased. Repeat with the remaining eggs.

Heat a frying pan over a medium heat, add the breadcrumbs and oil and cook for 5-8 minutes until golden. Take 3 shallow bowls. Put the flour into one, the remaining egg, beaten, into another, and the toasted crumbs into the third. Dip the meatwrapped eggs alternately in flour, egg and breadcrumbs. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and the sausage meat is cooked through, the juices run clear and there is no pink meat. Serve warm or cold with piccalilli.

Good Food and Good Times at Brookmans

For the perfect spot to enjoy good food and drink in stylish surroundings, it has to be Brookmans, a great gastropub with a brilliant atmosphere in the heart of Brookmans Park.

Already the place to see and be seen, now Brookmans has a fantastic new spring menu and a talented new team ready to ensure you have the best time, whenever you visit.

A warm welcome awaits from new general manager Mitch Brummitt and his team. Mitch is Hertfordshire born and bred and has hospitality running through his veins. He and his family ran great bars, restaurants and night clubs across London and the Home Counties. He’s the ultimate foodie and host.

Creating delicious, fresh seasonal food in Brookmans’ kitchen is new head chef Tom Brown, who hails from The Farmhouse at Redcoats by way of The Manor of Groves Hotel in Sawbridgeworth. His food is inspired by travels to Maine for lobster and Spain for fish, seafood and spice, making for truly flavoursome dishes at Brookmans.

Join them for breakfast, lunch or dinner – or anything in between – and enjoy superb food made with the best ingredients Tom can find from ethical producers. Start the day well with free-range poached eggs on toasted sourdough with basil pesto, prosciutto and rocket, American pancakes or classic eggs Benedict.

Sit outside on the spacious terrace and enjoy a glass of rosé before lunching on free-range chicken schnitzel with garlic and parsley butter, rocket, Parmesan and fries or garlic and paprika king prawns with Isle of Wight tomatoes and toasted sourdough.

Come for dinner and relax in the gorgeous surroundings of Brookmans’ elegant eatery that’s beautifully decorated in rich teals and shimmering gold. Let Mitch mix you a cocktail or pour you a glass of something special from the list of award-winning wines while you decide what to eat.

New for spring are British coppa, Cornish lamb, spring greens and English asparagus.

Lighter options include hand-picked Devonshire crab with cured salmon, apple and cucumber. Beetroot tartare with free-range butternut yolk and pea salad or pan-fried seabass with butter beans, sun-dried tomato, romaine and salsa verde make deliciously different choices. There is also a great choice of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.

Tom is serious about Sunday roasts, too, and each week prepares at least three choices, plus a selection of daily specials using seasonal produce.

Brookmans has everything to make every visit to the pub perfect. Make sure you visit soon.

BATTENBERG TRIFLE with meringue crown

An easy dessert that’s big on wow factor, with plenty to go round. Gold leaf optional…

Serves 12

Prep 40 mins

Cook 5 mins

Ingredients

2 x 415g cans Del Monte Peach Slices in

Juice

Method

Drain the peaches and reserve the juice (there should be about 250-300ml). Spread all but 175g peaches over the base of a 2 litre (20cm) trifle bowl. Soak the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes to soften.

cake, laying them around the edge of the dish so that you can see the coloured squares. Whisk the cream and mascarpone with the vanilla paste until just forming soft peaks. Spoon the vanilla cream over the cake in large spoonfuls.

• 400ml rosé wine

• 5 platinum grade gelatine leaves

• 230g pack Mr Kipling

Battenberg • 225g pack raspberries

• 300ml double cream

• 250g tub

mascarpone • 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

• 1 pack 12 Cooks’ Ingredients Mini Eton

Mess Meringues

• Cooks’ Ingredients Gold

Lustre Spray, to decorate

flaked almonds

• 3 tbsp toasted

• Edible gold leaf, optional

In a medium saucepan, heat the wine to just below boiling point. Remove from the heat. Squeeze the softened gelatine and whisk into the hot wine until dissolved. Stir the gelatine mixture into the peach juice and leave to cool. Pour the cooled jelly mixture over the peaches and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until set.

Slice the Battenberg cake into 6, then cut each slice into quarters to make squares. Scatter all but 75g raspberries over the set jelly. Top with pieces of

Just before serving, spritz the meringues with gold spray. Scatter the top of the trifle with the reserved peaches and raspberries, the golden meringues, flaked almonds and gold leaf (if using).

CORONATION PAVLOVA TOWER

John Whaite’s towering pavlova will reign supreme at any summer gathering. While it’s not particularly complicated, it does require a little planning, so gather your ingredients and set aside a bit of time.

Serves 14

Prep 1 hr

Cook 1 hr 50 mins

Ingredients

600g rhubarb, cut into 3-4cm chunks • 300g caster sugar • 100ml ruby port (or 100ml red wine, or 3 tbsp blackcurrant cordial mixed with 3 tbsp water) • 460g strawberries • 2 tbsp cornflour • 2 balls stem ginger, chopped • Meringue • 8 large egg whites • 500g caster sugar •

Cream

600ml double cream • 6 tbsp icing sugar • 2 tbsp vanilla bean paste • 300g strained Greek yogurt

GET AHEAD

Macerate the fruit the day before you want to assemble and serve the pavlova. It’s also worth cooking the meringues so they can cool down in the oven overnight.

Cook’s tip

SHORT ON TIME? Instead of macerating and roasting the rhubarb, use a pot of No.1 Rhubarb & Raspberry Preserve. Mix half of it with the juice of half a lemon and use to decorate the pavlova along with the strawberries.

Method

Put the rhubarb in a deep roasting tin (about 25cm x 35cm), then add 200g caster sugar and the port (or wine or cordial) and toss together. Ensure all the chunks are in a single layer – the more closely packed, the better – then cover and chill overnight. Hull and halve the strawberries and toss with the remaining 100g caster sugar. Put on a tray or large lipped plate; cover and chill overnight.

For the meringue, preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6. Line 2 large baking sheets with baking parchment and draw on 4 circles: one 23cm in diameter, one 18cm, one 15cm and the final one 10cm. Put the egg whites into the bowl of a freestanding mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or use a bowl and electric beaters). Whisk on a high speed until the egg whites form a thick foam. Add the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time and whisk until you have a very thick, glossy meringue and there are very few granules of sugar left (test by rubbing a little of the mixture between your thumb and forefinger).

Divide the mixture between the 4 circles and spread it out to form thick discs, all the same height. Put in the oven and reduce the temperature to 140ºC, gas mark 1. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, then turn off the oven, leave the door ajar and let the meringues cool inside (overnight if possible). If, once cool, the meringues are a little sticky because of humidity, bake them for 1 hour more at just 80ºC, gas mark 1/4, to crisp them up.

For the rhubarb, preheat the oven to

200ºC, gas mark 6. Pour the juice from the tin of rhubarb into a pan and set aside. Ensure the rhubarb is evenly spaced in the roasting tin and bake for 10-15 minutes until soft but not overly mushy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Drain off any liquid and pat dry with kitchen paper.

Add the juice from the tray of strawberries to the pan of rhubarb liquid. In a small jug, mix together the cornflour with 3 tbsp of the liquid and stir to dissolve. Bring the pan of juices to a boil, then add the cornflour mixture a little at a time, whisking after each addition, just until it thickens up to a coating consistency. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, use a balloon whisk to whip the cream with the icing sugar, vanilla bean paste and Greek yogurt until it holds its shape well.

Set the largest meringue on a cake stand or large flat plate. Dollop on just over 1/4 of the cream mixture. Scatter over some strawberries and rhubarb. Repeat, using all the cream and meringue and most of the fruit, finishing with a cream layer. Decorate the top with the remaining fruit, and brush with the thickened syrup. Scatter over the ginger and, just before serving, drizzle over more syrup, letting it dribble all the way down the tower.

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On the WILD SIDE

Who hasn’t dreamed of going on a safari in Africa? This massive continent has inspired so many to want to see exotic animals in their natural habitat and to experience the cultural diversity Africa has to offer.

Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa alone already have over 60 national parks, all with different terrain and wildlife species. With such a vast number of national parks it can be quite difficult to decide where to go. But don’t worry, to help you plan your adventure, we have handpicked the most beautiful national parks and best safari destinations.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve is located in southwest Kenya and is a vast scenic expanse of gently rolling African savannah plains measuring 1510 square kilometres in area and bordering the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south. Masai Mara is a unique wildlife conservation haven famous for its spectacular natural diversity of wildlife and is the premier Kenya Safari location in East Africa, offering visitors numerous reasons to visit this animal paradise. Large numbers of Lions, Cheetah, Elephant, Rhino, African Buffalo, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Zebra and many more animals are found in the park in their natural habitat, unconfined and free to roam the vast Kenyan wilderness stretching for miles on end.

It is no surprise that tourists from the world over travel here to experience a Masai Mara Safari tour, more so as the reserve has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Regarding the origin of the name, the word 'Masai' comes from the Maasai tribe, nomadic inhabitants of the area and the word 'Mara' is their word for 'spotted', referring to the ubiquitous flat topped acacia trees, shrubs and bushes that dot the landscape across most of the reserve.

Botswana

Botswana’s first and most biologically diverse national park sits in the northern part of the country near the Okavango Delta. Affectionately known as the “Land of the Giants”, an estimated 120,000 elephants call it home, which is Africa’s largest elephant population. Because of the Chobe River, there’s also an unmatched amount of wildlife and birdlife – including hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and countless bird species. Instead of a typical 4×4 vehicle, the absolute best way to experience Chobe National Park is on a boat trip. It provides a unique perspective, amazing views, and stunning photographs. As you plan your trip, keep in mind that Chobe National Park also makes a perfect day trip from Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia because of its close proximity to their borders.

Serengeti

When most people think of an African wildlife safari, they think of the Serengeti, and if your dreaming of Africa, you probably dreamt about the Serengeti. Home to the Great Migration and may very well be the one of the last true natural wonders on planet earth.

Between the Serengeti National Park, and its adjacent neighbour, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, they protect the greatest and most varied collection of terrestrial wildlife on earth, and one of the last great migratory systems still intact. The Serengeti is one of the most famous parks in Africa and is synonymous with wildlife and classic African scenery. It is Tanzania's oldest park and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Home to the spectacular wildebeest migration offering top-class wildlife viewing throughout the year. Including over one million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras every October and November come south for the rain before heading northwest about six months later. It’s also a great place to catch cheetahs and lions in action as they prey on the herbivores in the area. This crown jewel is the ultimate safari destination.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is both the first national park established in South Africa as well as the largest in the country. The park extends across an area of 7,523 square miles making it the sixth-largest national park across the entire continent of Africa. Not only is Kruger National Park renowned for having the best safaris in South Africa, gorgeous mountain, plain and tropical forest scenery, it’s also one of the continent’s largest game reserves. Kruger is home to 147 species of large mammals, which is more than any other game reserve. Bird-lovers will also thrive in Kruger with approximately 517 species of birds found throughout the park. Located in northeast South Africa near Mozambique, the diversity of species is unparalleled. The black mamba, rock python, and crocodiles sit atop the 114 species of reptiles calling the national park home.

Kruger is considered the premier safari destination in southern Africa. It is the most renowned national park in Africa and draws people from around the world. The wilderness and wildlife will provide you with an unforgettable experience with nature.

Ngorongoro National Park, Tanzania

The crown of Ngorongoro is its breath-taking volcanic crater, and it secures its spot as one of the best national parks in Africa. This majestic natural wonder is the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world, and it measures about 20 kilometres across, 600 meters deep, and 300 square kilometres in area. Featuring lush green plains, woodland trees and wildflowers. It is one of the most popular travel destinations in Tanzania. A stunningly beautiful place, it’s often referred to as the ‘garden of Eden’ making a change from the usual sandy safaris, Ngorongoro has been the site of numerous archaeological discoveries over the years, and it’s now one of the best places for safari in east Africa.

The area houses over 25,000 large animals, not including the almost two million that pass through during the migration. Within the crater there are thousands of wildebeest, eland, gazelles, and zebras, and up in the rainforest of the crater rim there are animals like elephants, reedbuck, and jackals. You can also take a trip to the lake where you will be greeted by beautiful flamingos, ostriches, and pelicans. Along with great safaris, this World Heritage Site has so much more to offer its visitors, from the historic Oldupai Gorge to a chance to meet the local Maasai people.

WHAT’S ON

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.

2 3

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY

Centred on Queen Charlotte’s rise to prominence and power, this Bridgerton-verse prequel tells the story of how the young Queen’s marriage to King George sparked both a great love story and a societal shift, creating the world of the Ton inherited by the characters in Bridgerton.

BEEF

BEEF follows the aftermath of a road rage incident between two strangers. Danny Cho, a failing contractor with a chip on his shoulder, goes headto-head with Amy Lau, a selfmade entrepreneur with a picturesque life. The increasing stakes of their feud unravel their lives and relationships in this darkly comedic and deeply moving series.

FLORIDA MAN

NETFLIX

XO, KITTY

Teen matchmaker Kitty Song Covey thinks she knows everything there is to know about love. But when she moves halfway across the world to reunite with her long-distance boyfriend, she’ll soon realise that relationships are a lot more complicated when it’s your own heart on the line.

FUBAR

A CIA Operative on the verge of retirement discovers a family secret. Forced to go back into the field for one last job, the series tackles universal family dynamics set against a global backdrop of spies, action and humour.

QUEEN CLEOPATRA

From Executive Producer Jada Pinkett Smith comes a documentary series exploring the lives of prominent and iconic African Queens. This season will feature Queen Cleopatra, the world’s most famous, powerful, and misunderstood woman – a daring queen whose beauty and romances came to overshadow her real asset: her intellect.

Active Attitude

The brand consists of 4 pieces which will be available for both men and women in black and pastel blue. James recognised that there are numerous brands offering fitness wear or lifestyle/casualwear but not many readily available on the market under the same roof. All items have been designed with sleek, minimal, comfort and high-quality forefront of mind with the purpose of empowering and motivating customers to feel good and encourage a healthy lifestyle and positive mental attitude.

All items have been designed by James and are aligned with James’ own mantra of ‘looking good, feeling good and doing better’. James is aiming to equip customers with high quality and comfortable activewear to help promote a healthier lifestyle and help reduce stress and mental health issues.

James Lock, comments:

AFTER YEARS’ OF PLANNING LEVO IS FINALLY HERE AND I’M EXCITED TO SEE WHAT THE RESPONSE IS LIKE. I SPEND MOST OF MY TIME IN MY GYM CLOTHES WHETHER THAT IS WORKING OUT IN THE GYM, POPPING TO SEE FRIENDS OR RUNNING DAILY ERRANDS AND I KNOW THAT MANY OTHERS ALSO DO. I REALISED THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR A BRAND THAT OFFERED BOTH FITNESS AND LEISURE WEAR UNDER ONE CATEGORY FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN THAT CAN BE

“CREATING MY OWN FASHION BRAND HAS ALWAYS BEEN A goal of mine

AND LEVO IS SOMETHING THAT IS VERY CLOSE TO ME AND THAT I FEEL extremely passionate about.

worn with ease and convenience.”

James Lock, the well-known TOWIE TV personality has announced the launch of his brand new activewear brand ‘LEVO’ (@wearelevo) after identifying the need for a 2 in 1 combination brand for fitness and leisure.