Reading Preparations 1 A divine cup of tea, coffee or any beverage of your choice - Wine would do
to :)
3 2
A journal or a notebook
4 Your Sacred Space
6 Set your intentions
5
Wear something comfortable
During reading this magazine, allow yourself to be fully present
Light your favourite Scented candle, my favourite is from Landon Tyler
Get cosy in your sacred space Set aside Distractions; emails, phone, social media etc.
a bouquet of your favourite flowers, I love Prestige Flowers’ Haute Florist Collection
After each article, if possible - take out about 5-10 minutes to journal about the experience, reflect on what you have been thinking / writing down. On a scale from1-10; how good, confident and determined do you feel right now? (*1 feeling low / same and 10 feeling great and inspired.) If you for some reason can’t take out any time to reflect right now, make sure you schedule some reflection time before you start the next lesson.
My Clients are IN CHARGE
of creating their OWN
Miracles!
This month I am... Celebrating Top 10 Party Ideas What kind of person do you want to be? Cover page: Mireille Guiliano Self-Love & Self-Care Calendar 40 & Fabulous Mind, Body, Soul & Well-being Miracles Self-Care Quiz Health & Well-being That time of the month Autumn & Winter Skincare Hair care Holistic points for over 40’s Fitness Fashion & Beauty #FREE eCourse: It’s All About YOU! Fabulous & Flawless Make-up & 40 Healthy & Nourishing Recipes #FREE Meal Planner The 5 Foods Women over 40 should eat Home - Your Sanctuary Autumn Cleaning Discover the Designer in YOU De-Cluttering Calendar Creating a Cosy corner for Autumn Yearly Round-up Planner
Cover page Image Credit: Tim Knox
When faced with a dilemma, take a moment to sit with the issue. Don’t rush to decide what to do. Intend to let the divine inspiration flow to you, And it will be so.
Rose Hill Designs by Heather Stillufsen
Kiran Singh
Pietro Simone Jeff D’Arcy New Dimension Fitness Jules Standish Nadine Bryan Anjula Devi Anju Anand Daniel Galmiche Kate Llewellyn-Waters
elcome to the launch issue of ‘The #BlissfulForties’ - Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire! Magazine - Autumn Edition! After the languorous days of summer, there is an air of anticipation, of renewal even, La Rentrée is over and everyone has returned to work, to school, to normality. There is an extra zest to the days which grow shorter and for me, this is the best time for long walks, to enjoy the last colours of summer in the parks and gardens as flowers and fauna put on a last burst of energy and the leaves turn yellow, gold and red. Autumn officially started on the 22nd of September, I don’t know about you, but I feel there is a renewed energy in the air as everyone has been revitalised by time off and the summer sun. We seem to have that extra energy and focus to get physically active, take action, and create change. Autumn is a good time to let go of the old and make room for the new. This can apply to the traditional Autumn cleaning but most importantly we need to apply it to letting go of old grudges, resentments, and anger that holds us back from enjoying inner peace and more happiness in our lives. When we hold on to the old we keep ruminating and re-visiting old wounds and they keeps us stuck. And sometimes we don’t even know it. When we choose to let go of the old we make room for the new and open the door to endless possibilities that are waiting for us. Autumn is a time for eating light lunches such as delicious potted chicken (if its cold, serve it with warmed baguette, if it’s warm serve it with salad) and delicious tasty hot dinners like boeuf bourguignon and spicy pumpkin pie. I have teamed up with three Celebrity Chefs; Anju Anand, Anjula Devi & Daniel Gamlmiche and they have shared mouth-watering recipes perfect for the cold season!
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At every age, I have been a bit proud of the year under my belt. But this one is different. My 40th birthday arrives in 18 days (a birthday post will come nearer the time) and I am super excited! Especially as I am treating myself to a day trip to Paris – My Future Home! “Make it a goal to celebrate life in some way, however small, every day.”
Have you ever taken the time to think about what makes your life special? We are all pretty good at recognising the big moments in life like birthdays, awards and weddings. Some people tend to really focus only on the major milestones and accomplishments – I am pretty guilty of this! But what about the little things? Do you celebrate the little things in life? You see, even on the gloomiest days, there are happy moments happening in your life and in the world around you. You’ll only find those moments if you take the time to really look for them. The truth is that there’s no such thing as a “little” little thing or moment. and can never be repeated. This
is the essence of mindfulness, of living in and being supremely aware of the present. Consider that life is a gift, one that we only have for a comparatively short period. As such, no moment should be squandered, either by wallowing in painful memories or agonising over future developments or sitting idly by and doing nothing today. We all have so many blessings in our lives. And yet most of the time we fail to notice them. We don’t recognise them properly, forget them, or simply take them for granted. We lose sight of them, and that’s a critical mistake. In reality, these little things have a huge impact on our lives. That’s why we should learn to recognise their value. Celebrating the little things is easy enough to do. It doesn’t require an expenditure of money or take a lot of time. A simple acknowledgement of the little thing, the little moment is enough. This serves to bring your mind back to the present and allows you the opportunity to give thanks for this precious gift. Here are my 5 simple ways to celebrate your every day. 1. Start your day as a celebration. 2. Be aware of the Micro Achievements – every little achievement counts! 3. Celebrate others! 4. Do something out of the ordinary – get out of your comfort zone! 5. Celebrate every evening.
So as we are CELEBRATING this month, it’s only fair that we need some Party inspiration! October is one of the most popular months to throw your doors open to friends and family: you don't have to have a holiday to have a celebration, so focus on the food, friendships and fabulous entertainment! Whether hosting a sophisticated soirée or a casual get-together, these ideas will set the mood.
Top 10 Party Ideas Serve cool Singapore slings and dangerous mojitos in coloured glassware for a vintage look. For inspiration, we highly recommend Assouline’s Vintage Cocktails, a truly intoxicating read.
by Blue Ribbon
Perfect for an elegant dinner gathering, the island theme is surprisingly easy to pull together. Marine, coral and rope motifs provide chic yet casual accents and make you dream of a beach holiday. An easy way to achieve this look is to mix in boldly patterned plates with your existing classic white, navy, or gold-rimmed basic set.
Candles, candles everywhere... For soft and seductive light, beautiful scent and a touch of magic, place your candles on every (safe) surface. From glimmering and delicate to dark and seriously sexy, candles are a must-have for any Autumn party.
Floral additions do not have to be in vases. We love chic but informal water pitchers for wildflowers and ice buckets for shorter stems.
Nothing says more to your guests how welcome they are then personalised invitations, menus and name cards. Vaishali Shah, founder of luxury stationery company Ananya, shared with us her advice on creating a fabulous entertaining experience: "A beautifully presented and co-ordinated table entices your guests with a sampler of what awaits. And what better way to stimulate good conversation and appetite than with gorgeously designed menus printed for each guest? Bon appĂŠtit!"
Make sure your guests are sitting comfortably - pile up the cushions and offer some throws. Don't be afraid to mix and match, it will create a warm and lived-in look.
Nothing sets the mood like a well-chosen playlist. So call your friends, pick a few easy seasonal recipes, put on your favourite tunes and get ready to enjoy your October.
A could-do list for this Season! Start the new season with a new notebook. Take five deep breaths every day. Enjoy every minute of late summer sunshine. Leave the car at home for the day. Stay in bed on a Sunday Morning. Snuggle-up on the sofa and watch your favourite movie!
Exercise: Write a to-do list. Cross out all but the nine most pressing items and concentrate on them!
“It’s a privilege to be a woman; every woman should abuse that privilege. Forget the past. Do everything according to love, pleasure, and passion.’
There’s a question that every person must know: What kind of person do you want to become? You should focus on who you want to become, over what you want to have. If you do, you’ll have a much clearer idea for your future.
Who do you want to be? I’m not asking who you are now or what kind of life you want to have, but what kind of person do you want to be?
Living that vision of our highest self, the “who” we want to be, is not impossible to achieve. In fact, you can be that person today if you first take a moment to step back and sketch out a character study for the “who” you want to be.
Here are some very simple exercises to help you define this vision for your ideal self:
1. Sit down with paper and role model you have created for pen and write down the qualities of yourself. this person, this new you. For example, I want to be a person who lives mindfully, who practice selfcare and self-love daily, someone who dresses up nicely every day and feel fabulous and more.
2. Dig a little deeper and write some examples of how and when you will become this person. For example, as a mindful person, I will practice mindfulness and appreciate living in the moment, schedule time daily to practice self-care and self-love, create a wardrobe with clothes I love and wear them daily etc. Find the places where you are farthest from your ideal, and specifically define the actions that you aspire to.
5. You can always revise and re -write your ideal self. Because we are human, we fail and falter at being the who we want to be. But every day we have the opportunity for a revision. We can correct our course and step back into our ideal self. And along the way, we might want to adjust our vision to accommodate our personal evolution. As we change and grow, we may want to expand our self-character study, adding more dimension, subtlety, and flexibility.
Write the story of who you want to be. Create a character who could be a role model to others. Define the actions, responses, and values of this person. Then go live it. Before you 3. Play the part of the char- know it, that new who will be you. acter until it becomes natural for you. If you must pretend at first, then do it. Act as if. Yes, it will feel false at first, but with practice, you will transform. 4. Rehearse daily and be a creator, not a reactor. Now that you have a character study of your ideal self, continue to create this person every day. You are the author of your life and your behaviour. Don’t give away your vision just to defend your ego. It’s never worth it. Don’t let your initial reactions undermine your new creation. Revisit your character study regularly as a reminder of the
Podcast Show New episode every Wednesday!
Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire Podcast Show launched in 2016 and comes out with a brand new episode every Wednesday. It covers topics such as personal development, health & well-being, law of attraction, positive thinking, how to design the life you truly want and desire and more. With life’s hustle and bustle, we barely have spare time, so this podcast is kept sweet and short, but with a powerful message which will hopefully leave you with an ‘aha’ moment or two and inspire you to take action towards creating wealth in every aspect of your life – one step at a time.
Mireille Guiliano I caught up with Mireille Guiliano, Internationally best-selling author. She was a long time spokesperson for Champagne Veuve Clicquot and former President and CEO of Clicquot, Inc. (LVMH). Recognized as “an ambassador of France and its art of living,” by the French daily Le Figaro, USA Today further dubbed her “the high priestess of French lady wisdom.” Her book, French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure, in which she recommends bread, Champagne, chocolate and romance as key ingredients to a balanced diet and lifestyle, So read on to find the secrets to living the French way!
Interview with Mireille Guiliano Describe yourself in a 5 words. Funny, loving, generous, compassionate, honest What inspires you? Curiosity, creativity, goodness, social responsibility, humor I'm good at... ...giving pleasure I’m bad at... ...pressure, reading notices, tech stuff, and I’m still working with my patience limit!
disappearing with the young hurried generation. How can women adapt the French way of living? By trying to take a few tips: simplicity, ”less is more”, quality over quantity, being ”bien dans sa Peau” and not taking oneself too seriously. What is your advice for women entering their forties? To take care of themselves physically, mentally, profesionally and spiritually To take time to laugh and be with loved ones.
What are the highlights of your career thus far? Do you plan your meals? Being content with helping others and Not really…it’s function of what I find giving pleasure at the market but I always have items in the pantry to make a meal at the What inspired you to become an last moment. Author? Sharing my own story to inspire others Do you have any tips for women who work long hours and don’t have time What is the inspiration behind your to cook? books? Plan ahead and do a few dishes Art of living, joy of living, living sensibly during the weekend like a soup or an and finding balance. extra chicken or prepare fish en papillotte so you can make a couple What is the French way of living? Why of meals during the week in less than is it so famous? 20 minutes. Joy of living. It’s something anyone How highly do the French rank can adapt/adopt in every aspect of pleasure when it comes to food? life But it sometimes feel like it’s Very highly…ask my foreign husband
who could write a book about all the ”food” stories he has heard in his life whether at the table at home or in restaurants and at markets What is the secret of French Womens beauty? Less is more. Clean your face every night. A couple of facials a year and no sun between 11am-3pm Minimum make-up.
Enjoy each day to the fullest as if it were your last What is the best piece of advice you have been given? Life is unfair, Take risks (what’s the worse thing that can happen), Give back
What is your most treasured possession? The poems my husband wrote to me Would you say French Womens eating through life = to Mindful Eating? What is your must-have item for next The ones who do it benefit highly but again globalization is sabotaging our season? way of living and eating and too Something warm in cashmere for cold many young people eat very poorly weather and a cotton blouse for not enough veggies and fruit beach days Absolument. Who’s your favourite Style Icon? What’s your favourite food / cuisine? Myself. No one can do it for you so French, Japanese and Italian developing your own style is key What is your favourite exercise? Walking (including stairs) Hatha yoga, biking and swimming
Most inspirational person you have met? Changes through life… Right now 3 Simone: What has been the most exciting 1. My 8 year old godadaughter collaboration you've worked on so (also featured in my last two far? books for her ”gourmandise” Too many to list but my life with Veuve and no nonsense Clicquot andworking with Chanel in 2. Simone Veil for her contribution Japan were pretty cool. As an author to women book tours to meet fans and press was 3. Simone de Beauvoir for her highly exciting. writings What are you working on at the moment? I am goofing off in Provence for a long summer reading and writing but only for fun.
Your favourite location? Too many! Right now…where I am in my home in Provence (my husband would say ”it does not get any better than that”)
Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass on?
In a nutshell, your philosophy is... Carpe Diem
40 & Fabulous! I asked 10 lovely ladies about the biggest changes they faced when they turned 40, the most surprising thing that happened to them and most importantly; the top 5 life lessons they had learned on their journey so far.
The biggest change I noticed when I turned 40 was…
The biggest change I noticed when I turned 40 was…
A lifestyle change, I stepped away My realisation we have one life and I from a 20 year career into the needed to change how I was living entrepreneurial world. It was the mine right time to go on a huge self development and new skills journey. The most surprising thing
The most surprising thing that happened to me…
that happened to me…
Getting pregnant naturally four months after quitting London and Realising that as an entrepreneur my my media career to move to the vulnerability came out vs my countryside corporate successful career in which I never questioned myself! Top 5 Life Lessons I've
Top 5 Life Lessons I've learned... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Surround yourself with people who you can add value Kindness and love to their lives and vice versa. Sh*t happens it's how you choose to react to it. Do what makes you happy, learn to listen to your gut Make time to check-in with yourself so there's no years wasted
learned... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Don't wait for your ship to come in swim out to it Start and end each day giving thanks Don't sweat the small stuff Make time for your family always Listen to your kids small stuff because it's big to them and they are to you
The biggest change I noticed when I turned 40 was…
The biggest change I noticed when I turned 40 was…
I finally felt comfortable in my own skin and felt like everything was falling into place.
The things that I thought were important weren't anymore and what was my self love that was a huge change for me.
The most surprising thing that happened to me… I got pregnant with surprise baby #4!
Top 5 Life Lessons I've learned... 1. 2.
3.
4. 5.
Don't fight fate, you are always right where you're supposed to be. Be confident in yourself and your decisions, don't make excuses to any naysayers. Own it. Societal and cultural norms are often outdated, outmoded, and just plain wrong for you, walk your own path. Life is short, be generous and be loving. You are your child's best teacher, never forget that. They are yours to raise and teach and love, not the schools.
The most surprising thing that happened to me… I realised I could achieve anything if I just believed in me.
Top 5 Life Lessons I've learned... 1. 2. 3. 4.
Stop worrying about the small things in life Always without fail trust your intuition its there for a reason Age has nothing to do with when you start a business So important to keep your mind, body fit and healthy at all times
The biggest change I noticed when I turned 40 was… Be Positive and Happy
The most surprising thing that happened to me… Letting all insecurities, anger etc go and just learn to be happy.
Top 5 Life Lessons I've learned... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Let anger and negativity go. Stay positive, calm and take each day one day at a time. Don't let angry, negative people bring you down. Do what makes you happy and not worry about what others think of you. Be Thankful each and everyday for what you have and for who you have in your life.
The biggest change I noticed when I turned 40 was… I'd been on my healing journey intensely for about 3 years and literally two days after my 40th birthday I underwent my biggest shift in the last 7 years. I made the conscious decision to release my past hurts, mistakes and stories - leaving them 'back there' in the 'first half of my life' and I stepped into my 'new life'. A life of freedom and purpose.
The most surprising thing that happened to me… The most surprising thing that happened to me was how aligned, on point and absolutely certain I felt that I was exactly where I was supposed to be at that moment in time. I'd found my path and my purpose.
Top 5 Life Lessons I've learned... 1. 2.
3.
4. 5.
Things are not done to us, they're done for us. Every one of us has the potential to create an incredible life, we just need to grant ourselves permission and connect to the wisdom that resides within each of us. With crisis comes the opportunity for transformation. We can either see crisis as an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep us from growing - we get to choose. Fulfillment comes from what we give rather than what we get. The world reflects back to me what I put out.
The biggest change I noticed when I turned 40 was…
The biggest change I noticed when I turned 40 was…
I began caring less about external perceptions of me and more about who I really am.
I'll be 40 in January and I'm noticing just how excited and empowered I feel about that.
The most surprising thing that happened to me…
The most surprising thing that happened to me…
I woke up one morning and was just done...not exhausted done but rather transformed done. I was ready to take back my life and run towards the real me with no more f**** to give.
Top 5 Life Lessons I've learned... 1. 2.
3. 4. 5.
Complaints are usually uncommunicated requests. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, so don't live in the future at the expense of the present. Breaking promises to myself is the road to self-loathing. Everyone has piles of laundry hidden in their house Anger is a crutch not a solution.
The surprising thing that's happening is how I'm cleansing my life both energetically and physically in preparation for a new decade of my life. My 30's have been the toughest decade yet and I'm ready for the new.
Top 5 Life Lessons I've learned... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
To really be yourself! That ageing is a privilege. That sometimes you just have to let go of what doesn't serve you anymore. To forge strong supportive friendships. To live your life.
The biggest change I noticed when I turned 40 was… Feeling comfortable and confident in myself.
The most surprising thing that happened to me… I actually felt younger and started going out more.
Top 5 Life Lessons I've learned... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
The biggest change I noticed when I turned 40 was… Feeling like I wasn't as far along as I thought I would be - wanting to "follow my dreams" but hearing the voice to grow up and act like an adult...being comfortable with my life where it was.
The most surprising thing that happened to me… We moved across the country in an effort for a new/better life. My marriage ended. I hated the new life. I moved back home (whole process 2 years) scaled down my business and went to work (long term freelance) for someone else!
Life is too short - think carefully when you say yes and when you say no I will never look 20 again but that's fine as I didn't enjoy how I Top 5 Life Lessons I've looked then anyway learned... Shit happens and it's really not 1. Security can equal freedom; the end of the world freedom can equal security To do a job that I love and to there's no formula...you have live where I want to live to make the equation work for Real friends will be there no you. matter what, if they're not then MEDITATE MEDITATE MEDITATE they weren't real friends in the 2. 3. We get to change our mind. first place 4. Sometimes the outcome really doesn't matter - it IS the journey 5. Rely on the people who already love you/value you etc. and use the support they are offering.
Health & Well-being
Since hitting puberty, I used to hate ‘that time of the month’, at times even dread it. Being of Indian origin, periods were not something we talked about whatsoever. I know that periods are tough for almost every woman. They make you feel tired and lethargic, your skin breaks out, you get cramps, you bloat, your energy levels plummet, your sex life can go MIA, your mood yo-yos and your hunger levels go off the scale. I know because I used to feel that way too. But for a couple of years now, I have come to see “that time of the month” as a sacred time, a reminder to nurture myself, listen to my inner voice. It’s a reminder that my body needs extra love & care, rest and nourishment —> practice Self-Love & Self-Care. You see, after 40, your period cycle is likely to change no matter what. You may experience more severe cramps during your monthly period. Heavier periods are also common once women reach this age, as well as irregularities in the monthly period cycle.
Irregular bleeding that occurs before or after the period is called intermenstrual bleeding. This is another common change that women in their 40s experience.
“Energetically, your period is like the season of winter (with pre ovulation being spring, ovulation being summer and pre menstrual being autumn). Think about how you would take care of yourself in winter. You would maybe rest more, hygge down and eat more warming nourishing foods. When you view your period in this way and go with that flow of energy, it’s going to feel so much better than if you push against it and try and do all the things.”
My top tips on how to actually enjoy that time of the month: It’s a natural time for detox. As women, we are exceptionally lucky to have a monthly detox built into our biology: each month, we get to through a physical shedding of the old. During menstruation, we not only shed the lining of our uterus but often women talk about finding their bowel movements to be more frequent. While this detox happens on a physical level, it can also be thought of as a mirror to what’s happening on the emotional and spiritual level too.
Sensitivity can also be thought of as heightened intuition. What many women blame as crankiness or pass off as PMsING can actually be thought of as a time of heightened intuition. Right before and during our period, our hormones fluctuate, which often means we tend to feel more emotionally sensitive. Recognize that your senses are stronger and your intuition is speaking to you a little louder. Listen to it. And since your intuition is at its peak, it’s the perfect time to journal about and visualise what you want more of in your life, and how you want to bring in your new month. Yes — your period marks your own personal new month. It’s a perfect time to reflect and sharpen the vision for creating your dream life.
It’s a great time to rest. Our monthly cycle is a reminder to slow down. The physical weakness we may endure as we lose blood is also a voice telling us, “Take this time It’s a great time for reflection. to slow down!” Your period is the perfect time to reflect on the month that’s passed Our period can be thought of as an and assess what you want to let go obvious voice reminding us to take of, and what you want to bring these few days and invite deeper anew. Just as your body is physically relaxation and to allow a softer releasing the old and preparing for approach to our overbooked the new — so should you. schedules by mindfully scheduling in more downtime.
Luxury period subscription boxes for women. Receive monthly necessities plus special treats, including beauty products & sweet treats.
www.pinkparcel.co.uk
Skincare
By Pietro Simone PIETRO SIMONE is a skincare expert, signature facialist, owner of Pietro Simone Skincare Range and Pietro Simone Clinic at Nymba Salon, 1 Sloane Square, London. www.pietrosimoneclinic.com
Autumn and Winter, two really difficult seasons but extremely important to follow some advice. As the seasons change, I have to say, also our skin is going through a dramatically adjustment, from the heat and sun of the summer to cold and grey months. Following some of this points and considerations, we can actually keep glowing anyway!
This is the time of the year where the hydration and nourishment are fundamental for all skin but particular from 40 onwards when your skin is susceptible to losing moisture and elasticity! Before a strong treatment, it’s important to balance the skin. Give it a lot of hydration, masks, in particular, water-based mask, lots of amino acids and soothing
ingredients are the best way to improve the quality of the skin and nurture the deep levels of the skin. Oils: organic oils, like pistachio, marula, sesame, are “skin friends” (if you choose the right brand) extremely rich in natural antioxidants, powerful nourishment and biologically recognizable and usable for our skin! At night, after a “great” cleansing routine I find it the most beneficial to apply a generously amount of oil all over your face neck and décolleté and leave it to be completely absorbed. During the night the skin will absorb what it needs and reveal a great complexion in the morning. As result makeup will last more, you will experience less dryness, more comfort and give your skin the ability to maintain adequate water levels! We mustn’t forget only balanced skin can show off a healthy glow! Less is more? I personally say its all about better quality! The right facial treatment can change your skin massively! The good combination of the technology and products are key to success as well as the aftercare at home. The cleansing routine still remains the most important step in your routine and should be done diligently! Use warm water - rinse your skin more than once, remove any trace of makeup. You heard it many times before but only with perfectly clean
skin you can hope to achieve results and enable the oxygenation and renewing process to be possible because it allows the skin breathe and absorb what you’re going to apply! Massage your face: try to get to know your face, your contour, and massage it! This will improve the circulation and as a consequence increase the blood circulation and the lymphatic system, the interchanges of the nutrients! Old school advice sure but effective and true! Drink and eat properly! it’s not easy but the skin shows what we are! The diet is important! All skin functions are important and our body needs to receive the right nutrients to support all these actions and reactions! When we hear something like we are what we eat; it’s absolutely true! So if you want to have a perfect skin try to be honest with yourself and be aware in terms of want you eat and drink! Finally my super personal heritage recipe from my grandma for exfoliation:
Mix coffee, honey, oats, yoghurt, pepper, one scoop each one and apply while you’re having a nice warm/hot bath!
www.nuskin.com
Hair care
Your scalp and hair “talks� to through its condition and we can determine a lot from it, with just a few clarifying question, about your emotions and physical condition and state. And often the answers are as individual as the person in front of us. At 40 plus you have had a wealth of life behind you and still so much more in front of you and we want you to be at your best even when it comes to your hair.
Your scalp is your garden, Internally and Externally care. In our vast lifestyle whether if you're a stay home mom, corporate or selfemployed a good therapeutic scalp massage along with a detox to help cleanse your lymphatic tissues will remove a lot of those toxins that aggravate your hair bulbs, sometimes in my industry I come across a tight scalp that needs therapeutic massaging due to stress with work, worrying about someone or something ie. medications treatments, negative enzyme due to stress-related situation or scenarios, all of these can create problems for your scalp circulation.
Normally your genetic background will determine your DNAresponsibility, what you can or can't apply to your hair. Your hair characteristics depending on the
texture, size or diameter of the hair shaft (fine, medium and coarse), "Cotton, Wool, Silk or Satiny", needs replenishing. Porosity: the ability to absorb and hold moisture and liquids. Tenacity: often you will find fine and wiry resistance hair or hair where the cuticles can be penetrated. Density: normally you will find coarse hair has a larger number per square inch than fine hair on the scalp. Elasticity: they say a healthy head of hair have good elasticity, the ability to stretch and return quickly. Characteristics: a healthy head of hair creates when styling. Supplements: "Get Well Stay Well" B-Complex Laminin vitamin Biotin Hair, Nails & Skin Primrose Evening Oil
Therapeutic vs Cosmetic Products: as we get younger in the heart as we mature in age you will find that therapeutic products like Aveda, LA Biostethique, Kerastase, Phillip Kingsley just to name a few will absorb into the hair shaft because of its molecular weight, which will give you great results for your hair. Also, you will find good Cosmetics ranges with a form of therapeutic ingredients within its contents; Ii calls them "Cosrapeutic Products" they sit on top of the hair with the assumption of giving you protection for your hair on a temporary basis.
Hair care, skin and scalp treatments. is a
Licensed Biothetician, Worked with LA BIOSTHETIQUE product range, L'Oreal, GoldWell and many others ranges; he works part-time at BladeRunners Hair & Beauty as a hair consultant/ Micro-Scopic Analysis technician on all hair types using polarized light to determine what course of application action to use on that head of hair. He treats all Clients as Individuals in order to devise harmless ways of applying chemical services to hair & scalp. I love doing all hair types but Quality Time: as I love to share with my clients you need to spend quality Specialise in Afro & Ethnic Hair types time on your hair. It's good to invest in a hair care routine by brushing regularly, go for hair care therapy treatments that will fit and profile your lifestyle. Wellbeing: the saying we are what we eat, a healthy body and the right foods will determine a healthy head of hair. A good diet ensures you are getting the right balance of Electrolytes, Calcium, Potassium etc. required for optimum condition of your hair as well as the rest of your body. Synergy or Synergies: most mineral oils, conditioners, good supplements, nutrients, holistic oils, whether internally or externally; I found in my research often you will find by mixing one brand with another brand you will achieve maximum results for your
whether Chemically treated or Natural hair. D'Arcy is a Lecturer, who has worked in the USA, Nigeria, South Africa, Geneva, Trinidad & Tobago and now resides in London UK training and educating staff members and learners on various hair-care services that are available by doing Synergies with other ranges of products within the salon. He has also written articles as a freelance writer in Black Hair magazine, Hairstyles Only, Pride Magazine and many others on hair care for afro hair & dual-heritage hair texture (mixed race). (Website currently: http:// thehairdoctor.weebly.com/)
Whether it is totally unexpected or genetically inevitable, noticing a change in the texture of your hair may seem like the beginning of the end. Instead of watching and worrying, would it not feel great to be truly proactive in protecting the future of your hair? www.nuskin.com
Fitness
By Sharon Morrow - Owner of New Dimensions Fitness
Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor One of the many changes that occurs during the menopause is difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Daily exercises can help to strengthen the muscles and are recommended to do even before the menopause sets in. A simple shoulder bridge is very effective you can perform each day to help maintain muscle tone. To do the exercise begin by lying on your back with your feet on the floor and engage the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. (Imagine you're stopping the flow of water) Gently lift your buttocks up, followed by your lower and middle back then chest until your body weight is on your shoulders. Take a breath and slowly, in reverse order, return to starting position. Repeat 10-15 times.
Do Weight Bearing Exercises Because the risk of osteoporosis increases as we get older, you can reduce the onset by doing weight bearing exercises. These are commonly known as multi-joint exercises that are functional to daily living. For example, a squat uses multiple joints and muscles to perform. It also mimics the action of sitting down on a chair or toilet, meaning its functional to everyday living.
Go Easy On The Alcohol It can become an easy habit to sit down at home with a large glass of wine and before you know it the bottle has gone! Be wary of how many nights a week this takes place as the routine can easily become a habit.
Increase Your H20 Following on from the above, make an effort to drink plenty of water throughout the day, your skin will certainly thank you for it. As we age our skin produces less collagen and elasticity, making the epidermis thinner. Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin looking and feeling hydrated.
Be Adventurous Forties are the wonder years! You have spent your 20 and 30’s experimenting, fretting and sometimes caring too much about nothing. By the time you get to your forties you actually know what you like and what you want from life. Start living and pursuing your dreams! Be adventurous and take on new challenges. This is especially important for mental health too.
Eat Healthy Fats Essential fatty acids are exactly that, essential! Your body is made up of thousands of cells, and each one requires good fat, especially omega 3. Try to include oily fish like salmon and mackerel into your diet, along with avocado, nuts and olive oil.
Meditate Imagine you are training for a marathon, you would go out and run. The same applies to your brain if you want better performance, you will need to exercise your mind. Life has many distractions that can consume and overwhelm us. Taking a moment each day to focus on breathing, bring yourself into the moment and being aware of your surroundings can reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. If you’re new to this, there are plenty of apps to try like calm.com or headspace.
Get Plenty Of Sleep In order for your body to restore, develop and get stronger, you’ll need a minimum of 7 hours good quality sleep per night. If you struggle with this, try removing electronic devises from your bedroom or avoid the bright screens late at night as they can interfere with your natural sleep cycles.
www.newdimensionsfitness.co.uk
Fashion & Beauty
By Style Expert Jules Standish
Turning 40 your conscious clothing choices will become vitally important to your self-esteem. Most women only wear 15% of their wardrobes 85% of the time, because they don’t know what colours or styles flatter their skin tone or their body shape and following fashion can lead to disasters with wardrobes. With a changing body shape and a fading skin tone, it is important to discover your best colours and shapes, to look your best, highlight the positives whilst camouflaging the negatives. Your body shape is determined by your skeletal structure; you can change your weight, your muscle tone and also your posture but your height and body type cannot be altered. To be a stylish woman you need to capitalise on your natural body shape and use clothing in a harmonious and complementary way. For instance if you have the classic hour glass curvy body shape, dressing in softly curving clothes is best and not hiding behind stiff straight lines, which will naturally suit the more boyish and straight up and down figure. Some top tips for a super body shape in your 40’s: aim to highlight the waist, elongate figure and show off curves single breasted soft / fluid jackets that float over curves best belted styles, vertical lines and wrap dresses all flatter curves v-neck and scoop tops will compliment a full bust. Nigella Lawson shows off her hour-glass figure to maximum effect in low cut fitted tops and dresses that show off her waist. aim to re-focus attention from middle to legs and/or face wear tops with fullness that drape but don’t cling, empire style avoid waistbands, belts and
front pockets on trousers/skirts one colour outfit with a colourful scarf will detract upwards. Fern Britton looks fabulous by covering up her tummy with empire style dresses and tops.
aim to create illusion of higher waistline/ longer legs choose high-waisted clothes; dresses with belt worn high heeled shoes/boots and tights should be toned to match bottoms wear trousers slightly long. Trinny wears frock coats and well cut high waisted trousers to put her long body in proportion.
shoulder pads will be your best friends and horizontal lined tops cap sleeves, puffed sleeves, boat necks, collared shirts are best buy structured tailored styles with lighter shades on top. Jennifer Lopez is a classic pear shape and wears well cut stylish clothes that make her look slimmer and fashionable.
aim to create illusion of lower waistline monochromatic outfits work well and wear low-waisted bottoms vertical lines on top lengthen area with narrow matching belt v-necks will elongate the neck line Princess Diana had famously long legs but her waist was short and she dressed beautifully to counteract this area and always looked perfect.
aim to soften the shoulders and create balance with hips best styles are cuffed long sleeved tops and dark v-neck tops buy jackets with less structure and more drape vertical lines and small lapels take attention away from shoulder area. Maria Sharapova has broad shoulders like many female athletes and she wears clothes that compliment her well-toned physique when off court. aim to square shoulders to create balance with hips
Now you are in your 40’s it is vital you discover which harmonising colours will bring out the best of your complexion, the ones that match your underlying skin tone making it look even, youthful and healthy. It is possible to take years off your age and give yourself that “wow you look well today” appearance that wearing great colours can do instantly. Choose the shades that make you feel confident and get you compliments, and clear out the ones that make you look tired, drained and older! Here are brief summations of the seasonal palettes, so see which one relates to you: has a light colourless complexion – never red cheeks or broken veins although a general pinkness can cover the face. Eyes tend to be blue. This skin does not tan well. Colouring is delicate and pale including hair and best colours are cool pastel blues, purples and pinks which give the skin a fresh, soft glowing quality.
tones of orange, olive green, gold and browns. Eyes can be green or can be light or dark with a distinctive brown and sometimes blue. edge giving the appearance an unusual quality. Black is the key colour with the absence of dark lines under chin, shadows round eyes and lines on face – the other seasons will show signs of these when wearing black against their faces. This complexion has no high cheek colour, is very striking with a blue Match the right coloured make undertone and suits vibrant cool up to your own personal skin colours like rich reds and pinks tone i.e. warm or cool and this combined with black and white for will ensure your complexion a dramatic look. Eyes will be very looks its best. dark brown or cool blue. Scarves are your best friends. Choose colours and fabrics to skins suit your own personal colouring and style preference tend to have a yellow/golden base to bring out the best of your which can vary from extremely pale features. to very dark but has a healthy Choose coloured jewellery complexion often with high cheek either stones in amber, colour and sometimes broken veins turquoise, topaz or coral. and possibly a tendency to blush! Pearls or gold for warm skins Skin when tanned will be golden. and silver for cool. Suits warm, clear, bright colours of If wearing an LBD put a coral, lime green, bright blue and coloured shawl, cape or yellow. Eyes are clear and either pashmina around your brown or blue sometimes with a shoulders for instant colour lift yellow overlay appearing green. against the face and added warmth. Dark jackets should be worn complexions tend to tan a deep with a coloured or neutral shirt golden colour, and can vary from as the collar will then reflect very light to very dark but generally well up against your skin and the colouring is rich and the skin not black for a youthful look. appears to have a lovely metallic If black trousers are your thing, sheen to it being able to wear a lot then make sure you wear a of make up without looking lovely coloured top; plain, unnatural. Wear strong muted earth patterned, floral or striped. skin
Coloured blazers and jackets are so flattering and fashionable and will instantly update an old wardrobe favourite. When looking to purchase a new dress for the winter season opt for a two-tone dress with either black on the bottom and colour on the top or for a really slimming look colour down the middle with black at the sides.
For more information on your seasonal colour palette and whether you can wear black, see Jules’ book “How Not to Wear Black”, and to discover how to choose your colours mindfully to enhance every area of your life see “The Essential Guide to Mindful Dressing, choose your colours – control your life” – both available at Amazon. Jules website is www.colourconsultancy.co.uk.
It’s All About YOU!
This course helps you answer the question ‘How good am I to myself’, your values and how to prioritise to create more time and energy. There are no right or wrong answers, so just answer however appropriate for you right now – and see what you learn about yourself!
ENROL HERE!
By Nadine Bryan, Founder of Brysocrema.co.uk I’m sure many of you have heard the phrase ’40 is the new 30’ but does your skin know that. With the continual pressure to maintain your youthful look and to keep up with the millennials it’s a real strain to get it right. However, being a 40 year old ‘Superstar’ you are more in the driving seat then you may think. So, in order to maintain ones’ youthful glow, it’s vital to understand how to implement a make-up routine along with ‘Tips and Tricks’ that will compliment your complexion to be fresh and radiant.
The ROUTINE It’s essential that you start to educate your skin to cleanse with a mild cleanser suitable for your skin type everyday. This is important to rid the skin of impurities, dead skin cells and pollutants to prevent breakouts. Followed by exfoliation at least once per week as this revitalises the skin to become more glowing.
wrinkles. Whereas Vitamin E protects cell membrane, helps inactive free-radicals making them less likely to cause damage and can reduce sun exposure. Now your skin’s been prepped, half the work has been done to retain your flawless make-up game.
FOUNDATION
One of the things to remember is that the body will be going through the changes of Menopause and as it approaches the oestrogen levels will drop making your skin become more dry and dull. That’s why the last thing in your routine is to ensure you moisturise every night with products that has rich oils and antioxidants i.e. Vitamin C or E. The benefits of Vitamin C is to slow the rate of free-radical damage to collagen that can contribute to dry skin, fine lines and
B:UNDENIABLE – Crème Foundation Wand RRP £28.50
Choose a foundation that has yellow or gold undertones as it contributes to a more youthful complexion and a healthier glow.
EYEBROWS
EYES B:UNDENIABLE – Auspicious Blush (Peach) RRP £14.50
B:UNDENIABLE – Opaque Eyeshadow (Sandalwood) RRP £8
Thinning eyebrows can be easily corrected by using a Brow powder or a Matte Eye shadow and an Eye pencil to fill in sparse areas.
For under-eye make-up and to conceal dark circles and sagging skin it’s best to opt for a dual benefit concealer that has yellow LIPS undertones that conceals and brightens along with antioxidants or either Vitamin C or E. These will reduce the signs of ageing and revitalises the appearance of dull looking skin. Depending on your complexion use a peach or pink matte eye shadow on prominent areas including the cheeks as it will compliment natural tones. Use a mascara that conditions, lengthens and thickens if you have short or thin lashes it’s about creating an illusion around the eyes.
B:UNDENIABLE – Waterproof Mascara (Sable) RRP £12
B:UNDENIABLE – Audacious Lipstick (Lush Pink) RRP £16
As for the lips complete the look with a warm colour lipstick that ties in with your eyes (if you are wearing eye shadow) and cheeks i.e. pink/ peach balm that moisturises for a subtle day look that contains Cacao or Shea Butter or a lipstick that conditions with properties of Glycerin, Rapeseed oils and vitamins in the same tones.
Nourishment for the Body & Soul
One of the things I LOVE about cooking is that cooking a meal is one of the most personal and intimate things you can do for someone. You're literally providing plated nourishment made with your own hands and creativity - even if you're following a recipe, you picked the recipe and planned the meal didn't you? The speciality about a home cooked meal is the feeling of abundance it provides, everything you have and need is right in the front of you within arms reach. The fragrance of garlic, the crackle from the skillet, end the sight of perfectly roasted bird coming out from the oven....DIVINE! Cooking speaks to all of my senses. It's a joy I'm so proud to know! This section features a hand-picked selection for feel-good, comforting recipes - perfect for autumn evenings or for a filling meal to see you through a wet weekend!
Bon AppĂŠtit!
By Anjum Anand’s ’I LOVE INDIA’ / Photography by Martine Poole The last time I went to Goa, I was with my family and I am forever trying to get them all to try new flavours around India. But as Goa is best known for its seafood, my husband was very hesitant to try any local fare. I found a well-regarded restaurant and ordered lots of amazing Goan vegetarian food to try to convince them all. I have to be honest, I don’t think I managed it, but I did discover loads of lovely vegetarian Goan dishes that I love and have decided to keep in my life. This caldine is a mild but flavourful curry and will not overpower the vegetables. Serves 3–4. For the caldine paste 2 tsp coriander seeds 1 rounded tsp cumin seeds 8 peppercorns 4 cloves 1 medium-large tomato 1⁄2 onion, quartered 5 large garlic cloves 15g (1 tbsp) roughly chopped root ginger (peeled weight) 1⁄2 tsp ground turmeric For the dish 3 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil 1⁄2 onion, thinly sliced Salt 450g (1lb) brown chestnut mushrooms (shiitake or shimeji mushrooms are also great), rinsed and halved 150g (11⁄4 cups) cooked cannellini beans 2–4 Indian green finger chillies (chiles), stalks removed, Pierced with a knife 50–60g (about 2 tbsp) coconut cream, or to taste 1 tsp tamarind paste, or to taste handful of coriander (cilantro), to serve
Start with the caldine paste. Grind the coriander seeds, cumin, peppercorns and cloves to a fine powder. Place the tomato, the quartered half onion, garlic, ginger and turmeric in a blender and blend until smooth. Heat the oil in a non-stick saucepan. Add the sliced onion and cook over a high-ish heat until caramelized and brown on the edges. Add the spice paste and a fair amount of salt and cook for 5 minutes or until the masala releases oil back into the pan. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry until they release water. Continue cooking until the masala is really thick, darkened and is sticking to the mushrooms. Add the beans, chillies and a splash of water, cover and cook for another 4–5 minutes. Add the coconut cream with as much water as you want for a creamy curry. Bring to the boil, add the tamarind, season to taste and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Serve with the coriander.
“Sindhi” refers to a group of people who had to leave their home town of Sindh in Pakistan upon the partition of India. Growing up, many of my Indian friends were Sindhi, so I had many occasions to eat their food. Like all Indians, they love good food but they also love to entertain – and do so very well. Their tables are always laden with more than a handful of dishes, all a little different from other regional food. Yet this koak palla dish is one I have missed and only just learned about recently.
By Anjum Anand’s ’I LOVE INDIA’ / Photography by Martine Poole 1⁄2 onion, chopped 2 large garlic cloves, finely grated 7g (1⁄2 tbsp) finely grated root ginger (peeled weight) 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin 1⁄3 tsp garam masala (fresh if possible, see page 113) 1⁄4 tsp ground turmeric 1 rounded tbsp Greek yogurt 1 tomato, chopped small handful of coriander (cilantro), to serve small Indian green finger chilli (chile), finely chopped salt and freshly round black pepper, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium gurnard, sea bream or other whole fish, butterflied by the fishmonger, or a fish steak, or even a thick fish fillet. The Sindhi people use palla fish, an oily, meaty river fish with thick flesh. I like butterflied whole fish and have tried it with gurnard and sea bream, but also with halibut steaks. I have written the recipe for one fish so you can scale it up for however many you want to cook. Here I have used fillets of fish which are a good option for guests who might feel a little squeamish with whole fish and fish bones. Serves 1–2 If you have a fan-assisted grill (broiler) function on your oven, turn it on fairly high, around 220°C/425°F/gas mark 7. Otherwise, preheat the oven and turn on the grill at the same time or – if you can’t do that in your oven – preheat your oven to as high as it will go. Pulse-blend together the onion, garlic, ginger, spices, yogurt and three- quarters of the tomatoes to a very coarse paste. Stir in the coriander, chilli and remaining tomatoes. Season well with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Season the flesh side of the fish. Once hot, add the fish, flesh side down: it will spit. Cook for 1–2 minutes or until lightly golden. Take off the heat and flip on to a baking sheet or some foil, flesh side up. Meanwhile, in the same pan, add the blended ingredients and stir-fry over a high heat for 3–5 minutes or until the paste releases oil back into the pan. It should taste harmonious. Adjust the seasoning and heat to your own liking. Top the fish evenly with the paste. Place on the upper shelf of the oven, under the grill if possible, and cook for 6–7 minutes or until the topping is dried and has lightly browned in places. After about 6 minutes, l like to sprinkle with the optional breadcrumbs (see below). Serve hot. Optional crispy topping I like to tear up some white bread (one-quarter of a slice for 1 fish) into 5mm (1⁄4in) pieces, add a little olive oil (if you want to be more fancy, you can make a coriander oil by whizzing coriander in it) and toss. Add this to the top of the fish 30– 40 seconds before taking the fish out.
By Anjum Anand’s ’I LOVE INDIA’ / Photography by Martine Poole A thoran is a simple Southern stir-fry with mustard seeds, curry leaves, shallots, cumin and fresh coconut. It is a typical vegetable side dish served in Kerala, especially on feast days as part of a banana leaf-laden offering. This is a fairly typical recipe, as beetroot is a local vegetable they love to cook in this way. I have added the chard as I love the texture and earthiness it brings to the dish, and it feels virtuous with it as well! You can vary this recipe with a host of other vegetables and greens and, in fact, they also make thorans from leftover red meat and chicken, so you can add some of that in as well. I also often add a can of chickpeas if I am serving this as a main course, as the earthiness and mealiness work really well with these flavours. It is also a lovely side dish to serve with a lentil curry, grilled meats or Tamil-style Lemon Rice (see page 192). Serves 4–6
2 tbsp coconut oil 3⁄4 tsp brown mustard seeds 2 tsp urad dal (split and skinned black lentils), if you have them 2–4 dried chillies (chiles) 20 fresh curry leaves 500g (1lb 2oz) raw beetroots (beets), peeled and chopped into 1cm (1⁄2in) cubes Salt 2 small shallots, or 1⁄2 red onion, quartered 80g (3⁄4 cup) grated fresh coconut, plus more to serve 1 tsp cumin seeds 18g (1 rounded tbsp) finely chopped root ginger (peeled weight) 1 large garlic clove 14 large stems of ruby or rainbow chard, leaves shredded, tender stems sliced
Heat the oil in a non-stick saucepan over a medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, lentils and dried chillies and reduce the heat. Once the popping of the mustard seeds starts to subside and the lentils have turned a light golden, add the curry leaves. Follow 5 seconds later with the chopped beetroot and some salt. Stir well for a few minutes, then reduce the heat. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until beginning to soften (it depends on how large the beetroot was chopped). Meanwhile, blend together the shallots or onion, coconut, cumin, ginger and garlic without any water. It will form a coarse paste. Add the paste to the beetroot and cook gently for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the chard. Cook for another 3–4 minutes or until the whole thing is done. Taste and adjust the seasoning, sprinkle with the extra coconut and serve.
By Anju Anand’s ‘Eat Right for Your Body Type’ / Photography by Lisa Linder
Makes 1; can be increased to serve more VATA Serve with crème fraîche PITTA Serve with ice cream KAPHA Good for kapha
1 sweet apple (I like Golden Delicious), peeled and rubbed with lemon juice 1 rounded tsp demerara or raw cane sugar 25g nuts, roughly chopped (I like to use walnuts, almonds and lightly roasted hazelnuts) 1⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon Pinch of grated nutmeg 1 rounded tsp raisins or other dried fruit 80ml apple juice 8g butter
Cooked apples are very good to perk up our ojas (our vitality), so it is good to include them in our diet. This dessert is ideal for those with a kapha imbalance and it should ideally be eaten as it is on its own, but vata can eat it with a little crème fraîche on the side and pitta can drizzle over a little cream.
Preheat the oven to 190ºC (375ºF) gas mark 5. Core the apple to make a neat hole 2.5cm in diameter. Slice off the base of the apple so it can stand upright. Mix together the sugar, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins. Pack into the cavity of the apple. Place in a snug fitting baking dish and pour around the apple juice. Top the apple with the butter. Cover with foil and bake for 8 minutes. Remove foil and continue cooking the apple until soft, basting every 6–7 minutes or so; this takes around 40–45 minutes. In a hurry? For a quicker dish, cut the apples in half and core, then cook in their skins for 25 minutes.
Proper Ayurveda Eat the apples without any dairy products. Ideally kapha can make the quick version (see above), omit the sugar and drizzle honey over at the end.
By Anjula Devi / Photography by Dan Jones ‘This salad is humble yet amazing. It looks great on the plate and I love the flavour combination of tomato and cumin. Cumin is one of my very favourite spices, and is a great natural remedy for digestive problems as well as boosting the immune system.’ INGREDIENTS 20 cherry tomatoes KEY SPICES 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp red chilli flakes 1/4 tsp black peppercorns
Place a small dry frying pan on a low heat, add the key spices and fennel seeds, and warm for 1 minute.
Remove from the heat, place in a pestle and mortar, grind to a powder and set aside.
Heat the oil in a sauté pan on a medium heat, add the asafoetida and allow to sizzle, then immediately add the onion and salt, and sauté until golden-brown for about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, ginger, white wine vinegar, jaggery, the contents of the pestle and mortar and mango powder, then sauté on a low heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and turn the heat to a high simmer, cook the tomatoes until they start to blister. Remove from the heat, add the fresh coriander and serve.
WARMING SPICES 1 tsp fennel seeds OTHER SPICES Pinch of asafoetida 1 tsp mango powder WET INGREDIENTS 2 tbs vegetable oil 1 medium sized onion, diced finely 2 tsp pulped garlic 1 tsp pulped ginger 1 tbs white wine vinegar Sea salt to taste 1 tsp grated jaggery Small bunch of coriander, chopped
Rich, spicy, blue-veined Roquefort is thought to be one of the greatest blue cheeses in the world, and the people of Roquefort protect it fiercely. They have been making it for thousands of years, since the time of ancient Rome, in fact. It proved so popular that imitations of it started to spring up all over the place until, in the 1960s, the Tribunal de Grande Instance decreed that, although similar cheeses could be made in many regions of France, it was only a true Roquefort if it had been ripened in the natural caves of Mont Combalou in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.
By Daniel Galmiche / photography by Yuki Sugiura French Brasserie Cookbook © Duncan Baird Publishers, 2011 Preparation time 20 minutes, plus making the pastry and chilling. Cooking time 1 hour 10 minutes
15g/½oz butter, plus extra for greasing plain flour, for dusting 250g/9oz Savoury Short Pastry or ready-made shortcrust pastry 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 175g/6oz broccoli, cut into small florets 2 eggs 210ml/7½fl oz/1 cup double cream ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg 100g/3½oz Roquefort cheese or other blue cheese of choice, crumbled sea salt and freshly ground black pepper salad, to serve
Grease a 20cm/8in tart tin with butter. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface until it is about 3mm/ 1/8 in thick and 25cm/10in in diameter. Line the tin with the pastry, taking care not to stretch it. Press down gently to push out any bubbles and roll the rolling pin along the edge of the tin to trim off the excess pastry. Prick the base with a fork and chill for 25–30 minutes.This will prevent the pastry from shrinking during cooking.
Meanwhile, make the filling. Heat the butter and oil in a medium frying pan over a medium heat and cook the onion for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and making sure they don’t brown. Set aside. Bring a saucepan of salted water to the boil and blanch the broccoli for 5 minutes until al dente, then refresh in ice -cold water. Drain, pat dry with a clean tea towel and set aside. Put the eggs, cream and nutmeg in a bowl and season with salt and pepper, then whisk to combine and set aside. Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/gas 3. When the oven is hot, line the pastry case with baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, then remove from the oven, discard the beans and parchment and turn the oven up to 180° C/350°F/gas 4. To assemble the quiche, spread the onions over the pastry case. Sprinkle the Roquefort on top of the onion, then the broccoli. Pour in the egg mixture and bake for 35 minutes. To check for doneness, do the knife test – it should come out dry and warm. If it isn’t ready, return the quiche to the oven for another 5 minutes and test again. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
This is a great brasserie dish from the south west of France, the foie gras region. There are so many varieties of duck to choose from: Gressingham, Mallard, Canard CroisÊ, but for this dish I recommend Barbary Duck, corn-fed if possible, but definitely free range. For me this is hearty winter food, which is not to say that it is too heavy for the summer: served with salad it can make a terrific outdoor lunch. Whatever the season, you can’t beat the flavour of crispy duck legs.
By Daniel Galmiche / photography by Yuki Sugiura French Brasserie Cookbook © Duncan Baird Publishers, 2011 Preparation time 40 minutes, plus making the vinaigrette and 6–8 hours marinating. Cooking time 3–4 hours.
heavy-based casserole or cast iron pan and pour the melted goose fat on top. Cover with a lid or greaseproof paper sealed with foil, place in the preheated CONFIT oven and bake for 3–4 hours. Remove 4 duck legs, about 175g/6oz each, from the oven, skim off any fat, cover including fat with foil and set aside. Alternatively, you 40g/1½oz sea salt can gently simmer the duck on the 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled and stove, covered, for 3–4 hours. crushed with the flat edge of a knife or your hand Meanwhile, make the lentils. Put them in 4 thyme sprigs, leaves only a small saucepan and cover with cold 1kg/2lb 4oz goose or duck fat, water. Bring to the boil and skim the melted white foam from the surface. Add the 2 tbsp honey shallot, carrot, bouquet garni and garlic, freshly ground black pepper reduce the heat to low and simmer for a further 10 minutes or until al dente. LENTILS Strain, reserving 2 tablespoons of the 200g/7oz/1 cup Puy lentils, picked cooking liquid, and discard the shallot, over and rinsed bouquet garni and garlic, but leave the 1 shallot carrots in. Add the vinaigrette, the 1 small carrot, peeled and diced reserved cooking liquid and the chervil. 1 bouquet garni made with 1 Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt thyme sprig and 1 parsley sprig, and pepper. This should give you a tied together with kitchen string lovely salad. 1 garlic clove, unpeeled 2–3 tablespoons French Finally, brush the duck legs with the Vinaigrette honey and pan-roast them skin-side 1 handful of chervil, leaves only, down in a non-stick pan over a medium chopped heat for 5 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. The honey will To make the duck leg confit, put the caramelize very quickly, so be careful duck legs in a small baking tray, skinside not to let it burn. down. Season with salt, pepper, garlic and thyme, cover with cling film, press Divide the lentils onto four plates, down and leave to marinate for 2–3 arrange the duck legs on top and enjoy! hours in the fridge. Preheat the oven to Alternatively, arrange in a large pot to 130°C/250°F/gas 1. Take the duck out of serve from at the table. The texture and the tray discarding the marinade, rinse delicate flavours of this dish are second under running cold water and dry on to none. kitchen towel. Put the duck in a large
Couscous, made from husked, crushed semolina wheat, is very much a North African dish, however, it has become very popular in France and is now frequently found on brasserie menus. The type of couscous dish you find in France will differ according to the region you are in, what produce is available at the time of year and how spicy you like it. I prefer mine milder and more aromatic than spicy, which is what I have offered here. Also, I like to use the ‘moyen’, or medium-sized, grain.
By Daniel Galmiche / photography by Yuki Sugiura French Brasserie Cookbook © Duncan Baird Publishers, 2011
Preparation time 30 minutes, plus making the stock. Cooking time 40 minutes.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium frying pan over a medium heat. Add the courgettes, carrots, turnips and onion and sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are pale 3 tbsp olive oil 2 courgettes, cut in half length- golden. Stir in the spices, stock and tomato purée and cook over a low ways and then into pieces heat for 30 minutes, partially covered 2 carrots, peeled and sliced and stirring occasionally, until the 2 turnips, peeled and cut into vegetables are tender but still have wedges some bite to them.
1 onion, roughly chopped 1 tsp four-spice mix (including ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves and white pepper) a pinch each of cayenne pepper, ground coriander and ground cumin 1 tsp coriander seeds 1l/35fl oz/4 cups Vegetable Stock 2 tbsp tomato purée 200g/7oz/generous 1 cup mediumgrain couscous 60g/2¼oz butter 125g/4½oz/¾ cup tinned chickpeas, drained and rinsed sea salt and freshly ground lack pepper a handful of coriander, leaves only, chopped, to serve
When the vegetables have been cooking for about 15 minutes, put the couscous in a heatproof bowl and set aside. In a medium saucepan, put 20g/3/4oz of the butter and 250ml/9fl oz/1 cup water, then season with salt and pepper and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and pour the liquid over the couscous while mixing. Cover the bowl of couscous with cling film and leave to stand for 10 minutes until the couscous is tender. Meanwhile, add the chickpeas to the vegetables to heat through. Remove the cling film and fluff up the couscous with a fork. Add and stir in the remaining butter, little by little, then season again with salt and pepper. Drizzle the remaining oil over and sprinkle with coriander leaves. Serve the couscous with the vegetables, spooning some of the liquid from the vegetable pan over the top.
By Daniel Galmiche / photography by Yuki Sugiura French Brasserie Cookbook © Duncan Baird Publishers, 2011 Originating in the Limousin region, clafoutis soon spread throughout France to become a popular dessert in brasseries all over the country. Traditionally, a clafoutis is made with cherries, but the summer brings an abundance of fruit – tender apricots, juicy plums, fat cherries and wild blackberries, all warm from the sun and begging to be eaten. You can make a delicious clafoutis with any of these, but my favourite is raspberry. The sweetness of the berries and the zing of the lime zest send your taste buds twirling! Preparation time 35 minutes Cooking time 25 minutes
250–280g/9–10oz/2–2¼ cups firm raspberries zest of 1 lime 125g/4½oz/½ cup caster sugar 50g/2oz butter, half softened and half melted 85g/3oz/²⁄³ cup plain flour a pinch of salt 1 egg 1 egg yolk 300ml/10½fl oz/scant 1¼ cups full fat milk
Preheat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F/gas 4. Put the raspberries, lime zest and 2 tablespoons of the sugar in a bowl. Mix gently, then set aside to macerate for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, grease a 24 x 16 x 6cm/91/2 x 61/4 x 21/2in baking dish or clafoutis dish (an oval earthenware dish) with the softened butter and sprinkle with another 3 tablespoons of the sugar. Carefully shake the sugar around the dish to make sure it coats the inside.
Sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk and remaining sugar, then slowly add the mixture to the flour and mix until incorporated and smooth. Slowly add the milk, stirring until the batter has the consistency of a crêpe batter, then add the melted butter and mix until combined. Put the raspberries in the clafoutis dish and mix to release the juices. Pour the batter over the raspberries and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden brown and set. A tip of a sharp knife inserted into the centre should come out clean and dry. Remove from the oven and serve. CHEF’S TIP: It is also fun to make this dessert in individual 150ml/5fl oz/ 2/3 cup ramekin dishes, just reduce the cooking time to 10–12 minutes.
By Kate Llewellyn-Waters
Genetic nutritionist and What IF Plan founder Kate Llewellyn-Waters reveals the restorative foods women in their 40s should be eating.
Reaching your forties isn’t just a milestone – it’s a time when the way our bodies process what we eat begins to change. It becomes harder to lose weight and we need to make sure our diet is full of the right foods for optimum health. As a nutritionist, I often treat women who struggle to lose weight or want more energy. I tell them eating just 100 less calories a day can help them get slim and feel great about their bodies again. Another effective option is Intermittent Fasting, which I created new diet The What IF Plan around (www.thewhatifplan.co.uk). It’s the world’s first personalised fasting programme based on your DNA. One of the phases involves fasting overnight and skipping breakfast - it’s so easy to lose and maintain weight loss, as you’re asleep most of the time!
And there’s more good news. There are certain foods you can eat to help your body age gracefully. These are my top five:
Turmeric is one of the best anti-ageing agents in the world! Omega 3 fats in fish like salmon can ease painful joints.
WHY? Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines and herring can help reduce inflammation in our joints, which is something we can start to struggle with post 40. Like turmeric, WHY? Dubbed the world’s best anti-ageing agent, this ancient spice these fish oils are anti-inflammatory is full of antioxidants, which can help aiding skin conditions and helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. reduce skin ageing and the Just remember some people require occurrence of wrinkles. Eating more omega-3 than others (a simple turmeric helps stimulate new cell DNA test will reveal your individual growth and if you suffer from skin problems like psoriasis or eczema, it needs). works as an anti-inflammatory EAT oily fish 3-4 times a week for best reducing redness and swelling. results. And the best news? Sashimi It can even reduce the inflammation counts! associated with obesity and you a fat burning boost. Rich in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production, it keeps our skin looking firm and supple. And if that isn’t selling it to you, it’s also been seen to play a significant role in treating Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cancer. EAT it in curries, add it to scrambled eggs and soups or drink it in a turmeric milk latte.
Brightly coloured vegetables help keep our skin supple.
WHY? As we age, we need more antioxidants to promote elasticity in the skin and prevent the appearance of ageing. And if our skin is plumped up it will appear more natural and dewy. The brighter, more colourful the vegetables, the more antioxidants so make a rainbow on your plate. However, if you have a genetic high sensitivity to carbs, concentrate on eating less starchy vegetables.
track. NB. Live yoghurt isn’t great for people who are lactose-intolerant. Swap for goat’s of sheep’s yoghurt instead. EAT live natural yoghurt with fresh berries for breakfast and add sauerkraut to salad plates.
EAT yellow peppers, carrots and beetroot. Cooking destroys enzymes; minerals and vitamins so eat veg raw.
Broccoli is full of phytoestrogen that helps regulate our hormones.
WHY? Oestrogen is essential for regulating your periods as well as bone, hair, skin and heart health. Low levels equal mood swings, low libido and even a slow metabolism. Fermented foods like live yoghurt are full of Beat this by adopting a diet rich in gut friendly bacteria. phytoestrogens. These plant-based compounds create a similar effect WHY? Hormonal changes play a big to oestrogen (which is made in the role in women’s digestive health body). NB. Avoid phytoestrogens if issues. As you near menopausal age, you have had breast cancer or bloating, gas and a shift in your have been advised to keep your bowel movements may become oestrogen levels low. more common. Combat this by eating ‘gut friendly’ fermented EAT cruciferous vegetables like foods like sauerkraut, kefir and live broccoli, kale and cauliflower. natural yoghurt - full of millions of good bacteria that help your stomach process food efficiently and keep your digestive system on
Kate Llewellyn-Waters is the founder of the What IF Plan, the world’s first Intermittent Fasting weight management programme based on your DNA. Blissful Forties readers can enjoy a £100 discount off the Plan (usual price £299). Simply enter the promo code INTRO17 at the checkout. For more information, visit www.thewhatifplan.co.uk.
Home Your Sanctuary
Our lives these days are busier than ever. We spend more time in our offices or on the road than we do in our own homes. Our lives have become so fast paced and frenzied that we really need to make a concerted effort to slow down. For many of us this no longer comes naturally and we must force ourselves to relax – to really stop and smell the roses. A home that is disorganised, chaotic and full of discord is not a relaxed one. There are a few simple and very basic steps that we can do to make our homes more harmonious and peaceful to return to at the end of a busy day. 1) Soften the Edges: Much of life is harsh and demanding, so cut the hard corners off your decor to give it a relaxing look and feel. Textiles are your main ally in this quest. Drapes that pool on the floor, loose-fitting slipcovers, and tons of pillows all bring a sense of ease to a space. 2) Redo a Room with Simple Changes: The easiest way to freshen a room is to change a room’s looks with the seasons. Slipping on slipcovers, rearranging some furnishing, and adding elements of the season make a room more welcoming. Seasonal elements — plants, flowers, and other decorations — can give a room an instant facelift. 5) Dream Up a Relaxing Bedroom: Extend the calming influence of a
bedroom beyond the bed: Keep only the essentials within reach and within view. Decorate the walls in the colours that comfort you, and add only artwork that makes you smile. Cover the floor with rugs or carpeting that feels best on bare feet. Cocooning your bed in yards of fabric can also help you block out the world, literally and figuratively. 6) Organise Away Chaos: Chaos breeds anxiety, so think of the time spent getting organised as prep time for calm to come. If your life is teeming with stuff, start the path to organisation by focusing on a single space, such as the place where you enter the house. Recruit everyone in the household to participate in clearing the clutter. 7) Create a Comfort Zone Make a place in your home where relaxing is the key function. Make it convenient for your choice of relaxing activity — reading, listening to music, or watching a movie. Put a barrier between you and the distractions of the world. Folding screens block out unwanted views and redirect foot traffic away from the area. 8) Make a Place to Plan: What a home workspace needs is focus and convenience: Have everything you need close at hand so you can concentrate on the work you need or choose to do. Make it an inviting place by adding personal elements and comfort; look at a home office as an investment in
yourself. 9) Dress an Inviting Table: Relaxing needn’t be a solitary affair. The company of friends and family for a good meal is an unbeatable stress buster — but not if there’s no good place to gather. White china, no matter how elegant, fades into the background, so to make the table inviting you’ll have to add things — flowers, candles, linens, etc. China of a lively pattern or rich colour becomes its own statement, requiring little accompaniment to set a style. 10) Make Mornings Sing: A place to enjoy a few moments at the beginning of the day goes a long way toward keeping you relaxed. Even if you don’t have a breakfast nook — or the time to enjoy it — set up a portion of the kitchen strictly for the functions of morning. Having the coffeemaker, toaster, and cereals all gathered in one area helps to create focus; it’s a growing trend in kitchen design.
The Sand Linen Handmade Chesterfield Sofa draws inspiration from the iconic Chesterfield design. As with every PORTABELLO Chesterfield sofa, each is crafted by a single artisan in our UK workshop From its hand turned and painted mahogany bun feet to the its classic and quintessentially British scrolled arms with brass stud detailing to, the Milano Chesterfield is meticulously built according to the original 1882 Chesterfield specifications; Only when the Artisan is content that the piece meets our benchmarks of quality do they signs their name to it. The Milano is the result of considered and
meticulous craftsmanship, honed over many years. Created to be an unmistakable statement piece, each Milano has been crafted as an exquisite expression of our refined aesthetic. Crafted from the finest linens and a reinforced hardwood frame, the Milano sofa offers a stunningly rich, eye-catching centerpiece for your room.
https://portabellointeriors.com
It’s that time of year when we feel compelled to clean the house from top to bottom, throw away unused clothes and toys and re-organise the cupboards. The checklist for doing a thorough Autumn clean is endless. Whilst the notion of Autumn cleaning applies mainly to the interior of the house, it is important to get outside too, and make sure every corner of your home is in tip-top shape for Winter arrives.
There are few rites of Autumn more satisfying than the annual clean. For many people, however, the pleasure comes only after the work is finished. Your Autumn cleaning may never become effortless, but you can make the project more manageable - and even enjoyable. This printable checklist offers an overview of everything you need to know - including information on cleansers, stain removal, fabric care, and storage - to zip through the process and arrive at a happy end. After you read through the tips and techniques, tailor the list to your home and yard. Create a realistic schedule, keeping in mind that a single weekend won't suffice, as you'll need several days for more involved projects, such as shampooing carpets and organizing closets. Whether you prefer to proceed from the attic to the basement or start outdoors and wind your way inside, focus on one task at a time. And be sure to enlist the help of family members.
Here's how to give your house a full deep clean. It's easier than you might think. Start with six basic cleaning steps, then tackle a few room-specific chores, and you'll have a house that passes any white-glove inspection in almost no time.
6 Steps for Every Room 1. De-clutter Just a Bit. Find a new place for -- or better yet, get rid of - anything that does not belong in the room but is visible. (Save the stuff behind closed doors for another day. You don't want to get overwhelmed.) Clearing the clutter makes deep cleaning easier, plus seeing those tidy surfaces will give you the oomph to keep going. 2. Start High, Go Low. Tackle the big, hard-to-reach surfaces in this order: ceiling, ceiling trim, ceiling light fixtures (including bulbs), walls, the rest of the trim, and baseboards. The best tool is a clean microfiber mop or duster with a telescoping handle. (They're so thin you can get behind the sofa without moving it.) Above eye level, a spritz of water is all you need on the mop. But below, where there is actual dirt plus dust, use warm water mixed with a drop of dish soap. (In bathrooms, add a splash of white vinegar to stop mould.) Where a mop is unwieldy, use a microfiber cloth. Rinse often and wring thoroughly. 3. Yep, You Do Windows. It's not that bad, and the payoff is huge. First, vacuum the sills and tracks. Then spritz the window with cleaner from top to bottom. Let the cleaner do its thing for a minute, then squeegee it off. If you wipe in one direction on inside windows and another on outside ones, it will be easier to see and fix streaks. 4. Spruce Up Those Window Treatments. Save yourself the trouble of taking down blinds or shades. All you really need to do is vacuum them using the brush
attachment. And instead of laundering and ironing curtains, just fluff them in the dryer for a few minutes (while you wipe off the rod and rings). Then hang them right back up. 5. Ditch the Dust. Wipe all remaining hard surfaces (wood furniture, shelves, built-ins, etc.) using a petroleum distillate-free, beeswax-based wood cleaner. If you feel the need for speed, put a clean cotton tube sock on your dominant hand and move objects with the other. Finally, take a lint roller to the lampshades. 6. Refresh Those Floors. Folks, to do this right, you've got to move the furniture, even the biggies like beds and sofas. To make that easier now and in the future, put furniture gliders under the big pieces. Then break out your vacuum's crevice tool to get at dirt in corners and along baseboards. If you have a hard floor, clean it with a microfiber mop and the prescribed cleaner. If you have carpet, now is a good time to rent a professional-grade cleaner. (And if you have pets and/or kids, think about investing in your own.)
I don't know about you, but I'm getting excited for fall! During the evenings of the fall and winter months, you can often find me keeping warm by my fireplace with a hot drink in hand and a cosy blanket on my lap. I believe everyone should have a few spots in their home that are their 'go-to comfort spot.' Even in a small house, you can find one
A Comfy Chair Put a comfortable chair in your corner that you’ll love to sit in. If you have space, add an ottoman in front to put your feet up and relax!
A Warm Light Having a lamp in your corner will add instant character and warmth. A table or reading lamp are essentials for any seating area.
A Cosy Throw I love to have a basket of warm throw blankets nearby. Not only are they nice to have around if it gets extra chilly, but the baskets and blankets add a nice texture to my home even when they’re not in use!
A Favourite Scent If you love good scents like I do, you’ll want to have a favourite candle near your cosy corner! I love using vanilla candles in the fall and winter.
A Favourite Drink I don't know about you, but for me, hot drinks and cold months go hand and hand. I love to put a drink in a favourite mug and set it on a small garden stool by my chair.
A Book to Read I keep a stack of favourite books nearby ready to read or get inspired by.