Cleaner...
Healthier Happier...
At Red Cow Events, we pay meticulous attention to the smallest of details ensuring your event or function is everything you dreamed of, and more.
RED COW ORGANISERS AND SOCIAL EVENTS All our event teams are highly skilled and have the experience and knowledge to organise a variety of functions in a cost effective, efficient and timely manner. Each Event has a dedicated events manager who will be allocated based on their experience within the field of your event. They will plan and co-ordinate every aspect of the function to your requirements whilst also using their industry experience to provide advice, ideas and cost effective methods in order to exceed both yours and your guests’ expectations.
01621 878 658 TERRIE@REDCOWEVENTS.COM
Mick
Norcross
Nightclub owner, all-round entrepreneur and former star of The Only Way Is Essex, Mick Norcross now writes exclusively for Essex Style Magazine. Here he brings you the latest behind the scenes gossip from the world of Sugar Hut, as well as the latest ups and downs in his daily life.
I
get a lot of messages on Twitter every month from fans wanting to know what is happening with my hotel, The Grand at Leigh-on-Sea. I’ve not spoken to anyone in the press about it, but there have been developments, which I would like to share with you guys first. To be perfectly honest, it’s been a bit of a nightmare ever since I took it on, but I like to think I possess a positive mental attitude, and I’m not one to give up on a project that I have started, and thankfully it looks as though we’ve got over the main hurdles. One of the things to remember is that the building has been empty for a number of years now and furthermore it was built well over a hundred years ago. I don’t think the heavy rain we’ve had over the past year or so has helped, but we were shocked to find out that there had been some subsidence. Suddenly getting insurance was a nightmare. However, after much stress and hard work, we’ve finally sorted that out, and I am as excited as ever about what we are going to do with the place. Onwards and upwards! Now, I hope you haven’t missed me too much from TOWIE. At the time I made my feelings known about why I pulled out, but I don’t want to go around bad-mouthing the show – there are some good people there, and I wish them all the best. The TV programme I am currently working on is going to be a bit different and is going to be following me and my business personally growing the Sugar Hut brand, and whilst I wouldn’t call it a ‘fly on the wall’ documentary, there will no doubt be similarities. I like the fact that I am going to be able to portray my life and my business in its true
Coming up at The Sugar Hut in Brentwood this July... • 2 for 1 cocktails from 6pm every Thursday at Chic. • Charlie Hedges (Kiss 100) birthday, 20th July. • Boat Club, 26th July. • Michael Andre CD launch.
light. More will be revealed in time, but I’m fully confident that it is going to be a great success. In other news, all you fans of the Sugar Hut will be pleased to hear that we are opening a new club in London. For me, the Sugar Hut is a really classy venue, and I put a lot of thought into picking new venues to associate the brand with. This is another exclusive for you; I haven’t announced this to anyone else yet, but I think now is the right time to say that the new club will be in the affluent Mayfair area of London. I can’t wait to get started with it. I hope to open more venues in time. One of the things we are looking at is doing club nights abroad and I have my sights set on the Balearic Islands or somewhere else in the Mediterranean. The plan is to arrange proper tours where clubbers will be flown out on a Sugar Hut plane to destinations that we will be affiliated with. That’s all something for next year though. The Sugar Hut Honeys are doing great. They’ve just finished putting together their new music single ‘Man of the Moment’, which is set to be performed in nightclubs around the country. I’ve known for a while that one or two of them had singing talent, so I think a project like this makes sense. Finally, I’d like to say how proud I am of my boy, Kirk. He’s been working so hard promoting his new book lately, travelling up and down the country doing signings in stores. I guess it shows the popularity of Essex at the moment that he could walk into stores all over the UK such as Belfast, Cardiff and Newcastle to name a few and find a whole queue of people waiting to meet him. He’s worked really hard on it, and I am pleased for him. There must be a bit of his old dad in there somewhere! JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 07
Su
Harrison
Tune into Heart Breakfast with Martin and Su weekdays from 6am on Heart Essex As half of Martin and Su, Heart Essex’s lovable breakfast duo, Su Harrison is charged with waking the county up each morning. This month she was suddenly struck by the fact that her pre-teen daughter wore more expensive, fashionable clothing than her. How could she have let this happen…?
W
hen it comes to fashion, in your family, who would you say was the most fashionable? In mine it’s definitely my 11-year-old daughter. She is constantly online looking at clothing websites and when she sees something she likes on the TV, she will spend hours trying to find it or an item that is similar. But the other day I noticed something very odd about my daughter’s fashion and mine. Whilst we both got ready to go out shopping at Lakeside – and of course image is everything when you are 11 and going shopping – she put on her beautiful Jasper Conran jeans that she had received as a present for Christmas and I put on my Primark Skinny jeans. Well… I say skinny! She then chose from either purple Converses, cream Converses or purple Nike Blazers. She went with the latter while I chose from a navy blue pair of fake Converses from Matalan or a cream pair from Primark. It was at that point I realised she was better dressed than
me and could not work out how or why this had happened. Is it my fault that this has happened? Or could I blame it on my sub-conscious kicking in and making my daughter my fashion accessory? I hope I have always dressed myself well and that I have tried my hardest to dress my daughter nicely too. But I’m guessing that when I have seen what the kids are wearing, and when she started to show an interest in labels herself, I’ve not wanted her to feel left out or for her to look uncool when she’s with me. So it seems that because of my sub-conscious I’m going to have to resign myself to a life of cheap fashion whilst my daughter wears the very latest, trendy style, but ultimately, if she looks good then so do I.
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 09
E EREE
S H T S N H O DANBURY T M N O 3 M 3 ERSHIP SPORTS AND SOCIAL SM ITNES
THIS
UR THE B FEEL SUMMER
F
W M NO O R F NTHS 3 MO BE GLAD AY! D LL YOU’ INED TO O J ils r deta YOU taff fo
PIHSR CENTRE EB
MEM
SSEN T
* Lifestyle Fitness Suite *Adult Classes (Zumba, Pilates, Indoor Cycling Ballroom Dancing, Badminton etc) *Children’s Activities (Football, Karate, Gymnastics, Badminton, Mini Tennis etc) *Snooker *Function Halls available for hire *Entertainment - See local press sliate d rof ffats *Licensed Bar at club prices
WON M
ORF S DALG HTNOM 3 EB !YADO T DEN LL’UOY IOJ U OY fo
N *
a e ask
er of b m e m
Download the NEW and FREE ‘The Griffin Danbury App’ from the App store T H E G R I FFI N 6 4 M A I N ROA D DA N B U RY C H EL M S FOR D ES S EX C M 3 4 D H
01245 699024
and you will instantly be informed when our great and exciting new offers and voucher codes are up for grabs Instant information on new menus/events/promotions or just book a table
Download TODAY and be the first
www.griffindanbury.co.uk www.facebook.com/TheGriffinDanbury
REMM
rebm
em a www.danburysportscentre.co.uk ksa e saelP danburysports@btconnect.com
Danbury Sports & SocialCELEBRATING Centre Dawson Field, Main Road, Danbury, Essex YEARS OF Open Daily 7am to 11pm SUCCESS
EHT L
fs
ber o
mem
GNITARBELEC
FO SRAEY
SSECCUS
NRUB
*Terms and conditions apply. Offer only available when purchasing an annual cash membership. Free months are added to the end of your membership term. Participating clubs only. Offer ends 31st July 2013.
W O N M O R F NTHS GLAD ! Y A D ’LL BE D TO 30 T: 01245 224515 E N I tails e U JO 0 3 d r o f staff a e ask Pleas
IF
E
HIP S R E EMB
EERF
US SI EF HT
F
EMB
www.danburysportscentre.co.uk
*
It’s dirty and tough
30
CELEBRATING
..and you will love Essex Boot Camp!
The County’sOF leading Boot YEARS Camp offering over 450
SUCCESS sessions per month.
>> Outdoor training with ex-military fully qualified staff >> 1 hour of enjoyable & motivating exercise >> All fitness levels welcome >> Your 1st session FREE >> Located at popular parks all across Essex
essexbootcamp.co.uk #theonlywayisessexbootcamp
Essex
Boot Camp.
Hampshire
Boot Camp.
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 11
After
Before
Essex Style Magazine’s head of advertising, David Farr went along to check them out!
• • • • • •
Teeth Whitening Laser Hair Removal Laser Tattoo Removal Laser Skin Tightening Line & Wrinkle Removal Facial Rejuvination/Skin Peels
Bobby
Norris
As one of the star names on The Only Way Is Essex, and an all round media personality Bobby Norris now writes exclusively for Essex Style Magazine, letting you in on his inner most thoughts and giving an insight into the life of a reality star.
A
fter months of talks and meetings over cocktails, I’m pleased to announce that I have finally accepted the position as full time Fashion Editor for Essex Style Magazine! As most of you know, I have always been interested in fashion, but what you may not already know is that for some time now, I’ve been working on designing my own range of clothing which will be released later on this year, just in time for the Christmas Party season. After talks with Terrie, the ESM editor, who has also recently been seen on several of the TOWIE episodes interviewing Chloe Sims, she has given me full control over all Fashion editorial, and best of all, she has given me the challenge to set up the first Essex Style Magazine Fashion Show! More of this in the next few months’ editions but needless to say, if I have my way it will be the fashion show of the year! The Only Way Is Marbs It probably hasn’t gone unnoticed that myself and a number of members of the TOWIE cast have recently returned from our summer trip to sunny ‘Marbs’. As I’m sure you could see in the special episodes of ‘The Only Way Is Marbs,’ a lot of drama happened, especially between a certain two individuals! It looks as though the drama will continue to rumble on throughout the rest of the series and there is no doubt going to be much for us to talk about. For me it was lovely just to jet off for a week of partying, tanning and shopping. Believe me, Peurto Banus has the best shops ever! I’m quite sad to be home and I have missed going for our daily cocktails together with some of the other cast membersw. I guess it is the same for everyone though; holidays always go so
quickly before it’s back to the daily routine. Whilst I was out there, I was keen to try something a bit different from the usual holiday antics. I decided to try a ‘coffee enema’. Google it, you’ll soon find out what I went through! At first the smell of fresh coffee was divine, and things looked promising. Now, however, let’s just say I haven’t drank coffee since… sorry Starbucks! Reality TV Bug As everyone knows, I love watching reality TV and get hooked by all the different shows that come on every year. I’m very excited that Big Brother is back on our screens for the next 13 weeks, and let it be no secret that I shall be glued to the telly. That said, I must be honest and admit I do prefer the celebrity version, and the last series was excellent. My favourite reality TV series, though, is ‘I’m A Celebrity…’ (apart from TOWIE)! It is by far the best thing to watch in a onesie with a Chinese takeaway. I’ve said it before; if the call comes, I’d be there in a shot. I love all the trials that they do, but I dread to think what I’d be like on the eating one, especially with my gag reflex! I’m not going to make the same mistake as Scott from Five! It was in this magazine that he said he would rather eat a donkey’s dick than a salad cream sandwich. Just a few weeks later he was on Celebrity Juice and Keith Lemon was feeding him one!
RIP Oompa Loompa Look, I know the fake tan and the white stilettos is what Essex is all about, but I have decided to tone down my tanning regime and go for a slightly more natural look. I just think the uber-orange look isn’t working for me as a 6’ 2” man. Don’t get me wrong, you wont be seeing me out and about looking like Casper the friendly ghost, but I will be subtler. I definitely think I have suffered with tanorexia since my late teens but its taken ten years to realise and admit this.
Main: Bobby is working hard on his new clothing line (Dan Casson photography). Inset: How we imagine he would look if he went into the jungle!
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 13
www.jamesgasservices.co.uk Mobile: 07725-616036 - 24 Hr Emergency Number Office: 01708-721029 Email: info@jamesgasservices.co.uk
COVERING ALL YOUR
PLUMBING AND HEATING SOLUTIONS www.jamesgasservices.co.uk
ARE YOU
READING THIS?
SO ARE THOUSANDS
OF OTHERS
TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOME AMAZING RATES ON
ADVERTISING, CALL
DAVID FARR ON
01621 878658
Sue
Moxley
As a model, Essex girl and former beauty editor at The Sun, Sue Moxley knows more than most about what it takes to look good. This month she went to visit the Court House Clinic in Brentwood
T
here comes a time in most procedures and products to his clients, women’s lives (and men for that and is fully engaged in the training and matter), where our skin is no recruitment of his specialist doctors. He is longer as supple as it once was. Those demanding and exacting of the standards dreaded crow’s feet begin to creep around all his staff must perform to. the eyes and those forehead lines suddenly Indeed, the laws on botox are now turn into deep furrows. changing, and I personally see that as There are any number of creams out being a hugely positive development. No there (see my June column) and all sorts longer will you be able to go along to your of natural remedies, but for some a more local salon to get the injections; instead drastic approach is you’ll be required to book in with a needed. Yes girls, fully qualified doctor with expertise Botulinum Toxin – or “I know many in administering them. botox as I know it. I know Court House will women of I guess the idea lead the way with these of having your face my age right developments, but it’s injected with what is true I have put my across Essex absolute faith and essentially a poison fills you with a greater trust in them for feel exactly sense of trepidation a considerable the same.” that it does hope. Yet period of time more and more people now. are turning to it. Of course, True, there have been more than just a it is not just botox few horror stories over the years, but in that they specialise recent times standards have improved in. Being a skin significantly. It really is a legitimate means clinic, they deal of betraying your years. with any number I’m not afraid to say that it is something of different I swear by, and I know many women of treatments from my age right across Essex feel exactly the acne to anti-aging same way. and mole removal to The Court House Clinic in Brentwood skin rejuvenation. is where I go to get mine. Dr Patrick Their fillers, laser Bowler set up the clinic some 15 years ago, skin resurfacing and and by offering a wide range of aesthetic microdermabrasion are medicines, it was just about the first among the treatments I doctor-led clinic of its kind. would recommend most Dr Bowler is a leading authority on highly. cosmetic treatments and has featured Court House’s botox and on GMTV, BBC Radio, Living TV and filler treatments really are the Channel 4’s Ten Years Younger. best, and starting at £250, it He is committed to offering the best is a more affordable way of
fighting against the hands of time than full-on, invasive surgery. For the gents, they are also experts in hair loss. It is a problem that many men face, but few can afford to do anything about. So there certainly is something for everyone. Check out their website: www.courthouseclinics.com.
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 15
Miley Cyrus
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
Essex Style Magazine reporter, Barrie DrewittBarlow was invited across the pond to New York City last month to visit the Good Morning America studios where he was lucky enough to meet Miley Cyrus for an exclusive interview.
T
here’s a completely different look for Miley Cyrus now with the long locks of her Disney days gone and replaced by a swish new short, bleached blonde haircut. It’s a stunning look for one of the world’s most famous teen idols. Q: What is a day in the life of Miley Cyrus like, then? A: Well, at the moment it’s really crazy promoting my new single. It’s not always this crazy – normally it’s less hectic and the way things are in the world right now, I want to bring music to people that is inspirational and escapism. It’s about having a good time and helping others to have a good time too. Q: Your new music video is very out there in terms of being a huge shift from what you normally do, very sexy in every way. Not your usual style of video at all… A: I was really excited with the song, but more excited with the video because it gave me the chance to show the kind of thing I wanted to move into. The video is based on real events and things that have gone on in my life, so I was very excited to do it. I wanted it to be more about who I am now – not the glammed up me that people see all the time.
Q: You have always been seen as Hannah Montana. Has it been hard getting away from that persona? A: (Laughs) I look at a picture of me then and now, and I’m like ‘wow, that is just a different human to the person I am now.’ Q: But how do you feel different? A: Well, I’ve found a new dentist, and I have a great hair stylist now!! But I think everyone grows up and you slowly start to become the person that you are meant to become. That’s what I feel I have done. I can’t wait to see the person I am going to become in the next couple of years. Q: You have lead your life in the public eye for so long. How has that been? Does it take its toll on you after a while? A: I’ve got such a great fan base. They are always there for me. The way I look at it; haters are always going to hate me, but they are the ones that help to push up viewing figures on my videos when they are released on YouTube – even if they are only going to view them to be critical. Q: There have been rumours of a split between you and Liam. Some reports are saying it’s over and you guys have split… is this for real? A: Well, I’m still wearing the ring! (Laughs, cheekily). Q: Finally, I have to ask, you’re working a lot with will.i.am at the moment. How’s that going? A: I’ve not travelled around Europe much, so Will is helping me bring my music to those fans. There’s so much going on in the UK alone right now, so he’s helping me break into that market more.
Michelle
E Fav SM’s Ma ourite ke Ar t -up ist
MacGregor With over ten years of experience and as head make-up artist at Essex Fashion Week, Michelle MacGregor brings you her exclusive tips and tricks in her popular monthly column for ESM. This month, it’s all about getting that festival look.
M
y first festival experience was last year at V Festival in Chelmsford, Essex (Yes I camped) with some of my best girl friends. I was very excited, packed about a week’s worth of supplies into my rucksack and was contemplating trying to sneak into Olly Murs’ Rider! As a make-up artist and hair stylist many of my friends and family were shocked I was camping and laughed about how I was going to maintain my make-up and hair ‘routine’ each morning in the middle of a field. Well I did, and what’s more I have learnt many tips along the way. No matter how late you hit your sleeping bag the night before, the daylight will always wake you early next morning. Take advantage and use the natural light to apply your make-up. Pack a small make-up bag including products that are ‘multi-purpose’. One of my favourites is an amazing little box of tricks by Benefit. It has everything you need, and is absolutely perfect for festivals and holidays. The box is great as it includes miniatures of some of their best selling products. The products include their real mascara; professional, 4-shade eyeshadow and applicator; first Class face powder and brush; and life on the A-List Lipgloss (www.asos.com for £23.50). SPF Your Make-up. Use foundations, BB creams, primers and moisturisers that contain SPF. sunburn is not fun! Waterproof your make-up! If you get hot easily, cry with happiness, feel you may be tempted to dance in the rain or quite frankly not want to risk a panda eye
look, then taking waterproof mascara and eyeliner is a MUST. Eyelashes at a Festival Some may be thinking… really??!! But if you’re the type of woman who just needs dark, thick luscious lashes to feel glam and ready to party until dawn, then I highly suggest having either individual eyelash extensions applied or taking with you some good quality strip lashes. Eyelash extensions cost anything from £60 - £100 at reputable salons. They are natural but you can achieve glamour too if you’d like to go for the longer length or thicker hair. However if you love your strip lashes and are a dab hand at popping them on, then I recommend one of the gorgeous lash styles that Lash Boutique offer. My favourites for festivals are ‘Lou Lou’. They’re not over the top, but are medium length and easy to wear. Great Value at £6.99 a set: www.bowtiqueinc.com. Festival Hair The trick to festival hair is that it needs to be quick, easy and versatile and look great with tons of dry shampoo in it. If you have never used dry shampoo, grab yourself a bottle of Batiste; available at most supermarkets. They have a large range, I highly recommend the coloured ones as well as the Brand NEW XXL for volume.
18 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | JULY 2013
Look Hot
s y a d e e thr on the trot!
My Step-by-Step for Applying Dry Shampoo
TO TIP P S
1. Shake the can well. 2. Starting at the base, section your hair roughly. 3. Spray the base/roots of each section from a reasonable distance so as not to get too much residue (looks powdery). 4. Once your sections have been sprayed, tip your head upside down and run your fingers through your hair at the roots, massaging in the dry shampoo. 5. Tip your head back and style. Voila! No greasy roots! I find that your hair is residue and grease free, even more so after an hour or so as the dry shampoo has time to absorb any grease. Essential Festival Packing List • Small mirror (or make-up compact with a mirror inside it). • Multi-purpose, waterproof and miniature cosmetics • Hair bands, Kirby Grips, flower clips, bun doughnut, mini hair products and Batiste Dry Shampoo • Facial Wipes, mini packs of tissue and cotton buds.
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 19
Darren
Kennedy STYLE DILEMMAS
Irish style-guru, Darren Kennedy has become a popular face on British daytime television with his Fashion Sense feature on ITV’s This Morning. Now he brings his famous fashion tips to Essex, answering your questions in his monthly column. Q. Hi, I’m going to V Festival this year and it’ll be my first ever summer festival so I can hardly think with excitement. Trying to figure out what I should pack given my style the rest of the year is very casual…? Sarah-Jane, Braintree. A. A killer festival wardrobe is all about striking the right balance between style, comfort and practicality. Easy to wear, lightweight separates such as sweaters, t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and tea-dresses are all on the menu when frolicking in fields. Penney’s currently have an impressive selection of fresh, wearable day-dresses including a China blue print dress with cut-away detailing and a cool cloud print denim dress which just screams festival time. Take a leaf out of Diane Kruger’s enviable Coachella wardrobe and wear with a pair of chunky biker boots, such as the ‘Ultimate’ cut-out boot with triple buckle at Office and a fringed cross-body bag. Denim cut-off shorts are of course a festival favourite. Opt for something with colour and texture, for example River Island’s embroidered pair or Vero Moda’s Brix shorts, and wear with a Ju Ju’s glitter Chelsea boot. For nighttime, layer up with New Look’s cream knitted jumper with cutout and tassel detail and a digital camo print mac. Florals, feathers and fringing will all 20 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | JULY 2013
inject instant kudos to your festival style. For instance, a floral headband like the ‘Verity’ hair garland is the perfect finishing touch to a maxi skirt and crop top combo. A rain mac is an essential, while a denim or leather jacket will not only keep you warm but will add contrast and edge to the prettiest of florals. Keep an eye out for Topshop’s new ‘Festival Collection’ of 16 pieces inspired by Kate Bosworth’s Coachella style. It includes the rather pricey but sumptuous hippy style fury gilet. Whatever you do, don’t leave home without your sunglasses. From retro cats eye shapes, classic wayfarers, or steam-punk round styles, sunnies are the ultimate festival accessory. Q. Dear Darren, I’m hoping you can provide some suggestions of reasonably priced dresses for a family birthday party. I recently had my first child and my body isn’t quite back to what it was before. I am currently about a size 14 so I’d like something that won’t draw attention to my tummy. Amy (32), Harlow. A. Empire line, fit and flare and crossover are all examples of clever dress styles that help to conceal and distract from this area of the body that few of us are keen to flaunt. Take the ‘Midsummer Dream’ white and red cherry print dress for example. This fabulous printed 50s style number is a showstopper. Flirty and fresh, the fit and flare style works wonders for the figure to create a super feminine silhouette. Similarly, the white cutout floral dress with yellow detail by Yumi is a perfect summer dress that plays with proportions. The full skirt contrasts with the fitted bodice to create an instant hourglass shape.
“Whatever you do, don’t leave home without your sunglasses... sunnies are the ultimate festival accessory”
For a more classic style, the paneled monochrome dress with scallop detail by Havren offers an understated ladylike look. Principles by Ben de Lisi at Debenhams has a black with white semi circle design jersey wrap dress. The wrap shape visually cuts the line of the body while the ‘V’ neckline draws the eye up and away from your mid section. For a block of colour and gentle sophistication, the ‘Grace’ dress by Caroline Kilkenny is softly structured with a wide cowl neck and subtle ruching detail that draws the eye up to the face. Accentuate this by accessorising with a statement neckpiece. Q. I’m looking for a few nice granddad collar shirts for the summer. Finding them hard enough to track down. Have you seen any? Chris, Dagenham. A. It’s said the grandad style collar was first created when factory workers teared off their collars for fear of getting them caught in heavy machinery. From these humble beginnings, the grandad collar has become a summer staple of stylish men around the world. Wear Marni’s contrast-sleeve cotton shirt with a couple of the buttons undone and a pair of tailored chinos for a slick city look. For fantastic value, H&M have a crisp white, short-sleeved style, while over at Zara you’ll find a summery floral print. For a touch of Nordic minimalism, the Vito shirt has a patch pocket to the chest and shaped hem. JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 21
CAKO Kids
Surviving D
The Festival Season
espite the less than obvious clue of rainy days and still finding yourself wrapped in that cosy winter knit, summer is apparently on its way bringing with it the festival season. For the majority of Essex, this equals V Festival. Held on the penultimate weekend of August, the site staged at Hylands Park, oversees 90,000 people descend on the festival each day. And this year is expected to be no different, as Chelmsford will play host to pop royalty herself Beyoncé who is headlining alongside Kings of Leon. Essex girl, Pixie Lott will also be among the star attractions. So looking beyond horror stories involving less than appetizing portaloos and baby wipes being the only source of personal hygiene, here is my guide to surviving V Festival. Expect the mosh pits. It doesn’t matter if you’re watching a rock band such as Stereophonics or bubble gum pop of Little Mix (both acts confirmed for this year), mosh pits will start. In most cases you will be minding your own business, singing your heart out to every last lyric and before you know it there is a large circle emerging right before you. You have two choices here. One, move away as quick as possible or option two will be made for you and before you know it you’ll be dragged in to a circle of unadulterated madness. Unless you enjoy being pushed around by stranger it’s probably best to avoid them.
For festival-going novices, the idea of going to your first fills you with a mixed sense of excitement, nerves and fear. Georgia-May Collings attempts to explain the pitfalls that you might end up facing.
Strategic toilet planning. It is no myth that toilets at festivals are pretty grim to say the least, there is no avoiding that. However there are a few ways to make the bad a little more bearable. Get up early in the morning, there are less likely to be queues and this is probably the time portaloos will be at their ‘cleanest’ (cleanest used very lightly there). Also go to the toilet before you position yourself right at the front of the crowd, only to realise you need a wee. You will never be able to obtain that position again should you leave, so go beforehand even if you don’t think you need to go. Pack layers. Ideally, the sun would shine all weekend providing you with a tan that rivals someone post a week in St Tropez. But let’s be realistic, this is England and the chances are the sun will shine for all of five minutes before grey clouds cast over the sky and as shocking as it sounds it starts to rain.
Bring a jumper for the evening and invest in a ‘Mac in a Sac,’ a raincoat that folds away easily into its own little bag. Don’t expect a perfect night’s sleep. It’s a festival. You’re sleeping on the ground with nothing more than a sleeping bag for comfort and will be surrounded by drunkards yelling rubbish at four in the morning. You can’t avoid this so you might as well embrace it. Part of the fun of the weekend is surviving horrific hangovers and little sleep before another day of music. It’s about the experience, not always the music. Bit of a cheesy cliché, but true. Of course everyone wants to see Beyonce tear up the stage to ‘Crazy in Love’ but everyone’s weekend will be completely different. You’re spending it surrounded by strangers in a field. You will meet some crazy people and witness some odd things but that’s all part of it.
If you’re able to survive the mosh pit, you might be lucky enough to see Beyonce at V Festival. JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 23
24 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | JULY 2013
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 25
Doggy
Style
You can imagine the surprise in the Essex Style Magazine office when we first heard about the hot new dog-grooming parlour that is opening in the county. Doggy Style has been getting people talking, so we went along for a chat with the owner. with the horses up at the stables in Danbury, and they’ve been kind enough to let me operate my business from there. “I came up with the name Doggy Style because I thought it was a bit cheeky and a play on words. I think that sums me up to be honest. “However, when it comes to working
“
It’s a big leap for me, and hopefully the start of an exciting new chapter in my life, but we’re taking it one step at a time.
“
I
magine uprooting your whole life and starting again at the other end of the country. Well it seems that is the mesmerising effect love can have. This is precisely what happened in the case of Carl Pashley, who has turned his back on the bright lights of Newcastle to set up a new life in the sleepy Essex village of Danbury. You could say it is a case of Geordie Shore meets The Only Way Is Essex, but as Carl explains, his life is far from that. “It hasn’t really crossed my mind to be honest with you,” he said. “But when they see me with my partner down at the Sugar Hut, I’m sure that will be the comparison that is made.” Despite this, Carl’s biggest passion is animals. He’s a keen horse-rider and a lover of dogs, but what was it that convinced him to move 300 miles from home? He said: “I guess you could say it was my own little Romeo and Juliet story – well, Romeo and Romeo. “I met my new partner Scott whilst on holiday in Turkey, and he’s managed to convince me to move in with him. “It’s a big leap for me, and hopefully the start of an exciting new chapter in my life, but we’re taking it one step at a time.” Together, the couple have been discussing new business plans, with his new company, Doggy Style offering dog owners the chance to really spoil their pet pooch for the day. Carl added: “I did a lot of dog grooming up in Newcastle, but coming down to Essex has really given me a fresh start. “I’m combining my new business plans with working
with the dogs, I treat them as if they were my children, and I know there have been many satisfied customers.” In principle, this sounds like a fantastic idea for a business, as Carl is an award winning dog trainer. He recently took one of his client’s Dalmatians, Harvey on a tour of Europe, bringing back a suitcase full of medals and trophies. Furthermore, he has enjoyed success at the Grand National of dog shows, Crufts, where a number of his dogs were among the star attractions. “I hope to continue doing the shows,” Carl said, “but most of the dogs I work with have to go back to their owners at the end, so I need to keep myself occupied. “I’d like to think that the exposure I will get at the shows will generate a bit of interest in the company. For more information, call Carl at Doggy Style on 01245 JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 27
Exclusive
THE
WRIGHT STUFF
Having shot to fame as part of the original cast of The Only Way Is Essex, Mark Wright has gone on to become one of the most recognisable faces in the county. Currently presenting the Club Classics show on Heart FM, William Taylor sat down with him to find out what else he’s been up to lately.
Hello Mark, first things first, how are you finding life as a radio presenter on Heart? You know what, I’m absolutely loving it. And whenever I get asked what I like doing best, whether it’s TV, whether it’s modeling, I always say radio. I just love it. My producer Martin and I, we always have a laugh. I can relax and I just really express myself. I love it. Is there a song that you really enjoy playing at the moment? Good question! My favorite song on Club Classics, and it never gets old, is ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ by Candi Staton. What’s your overall taste in music? It’s got to be vocal, I’m not really about the beats and stuff like that - it’s all about the words, and the words have got to mean something, which is why I like R&B. With club classics, since I was a kid, family parties have always my favourite night out. Even still to this day I prefer it to going to a club, and we always play a bit of club classics there so it’s got to be that. Which Heart presenters have you enjoyed getting to know? I’ve really got to know Nick Snaith, who presents weekday afternoons - he’s brilliant, he’s a lovely guy. Toby Anstis as well and JK and Lucy. They are all lovely guys and we all have a laugh when I come in. And of course my favourite has got to be Emma Bunton because I’ve loved her since I was a kid. Posters all over the wall! 28 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | JULY 2013
Main: Mark is settling into his new career as a presenter on Heart FM. Top right: Things are looking great with Mark and Michelle. Inset: He is the ambassador for Haven House children’s charity. Picture courtesy of RichardCBarker.
We know that Michelle Keegan called you on your show one night. What does she think of you as a DJ? I think she’s proud. She loves listening to it and she loves Club Classics as well, so she always has a little listen. Would you ever consider copresenting with her as a one-off? I’ve never thought about it! But I love doing it on my own at the moment. She’s got her own things going on, so I wouldn’t think about it yet.
We understand that you played youth football for Tottenham and Southend… you must be a good footballer? Could you ever have gone professional, do you think? Yeah I was at Tottenham and I was actually on professional terms at Southend. Then I got injured and started going down the leagues and just stopped enjoying it really, so I retired and got into TV. Barely five minutes from the Essex Style office is the ground of Heybridge Swifts, for whom you played a couple of games. What tempted you to go there, considering you were already a high profile media personality? Yeah the manager asked for a player in my position and asked if I’d go and play a few games. So I did and I really enjoyed it. Aside from football, you make a lot of effort to keep in shape. What does this entail? Are there any other sports you enjoy playing? I just go to the gym and do weights really. Some people like my producer Martin are
“
He is my real friend, it wasn’t just for TV, so we are still friends. We just chill out and do normal friends stuff really!
“
Mark, you seem to do a lot of things for charity, and recently supported Haven House in a charity football match. Is this a cause close to your heart? Yeah I’m an Ambassador of Haven House actually. It’s a children’s hospice near my house. It’s not massive and they don’t get loads of support so I’m just trying to give them as much as I can. And they are absolutely lovely down there. I love them all.
really boring so they like road running for ten miles! But I just like doing weights because it’s quicker and I’ve got a life to get back to! I love all sports the only sports I’ve never tried are rugby and…um…fencing!
What other projects have you got coming up? We can’t wait to see more of you on TV – are there any plans? I’ve got another ITV2 show coming out in the Autumn - I’m really excited about that. I’ve also just become the face of menswear at Littlewoods. I’ve been having loads of fun, doing shoots in Mallorca, so I’ve got quite a bit on, as well as doing Heart!
We all know about your ‘bromance’ with Arg. Now that you’re no longer a part of TOWIE how often do you meet up? What sort of things do you do together? Yeah I meet up with him as much as I can. We’ve always been friends, so it stays like that. He is my real friend, it wasn’t just for TV, so we are still friends. We just chill out and do normal friends stuff really!
Summer is here now, give us an idea of what you would do on an ideal summer’s day in Essex. My ideal summer’s day, if it was a hot day, would be to go and meet the boys, go to a pub out in the countryside for a few beers or ciders and just have a chat. I love catching up with everyone because I don’t get to see them that much, so when I do, I love it.
Do you miss being on the show? No, not really. I’ve moved on from it and I’m loving what I’m doing now, so I wouldn’t be able to do this if I was still doing that.
Mark hosts Club Classics every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 9pm on Heart, available across Essex on 96.3 & 102.6 FM, digital and online at heart.co.uk.
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 29
Happy
Birthday! He may be known best for being one fifth of the boyband Five, but Scott Robinson showed his softer side last month when he threw a big party for his wife Kerry to celebrate her 30th birthday. William Taylor reports.
W
ith Five’s famous comeback now complete and part one of the Big Reunion tour finished, Scott Robinson was able to turn his attention to family affairs once again last month. Scott was in charge of putting on a surprise birthday bash for his wife of over 11 years, Kerry, as she reached the milestone of 30 – and he didn’t disappoint. The fabulous cake was provided by Kayleigh’s Cakes (Twitter: @ KayleighsCakes), while make-up and hair was by Sam Agnew. In a recent interview with Essex Style Magazine, Scott spoke of how much he appreciated the support of his wife during Five’s darker days. He said: “She was a rock for me and stuck by me through the tough times, when most women would probably have left. I don’t know where I would be without her to be honest.”
The birthday bash took place at the couple’s favourite local haunt, The Gun pub in Bowers Gifford with many close friends and family, both adults and children, in attendance. Scott and Kerry will celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary this September, so if these celebrations were anything to go by, it’s sure to be another memorable event. Five will be among the star acts performing at V Festival this summer, and later on in the year will be embarking on the Christmas leg of the Big Reunion tour. The popular series is back on our screens at the end of August, bringing viewers the latest updates from the tour. The nearest venue to Essex will be the O2 Arena and tickets are still available. For more information go to www.ticketmaster. co.uk. As for Five’s overall comeback, they will be embarking on a greatest hits tour, which includes the Southend Cliffs Pavilion.
30 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | JULY 2013
Recipe of the month in association with www.mintdining.co.uk
Ingredients Main 175g x 4 Lamb Rump 4 Garlic Cloves 4 Springs Rosemary 40ml Olive Oil Seasoning Gremolata 20g Watercress 50g Mint 1/2 Garlic Clove 8g Anchovies 40g Cornichons 30ml Olive Oil 1/4 Lemon Zest Jersey Royals & Beans 30 small Jersey Royal Potatoes 8 Runner Beans 1 bunch Rainbow Radishes 1 bunch Watercress
Herdwick Lamb Rump New season Jersey Royal potatoes, Gremolata dressing with radish and watercress salad. (Serves 4) anchovies, garlic and cornichons until a paste. 5. Then add the picked and washed parsley, watercress and mint, and blend until fine. 6. Gradually add olive oil while blending until a loose paste consistency. 7. Fine zest the lemon and mix well.
1. Trim the rumps of any excess fat but leaving a little on top, with the fat, render down and reserve for heating garnishes. 2. Score lightly skin side season well all over with a garlic clove, rosemary sprig and a little olive oil. 3. Sear in a pan & roast in the oven @175’ for 8 minutes for medium rare. 4. In a small hand blender, blitz the
8. Cook the Jersey royals until just tender in a pan of salted water. 9. Heavily char the runner beans on a griddle with oil and seasoning and cut into paysanne. 10. Wash & slice the radishes. Pick and wash watercress, dress with olive oil & season. All recipes and images come courtesy of Michael Lipscombe, executive chef at Mint Dining
Event Catering - Formal Dinners Weddings - Corporate Events BBQ & Hog Roasts 0333 123 6468 07960 564895
info@mintdining.co.uk www.mintdining.co.uk JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 31
Food Review
A...atPub Lunch The Anchor, Danbury Picture the scene; a warm summer’s Sunday afternoon, the family together and lunch at the local pub that serves good, local, home cooked food. Such places are a dying breed, but The Anchor in Danbury is daringly resisting, as William Taylor discovered.
M
alcolm Freund, the owner of The Anchor in Danbury boldly stated: “Ours is the best steak pie you’ll ever taste.” In truth, I’m used to this sort of rhetoric from well meaning restaurant owners, keen to big up their menu and confident of the standard of their food. But I think he might have been right.
Don’t get me wrong, in my time I have tried some of the finest steak pies money can buy – they are simple things, but the difference from one pie to the next can be startling. “We only use the finest brisket beef, sourced locally,” Malcolm explained. “It is then slow cooked before we put it in the home made pastry.”
32 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | JULY 2013
Both retired, Malcolm and his wife have made it their mission to preserve the traditional family pub. At the bar they serve a selection of real ales, while the exposed oak beams in the restaurant area make the place feel very welcoming and homely. That is precisely what The Anchor in Danbury is about. Tucked away, just off
Main: The Anchor’s beer garden in full bloom. Inset: Just as it looked roughly a century ago.
the Maldon Road it really does look like a postcard, barely changed from how it must have looked a century ago. The beer garden at the front is colourful and quaint, just as you would expect from an old country cottage. In the summer, as the flowers come into bloom, it really does look a picture. Incredibly, the building itself is over 300 years old, making it one of the oldest structures in Danbury. It still retains many
of the original features, but it wasn’t about being in the Michelin guide or until 1830 that it obtained its licence and having a San Pellegrino award. For him it’s became a pub. all about happy, loyal customers who come The ship’s wheel that is attached to the back time and time again. front of the building appears to be the “Ask them to make you a coffee. On same one that was taken in the old black me,” he said, as one of his regular and white photographs, along with the customers walked into the pub. anchor the pub is named after, and two The quality of the food was evident right oars that are in keeping with its maritime from the off. The portions are very large, theme. so unless you’ve got a big appetite, two The Anchor has recently undergone a bit courses will be plenty. of much needed renovation though. The As already mentioned, I went for the old beams that used to be painted black steak pie. There was the option of chips have now been sand blasted to reveal their or mash with it, plus a vegetable medley or true character and lightened peas. I went for the mash the place up considerably. and peas. “Beautifully “We’ve been very careful The pastry just presented, it with the decoration of the crumbled in the mouth pub,” Malcolm said. “It was whilst pastry tasted just like –canandeasily important for us to freshen feel stodgy that secret family and sickening, this was it up as much as we could, without compromising the not the case on recipe that had certainly real traditional look that the this occasion. been passed place has. As for the steak – well, “I’ve seen so many lovely words cannot ever do down through old pubs turned in to fancy it justice. It just fell the generations apart, was bursting with modern bistros and gastropubs. flavour and seasoned to and refined to “Don’t get me wrong, they perfection. perfection.” serve a purpose, but I’m My colleague, Kirstie, really worried that we are went for the lasagne – now losing the good old fashioned pub the staple of any good pub lunch menu. which you used to go down to with your Again, the portion was large and family. could easily have fed two people. But it “I’d like to think my represented excellent value for money. wife and I have As you would expect, it was served with really stuck to our a side salad and garlic bread – all freshly values here by prepared that day. offering good, Already feeling quite full from the main wholesome, course, we still managed to find room for homesomething from the desserts menu. cooked I opted for the mandarin cheesecake, food and served with vanilla ice cream. Beautifully a beautiful, presented, it tasted just like that secret honeypot family recipe that had been passed down location.” through the generations and refined to And he’s right. perfection. That’s precisely what Kirstie’s choice of the chocolate chip The Anchor is all about. brownie was just as much of a success. The ingredients used are Rich and moist, it finished off the meal carefully selected. The fish comes in fresh just nicely. from the boat each morning, while all the Dining at The Anchor in Danbury is meat is sourced from a local, trustworthy highly recommended. For around £25 a butcher. head it represents superb value for money. Malcolm added: “All the recipes are my The food is excellent, well presented and wife’s. It’s just like home cooked food, the service is friendly. Lunch there is a but they’re a bit more refined and we reminder of how things used to be, and a obviously take a little bit more care over real nostalgic trip down memory lane. presentation.” The traditional British pub lunch might In all my time reviewing restaurants be struggling these days – but thus far The for Essex Style Magazine, I’ve almost Anchor is resisting spectacularly. forgotten what it is like to go for a hearty For bookings, call The Anchor on pub lunch. 01245 222457, or visit their website: You can tell that Malcolm isn’t bothered www.theanchordanbury.co.uk. JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 33
Cosmetic Surgery? What to Look Out For As more and more people turn to cosmetic surgery as a way of improving their appearance, an increasing number of ‘cowboy’ and back street companies are popping up. Leading Barrister, Tom Goodhead of Lloyd Green Solicitors discusses some of the pitfalls, exclusively for ESM.
T
he way we look affects not only how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us; but has also been shown to impact upon our wealth, our job prospects and general happiness in life. Whether we like it or not: looks matter. Unsurprisingly, men without David Beckham’s abs or women not blessed with Holly Willoughby’s natural assets often turn to Cosmetic Surgery to improve their bodies. Cosmetic treatments can range from simple procedures such as IPL (intense pulsed light, aka laser) hair removal to complex surgeries such as tummy tucks and breast enhancements. Both men and women in Essex and across the country regularly spend thousands of pounds on treatments to look and feel better. In many cases, however, after paying for cosmetic treatments, patients find that the results are not what they were led to expect by surgeons. As with any type of medical treatment, there are potential side effects to all cosmetic treatments and it is crucial that these are discussed fully before any treatment is embarked upon. The recent review into the Cosmetic Surgery industry led by NHS Medical Director, Sir Bruce Keogh, highlighted the fact that procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers and IPL can be provided by clinics without any regulation. Dr Dan Poulter, Health Minister, stated that “Sir Bruce Keogh makes clear that there is a significant risk of people falling into the hands of cowboy firms or individuals whose only aim is to make a quick profit.” Whilst the government is to introduce new laws and regulations to control the
industry, in the mean time it is crucial that anyone considering cosmetic surgery should ask clinics what experience their surgeons and therapists have, whether the clinic has adequate insurance to protect you should something go wrong and whether the clinic is willing to provide references from former patients. The ongoing scandal involving PIP (silicone) Breast Implants demonstrates the considerable importance of being treated in a clinic with adequate insurance should something go wrong. Women who have received implants from clinics without insurance, which have subsequently gone into bankruptcy, may not receive compensation for the implants, which have ruptured and leaked. As a Barrister, I represent hundreds of women who have been the victim of cosmetic surgical procedures gone wrong from breast implants to dermal filler treatments to buttock enhancements. The emotional, financial and psychological effects of negligent cosmetic surgery should not be underestimated. After spending large amounts of money in order to improve their looks, my clients are often distraught at the prospect of having to spend thousands of pounds more to put right what has gone wrong. If you have undergone any type of cosmetic surgery and the result has not been what you have expected or you believe something has gone wrong, you should contact the Cosmetic Surgery specialists at Lloyd Green Solicitors who specialise in bringing claims to seek justice for the victims of negligent treatment. They will make an assessment of your claim and if they are able to assist, will represent you on a no win/no fee basis. The decision to undergo surgery is a personal one and no one should do so unless they are confident in the ability of the professionals providing the service. If something goes wrong, do not hesitate to seek the compensation you deserve.
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 39
Considering alternative methods to conception
a i n r o f of Cali
Fully compliant with UK Legislation Counselling and comprehensive Support system in place for all parties involved
Helping you to achieve your dream of becoming a parent
01621 878 650
www.britishsurrogacycentre.com
enquiries@britishsurrogacycentre.com
Shun Surgery.
It’s NOT Your Only Option Now this might seem like a lot to remember so I have made you a list of rules to stick to: 1. No more than 10g of saturated fat per day.
5
EASY STEPS TO BURNING FAT
2. Supplement your diet with 3000mg of Omega 3/6/9 per day (you can buy these ready mixed as capsules at most supermarkets) 3. 3000mg of CLA per day. This is more specialised but you can buy it online or at most health shops. 4. Eat every 3-4 hours. Preperation is the key here, if you need to, cook loads of food on a Sunday and split the meals up into small Tupperware tubs and freeze them if necessary.
There comes a point when you look in the mirror and in your mind that tummy tuck seems to be the only option. But as bodybuilding champion, personal trainer and health and fitness expert, Stuart Holroyd explains, it really should only be the last resort.
I
n the 18 years of working in the fitness industry I have encountered many issues. I get asked almost every hour of every day with regards to diet, exercise, supplementation etc. But no subject I feel deserves more attention than Plastic Surgery. Most surgeries that I see in my line of work are to do with losing body fat but most people are unaware that by the time you reach young adulthood, around age 20, you’ve accumulated the number of fat cells you’re going to have for the rest of your life. But the number of fat cells in your body isn’t the sole determinant of your body composition, it’s the size of the cells that matters. These fat cells seem to have an unlimited capacity for volume and can stretch and shrink to which ever size you wish using the right (or wrong) methods. If some are removed surgically, the ones that remain can grow to compensate for the loss of fat mass in the body. The only way to shrink fat cells is through diet and exercise. So if you are opting for surgery because you don’t want to diet or exercise then you are in for one hell of a shock. In fact, post surgery nutrition for someone who has just had
5. For the first month reduce you calories based on body weight. The equation is simple: Your body weight in lbs x 15 – 600 calories So the equation is as follows for a man/woman that weighs 180lbs: 180 x 15 – 600 = 2100 calories per day. By sticking with those rules in the first week you should lose about 3-4lb then 1-2lb of body fat each week after. This is the safest and longest lasting method Stuart brings his of losing unique approach to weight. fitness to ESM.
liposuction is the equivalent of that of an athlete and has to be just as strict. You tag on some of the possible sideeffects to surgery; nerve damage, human error, oh, and the worst one, never waking up again, you will start to understand why plastic surgery should only ever be used as an absolute last resort. So the big question... if not liposuction, then what? This is relatively straight forward, so bear with me on this one. By reducing the amount of bad fats in your diet (saturated fat), you will shrink the size of your current fat cells, easy as that. Keep your sugars low and put a bit of exercise in there every day - you’ll be onto a winner. Just to let you know if you increase your good fats (Omega 3,6,9 and CLA), this in turn will shrink the fat cells too, so you get double the effect! Also, by keeping your blood sugar even throughout the day, your body can work more naturally and not have to work as hard to break down big meals. Sticking to small and frequent meals will actually speed up your metabolism and cut down on cravings. Finally, I just want to say that I am in no way against surgery, and more to the point it just goes to prove that someone is willing to go to drastic lengths because they want to change their body for the better. All I want to do is help people put that enthusiasm into the right kind of eating and training and if they do that, not only will they see changes, but ones they could only dream of, it just takes a bit longer. I will leave you with a saying that was said to me by someone I respect very much: “Calm seas do not make good sailors”. Feel free to email me (stuartholroyd@ hotmail.co.uk) with any questions you might have, there is no charge for my help.
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 41
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 43
Relationship hit the rocks?
Nature
is to blame.
The minds of men and women work very differently from one another, and that is often the reason for many arguments and break-ups of relationships. Psychotherapist, Terence Watts attempts to explain the reasons for this.
T
here can be very few among us who have not at some point, when a relationship has just gone suddenly into meltdown, said to themselves exasperatedly: “What on earth were you thinking of ?” Sometimes, it’s already too late to fix it. The other half has either stalked off in a huff or just never turns up again. The truth of it, though, is that you were thinking like you always think. Like you. And that’s where the problems start, because males and females have such completely different processes going on behind their thoughts that the real mystery is that anybody ever makes a relationship work in the first place! The way we think, at a fundamental level, has been handed down through generation after generation for thousands - if not tens of thousands - of years. It’s actually all about survival. And sex, of course. Sex is the bit where we manage to find some common ground. For a few minutes, anyway. If we’re lucky, that is. Anyway, getting back to the survival thing, which is what we’re all trying to do most of the time even if we don’t realise it. It’s here where we find the different thought processes. A male’s survival was always based on removal of obstacles, while that of a female was based on the 44 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | JULY 2013
nurture and development of relationships important to her everyday life. We’ve inherited those instinctive thought processes from our ancient ancestors. Just as surely as men have inherited ‘target-directed’ thought from hunting and battle, women have the multi-tasking skills that were honed over centuries of winnowing grain while keeping an eye out for the youngsters. Males want to destroy perceived obstructions, women seek to get around them. So how does that affect the psychology of a relationship all these thousands of years later? Massively! In just about everything we do. All the time a male sees no obstacles being put in his way, and the female half of the relationship sees that her nurturing attempts are appreciated, everything is hunky-dory. But let him sense a battle about to start and he will prepare for it; let her feel that he is in some way rejecting her loving support and she will believe he is rejecting her. We’ll take a mythical couple who already have a slightly unstable relationship, and observe an awkward discussion with a look at what’s going on in the background. Jane has noticed that Bob seems to be distant lately and is feeling ignored. Because she knows that if she ignores somebody, she is trying to hurt them, she
Perhaps Joey Essex and Sam Faiers could take some advice from Terence.
believes he is trying to hurt her but has now proved she was right. He’s rejecting no idea why. She decides to try to repair her. things. “Good!” he retorts, then not able to “We need to talk,” she says. The problem resist a last thrust of the spear, adds: “I is, ‘need’ and ‘talk’ in the same sentence is might’ve known it’d be nothing. It never an indicator of discomfort for most males. is.” He wasn’t trying to hurt her, just ‘Oh God!’ Bob thinks. ‘What’ve I done decisively win the battle. But she doesn’t now?’ As far as he’s concerned ‘we need know that. to talk’ is the beginning of an “In that case,” she answers attempt to change his plans - or him with the sort of glare worse, change some fundamental that only suits a female, “I It’s all thing about him. Attack was don’t see there’s any point always the best method of in us ever talking again!” about defence so he says: “Oh, good, “Please yourself,” he survival. here we go again!” shrugs, not able to show Jane realises he’s misunderstood the concern he feels in case And sex, and says: “Oh, don’t be like that...” he seems weak. “We might of course This is a man, the descendent as well call it a day, then.” of warriors, being told what to Jane glares for a moment do and the response is instinctive. or two longer, spins on her “You’re the one who wants to heel and flounces through talk! So what do you want to talk about?” the door, slamming it behind her. He’s trying to deflect the threat of Outside, she realises she’s made things change by putting Jane ‘on the spot’ but worse instead of better ‘What on earth she doesn’t know that. Instead, she sees were you thinking you stupid woman?’ she sheer cussed awkwardness and feels even reproaches herself. She waits, hoping he’ll more rejected. come after her. “Nothing, while you’re in that mood,” Bob, meanwhile, realises he’s just rejected she retaliates. As far she’s concerned, he’s the woman he loves. The fact that he
“
“
didn’t tell her very often means there’s no point in going after her... and anyway, she would only think he was weak. ‘What on earth were you thinking, you stupid sod?’ he groans to himself. Okay, that was not too realistic an argument but the thought process are exactly right. Bob thought it was a battle and fought back, Jane was trying to repair the relationship and reacted spitefully when she was rejected. It’s a problem that is repeated over and again in all sorts of situations from map reading to helping around the house, from squeezing the toothpaste tube in the ‘wrong’ place to whose parents will be visited first at Christmas. Males will recognise a threat when there isn’t one, females will rapidly spot rejection when it’s not really there... It’s a wonder that so many people get past all that and make a lifelong success of something that started with a first date! Terence Watts is an acclaimed author and psychotherapist, among other things. To find out more about his research and unique techniques, visit his website: www.wsn-counselling.co.uk
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 45
Ollie Fletcher
Motoring
As chauffeur to the stars and an all round petrol head, Ollie Fletcher knows just about everything there is to know about cars. This month, for his exclusive column for Essex Style Magazine he went along for a sneak preview of the brand new, exciting Ford Focus ST.
T
he UK’s best-selling hot hatch is now even better than before. After being crowned Auto Express’ ‘Best Hot Hatch’ and Top Gear’s ‘Hot Hatch of the Year 2012’, European sales of hot hatches have been dominated by the Focus ST in the last 3 months with a 44% share of the market – ahead of the Golf GTI and Renault Megane Sport. This third generation Focus ST went on sale in summer 2012 and is fast becoming the standard for performance, style and usability in this sector. It ‘only’ packs a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine rather than the 2.5-litre 5-cyclinder from the old car and is only available in front wheel drive and in five-door form, although an estate is also available. But the 2.0-litre engine develops 247bhp – the same power as an entry-level Range Rover and significantly more than the old ST – and the new car has vastly improved running costs, which is obviously crucial when targeting sales all around the world. The pull is evident when the traction control light flashes whilst still accelerating in third gear. One feature I particularly liked (and which was definitely noticeable) is the engine note piped into the cabin around the
dashboard which resonates nicely, rather than being absorbed through the firewalls and via the exhaust! The fully adjustable Recaro bucket seats hug you perfectly and the interior is packed with more buttons and gadgets than you could ever wish for with everything from a Sony premium sound system to mood lighting able to be personalised. ‘Frozen White’ is proving to be the most popular colour, making up over 40% of sales, while this head-turning test car in ‘Tangerine Scream’ accounts for around 18% of the sales. The ST range is being extended this year with the introduction of the latest Fiesta ST, the fastest ever production Fiesta. No doubt this will also have the same “fun-todrive” feeling as fast Fords from the past. Prices start at £21,995 and you really have to drive it yourself to experience the responsiveness of the engine and the fantastic setup of the car. It’s as good as a family car as it is a track car, and at 40mpg (in the real world), what more could you want?
46 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | JULY 2013
GARDENING
JULY J
une was an excellent month for gardeners across Essex. Whilst opportunities for sunbathing were at a premium, the humidity and rain combined with the mild weather and long daylight hours meant that our foliage had a growth spurt. Now we’re into July, the weather is only going to get hotter and even though temperatures probably won’t be tropical, you’re still going to have your work cut out keeping the garden maintained.
Watering Chances are you have already made your annual trip to the garden centre by now to buy your hanging baskets. Keeping those pansies alive now, however, is going to feel like a thankless task. It is essential to keep them well watered, but so many people get it horribly wrong on this count. Going out in the heat of the day with a watering can is pointless; chances are the majority of the water is only going to evaporate and your beautiful flowers are going to get damaged. If the weather really does get dry, and windy for that matter, it is important to water your hanging baskets as much as twice a day. Get up early before the sun is too high in the sky and make sure they are watered before you go do work. Any time around 9pm will be ideal for their second watering. They will no longer be in direct sunlight and temperatures will be a lot cooler. Of course, it’s not just your hanging
baskets you need to concentrate on. Shrubs, trees and vegetable boxes all need hydration too. Treat them differently from your hanging baskets. Your veggies will probably need watering once a day at night, while everything else will be able to get by on a good soaking twice a week. Pests When the sun is out, you wouldn’t be blamed for wanting to get out there in the open air and make the most of it. Unfortunately those pesky critters that gnaw away at your lettuce seem to have the same idea. Caterpillar and aphid infestations can be dealt with by hand if caught early enough, but should the situation career out of control, you will have to resort to insecticides or grin and bear it. Greenfly and blackfly especially love the heat and don’t forget aphids and other sap-sucking insects can transmit viruses so don’t give in to the sympathy vote. Try and attract beneficial insects by growing a wide variety of plants - ladybirds and their larvae are consummate aphid predators, as are lacewings and, believe it or not, even wasps. Kitchen garden The majority of your planting for this summer should be done by now, but there are certain vegetables that are perfect for sowing at this time of year. Sow maincrop carrots, peas, spring cabbages, turnips and chicory. You can also put in your Brussels sprouts, winter cabbages and sprouting broccoli, giving them time to grow for your Christmas dinner. Hopefully our tips and advice will be beneficial to you, and as ever, we love to hear your feedback.
JULY 2013 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 47
Cosmetic Review Tony Drewitt-Barlow’s
As one of the UK’s biggest names in cosmetic claim substantiation and CEO of Aspen Clinical Research, Tony Drewitt-Barlow is respected worldwide for his knowledge of the cosmetics market. A regular contributor to daytime television shows, including ‘SuperScrimpers,’ he now brings you the latest product news exclusively for ESM.
Tony with Harry Wallop from Channel 4’s SuperScrimpers, due to be aired this month.
Olay Everyone’s heard of Olay products; the brand owners P&G have spared no expense creating a brand that is sold worldwide. This range of products really is the best value for money available anywhere in the world for affordable products that ACTUALLY do the job that they claim to do! The brand was established in 1949 and is available in most supermarkets now and has a huge online presence. Premium look packaging has helped to push this product on the market place, turning what is seen as a luxury brand, into an affordable must have for most women. New launches keeps the brand at the top of the must have ranges too, the new Moisturiser and serum Duo, in the Total Effects range is proving to be another best seller for them!
Want ACR to test your products? 48 | ESSEXSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | JULY 2013
Avon Avon has always been a name that most consumers are aware of. It has always been a name to trust over the years and has, quite frankly, always given consumers a good product for a great price. No wonder the company is growing from strength to strength, even with the recent departure of CEO Andrea Jung. The company is seeing great growth right now with its Anew Range, a multifunctional skin care treatment that is claimed to target dark spots. A “must” product for anyone who is concerned about age spots, blemishes or uneven skin tone. The range also claims to be great for red patches, freckles and leaving the skin looking even and radiant. I can’t wait to put this product in our next set of product testing and bring you the results! Rimmel London Founded in 1834, (I know can you believe that) Rimmel has been one of those products that has been able to stand the test of time. Owned by Coty, one of the largest product manufactures in the world, the brand really has gone from strength to strength in recent years, out-performing most of its competitors around the globe. Some would argue that signing supermodel Kate Moss with her energetic “London Look” has really helped add credibility to the brand. No one can doubt that she has certainly given the products a fresh new sense of what look sells well to its customer base. Rimmels newest range of lipsticks are selling like hot cakes right now. The Apoclips range of lipsticks and lip gloss hybrids are amazing! Adding not only vibrant colours but gloss and shine to the driest of lips! It is said that Kate goes no-where without a bag full of the product now!
Telephone: 01621 859230