Life Magazines (Essex Editions) January 2023

TAG HEUER BOUTIQUE LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

This boutique is part of the Watches of Switzerland Group

O ur new St Albans store is now open! We have a wide range of beautiful Danish Design furniture and accessories for you to discover, and our team of interior designers and design professionals are ready to help you make the most your space as part of our free interior design service. Plus, we’ll have grand opening offers on everything until February 5th, as well as the opportunity for all of our guests to win our iconic Imola living chair.

FROM THE EDITOR

UK artist Luke Jerram’s astonishing installation Museum of the Moon is coming to the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich this winter. As the nights draw in there’s no better time for Jerram’s illuminated installation to be displayed in the magnificent Painted Hall. In-situ until the 5 February 2023, the Old Royal Naval College and its majestic 18th century, baroque Painted Hall is the perfect setting for these two breathtaking artworks to come together.

Visitors to this magical setting can experience the seven metre, to-scale Moon, created using NASA imagery, as it hangs in the awe-inspiring Painted Hall. The imagery features minute detail of the lunar surface, taking the viewer right round to the dark side of the moon.

Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Ascot Racecourse remains a pillar of British sporting and social culture. Welcoming almost 600,000 guests each year, Ascot’s stature, reputation and famed celebration of occasion is admired the world over.

As one of the largest and most prestigious racecourses in the world, Ascot has been hosting some of the finest racing events, including Royal Ascot, for more than 300 years.

With 26 annual racedays and several other events throughout the year, Ascot has something for everyone to enjoy that encapsulates the thrill of horse racing, the pleasure of a day spent at a

memorable venue and the many experiences to be had whilst there, from the Michelin star chefs providing exquisite Fine Dining to the live music and entertainment across the lawns.

If it’s glamour you want in the heart of Soho, Bob Bob Ricard is the perfect destination. Designed by the legendary David Collins Studio, the restaurant opened 15 years ago, but has retained its prestigious reputation as one of London’s finest central London venues. And its sister restaurant, Bob Bob Ricard City, which opened two years ago in the Leadenhall Building (aka ‘the cheesegrater’), retains all of the signature dishes and style of the Soho original.

The flamboyant Art Deco restaurant is set over two floors, and the all-booth dining rooms echo the glamour of an Orient Express train, evocative of the Golden Age of rail travel. Each booth features the now iconic ‘Press for Champagne’ button, which has a phenomenal social media presence of its own.

Manning Editor

EDITOR

FAYE MANNING

EDITOR’S ASSISTANT KIERAN BULLWORTHY SUB EDITOR CHANG KAIRA FASHION EDITOR BEN JONES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PRUVEE PATEL ACCOUNT/ADMIN KATHY MANNING, ANDREE GEORGIOU DESIGN & PRODUCTION BOB AMBROSE DIRECTORS PATRICK SMITH, RORY SMITH PUBLISHED BY FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD 0844 800 8439 www.thelifemagazines.com

© All Rights reserved: All Fish Media Group Ltd magazines are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in any of our publications and any loss arising. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to all of our magazines the publisher cannot accept the loss or damage to such material. The Fish Media Group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement,

Faye

OUT & ABOUT

IMAGE: MUSEUM OF THE MOON AND BLOOD & BATTLE

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month –

22 FEBRUARY

GIOVANNI PERNICE: MADE IN

ITALY

One of the biggest rock stars of dance and Strictly favourite. Strictly Come Dancing 2021 champion and dance heart-throb Giovanni Pernice invites you to join him on a journey to his homeland for his brand new 2023 production of Made In Italy. Joined by an outstanding ensemble of some of the best dancers and singers from the Ballroom and theatre world, this show promises to be a fantastic night out! This Italian themed show features an incredible soundtrack, stunning choreography and beautiful costumes. But be warned… in Italy, it can get HOT HOT HOT!!!!

Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southendon-Sea, Essex. SS0 7RA

[EVENTS]

THE CALENDAR

3-18 MARCH

THE FLOOD

Based on real-life events, this world premiere production of an extraordinarily tender and timely play is about calling? a place home – and what that really means.

Queen’s Theatre Billet Lane Essex RM11 1QT

12 APRIL

HAL CRUTTENDEN:

IT’S BEST YOU HEAR IT FROM ME

After 21 years and 224 days Hal’s back being single. But it’s all going to be fine. Instead of getting the therapy he clearly needs, he’s made a cracking show about it. He’s lost enough weight to almost get his wedding ring off and, while he may be flying solo, he’s far from alone; he’s got his grown-up daughters, his dogs and his divorce lawyer. The fickle finger of fate has turned Hal’s life upside down but he’s sticking a finger right back at it. Palace Theatre Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 9LA

1 MARCH FRANKENSTEIN

HEYRONS - OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS

23 FEBRUARY 2023

Nothing is off the menu in this frank, revealing and very funny all new show. In her first ever live show, Prue will take audiences through the ups and downs of being a successful restaurateur, novelist, businesswoman and Great British Bake Off judge - feeding the rich and famous, cooking for Royalty and even poisoning her clients. In the second half she will be joined on stage by Clive Tulloh, who will put questions to Prue from the audience, that they’ve always wanted to ask, making the show a unique night to remember.

Palace Theatre Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 9LA

20 JANUARY

THE GEORGE HARRISON PROJECT

A live music celebration of songs written and performed by George, from the Beatles, Traveling Wilburys, and his successful solo career. My Sweet Lord, Got My Mind Set On You, Give Me Love, What Is Life, Something, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Here Comes The Sun, Handle With Care, All Things Must Pass, Blow Away, Cheer Down, and many more!

Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester, Essex CO2 7AT

17 & 18 MARCH

RUSSELL HOWARD

Russell Howard, “one of the world’s top comedians” (Sunday Times) is back for a brand new live tour of the UK in 2023. As we reel from one global crisis to the next, join Russell, ‘the uplifting Comedy King’, as he puts the world to rights in his own uniquely hilarious way.

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend On Sea, SS0 7RA

A garden of 4 parts originally created for family enjoyment within and around an ancient, restored farmyard. An Essex barn and brick farm buildings surround an intensely planted walled garden. A terraced area with mature trees, herbaceous and shady beds leads up to a rose garden.

Heyrons, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 4QN

28 JANUARY

ABBA TRIBUTE NIGHT

The Melody Mias, are an up tempo, highly engaging and totally interactive Abba duo show. This show promises to add some glitter and sparkle to every event. They always welcome Dancing Queens up onto the dancefloor, in an interactive and stunning show which includes all of the well known Abba Classics.

Spa Rd, Witham, Essex CM8 1UN

23 FEBRUARY

SARA PASCOE SUCCESS STORY

Sara decided she wanted to be famous at 14 years old. Since then, she has auditioned for Barrymore, scared Pete Burns and ruined Hugh Grant’s birthday - but look at her now… (please look, she needs you to look. And clap. And laugh. And then clap again). The star of BBC2 stand-up special Sara Pascoe: LadsLadsLads is back with a brand-new stand-up show! Sara Pascoe is a highly acclaimed comedian, writer, and actor. She wrote and starred in her recent BBC2 sitcom Out Of Her Mind, and is the celebrated host of BBC2’s The Great British Sewing Bee, BBC’s Last Woman On Earth, Dave’s Comedians Giving Lectures and Comedy Central’s Guessable. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. SS0 7RA

19 MARCH

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES: FROM LOVE ME DO TO LET IT BE

From Love Me Do to Let It Be, from the Cavern to the Apple rooftop, from black and white to psychedelic technicolour, the world’s Premier Beatle band returns to take you on a whistle-stop journey through the most vibrant revolutionary and divisive decade of all - the Swinging Sixties. It’s all here…the iconic mop tops and the Chelsea boots, the Sgt Pepper tunics and the Chesterfield suits. Each tiny vocal inflection and each witty Beatle quip, all meticulously studied on this Magical Mystery trip.

Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA

13 FEBRUARY 2023

BELINDA CARLISLE

Rock stars come and rock stars go and in an everchanging landscape of shifting musical trends, few artists truly stand the test of time. Belinda Carlisle is one of those rare talents who does. She continues to remain relevant after nearly four decades in the business, amidst changing tastes the gifted and glamorous singersongwriter has indelibly touched the hearts of pop fans around the world.

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend On Sea, SS0 7RA

8 FEBRUARY

NGS

Galanthus are a passion. A plantswoman’s ¾ acre garden, planted to encourage wildlife. Sumptuous colourthemed borders with striking plant combinations, featuring specimen plants, fernery, clematis and grasses. Meandering paths lead to ponds, patio, scree garden and small vegetable garden. 2 summerhouses, one overlooking stream and farmland.

Dragons, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 4LS

28 JANUARY

WALK LIKE A MAN

Celebrating 60 years of the Four Seasons – the award-winning stage show Walk Like A Man is coming to Ilford. Awardwinning stage show Walk Like a Man takes you back to the year 1962: four guys, barely scraping a living, are singing doowop beneath the streetlamps of the tough New Jersey streets.

Kenneth More Theatre, Oakfield Road, Iilford, Essex IG1 1BT

DRAGONS - OPEN GARDEN FOR

MUSEUM OF THE MOON AND BLOOD & BATTLE HEAD TO GREENWICH THIS WINTER

UK artist Luke Jerram’s astonishing installation Museum of the Moon is coming to the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich this winter. As the nights draw in there’s no better time for Jerram’s illuminated installation to be displayed in the magnificent Painted Hall. In-situ until the 5 February 2023, the Old Royal Naval College and its majestic 18th century, baroque Painted Hall is the perfect setting for these two breathtaking artworks to come together.

Visitors to this magical setting can experience the seven metre, to-scale Moon, created using NASA imager y, as it hangs in the awe-inspiring Painted Hall. The imagery features minute detail of the lunar surface, taking the viewer right round to the dark side of the moon. The internally lit installation features a surround sound composition by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones for a stunning and profound art-meets-nature experience. Tickets include entry to the Painted Hall, use of a multimedia guide, guided tours of the historic grounds, access to the Victorian Skittle Alley and unlimited re-entry for a year.

A host of specially curated events will be taking

place to celebrate the moon including moonthemed lates, an exclusive Moonlight Dining Experience, and even a chance for children to meet Santa telling a moon-inspired story on selected dates. In the New Year look out for wellbeing, yoga and sound bath workshops in the Painted Hall under the Museum of the Moon.

Visitors can also indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea in the historic Admiral’s House on selected Sundays in December and visit newly opened exhibition Blood & Battle: Dissecting the Life of William Beatty which explores the fascinating –and sometimes grisly – life and work of renowned 19th-century naval surgeon and physician, Sir William Beatty, complete with a replica of a makeshift medical bay. This exciting new exhibition is located in the Visitor Centre and runs until 25 March 2023.

Situated on the banks of the River Thames in Maritime Greenwich, ideally located opposite Greenwich Pier for arrival by boat, or 2 minutes’ walk from Cutty Sark DLR, the Old Royal Naval College is the perfect place to enjoy a fascinating day out this winter. ornc.org

“Visitors to this magical setting can experience the seven metre, toscale Moon, created using NASA imagery”

ASCOT RACECOURSE

Enjoy 26 racedays throughout the year

Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Ascot Racecourse remains a pillar of British sporting and social culture. Welcoming almost 600,000 guests each year, Ascot’s stature, reputation and famed celebration of occasion is admired the world over.

As one of the largest and most prestigious racecourses in the world, Ascot has been hosting some of the finest racing events, including Royal Ascot, for more than 300 years.

With 26 annual racedays and several other events throughout the year, Ascot has something for everyone to enjoy that encapsulates the thrill of horse racing, the pleasure of a day spent at a memorable venue and the many experiences to be had whilst there, from the Michelin star chefs providing exquisite Fine Dining to the live music and entertainment across the lawns.

Revered across the globe, Royal Ascot attracts the finest horses to compete for over £9,500,000 total prize money. Synonymous with sartorial elegance, magnificent millinery, exquisite cuisine and unforgettable celebration, it is an event that must be seen to be believed.

Situated at the height of the British summer social season, from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2023, Royal Ascot is the perfect occasion to enjoy with friends, family and loved ones. The thunder of hooves, the roar of the crowd, the delicious refreshments and the outlandish outfits

combine to create an unforgettable experience to be shared and remembered with your nearest and dearest.

Outside of Royal Ascot, the racecourse’s flagship summer occasion, other racedays include the Peroni Nastro Azzurro May Racing Weekend, QIPCO King George Diamond Weekend, QIPCO British Champions Day, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and Concert, to name just a few.

Additionally, four dedicated family days, complete with free entertainment for little ones and teens through to grown-ups, take place at Ascot each year. From roaming entertainment to fairground rides, face painting, fireworks, and seasonal delights – there’s an occasion at Ascot to suit every preference, for all ages, throughout both the Flat and National Hunt seasons.

Find out more at ascot.com

“Situated at the height of the British summer social season, from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2023, Royal Ascot is the perfect occasion to enjoy with friends, family and loved ones”

BOB BOB RICARD, SOHO

If it’s glamour you want in the heart of Soho, Bob Bob Ricard is the perfect destination. Designed by the legendary David Collins Studio, the restaurant opened 15 years ago, but has retained its prestigious reputation as one of London’s finest central London venues. And its sister restaurant, Bob Bob Ricard City, which opened two years ago in the Leadenhall Building (aka ‘the cheesegrater’), retains all of the signature dishes and style of the Soho original.

The flamboyant Art Deco restaurant is set over two floors, and the all-booth dining rooms echo the glamour of an Orient Express train, evocative of the Golden Age of rail travel. Each booth features the now iconic ‘Press for Champagne’ button, which has a phenomenal social media presence of its own. There is also a 16-seat private dining room which is modelled on the Royal Dining Carriage.

From Caviar to Chicken Kyiv and Beef Wellington, the menus focus on luxury comfort food fit for any occasion. The intriguing range of signature French and English classic dishes reinvented with the finest ingredients also have a slight nod to eastern Europe. Other menu highlights include Chicken and Champagne pie; Lobster, crab and shrimp pelmeni; Truffle macaroni cheese; Châteaubriand; Salmon en croute with Champagne sauce; Steak tartare; Flaming crème brûlée flambéed at the table; and Tarte Tatin served with Calvados ice cream and caramel sauce.

THE DETAILS

Bob Bob Ricard Soho is open 365 days a week, with daily dinner and lunch served on Friday and Saturday.

1 Upper James Street, Soho, London W1F 9DF

Reservations –020 3145 1000 Website –bobbobricard.com Email –soho.reservations @bobbobricard.com

Bob Bob Ricard also serves more caviar than any other restaurant in the UK.

Luxe-for-less means that Champagne and wines are presented at remarkably reasonable prices. A decade ago, Bob Bob Ricard’s owner made the bold and customer-friendly initiative to cap markups on fine wines at just £50, resulting in some of the best ‘bargains’ in the capital. Bob Bob Ricard is also the only restaurant endorsed by Château d’Yquem to serve their wine by the glass, and is responsible for selling 1% of the entire 1998 harvest. Champagne also features prominently at the restaurant, with more than 25 options available by the bottle, and nine by the glass.

Service is another crucial factor to Bob Bob Ricard’s enduring success. The front-of-house team mixes absolute professionalism with a friendly approach to its guests, always mindful that many customers are celebrating important occasions and keen to explore and enjoy the luxury treats on the menu.

London’s Best Winter Walks

A festive walk with family or friends couldn’t be more perfect to experience the spirit of winter in the capital. From sprawling treks across the city’s parks and nature reserves, to inner-city urban trails, here are just some of the best walks to enjoy in London.

BUSHY PARK

At over 1000 acres, Bushy Park lies just north of Hampton Court Palace, Bushy is famed for its mix of waterways, gardens, and roaming herds of red and fallow deer. Visit the Upper Lodge Water Gardens, a historic gem hidden away in the north of the park. See if you can spot some of the arresting birdlife, from kingfishers to kestrels. And enjoy a walk in the peaceful Woodland Gardens after fuelling up at the Pheasantry Café.

HYDE PARK

REGENT’S PARK AND PRIMROSE HILL

The Regent’s Park (including Primrose Hill) covers 197 hectares, The park consists of formal gardens, shrubberies, sports pitches, rough grassland, a large lake, small enclosed wood and a canal with embankments. Regents Park also houses various structures and organisations both public and private, including the iconic ZSL London Zoo. Primrose Hill has a character all of its own, at the summit of this grassy hill are stunning panoramic views from 63 metres above sea level from six different viewpoints.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH

Stretching from Hampstead across to Highgate, a roam across beautiful Hampstead Heath takes you to the countryside. It has provided inspiration for countless films, books and poems. with its 320-hectare wood and 18 ponds - three of which are reserved for wild swimming if you can brave the elements! Climb up Parliament Hill, stop to admire the spectacular views and continue towards the stunning Kenwood House, renowned for its impressive landscaped gardens.

Once the hunting ground for Henry VIII, this large royal park is best known for its famous Speakers’ Corner and Serpentine Lake, home to waterfowl and oarsmen. The Lido only opens for the summer, but the Swimming Club is open all year round so brave folk can swim in frigid waters, sometimes as cold as 4C. For over 150 years, the most dedicated have been getting up early on Christmas morning and swimming in the freezing lake! Hyde Park is also home to the hugely popular Winter Wonderland, open until January 2022.

Primrose Hill

Hampstead heath

RICHMOND PARK

One of London’s most breathtaking landscapes and among the best places to enjoy wildlife. The 1,012-hectare space is made up of woodland, grassland and ponds attracting hedgehogs and bats hibernating in winter. But the park is best known for its 630 wild red and fallow deer – so have your camera ready if you want to catch their misty breath on a frosty day. Discover the Isabella Plantation woodland gardens, refuel at Pembroke Lodge tea rooms and enjoy distant views of St Paul’s Cathedral from King Henry’s Mound.

HOLLAND PARK

Located in one of the most desirable areas in London. amble around its formal gardens, loop the woodland in the north of the park then follow the path into Kyoto Garden, a Japanese garden with stone lanterns, a waterfall and carp-filled pond. Look out for herring gull and black-headed gull in winter and squirrels and free-roaming peacocks all year round. The park also has an orangery, tennis courts and a cricket pitch.

WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS

1,140 acres of countryside amidst the urban surroundings of Wimbledon, Putney and Kingston-upon-Thames. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, the Commons provide an important home for wildlife With woodland, scrubland, heathland and mown recreation areas – and nine ponds. They are the home to a wide variety of bird, animal and plant life. Being an unfenced Common, the whole area is open to the public 24 hours a day throughout the year for visitors to explore, relax and unwind. You will also see avid horse riders from the nearby Wimbledon Village Stables.

GREENWICH PARK

On a crisp winter’s day, there are few better places to be than at the top of Greenwich Park. The 74-hectare space is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it overlooks the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College, with the River Thames and Canary Wharf in the distance. Greenwich Park is an amazing mix of 17th century landscape, stunning gardens and a rich history that dates back to Roman times and a small herd of Fallow and Red deer, harking back to its royal hunting past. There’s also a children’s playground

HIGHGATE CEMETERY

Although it may seem a little macabre, Highgate Cemetery is one of England’s greatest treasures and one of the most peaceful, idyllic walks in the city. Notable writers, musicians, philosophers including George Eliot, Karl Marx, Jean Simmons, George Michael and Malcolm McLaren… and some rather well-off unknown individuals are laid to rest here. It has incredible architecture, mausoleums, and individual graves amongst an eerie gothic setting. A guided tour is well worth the cost, giving insight and knowledge of its fascinating history.

BATTERSEA PARK

With its gardens and sculptures offering the chance to escape through botanics and brief history lessons to far-flung destinations around the world, Battersea Park is one of the prettiest and most varied green spaces to walk in London. The Grade II-listed, 200-acre park boasts a spot of inner-city tranquillity - the Old English Garden: a walled hideaway in which a lily-covered pond and vibrant foliage is tended to by a Chelsea Flower Show gold medal-winner. Battersea Park also holds a children’s zoo, a boating lake, and a playground.

where kids can run around and exhaust themselves. There are many more parks and open spaces to discover in London, all bringing a bit of countryside into the capital.

Richmond Park

Wimbledon Common

Greenwich Park

Holland Park

Highgate Cemetery

THE CINEMA AT SELFRIDGES

It is the first time a department store anywhere in the world has taken the step to offer such a facility permanently. The three-screen luxury cinema destination is fitted with the latest stateof-the-art sound and vision technologies to ensure your viewing experience is world-class.

Open all year round, with daytime and evening timetables, you can watch the latest releases across a mix of blockbusters and independent films. Alongside some Christmas classics you can also cosy up to see ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’-set more than a decade after the events of the first film, learn the story of the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

Also the long-awaited ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ – the joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time.

Ticket prices range from £12 to £20 depending on screening days and times and usual concessions, plus a priority membership scheme which includes free ticket allowance and a host of benefits and services.

The Cinema at Selfridges also offers an extensive food and beverage menu to cater for all

tastes including vegan, served from the cinema’s own informal restaurant. A la carte is available in the restaurant only with dishes from £8 to £19 for sharing plates and served throughout the cinema’s opening hours, with afternoon tea (including a vegan afternoon tea) available during the afternoon.

Alcohol, mocktails and soft drinks are available from the main bar or the cinema’s tuck shop drinks corner. Prices are from £12 for alcoholic beverages and from £10 for mocktails, both wine and Champagne are available by the bottle with some by the glass

The Cinema at Selfridges is located at 400 Oxford Street with an entrance both at the heart of the store on its lower-ground floor, and direct street access from 40 Duke Street, allowing customers in and out regardless of the store’s operating hours.

THE DETAILS

Open 7 days a week 12pm-9pm

For more information and to purchase tickets call 0800 123 4000 selecting option 5. Email: boxoffice@selfridgescinema.com or visit selfridges.com/cinema

A Style That Stands Out

TAG Heuer returns with the Aquaracer Professional 200, a bold, stylish, allterrain luxury tool watch that continues the rich legacy of the historic Swiss Manufacture’s high-functioning sports watch, which began four decades ago.

The Aquaracer Professional 200 is available with either a 40mm or 30mm stainless steel case. Every model has a uni-directional rotating bezel with twelve facets, water resistance to 200 metres, and either an automatic mechanical or quartz movement. The choice of movement changes the watch’s layout and functionality. Automatics are distinguished by their fumé (smoky) gradient dials, date windows (but without a magnifier – to maintain the watch’s streamlined profile), Super-LumiNova sweeping seconds hands, and more detailed minute tracks. The quartz models have no date and a pared-back look by comparison, while otherwise retaining the same aesthetic and technical characteristics.

One attribute shared by every new Aquaracer Professional 200 reference is the case back design. Because these are watches designed to capture the go-anywhere spirit of exploration, the watch’s reverse is engraved with a compass, replacing the scaphander diving helmet that has featured on Aquaracer case backs (and its predecessors) since 2002. The backdrop to this remains the repeating engraved hexagonal motif seen on the Aquaracer Professional 300.

Both size of timepiece feature a slimmed-down, more elegant bracelet that continues TAG Heuer’s long tradition of producing ergonomic bracelet designs that follow the natural curvature of every wearer’s wrist. As well as being highly flexible and durable, the Aquaracer Professional 200’s bracelet comes with a comfort link with a 7mm extension that can be adjusted quickly using a beautifully engineered push-down-and-pull release mechanism. A robust but sophisticated tool watch for life’s many challenges, both pieces in the Aquaracer Professional Series also have intelligently designed fluting on the bezel’s facets so it can be easily gripped and adjusted. Delivering an intensely rewarding user experience, these are bold, dynamic watches fit for ice-climbing and speed-flying, just as they are for life in the everyday.

To view the Aquaracer Professional 200, or any of TAG Heuer’s other timepieces, visit the TAG Heuer boutique located in the Lakeside Shopping Centre or book an appointment online via www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk/store/514.

This boutique is part of the Watches of Switzerland Group.

“Every model has a uni-directional rotating bezel with twelve facets, water resistance to 200 metres, and either an automatic mechanical or quartz movement”

75 years of Porsche

The first vehicle to bear the Porsche name was registered on June 8, 1948: It was the 356 “No.1” Roadster. This is the day on which the Porsche brand was born. And purchased by a woman called Jolanda Tschudi, of Switzerland .

The Type 356 turned Ferry Porsche’s dream of a sports car into a reality. “His vision at that time embodied all of the values that still define the brand to this day”, said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Tradition is a commitment. Without our tradition and without our core values, we would not be where we are today”, explained Blume. “We have the solid technological expertise, creative employees and unique team spirit. We have what it takes to ensure that the Porsche brand continues to fascinate.”

The successor model to the 356, the Porsche 911 designed by Ferry Porsche’s son Ferdinand Alexander, finally gave the company its breakthrough as one of the leading manufacturers of sports cars in the world, both from a technical and a design perspective.

The Porsche 911, presented to the global public for the first time in 1963, has now been built over a million times. “Although the 911 has been consistently developed in the intervening decades and enhanced many times over with new,

innovative technologies, no other vehicle has managed to retain its original essence in the same way as the 911”, says Blume. “As the centrepiece of the brand, the 911 has become the sports car of dreams, winning the collective heart of enthusiasts all over the world.”

In 1966 presented as the ‘Safety Cabriolet’, the Porsche 911 Targa was launched. And the following year the Porsche 911 R was built for use in motorsport. Weighing 800 kg, it had a 6-cylinder, naturally-aspirated and horizontallyopposed engine producing 154 kW (210 PS), making it incredibly fast.

“In the beginning I looked around and could not find quite the car I dreamed of. So I decided to build it myself.”

–Ferry Porsche

1948-2023

“His vision at that time embodied all of the values that still define the brand to this day”

the first road-approved car to complete a lap in under 7 minutes - 6 minutes and 57 seconds to be precise - shaving 14 seconds off the previous record.

2017 was definitely a year to celebrate: the onemillionth 911 rolled off the production line - a style icon and the unmistakeable face and heart of the Porsche brand.

Fast. Puristic. Emotive. For the past 75 years, the Porsche brand has been synonymous with sports car construction at the very highest level. porsche.com

In 1972 The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was launched as the sporty leading model of the 911 range. And in 1975 at the height of the oil crisis, Porsche presented the first 911 Turbo – the world’s first production sports car with exhaust turbocharger and pressure regulator. And in 1977 conceived as the successor to the 911, the Porsche 928 broke new ground in terms of technology and design. It was powered by a light-metal alloy V8 engine.

The one millionth Porsche rolled off the assembly line on 15th July 1996. And to leave the 20th century in style the 911 series was rounded off with an exceptional sporty version, the 911 GT3.

Celebrating the new millennium, Porsche displayed its high-performance Carrera GT sports car at the Louvre in Paris and in 2002, presented its third car line: the sporty, off-road Cayenne SUV. Series production of the Carrera GT commenced in 2003 and by 2006, 1,270 units of the fast (up to 330 km/h) high-performance sports car had been built.

At the Geneva Motor Show 2010, Porsche presented the 918 Spyder high-performance hybrid as a concept study for the 21st century sports car. The Boxster Spyder was a radical return to the origins of the roadster: two seats, enhanced performance, no room for incidentals. Marking 2013, the 918 Spyder set a Nürburgring lap record:

The one millionth Porsche rolled off the assembly line on 15th July 1996.

Celebrating 70 years of Porsche, The 911 Speedster Concept

1972 Porsche Carrera RS

The one millionth 911 sold in 2017

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

OF PUNK DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD’S FASHION LEGACY

01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 01.

GUCCI, Kids Basket Low Trainers. £490

FENDI, Boys Colour Block Dogtooth T-Shirt in Black From £350

MONCLER, Boys Logo Print Shorts. From £155

MONCLER, Boys Velour Zip Through Tracksuit. From £330

DSQUARED2, Kids Icon Logo Socks in White. £42

BURBERRY, Kids Cotton Logo Cap in Yellow. £160

FENDI, Kids FF Logo Backpack in Red. £750

BALMAIN, Boys Black Logo Ski Pants. From £292

boys girls

BURBERRY, Girls Cotton Jersey Logo T-Shirt in Pink. £160

BURBERRY, Girls Canvas And Rubber Lace Up Trainers in Pink. £340

PALM ANGELS, Kids Logo Socks in White. £35

BURBERRY, Girls Cotton Check Shorts in Pink. £170

MONCLER, Girls White Cotton Tracksuit. From £280

STELLA MCCARTNEY, Girls Floral Belt Bag in Multicoloured. £67

MICHAEL KORS, Girls Sports Crop Top in Yellow. £55

GUCCI, Kids Embroidred GG Logo Visor in Red. £215

Kids Sherpa FF Hooded Jacket in Brown. From £760

Kids Jacquard Logo Ski Boots in Black. From £520

Baby FF Logo Stroller in Tan. £2,250

Kids Joggers in Black. From £275

Black Boots. £650

Baby Wool Logo Bear Coverall in Brown. £750

Baby Logo Hooded Poncho in Cream. £520

Baby Girls FF Logo Dress in White. £490

Girls Drawstring Logo Bag in Brown (H:18cm). £1,350

Fendi Kids Girls Red FF Logo Tape Cut Out Dress. From £295

Kids Down Padded Reversible Gilet in Black. £850

Baby Leather Logo Booties in Ivory. £275

Girls Half Zip Logo Sweatshirt in Red. From £430

Logo Trim Zip Up Top in Black. From £275

Girls Wool Knitted Logo Dress in Cream. From £580

Girls Brown FF Logo Jersey Dress. From £480

Kids Down Padded FF Logo Coat in Black. £1,350 Scooter. £690

CHILDSPLAYCLOTHING.CO.UK

FASHION & BEAUTY

WRAP UP WARM

Pretty and practical, these stunning knitted hats have several options. One is covered in buzzing bees on a tan ground with mustard bee silhouettes. Perfect for wrapping up warm in the colder months, it features a lovely faux fur pompom and is sure to make a stylish statement. There is also a version with a lovely faux fur pompom where coral pink stars sit against the grey melange colour ground. sophieallport.com

KEEPING IT PERSONAL

The Zodiac Crystal Personalised Bracelet is a delicate chain bridged by a zodiac charm of your choice. The zodiac charms feature crystals set in a pattern to represent unique constellations. Each constellation is inset with tiny sparkling crystals representing your zodiac star sign. bloom-boutique.co.uk

FABULOUS FLAMINGO

Take a look at our Teal Serendipity Cosmetic Bag. Whether you are jetting off to an exotic location, on a business trip, or looking for something stylish to place on your bathroom vanity unit our designer wash bags and make-up bags are a stylish and organised way to carry all your essential toiletries and cosmetics. claire-louise.co.uk

FEELING FRESH

Our iconic Ginger & Lime fragrance is a clean, masculine scent, with a blend of citrus lime and warming ginger to gently cleanse and recharge the senses. baylisandharding.com

THE WEEKENDER

Our new weekend bag is the perfect gift for couples to take on a romantic weekend away together. Personalised with their first initials and surname, its a practical gift for newlyweds heading off on their honeymoon or for couples spending a night away for their anniversary. sundaysdaughter.com

Queen of punk Dame Vivienne Westwood’s fashion legacy

By Prudence Wade.

Few individuals disrupted fashion quite like Dame Vivienne Westwood, who has died aged 81.

Known for her counterculture aesthetic and commitment to the environment, fashion wouldn’t be where it is today without Westwood carving her unique path.

She continued working until the end of her life, with the announcement on her Instagram page reading: “Vivienne continued to do the things she loved, up until the last moment, designing, working on her art, writing her book, and changing the world for the better. She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 60 years has been immense and will continue into the future.”

Tributes have already started pouring in from the world of fashion, music and beyond, with Chrissie Hynde – lead singer of the Pretenders – tweeting: “Vivienne is gone and the world is already a less interesting place.”

Westwood certainly made the world a more interesting place throughout her career – these are some of the major ways she broke boundaries…

She brought a punk aesthetic to high fashion

With her provocative and boundary-pushing designs, Westwood helped set the fashion tone for the punk movement in the 1970s.

She opened a shop with her then-partner Malcolm McLaren on the King’s Road in 1971 –later called SEX – which was frequented by some of the biggest names in punk – including the Sex Pistols, who McLaren managed.

During this time, Westwood’s designs set the tone for punk fashion – think ripped T-shirts, lots of safety pin embellishments and tartan accents. Westwood often used anti-establishment iconography in her clothes – particularly subverting traditional images of the monarchy.

In 1998 she told The Independent: “I was a punk before it got its name. I had that hairstyle and purple lipstick. Girls stopped me in the street and said, ‘Look at the state of that’.”

She made the environment a central focus

The climate crisis might be top of the agenda now, with brands like Stella McCartney using eco-friendly materials and emphasising the need for sustainability in fashion.

But when Westwood started talking about sustainability way back in Eighties, she was seen as something of an outlier. She used traditional tailoring from Savile Row and put great importance on how garments were made –

The late great designer championed punk fashion and was committed to environmental sustainability.

considering the supply chain long before many other major players did.

Her work was always political, and she made her explicit focus the environment in the Noughties. In 2012, Westwood appeared on the catwalk during London Fashion Week in a T-shirt saying ‘climate revolution’, and in 2015 she drove a tank near former prime minister David Cameron’s home to protest fracking.

Some have struggled with Westwood’s message to ‘buy less’, while she still produced multiple new collections a year. However, this was something she was conscious of, with the Vivienne Westwood website reading: “We know there is a contradiction between our activism and the industry we are part of. Fashion creates products which are too often disposable, and which – through their creation, distribution and eventual disposal – can have a disproportionately negative impact on our planet, its wildlife and people.

“We know this and we know we must do better. We have been adapting the way we make our clothes and accessories over the last few years to reflect the growing urgency to change how the industry operates but, in this time of climate crisis, we must go further.”

Westwood continued to post on her blog (climaterevolution.co.uk) up until her death – in November she praised the young activists who threw soup on Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting, writing: “Young people are desperate. They’re wearing a T-shirt that says: Just Stop Oil. They’re doing something.”

She championed androgyny in fashion

Over the past few years, androgyny has become big business in fashion – championed by the likes of Brad Pitt, who wore a skirt on the red carpet in August.

This arguably wouldn’t have happened without Westwood. From the beginning of her career, she’s pushed the boundaries of gender in fashion, putting men in skirts and women in sharp tailoring.

One clip that’s been going viral on social media since Westwood’s death shows an extremely awkward TV interview when she was introducing her autumn/winter 1988-89 collection, called Time Machine. Westwood had male models wearing pearls, and the interviewer asked – to the giggles of the audience – “Tell me about the twinset and pearls for men, has it caught on? I have not seen a

lot of men wearing twinsets and pearls.”

Westwood replied: “You might see your bank manager in five years wearing that” – proving she was far ahead of her time. The audience may have been laughing at Westwood’s designs at the time, but her prediction eventually came true – a string of pearls is current fashion icon Harry Styles’ signature look.

She constantly subverted expectations Westwood’s fashion was meant to challenge and subvert expectations. She first introduced corsetry into her designs in the 1970s, and it remained her signature style in the decades that followed.

With corsets, Westwood was one of the first designers to experiment with the ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend (one that is still in fashion today), and she used them to make a strong statement for female empowerment and liberation – challenging their original meaning of restriction.

As American designer Marc Jacobs said in his tribute to Westwood: “You did it first. Always. Incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance.”

“We have been adapting the way we make our clothes and accessories over the last few years to reflect the growing urgency to change how the industry operates”

Ear problems can be very distressing. Sound entering the ear canal moves ear drum. This vibrates the small bones of hearing called ossicles and this, in turn, moves fluid in the inner ear to convert sound signal to electrical signal. This is interpreted by the brain. Ear problems like wax in the ear canal, ear infections, otosclerosis and ear drum perforation can affect your hearing.

To make diagnosis good detailed history, examination and special hearing test are required. As ear is one of special sense, you should always trust ear specialist with extensive experience. Conditions in which ear surgeon can help 1. Cholesteatoma – it is the collection of epidermal tissue in the middle ear which is locally invasive and destructive.

2. Glue ear – it is a condition in which middle ear which filled with air gets filled with fluid. In most cases, it clears without treatment. In some cases, ventilation tube called grommets may be required.

3. Otosclerosis – is a condition in which one small bone of hearing gets fixed. It can be treated with hearing aid or surgically.

4. Perforated ear drum – is the condition which can be due to chronic ear infection, trauma due sudden loud noise or change in pressure while flying.

5. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss – is the rapid unexplained rapid hearing loss which can require emergency medical treatment. The main treatment is early intervention with oral steroids with or without steroid injection in the ear.

THE DETAILS

Private Secretary info@entsurgeonclinic.co.uk 07494914140

Practices at four facilities

Nuffield Health

Brentwood Hospital

Shenfield Road Shenfield Brentwood CM15 8EH

Spire London East Roding Lane

South Redbridge Ilford IG4 5PZ

Spire Hartswood Hospital Eagle Way Brentwood CM13 3LE

NHS Practice

Barking Havering Redbridge NHS Trust

Queen’s Hospital Rom Valley Way Romford RM7 0AG

Mr Gaurav Kumar Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon entsurgeonclinic.co.uk

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Mums and Dads-to-be pampered

There’s nothing like having a little bit of ‘me time’ when you’re pregnant - so a spa day is a great way to revitalise and get prepared for your new little arrival!

While mums-to-be may be the most deserving of some TLC, finding the right beauty treatments when pregnant can be difficult. It’s not always clear which beauty, spa or cosmetic treatments are safe to have during pregnancy.

As a rule, you should avoid any heat treatments while pregnant – such as the sauna, hot tubs, steam rooms and body wraps – as your body temperature should not be increased. But you can still indulge in some R&R and enjoy treatments such as manicures, pedicures, most facials and pregnancy massages.

The Dorchester Spa offer treatments designed for pregnant ladies – aimed to cleanse the mind and soul in a private, soothing space in which to find some therapeutic calm. They have crafted their space around every desire so you are free to find your own way to take time for yourself, whatever that may be.

The treatment begins with a gentle olive grain exfoliation, followed by layers of warming rose gel, oil and cream. While cocooned in your rose wrap, a wonderful scalp massage will calm and soothe the mind.

Duration: 60 minutes

Aromatherapy Associates Pregnancy Massage Relieve stresses and strains, heavy legs and an aching back with this all over body massage. Includes a relaxing and rejuvenating scalp and facial massage.

Duration: 60 minutes.

Mum’s the word Spa Day

PREGNANCY TREATMENTS

The following treatments are suitable from the 14th week of pregnancy and for nursing mothers.

The Dorchester Signature Pedicure

Their signature pedicure is infused with anti-ageing ingredients formulated to cleanse, exfoliate, treat and hydrate, leaving your feet smooth and radiant. Specially designed to energise and invigorate, this treatment is completed with a flawless application of your preferred polish.

Duration: 60 minutes

Aromatherapy Associates Rose Cocoon

Precious essential oil of damask rose works on capillary circulation, renewing the skin whilst soothing the emotions and lifting the spirits.

Let The Dorchester Spa’s expert therapists relax your mind, body and soul during your aromatherapy massage and facial. Enjoy a foot massage treatment and a file and polish for your toes or fingernails to finish.

Duration: Allow up to 4 hours.

THE DETAILS

To make an appointment or to discuss your pregnancy spa treatment preferences, please call the spa reception team on +44 (0)20 7319 7109

at The Dorchester Spa, Mayfair

For the father-to-be The Dorchester Spa

offer a range of bespoke treatments created specifically for men’s skin and a gentlemen’s grooming parlour providing the finest traditional grooming services for over 30 years.

More than just a lovely indulgence, professional facials can improve both his physical and emotional wellbeing.

Aromatherapy Associates Men’s Facial

Extensive research and development has resulted in a new and improved skincare collection specifically formulated for men. Combining cutting-edge technology with the finest quality ingredients, the Refinery collection is rich in essential oils and plant extracts. This deep cleansing and brightening facial leaves his skin looking clean and luminous.

Price: From £110 Duration: 60 minutes

Valmont Men’s Facial

An exclusive fatigue-fighting, moisturising treatment for men, using powerful products and massage techniques to decongest the eye contour area and rejuvenate the skin. Available for a choice of durations: Express, complete and intensive.

Price: From £165 Duration: 60 or 90 minutes

La Prairie

Cellular Energizing Back Ritual

Many men will benefit from this intensive

treatment for the back. A cleansing, exfoliating and mask application hydrates and pampers this often overlooked area, while a heavenly back, foot and hand massage lets him drift away.

Price: From £120 Duration: 60 minutes

It’s a Man’s World

The opportunity for him to take some time out and enjoy this package, which includes a deep tissue massage followed by a moisturising 90-minute Valmont Facial. Just the ticket to help him unwind and refocus.

Price: From £362 Duration: Allow at least 3 hours

Committed to delivering smooth skin.

Chest Wax Duration: 60 minutes

Back Wax Duration: 60 minutes

THE DETAILS

To make an appointment please call the spa reception team on +44 (0)20 7319 7109 or email

spa.tdl@dorchester collection.com. dorchestercollection.com/en/ london/the-dorchester/spa

The Dorchester Spa at The Dorchester Park Lane, London W1K 1QA

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

Kate’s most Googled fashion moments of 2022

With royal tours and plenty of engagements in the diary, the Princess of Wales had a busy 2022 – and her wardrobe was more than up to the challenge.

From colourful outfits and vintage-inspired looks to sombre black mourning outfits, Kate’s fashion has been characteristically polished throughout the year.

But which outfits piqued our interest the most? There were particular days of the year we turned to Google to find out more about what Kate was

wearing. These are the top days – and corresponding outfits – we were looking up Kate’s fashion.

FOR THE QUEEN’S FUNERAL

For the sombre occasion of the Queen’s funeral in September, Kate wore a black Alexander McQueen coat dress with a wide-brimmed hat and veil. Pearls are traditionally worn by the royals in mourning, and Kate accessorised her look with the late Queen’s Japanese pearl choker necklace –which she also wore to Prince Philip’s funeral the previous year.

From Alexander McQueen coat dresses to yellow Eighties-inspired outfits, these are the royal looks we’ve been searching for this year. By Prudence Wade

FOR JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Kate wheeled out a series of enviable outfits for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, and the outfit that had people rushing to Google was the pastel yellow Emilia Wickstead outfit, worn to a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. The elegant midi dress featured wrap detailing underneath the bust and was teamed with a matching hat by Philip Treacy and the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings –which were given to the late Queen as a wedding present by the Hakim of Bahrain in 1947.

AT A SERVICE FOR THE QUEEN

Ahead of the Queen’s funeral, Kate attended a service for the late monarch in Westminster Hall. She kept her outfit simple – a black Catherine Walker coat dress, worn with a pearl and diamond brooch.

AT THE PLATINUM JUBILEE PAGEANT

Kate continued her run of colourful Jubilee outfits for the pageant, choosing a raspberry Stella McCartney to watch the show. The cut of the dress was quite demure – with long puff sleeves, a high neck and midi length, but the bright colour made it feel a lot more fun. While fans went wild for her outfit, she was almost outshone by fouryear-old Prince Louis – who struggled to sit still during the two-hour pageant.

AT A CHARITY POLO MATCH

Proving a midi dress is always her go-to, the day after the pageant Kate stepped out in a white version to watch the Prince of Wales play in a charity polo match. She turned to one of her favourite designers, Emilia Wickstead, for the occasion, and looked elegant in the simple white dress with black piping.

LEAVING THE BAHAMAS

Kate switched up her style for the royal tour around the Caribbean in March – while she packed some failsafe midi dresses and suits for the trip, she was also a bit more experimental with vintage finds and unusual colours. The most searched-for outfit from the trip was the yellow Alessandra Rich dress she wore leaving The Bahamas. With puff sleeves, peplum detailing and a bow on the front, the vibe was distinctly Eightiesinspired – and quite different to the silhouettes we’re used to seeing Kate in. While most of Kate’s outfits tend to sell out immediately, this one is still available to buy – and has been reduced from £1,690 to £1,014 on Net-A-Porter.

AT CARDIFF CASTLE

We can only imagine how many coat dresses Kate has in her wardrobe – this was one of the most popular of the year, a red version by Eponine London (which she first wore back in 2021). Kate donned the outfit for a Jubilee visit to Cardiff Castle – and as red is the colour of Wales, we can’t imagine her choice was an accident.

AT WIMBLEDON

As a patron of the All England Club, Kate is a familiar face at Wimbledon – and this year she took Prince George to the Royal Box for the first time, to watch the men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios. Kate kept things light and summery in a navy blue polka dot dress by Alessandra Rich, with the cut reminiscent of the yellow dress she wore by the same designer in The Bahamas.

3 signs you’re drinking too much water

We’re often told to drink eight glasses of water a day –but this might not actually be the magic number.

Research from the University of Aberdeen published this week suggests the recommended intake of two litres of water a day doesn’t actually match our actual needs – and in many situations is too high.

Given around half of our daily intake of water comes from food, scientists estimate we only really need around 1.5 to 1.8 litres per day.

That doesn’t mean you should stop hydrating entirely. “Our bodies need water for a whole host of essential functions,” says Dr Bryony Henderson, lead GP from online health service, Livi (livi.co.uk).

“Water carries nutrients to the cells and transports the waste away, and it cushions and lubricates the brain and the joints. Through perspiration, it also helps to regulate the body’s temperature.”

Being dehydrated – when the body loses more water than it takes in – “Can have an impact on almost every part of our body”, suggests Henderson. “Even mild dehydration can affect our ability to concentrate. It can lead to headaches, extreme tiredness and constipation.”

So how can you know when you need water? “Thirst is the best rule of thumb symptom in day-to-day life,” says Henderson. “However, by the time you feel thirsty, you might already be dehydrated.”

She recommends eating fruit and veg rich with water, and having easy access to a water bottle – especially if you are someone “who frequently exercises, particularly in hot weather, or who commonly worries about not drinking enough water”. See your GP if you have any concerns or queries.

It’s clear we need water to function – but how can you tell if you’re drinking too much?

1. Urinating more, but not actually getting rid of all the water

“Increased water intake means you’re drinking too much water for your kidneys to process through urinating, which can cause water buildup in your bloodstream,” explains Henderson. This might mean

you’re not flushing out unwanted waste products, causing you to feel unwell.

2. Water retention

If you feel puffy – as though your skin is highly reactive – or feel as though you are gaining weight rapidly, you may be retaining water. “Retaining water occurs when your body physically can’t get rid of the water, which can be a result of major health conditions. Both are equally as dangerous, as it disturbs the balance between the sodium and water in your blood,” Henderson says.

3. Low salt levels

Drinking too much H20 “can cause water intoxication, which is when your salt levels and your electrolyte levels become too diluted”, explains Henderson. Not having enough salt in the body can lead to nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and irritability. “If untreated, [water intoxication] can lead to a condition called ‘hyponatremia’, which means your salt or sodium levels have become dangerously low. If these levels drop too low at a rapid pace, it can be dangerous, and in rare cases cause death.”

Imy Brighty-Potts asks an expert how to know if we are too hydrated – and why the right balance matters.

HOUSE & GARDEN

Bringing Your Vision TO LIFE

As a young yet highly experienced firm, Blackberry Build is built on a foundation of outstanding artistry, unparalleled design skills and an ongoing commitment to premium quality.

At a very young age I wondered what my purpose in this life was. I worked various jobs, which I would start with excitement, but as soon as I had mastered them, I would start seeking a new challenge. I craved constant learning and growth and wanted to push myself forward. I could not agree more with the quotes – ‘Never tolerate average’ or ‘Impossible is a state of mind’. I started my career in the construction industry 22 years ago, right at the bottom, as a bricklayer’s labourer and worked my way up. Within five years, I was put in charge of a small crew. The following 12 years took a lot of hard work, courage and effort and were very challenging but successful. From a site supervisor, I became a project director picking up a BA (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering, NVQ Level 7 in Construction Management, Membership of a Chartered Institute of Building and other qualifications.

NEW HOMES PROJECTS

My main and most enjoyable projects were marketing suites and show apartments for such industry giants as St George and Berkeley Homes.

As these projects were the developer’s flagships and showpieces for the quality of design and workmanship, they had to be completed to an immaculate level, and that is what I enjoyed most! After doing this for almost seven years, I had a huge hunger for a new challenge. I had tons of experience, knowledge, determination, and a massive will to create something unique. This is where Blackberry Build was born. It went through the stages and evolved into a unique project delivery company like no other. Now I’m glad to say that I’m thrilled with what I do as my ‘work’. It’s crazy; I like it so much I don’t even call it a ‘job’. I just enjoy it too much.”

Richie says, “Blackberry Build implements everything I have learned

over the past 22 years in the industry and mostly the knowledge gained working with absolute industry leaders in the prime locations in London. Our company’s blueprint is based on military precision in programming and delivering projects, exceptional finish quality and the best possible customer experience. Not a single project takes off without an accurate programme of works. To lead Blackberry Build projects from the initial client meeting to the perfect completion and professional clean, we have a team of highly skilled, trained and experienced industry professionals – our project managers.

BUILDING A REPUTATION OF EXCELLENCE

Every task on Blackberry Build projects is carried out by a master of the trade, seeking the highest possible outcome, and average is just not something we would tolerate. At Blackberry Build we execute the best customer experience possible, where our clients have complete peace of mind, full reports, confirmed dates, certification and guarantees. We

also have an excellent track record of delivering projects on time and budget and every review we have received is to the highest 5 stars.

YOUR IDEAS MERGE WITH OUR EXPERTISE

Blackberry Build is a place where a client comes with an idea and leaves with a perfect house, which they will enjoy for many years to come. Most of the projects completed by Blackberry Build are getting valued well above the market value, due to the supreme quality achieved and the architectural solutions implemented. Our unique approach and customer experience is constantly praised among our clients.

A UNIQUE PROJECT NEEDS A BESPOKE APPROACH

Whether you plan to build a new home from scratch or renovate an existing property, the skills, experience, and knowledge of the Blackberry Build team allow you to transform your vision into a reality. We recognise that every project is unique, as is every client, which means that we spend time understanding your requirements, budget, and timeframes, in order to tailor our expertise to the demands of your individual project. From here, we can then piece together a detailed plan of action, which will be overseen at every stage by skilled project managers. This ensures that all works, regardless of their scale or complexity, are delivered on time and to the highest standards.

Richie Sirusas MCIOB Director, Blackberry Build Ltd 01277 563566 blackberrybuild.co.uk 105 High Street, Brentwood CM14 4RR

“Our company’s blueprint is based on military precision in programming and delivering projects, exceptional finish quality and the best possible customer experience”

FEEL THE WARMTH

INTERIORS

Made for those who want to experience the delights of being totally wrapped in linen, our Warm Clay bedtime bundle, in a vintage-inspired dusky pink, is made from super soft 100% stonewashed European flax. Our Bedtime Bundles consist of a duvet cover, a sheet and a pair of pillowcases. Opt for a consistent Warm Clay colour-scheme or contrast with our classically crisp White linen sheets, with the option to add on extras if desired. Linen keeps you cosy and warm in the winter, cool in the summer and is highly breathable. pigletinbed.com

TIMELESS STYLE

Timeless and effortlessly stylish, Olive & Barr truly celebrates the glory of British craftsmanship with shaker kitchen cabinetry handcrafted by skilled artisans right here in the UK. oliveandbarr.com

STYLISH STORAGE

This compact multi drawer unit provides the perfect perch for your TV. Our wood and metal drawer unit features two different vintage style cast iron handles on rich coloured solid mango wood drawers and paired with a modern grey body. vincentandbarn.co.uk

GREEN GIANT

We simply love this striking, giant ceramic vase vital grasswith a grass green glaze. 40cm height x 26cm diameter. curatedliving.co.uk

MADE WITH LOVE

These hand stitched silk embroideries show simple designs of flowers, with a pair of pink butterflies fluttering above, or an intricately stitched design with pink and mauve peony flowers They are finely worked and are typical of the delicate needlework used to decorate traditional Chinese costumes. They come mounted and framed as shown. shimu.co.uk

AN ODE TO CURVES

Tstraight lines and angles gradually edged out in favour of the round. In the home, curves are calming, they imply comfort, softness and safety – no objects threatening to bash shins or cause dents here.

PLAY TIME

Now roundness has really kicked off, the newest designer pieces showcasing exaggerated, extravagant, expressive curves that go over-thetop with size, scale or configuration. While in more traditional shapes this may be too imposing or impactful for indoors, without angles the new forms are childlike and friendly – often with a dash of the cheeky or whimsical.

AU NATUREL

These designs also hint at the organic, many of the shapes appearing gently smoothed over time, or obviously sculpted by human hands. While perfect circles, discs and spheres still play a part in the contemporary interior, they’re supported by forms that are imperfect, tying in with our ongoing love affair with nature and bringing the outdoor in to create an inherently relaxing mood.

PRODUCT PICKS

Round and round

Is it a piece of art, or something practical? The Stami daybed by Milanese designers Studiopepe for Gallotti & Radice is all about curves, its straight lines almost invisible. A tale of two halves, its lower frame – if it can really be called that – is composed of impossibly delicate slices of black stained ash, which seem to loop and grow around the cushions above, flawlessly providing levelled support while making its own visual impression. The upholstered upper section is so sleek it looks naturally formed, the oval and cylindrical leather cushions impossibly smooth like something made in the digital world rather than reality. Stami daybed by Gallotti & Radice, £7,880

“Is it a piece of art, or something practical? The Stami daybed by Milanese designers Studiopepe for Gallotti & Radice is all about curves”

Stami daybed by Gallotti & Radice, £7,880

Denver Dattero

Supersized

Made up of just two substantial segments, the seat of Lema’s Claire armchair by Norm Architects nods strongly to nature, combining epic upholstered forms with a slick, minimal frame. The two cushion sections are rounded like a pair of pebbles eroded by time and slowly drawn together, their exaggerated size and quiet-yet-monumental curves at once indulgent and humble, emanating warmth and serenity.

Claire armchair by Lema, £3,100

Charismatic contours

Making an impression with its wing-like double backrest, finding strict linearity on the Aldora Sofa by Cristina Celestino for Moooi is like playing a long game of hide and seek. Its impressive backrest inspired by the arcing lines of Calla Lilies and prompting visions of pretty flying insects, the flowing flamboyant form is both somewhere to get comfortable on as well as an upholstered sculpture, bestowing joy and character on the room with its presence alone.

Aldora Sofa by Moooi, £3650 chaplins.co.uk

Perfect imperfection

Combining the organic with geometric precision, the Maxim Argile dining table by Pio and Tito Toso for Cattelan Italia melds a perfectly rounded, touch-me-smooth table top with a trio of alluring concave legs. Expertly crafted from liquid cement which is poured into a mould in the same way a sculpture is produced, when solidified the material has a gentle, tactile finish. The simple, oversized shapes imbue the design with a natural feel, its base akin to mysteriously enlarged petals or leaves creating a subtle yet striking statement.

Maxim Argile dining table by Cattelan Italia, £5980

“Lema’s Claire armchair by Norm Architects nods strongly to nature, combining epic upholstered forms with a slick, minimal frame”

This image and middle right: Maxim Argile dining table by Cattelan Italia, £5980

Above and below: Aldora Sofa by Moooi, £3650

This image and top right: Claire armchair by Lema, £3,100

A new textile collection rooted in age old skill

Textile and wallpaper designer, Kate Loudoun Shand, unveils a new range of textiles this October that celebrate the art of block printing and present a new take on a classic stripe.

In a landscape of botanical prints and patterns, the brand felt a compelling need to offer something different. Inspired by the iconic Cabana Stripe, with its minimalist, bold pattern, the new collection offers a series of compelling stripes with character and depth and which are designed to stand the test of time.

The range features three new designs with a total of 10 colourways that together make a grounding colour palette. Dhaaree Stripe comes in berries, blue and Jaipur rose; Chaand Stripe comes in brown and pink, soft blues and putty and green; and Evelyn Stripe comes in lawn, deep

water, rust and winter rose. There is also a new cushion design using the Chaand Stripe in brown and pink.

On the new collection, Kate Loudoun Shand comments: “I’ve always wanted more stripes in the line. There’s a lack of stripes with zest and personality in the market and I want this collection to be the answer to that. Through the block print technique I was able to bring texture to the design and produce something that is less flat and more friendly, in keeping with our house style.”

“We work with a family-run business who have been block printing for generations. For me l love the alchemy that happens when the block is carved by hand and the design is then printed by hand; each element of the pattern is unique and there’s not a machine in sight,” Shand adds. kateloudounshand.com

Kate Loudoun Shand

2023 Kitchen Design Trends TO INSPIRE

If you want to keep your home feeling fresh and up to date then it is a good idea to plan ahead, we spoke to local kitchen design company Urban Myth and asked them what trends they think will be popular in 2023.

Nature inspired spaces are here to stay

The use of natural materials has increased considerably over the last few years, and this is a trend that is set to stay. As well as bringing a welcoming and warm feeling to your space this style is easy to keep clean and as a neutral tone it looks great mixed with any colour.

“The use of natural materials has increased considerably over the last few years, and this is a trend that is set to stay”

Moody and dramatic spaces

Peter Hill, Head designer at Urban Myth told us “Several customers are becoming more adventurous with their kitchen style, especially a scheme that layers up textures with the same colour, like our new showroom display in matt black and gold to create a moody vibe.

Soothing Pastels

“While there will be a rise in and bold colours in 2023, certain spaces still call for a level of calm says Marzena Rodrigues, Senior Designer for Urban Myth, “and this is where pastels come back in, they are surprisingly versatile and can transform a space into something truly special” If you are looking at introducing colour in to your kitchen why not look at finishes and patterns in soothing tones like eucalyptus, mid-level blues, and soft pinks.”

Lighting as a mood

Lighting is an important feature of a kitchen and one that Urban Myth encourages their customers to think about at an early stage, from task lighting to layered lighting, depending on how they want to use the room, there’s a growing interest in creating different moods for different activities.

Love for organisation

According to a recent survey on Tiktok, the biggest kitchen trend this year was organisation and Peter agrees “The majority of our customers are looking to increase the storage space in their new kitchen and we have many options for interior organisation that maximise space and easy access to your provisions and kitchen equipment. For example the Flex cabinet solution that delivers full access to your corner cabinets leaving no space unused.

If you’re renovating your kitchen this year, visit www.urbanmyth.net for more design inspiration or book an Urban Myth showroom appointment by calling 0208 531 3413.

“If you are looking at introducing colour in to your kitchen why not look at finishes and patterns in soothing tones like eucalyptus, midlevel blues, and soft pinks”

Are you concerned about potential leaks or costly water damage?

Are you one of 70% of home owners in the UK incorporating a mineral felt flat roof? Mineral felt generally has a slow breakdown often allowing water ingress to cause unnecessary damage before anything can be visibly detected within the home.

A failing roof & the warning signs- look for signs of cracking around the roof edge, pipes, upstands and roof lights etc. Beware of blisters on the roof surface, during colder months they can become brittle and crack. The home-owner should also be made aware that insurance companies will no longer accept any liability for any external or internal damage caused by a leaking flat roof which is over 10 years old.

Further very important information: - all property owners please be aware when a flat roof is replaced there are Building Regulations that the homeowner and the contractor must comply with. Failure to comply can leave the homeowner open to major problems when selling the property. Please call for free information regarding the regulations.

In 1999, High-Tech Roofing first introduced the most advanced flat roof technology to the homeowner. Protan, based in Norway, has a pedigree in the design and manufacture of water-

THE DETAILS

High-Tech Roofing

We welcome you come and visit us at 850 London Road, Leigh-onSea, Essex SS9 3NQ. Our opening hours are Mon to Fri 9:30am till 4:30pm and Sat 10am till 2pm. However, we do offer a service whereby we will open upon request outside of opening hours. Please call to arrange an appointment. T: 0800 22 66 66 www.flatroofs.net

proofing materials dating back to 1939, and producing the first roofing membrane in 1971. Protan is our preferred PVC single-ply flat roofing system and will cope with all climates, millions of square metres are installed here and abroad with a proven track record stretching over four decades. Protan is predominantly an architect-specified roofing system, winning many awards serving the very competitive commercial sector.

A High-Tech roof is dimensionally stable and solar reflective, the material is unaffected by climate change and 100% resistant to moss & algae growth. The membrane has a unique anti-slip finish allowing the roof to be walked on and is aesthetically pleasing. As it is a vapour permeable product it will never blister or become brittle and crack. High-Tech will create a 100% storm resistant watertight roof, maintenance free and guaranteed for life never to leak.

We will be delighted to welcome you at our showroom located in Leigh-on-sea. This gives us the opportunity to show you first hand our superb Lifetime Guaranteed flat roofing systems. We have a variety of displays showing the glass skylights and roof lanterns offering the opportunity to view everything before you buy.

BEAUTIFUL HERITAGE INSPIRED WALLPAPERS

colours, contemporary furniture and soft tones. A wonderful way to incorporate this style into your home is with a tartan inspired wallpaper mural.

Wallsauce.com boast a vast range of beautiful heritage style wallpapers, one we particularly love is this beautiful Grey Tartan design. This wallpaper pairs perfectly with rich, wooden furniture and an exposed wooden floor. Add in your contemporary elements through a modern style chair and a rattan rug for a beautiful contrast of modern and classic.

Add a classic twist with beautiful panel-inspired wallpaper

The modern take on the classic heritage style sees traditional elements - such as panelling -paired with contemporary accents to create a wonderful blend of ‘old meets new’

To create a classic heritage dining room, adorn your walls with this stunning Beige Wood Panels wall mural and accessorise with a chunky wood dining table and white and muted gold accents. If you’re looking to add a touch of old-world charm and splendour to your space, you can explore the full range of panel inspired wallpaper Wallsauce. com has to offer.

Don’t shy away from patterned wallpapers

Creators of custom-made wallpaper murals, Wallsauce.com have gathered together its most beautiful heritage inspired wallpapers. These stunning designs are guaranteed to transform your home into a gorgeous country side escape.

Wallsauce.com has a wide range of beautiful wallpapers for every room and every style.

Whether you are decorating your bathroom or your hallway, its stunning array of collections are ideal to complement a vast range of interiors.

Not only are these wallpaper murals made to your wall dimensions so that waste is minimal, but the peel-and-stick material is also recyclable!

Take on tartan for your heritage style room

Born out of the combination of classic designs mixed with traditional elements, heritage inspired décor is easy to replicate with the right mix of rich

THE DETAILS

To discover more beautiful designs, head over to wallsauce.com.

Rich colour palettes and patterned wallpapers are essential when it comes to creating heritage style décor. This stunning tile-inspired wallpaper is perfect for those who are not fans of plain beige and cream walls and prefer to inject personality into their rooms.

The muted blue and orange tones are designed perfectly to match beautiful natural wood furniture, such as a set of drawers, flooring and other accessories such as storage baskets. Natural wood furniture is the first stop when it comes to creating a gorgeous heritage style due to its exposed material and warm hue.

Oversized florals are always welcome

Wallsauce.com is known for its vast collection of stunning floral and botanical wallpaper murals. Luckily for us, floral designs are perfect for accentuating your heritage style room.

The wonderful combination of a classic floral

wallpaper with contemporary wooden furniture gives this room a stunningly modern twist. The warm, natural beige hues of the wooden furniture bring a cosy vibe to the space.

Accessorise further with soft, white curtains on your windows or patio doors and choose smooth ceramic materials for any lighting or ornaments you wish to display. Include a dash of wicker material, such as your rug or as a planter.

Muted tones and floral designs are made for Heritage rooms

The Heritage style uses muted, understated tones to create a warm atmosphere. A vintage inspired design, such as this Tulip Pattern wallpaper mural from Wallsauce.com, is the perfect choice when it comes to choosing a patterned wallpaper for your room.

Combine the muted floral greens with an exposed wooden floor and dark wooden, contemporary furniture – such as a bench, coffee table or chest of drawers, depending on your chosen room. Lay down a cream or beige rug to add a hint of cosiness to your space, now you have a beautiful heritage style room.

All of these stunning heritage style wallpaper murals from Wallsauce.com are made-to-measure and printed using environmentally friendly inks. Choose from three materials including peel and stick, paste the wall or classic premium.

“The Heritage style uses muted, understated tones to create a warm atmosphere”

New Year, New Home? Get ready to refresh in 2023!

FRENCH & FABULOUS

The Pays Blanc Range is a stunning collection of vintage style, French inspired bedroom furniture. Crafted from wood, this collection has a rococo inspired design and comes with an antique white painted finish. Each piece has ornate, festoon style detailing complete with gold brushing.

With a wide selection of vintage style mirrors and accessories available to match.

GOLD MODERN LUXE

Love everything gold and glam? Our collection of furniture and mirrors spans a stunning selection of contemporary designed, luxurious gold furniture. Our mirrors collection contains a vast variety of glamorous mirrors with a gold finish.

ART DECO DARLING

Art Deco style mirrors are some of our most popular designs! We’ve designed a striking selection of art deco mirrors, ready for the trend to continue into 2023. With a huge collection available in a wide selection of sizes, colours and designs, you will easily find the perfect art deco mirror for your home.

melodymaison.co.uk

“Art Deco style mirrors are some of our most popular designs! We’ve designed a striking selection of art deco mirrors, ready for the trend to continue into 2023”

The Top 10 Home Improvements to Invest in During 2023

Loft conversions, new kitchens or bathrooms, real wood flooring and smart home wiring have been revealed amongst the top 10 most value-adding property features to invest in right now, according to new research.

A recent study, conducted by Flooring Superstore, analysed live Rightmove listings and collaborated with top property experts to unveil which home improvements have the potential to add the most value to a property.

The Rightmove research suggested that real wood floors were most likely to have a positive impact on property prices in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh. The investigation also highlighted that underfloor heating can increase the overall value of a home too, with this energy efficient form of heating most likely to boost property prices in London, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Glasgow, and Birmingham.

According to industry experts, homeowners should look to invest in improvements that add to the overall footprint of their property. Creating extensions or home improvements that modernise, improve the general condition of, or

add interest to – such as creating a dedicated work from home space, installing underfloor heating, or restoring original features came out on top.

Creating a loft conversion or extension was the most likely improvement that significantly adds value. New kitchen, open plan living, restoring original features, new bathroom, designated working from home space, new windows and doors, approved planning permission, smart home wiring, real wood floors and underfloor heating were other aspects that were likely to add value.

While having a bath within the main bathroom –not just a shower – or having a working fireplace had minimal impact on the property’s value, these installations could sway a sale if in line with the personal preferences of the prospective buyers.

Installing solar panels are a potential risk due to the respective tariffs, the fact that some see them as an eye sore, and the repair/maintenance costs. If the solar panels are leased rather than owned outright, it can make a property unmortgage-able. Similarly, outstanding planning permission could potentially damage the value of a property, as it implies that there’s a problem with it.

The average potential percentage increase per home improvement revealed the following:

Rank Home improvement

1 Loft conversions / extension

2 New kitchen

3 Open plan living

4 Restoring original features

Potential impact on property value Estimated % increase

Significantly adds value +19.38%

Adds value +9.38%

Adds value +8.33%

Adds value +7.38%

5 New bathroom Adds value +6.88%

6

Designated WFH space

Adds value +6.33%

7 New windows and doors Adds value +4.83%

8

Approved planning permission Adds value +3.75%

9 Smart home wiring

10 Real wood floors

11 Underfloor heating

12 Bath in bathroom (not just shower)

13 Solar panels

14 Working fireplace

15 Outstanding planning permission

Adds value +3.67%

Adds value +3.33%

Adds value +3.00%

Neither adds nor damages +0.67%

Neither adds nor damages +0.50%

Neither adds nor damages +0.00%

Potentially damage value -1.25%

“Our research suggests that there are plenty of opportunities for homeowners to add tangible value to their properties. Real wood flooring has the potential to add up to 5 per cent to a sale price in some areas. We recognise the value of real wood flooring, which is why we have the Direct Wood Flooring brand and team of experts to advise on grades, shades, grains, trends and much more. However, if real wood is out of your budget or not practical for your lifestyle, then you can still get the premium look for less with our vinyl or EvoCore alternatives. Waterproof and scratch resistant, EvoCore is an extremely versatile range; suitable for all areas of the home. Practical, hardwearing and easy to maintain it’s great for busy family homes too.

“For most of the top value-adding features in a home that our research revealed, flooring is an important consideration. For example, whether you’re getting an extension, new kitchen or bathroom, you need to consider functionality and style when it comes to the flooring type. On trend designs such as the popular parquet, is not only eye-catching and super stylish but instantly associated with luxury – for that all important first impression. Available in hardwood, laminate, EvoCore and vinyl designs, there’s a range suitable for every project too.

“Whichever home improvements you are looking to invest in, it’s likely that your current flooring will be disrupted, so try to take advantage of this by updating your flooring at the same time”.

flooringsuperstore.com

As well as improvements within the property itself, expert advice suggests that landscaping outdoor space can also be a good investment to make. A well-maintained garden has the potential to add anywhere between five to 20 per cent to a property’s value – perhaps more as lockdown has created an increased demand for outdoor space. For those looking to revamp their external areas, artificial grass is easy to maintain, weather-proof, and pet-safe, so could be a good option.

Jessica Fox, Senior Marketing Executive, at Flooring Superstore commented:

“Our research suggests that there are plenty of opportunities for homeowners to add tangible value to their properties”

Creating Stunning Products From Quality Materials…

Creative Curtains & Interiors has been a family run business for nearly 40 years. We pride ourselves on offering our clients quality handmade curtains, soft furnishings, blinds and shutters, as well as a full interior design service.

Although styles have changed over the years, one thing that hasn’t is our commitment to offering the best personal service you simply wouldn’t get from department stores. Craig will be more then happy to guide you and take you through the whole process from the initial designing stage, through to the installation.

With a huge range of successful and diverse projects, from 8 bedroom homes to 1 bed apartments, we also like to work with landlords and take on commercial projects including hotels and offices.

You can feel assured that we have the experience and expertise to help you design and create your perfect home interiors.

Our showroom is based in Chigwell but we not only cover Essex but also all of Hertfordshire and London.

All products can be motorised for your complete convenience and security purposes.

Over recent years motorisation has become more mainstream and affordable.

With the latest lithium batteries and technology there’s no need for electricians to have motorised blinds and curtain tracks.

Why not drop in and peruse our range of over

13,000 fabrics. Our small team working from our shop in Chigwell is dedicated to providing excellent customer care, guidance and advice.

We truly have something for everyone to transform their room. Contact us Creative Curtains & Interiors to find out how we can help you.

Please call Craig on 0208 501 2342 or 07500 704 002 for more information.

creativecurtainsandinteriors.com

You can feel assured that we have the experience and expertise to help you design and create your perfect home interiors

Dobbies unveils SS23 indoor living trends

UK’s leading garden centre reveals new-look collections for SS23

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has unveiled its new-look indoor living collections for Spring Summer 2023 that celebrate the flexibility of our homes and put great value homewares at the forefront of the range.

Dobbies’ new season collections champion homes of all shapes and sizes and place high importance on how people can transform their space for less with natural interiors, light fabrics and eye-catching accessories.

From maximalism, Scandi designs, to homewares inspired by the coast, Dobbies’ SS23 indoor living collections embrace a variety of seasonal trends and demonstrate an affordable way for people to breathe new life into their homes this spring.

Speaking about the new collections, Dobbies’ homewares buyer, Hayley Ker, commented; “This year, we’re focusing on great value, and showing

people how they can get the most out of their homes and create a positive space to unwind.

“Our new living themes for SS23 include Japandi-inspired designs in Tranquil Nature, homewares influenced by the Mediterranean landscape in Earth and Soul, and a clever blend of traditional and contemporary interiors in Coastal Calm.

“The new collections demonstrate how small changes can have a big impact in your home and completely transform the look and feel. Whether that’s by using botanical prints to welcome nature indoors, layering textured throws to switch up a living space, or using colourful textiles to brighten up a neutral room, there are plenty of ways to

make an impact and embrace the new season without completely overhauling your interiors.

Dobbies’ muted Tranquil Nature range features an overall Scandi design with Japanese influences and touches of French weave. Hayley explains: “Our Japandi-inspired Tranquil Nature theme blends an earthy colour palette of neutrals, moss greens and charcoal with a chalky matte finish for a contemporary look that lends itself well to natural décor. Gorgeous stoneware vases, botanical prints, and minimalistic accessories come together to create an organic collection that celebrates nature and will help create a natural flow from home to garden, especially when paired with fresh foliage and houseplants. With Tranquil Nature homewares starting from just £4.99, it’s a great value way to inject some natural freshness into your home for the warmer seasons ahead.”

Deep neutral interiors sit at the heart of Dobbies’ Earth and Soul theme for SS23 in a nod to the warmer seasons ahead. Hayley comments: “As we approach summer, Mediterranean sunset inspired natural tones of brown and taupe will bring warmth into our homes and work well when paired with vibrant pops of citrus and claret red. Woven fabrics, on-trend Pampas, and colourful candles and stoneware will give your interiors a touch of the tropics and lift any neutral spaces. Warmer tones will also help create a positive, relaxed living atmosphere that will carry your home through to high summer, and we have intentionally focused on homewares that can be used both inside and out to allow you to get the most out of your accessories. Our Earth and Soul homewares start from just £4.99, allowing you to welcome some trending warmth into your home for less.”

Coastal Calm is Dobbies’ blend of traditional and modern designs, inspired by tones and textures found by the coast. Hayley says: “Our new Coastal Calm range for SS23 cleverly combines mid-century design with Scandi minimalism for an effortlessly timeless collection inspired by the coast. Layers of tonal blues and ash greys meet beachy soft white textiles for a peaceful collection reminiscent of soothing shorelines. Stand-out homewares include gorgeous blue mottled vases, textured cushions and wooden lanterns that can be used both indoors and out, with homewares starting from just £1.99.”

Also included in Dobbies’ SS23 collections are

trending homewares inspired by the Dulux Colour of the Year and a new selection of colourful accessories to welcome spring. Hayley comments: “The highly versatile ‘Wild Wonder’ is set to be in-demand in 2023, so we’ve curated a unique collection of homewares that will allow people to join in on the trend in an accessible way. Gold glass vases and natural materials feature and are expected to be popular with neutral lovers to bring warmth into their interiors, with options starting from just £1.99. Alternatively, for those who favour colourful décor, our new range of SS23 candles will bring some new season vibrancy to dinner parties, and can be used to brighten up mantlepieces and neutral interiors. Prices start from just £2.49.”

To explore the new SS23 indoor living collections, visit dobbies.com

NEW OUTDOOR LIVING TRENDS FOR SS’23

Our customers approach their outdoors with the same enthusiasm as they do their interiors, and to make it as easy as possible for them, we’ve curated our range into new ‘get-away’ trends for when the garden needs to be an exciting destination come summer.

Tuscan Villa

Take life easy using simple design and elegant iron accents to conjure up terracotta tiles, sun-bleached courtyards, and life in the rustic country side. This is a warming Mediterranean look that speaks more of country than coast using tactile natural materials, like wicker and stone.

Modern Country

The new generation of country style that beautifully combines rustic material with traditional patterns to create a premium, yet idyllic scene.

Scandi

Make the best of laid-back living, Nordic style, with simple, elegant design and a look that connects effortlessly with nature. With our Scandi collection, new outdoor materials have given exciting opportunities to push the design boundaries outside.

Modern Industrial

The impact of industrial inspired style provides a complete social scene outside, a balanced look that contrasts beautifully within the garden. Wide frames and sleek polystone finishes epitomise the simplicity of contemporary spaces, and offers homes luxury style outside.

Balinese Summer

Create a haven in the garden full of ambient mood and getaway charm, an idyllic place where you can relax and recharge easily at home. This is sanctuary style for blissful escape, using layers of luxurious hotel style and scene-setting outdoor accessories. coxandcox.co.uk

“Take life easy using simple design and elegant iron accents”

Porcelain Superstore unveil the next big interior trend

Fluted interiors could be the next big trend according to research from independent tile specialists Porcelain Superstore.

own Fluted range, a collection that puts a new spin on the ever-classic subway tile. Available in five colours, the fluted range is inspired by the Art Deco era and will add depth and texture to any wall space.

Abbas Youssefi, Director of Porcelain Superstore, said: “If any collection epitomises modern glamour, it is this one. The striking fluted finish plays with the light to create a statement finish.

“The pandemic has fuelled an appetite for interiors that wow not only in real life but social media too and these gorgeous tiles with their subtle matt glaze are scene stealers.

“And while these might be our newest addition, we are already seeing demand for them soar.”

Data obtained using Google Trends shows searches for the term ‘fluted’ recently peaked at its highest-ever position.

It comes as Porcelain Superstore launch their own Fluted range, a collection that puts a new spin on the ever-classic subway tile.

Available in five colours, the fluted range is inspired by the Art Deco era and will add depth and texture to any wall space.

Abbas Youssefi, Director of Porcelain Superstore, said: “If any collection epitomises modern glamour, it is this one. The striking fluted finish plays with the light to create a statement finish.

“The pandemic has fuelled an appetite for interiors that wow not only in real life but social media too and these gorgeous tiles with their subtle matt glaze are scene stealers.

“And while these might be our newest addition, we are already seeing demand for them soar.”

The Fluted collection is also available with a complementary ‘plain’ counterpart to offer even more design options for homeowners.

Fluted interiors could be the next big trend according to research from independent tile specialists Porcelain Superstore.

Data obtained using Google Trends shows searches for the term ‘fluted’ recently peaked at its highest-ever position.

It comes as Porcelain Superstore launch their

The Fluted collection is also available with a complementary ‘plain’ counterpart to offer even more design options for homeowners. Available now from porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

The Rachel Usher Interior Design studio’s dedicated team provides a high-end service which is always tailored in approach, expertly managed and effortless for each individual client.

If you’re in the need of professional expertise please do get in touch. Rachel Usher Interior Design works on projects nationally and internationally, with a base in London, Yorkshire and Los Angeles. We work closely with all of our clients to realise imaginative spaces which truly reflect your vision and aspirations to enhance your at-home experience.

Inspiring

We have one of the most comprehensive ranges of kitchens and bedrooms available, manufactured in our own UK factory, we believe great design is achievable on any budget.

Contact us to view this kitchen in our showroom

designs, expertly made for you. take a virtual showroom tour

more than a kitchen...

020 8531 3413 urbanmyth.net 7 Cabinet Way London E4 8QF