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what’s on
hello
sunshine!
revive your wooden
floor boards
NEW NEW season season
fashion fashion conf confidence idence Hand delivered Hand Hand delivered Hand Handdelivered delivered delivered Hand delivered Hand delivered to14,000 homes to14,000 to14,000 homes to14,000 to14,000homes homes homes to14,000 homes to14,000 homes in the RUGBY area in in the RUGBY area in in inthe the the theRUGBY RUGBY RUGBY RUGBYarea area area area in the RUGBY area
moving home? Part 1 in our series
getting married?
WIN a CLARINS Mum & Me Time Day (worth £249)
Hall at Ragdale
HOME & GARDEN | MOTORING | HEALTH & LEISURE | FASHION & BEAUTY |FOOD FOOD& DRINK | ENTERTAINMENT &EVENTS EVENTS | SERVICES HOME HOME & GARDEN GARDEN | MOTORING ||| HEALTH HEALTH & & LEISURE LEISURE || FASHION FASHION & & BEAUTY BEAUTY ||| || FOOD FOOD & DRINK DRINK | ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT & & EVENTS | SERVICES HOME && GARDEN || MOTORING & LEISURE FASHION & BEAUTY FOOD && DRINK| ART &ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT || SERVICES HOME & GARDEN | MOTORING | HEALTH & LEISURE |FASHION || FASHION & BEAUTY BEAUTY FOOD & DRINK | || ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS | SERVICES HOME HOME & & GARDEN GARDEN | | MOTORING MOTORING | | HEALTH HEALTH & & LEISURE LEISURE | | FASHION & & BEAUTY BEAUTY | FOOD DRINK DRINK | | ART ART & & ENTERTAINMENT | | SERVICES SERVICES HOME HOME & GARDEN GARDEN | MOTORING MOTORING | HEALTH & & LEISURE LEISURE FASHION FASHION & & BEAUTY & & DRINK || ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT & & EVENTS | SERVICES SERVICES HOME HOME & & GARDEN GARDEN | |MOTORING MOTORING WEDDINGS | | HEALTH HEALTH & & LEISURE LEISURE FASHION FASHION & & BEAUTY | SENIOR ENTERTAINMENT YEARS & EVENTS | FOOD & DRINK |SERVICES SENIORS HOME & GARDEN | MOTORING HEALTH & LEISURE & BEAUTY FOOD & DRINK ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS | SERVICES HOME HOME & & GARDEN GARDEN | MOTORING MOTORING | HEALTH HEALTH & LEISURE LEISURE | FASHION FASHION BEAUTY BEAUTY BEAUTY FOOD FOOD & & DRINK DRINK DRINK | | ENTERTAINMENT ART ART & & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT &&EVENTS EVENTS | SERVICES | SERVICES SERVICES HOME HOME & & GARDEN GARDEN ||| MOTORING MOTORING ||| HEALTH HEALTH & & LEISURE LEISURE ||| FASHION & BEAUTY || || FOOD FOOD || ART ART & & ENTERTAINMENT ||| SERVICES SERVICES HOME HOME & && GARDEN GARDEN MOTORING MOTORING HEALTH HEALTH & & LEISURE LEISURE FASHION FASHION & & BEAUTY FOOD FOOD & &DRINK DRINK DRINK | ART ART & &ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES SERVICES HOME HOME & & GARDEN GARDEN ||||| MOTORING MOTORING |||| HEALTH HEALTH & & LEISURE LEISURE ||||FASHION FASHION FASHION & & BEAUTY BEAUTY |||| FOOD FOOD & & DRINK DRINK ||| ART ART & & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT ||||| SERVICES SERVICES
CONTENTS
Welcome
HERE’S TO THE BEST YEAR EVER: 2017...
4 HELLO SUNSHINE 10/11 DECLUTTER YOUR STUFF 14 REVIVE WOODEN FLOOR BOARDS 16 UPDATE YOUR BATHROOM 20/21 TRENDY DENIM DRIFT 24 WHICH PERSONAL BLENDER? 25 LEGAL 30/31 MOVING HOME part 1 in our series 38 UPDATE YOUR WINDOWS 42 YOUR FIREPLACE - SPICK & SPAN 45 HOW TO ADVERTISE 48 STOP MOANING 50/51 10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT 52 LOCAL ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS 55 FOOD TRENDS FOR 2017 59 RAGDALE HALL COMPETITION 60 BRIGHT EYESRIGHT EYES 62/63 OUT WITH THE OLD WEDDING TRADITIONS
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We know you will enjoy this edition of FRESH, lovingly delivered through your letterbox, all in time for the start of spring. Be inspired to get busy transforming your house and garden into your perfect home in 2017. Bringing you all sorts of top tips and ideas including how to maximise on the Dulux colour of 2017, decluttering at it’s best and how to accessorise your bathroom with wood and stone. Moving house, we are running a series of articles to help you with this daunting task. Tips for bright eyes and food trends 2017 (we’ll be watching these). We are here to help you pick your personal blender and there’s loads of activities for senior years. If you are getting married then don’t miss our regular wedding special. Here’s to a very healthy, happy and prosperous 2017. A massive, warm welcome to all of our new advertisers in this issue.
Michelle Love Editor
please call 07540 604069 michelle@freshhomeliving.com @freshhomeliving www.facebook.com/pages/Fresh-Home Living-Magazine DISCLAIMER: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the editor cannot accept any responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content. COPYRIGHT: No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it in this publication. fresh magazine trades as part of the allsorts publications group of magazines,
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e n i h s sun Grapefruit Candle £38 www.johnadler.com
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Kitchenaid Yellow Mixer £399 www.abraxascookshop.com
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HOME & GARDEN
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declutter Are you drowning in clutter? Do you find it tough to throw things away? IT’S TIME TO TAKE CONTROL... Drawers, cupboards, wardrobes and filing cabinets… most of us will have at least one place that’s bursting at the seams. It’s that pile of ironing that you never get to the bottom of or the phone chargers in a tangle across the living room floor. There are simple ways to clear your space and your mind and by getting rid of the things that you don’t want, then you can focus on the things that you really love.
The Hall Make sure you have hooks for coats and racks for shoes; put scarves, hats and gloves in a box. Always sort post immediately. Add a lamp and a picture, dull, dark hallways invite clutter.
The Living Room
Get your family to commit to a tidy up blitz before going to bed or leaving the house to go out. Plump up the cushions, tidy away remote controls in an agreed place, take cups into the kitchen, tidy up newspapers and magazines. Rectangular wicker storage basket £10 Sainsbury’s
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The Kitchen
go. Streamlining is the wa y to If there isn’ t Put away all of your dishes. rds, keep boa cup r you in m enough roo doesn’t t wha e your favourites and tak p. sho rity cha fit to the storage Tidy and declutter existing buying more. ally atic om aut n tha er rath . If you buy a Follow the one-for-one rule old one. the ard disc , pan g fryin new e’. cas in t ‘jus gs thin Don’t keep ny spa tulas Duplica te utensils? How ma do you need? foods and Check expiry dates on all items. ate of-d outany ay throw aw
The Home Office
Our homes are full of possessions we have collected along the way for the person that we would like to be, rather than the lives that we actually lead. If you have a wardrobe full of exercise gear but your idea of a work out is taking the stairs rather than the lift, that fitness clutter belongs to your fantasy self… Let go of the fantasy self and its emotional baggage and make space for your true passions. It’s not about giving up on your dreams, it’s about making way for real ones.
inet. Download Thin down your filing cab liance and digital versions of your app ne bank onli for Go ls. nua gadget ma The Instant clear out ents um doc statements and policy Take everything out of your cupboards g han uld sho You er. pap n rather tha and put it all in bin liners. Then take out the two for bills and s onto bank statement clothes that you actually wear, day by erwork pap ted rela tax any years and day. By the end of the month you will y the r yea tax the r for 22 months afte have a clear idea of the clothes you really to. rela te need and which ones you can ge ran at gre a has Ikea k. Tidy your des sell/give-away or donate to your favourite Fix . ries esso of cable management acc charity shop. for k des r you h eat a half shelf ben . Minimalism in 30 days etc ter storing your modem, prin Tackle one item a day for a but tly nice and nea Start a ritual of month. If accessible. clearing clutter and you nge Arra . flow r Find you restoring order. didn’t drawers so tha t the things Pick a different area of miss it, are st mo use you tha t your home each week get rid clos est to you. Organise and set aside a block of of it for d elle lab with k des r time to tackle it. you , good. trays for ‘new paperwork’ Get inspired. Still got Find photos of how you’d ‘being worked on’ and some like your space to look. ‘ready to file’. clothes The Bathroom that you are Only keep lotions tha t you never wear? Do it rything else eve p kee w, sho on g usin again the following in a cupboard. month, until you’re left fold ed, Add a high shelf or rail for with the perfect unused towels. wardrobe edit. t tha s inet cab Search out tall, narrow The three month ce. a tight spa add valuable storage in a as s loft plan ble dou t tha r Invest in a radiato els). tow ing Put the clothes you don’t dry for at (gre der towel lad wear but can’t bear to part with in a bag Utility/laundry room in the loft/under the bed in a storage bag/ laundry If you have space, buy two suitcase. After three months, take them into ly ant inst s baskets and sorts clo the out and re-look at them. If you’re tidy p things whites and colours. To kee wondering why you ever kept that dress time h eac task complete the who le you last wore in the year 2000, get rid of it. ay. aw put wash, dry, fold or hang and
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HOME & GARDEN
12
Stay together‌
In our brand new, superb double bedroom suites
Home from home‌ First class nursing care.
HOME & GARDEN
revive
wooden floor boards
If you are lucky enough to have original floorboards in your home, why not give them some love. Sadolin’s Floor Oil will give them a nice spruce up without it costing an arm and a leg. Follow these tips on the best way to prepare and oil your floor...
You will need:
two. Repeat the procedure on the other half of the room. Sand the entire centre portion of the floor. Your drum sander won’t reach the edges or corners, so you will have to hand sand these. Use the same grit paper as you did for the centre. When the entire room is Using a screw driver, finished, vacuum remove any nails or the floor and screws that might repeat the be sticking out process with a through the finer grit floor boards. paper, with Remove any each pass. existing wax or Probably finish polish on the with a P.180 grit floor, this is paper. Once the essential for giving room is done, the oil the best hold. vacuum and wipe A scraper and meths with a cloth dampened are the best way to do it. in meths to make sure that Once the timber is bare you you remove all of the dust. are ready to crack on. It’s important to remember that the moisture content must Apply the floor oil. Test a small area before doing the whole floor to make sure that you not exceed 14% prior to coating. are happy with the colour. Start painting in Sand the floor. It’s essential that you wear the far corner and apply in the direction of eye protection and a dust mask for your the grain. Coat three to four boards at a safety. Using the sander may feel daunting time, working quickly so as not to overlap. but it’s incredibly efficient and you’ll get Lightly sand the first coat to remove any used to it very quickly. Drum sanders remove surface roughness. Remove all dust before material very quickly and it only takes a few applying further coats. seconds to damage the floor, so always read the instructions carefully before you To get the best finish from your oiled floor, buff up the surface of the floor with a soft dry start, and practice on an area that will be cloth. Don’t move furniture back in before it covered by an object to ensure that any has dried. Wait about 24 hours before doing beginner’s errors will be hidden. so and at least 7 days before replacing any Start with the coarsest grit of paper. Begin rugs. the sanding in the centre of the room, sand Now, stand back and admire your work… in the direction of the grain from one end to invite your friends round! the other, overlapping passes by an inch or
A lint-free cloth | meths |a hammer or screwdriver |drum sander and edge sander | sanding pads | good quality synthetic fibre paint brush | Sadolin Floor Oil | safety goggle/dust mask
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HOME & GARDEN
update your bathroom Add warmth and texture with natural materials such as wood and stone, as well as lookalike effects. As moder n minima lism r, a big continues to be popula make to how be problem can look feel this clinical, rather stark tured, inviting. You could try tex ga wooden surfaces to brin plain or natural, tactile feel to a look up, white canvass. Mix this with the further by experimenting
ys, ma terials in different wa lls for exa mp le, wooden wa a for ngs ishi furn thy ear and nt a wa just you If l. warm appea h then quick way to add warmt inet, stool, just add a wooden cab e. These fram mirror or a wooden and h rmt wa d ad really will . tex ture to your ba throom
et/Mirror Bathroom Cabin ture Oak na sig in ed ish Fin t the wax bringing ou oper ties. pr al tur na s od wo £199 dcomp www.thecoolwoo k any.co.u
White wooden screen £220 www.coxandcox.co.uk
Wooden over the bath storage rack £16 Sainsbury’s
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er Concrete copp candle ho lder £25.28 www.ets y.com
Mosaic tiles From £5.99 per sheet www.grandtaps.co.uk
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HOME & GARDEN
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BEDS
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y d n e tr
denimdrift
Sing the blues in 2017 with a lovely tonal palette...
Dulux’s colour of the year is Denim Drift, a gorgeous smoky grey-blue. A favourite in our wardrobes, denim tones are taking over our décor too, matched with a palette of tonal blues that are easy to build upon. Mostly thought of as a cold colour, with the right lighting, choosing warm bulbs, rather than bright overhead lighting, it will never look cold, even in a north-facing room that doesn’t receive a lot of natural light. The great thing about Dulux’s Denim Drift shade is that it works well in all lights, taking on a richer feel in naturally lit rooms and showing its smokier side in cooler spaces. A pleasure to use, blue provides a simplicity which really is timeless. It is also a very versatile colour to use and can be combined with other blues to develop a scheme that has lots of interest. Team rich blues which add warmth and vibrance with lighter shades to create a calming quality and you’re made! Stripes in graduating tones of blue will make a dramatic statement. Upper wall: Earl Blue flat matt Middle wall: Wood Walk flat matt Lower wall: Marine Waters flat Scion Priya Wallpaper - Nutmeg/Paprika/Jet matt 111297 Originating from the Finnish word 'Blocks', £24.99 per the Lohko Wallpapers Collection by Scion offer a 2.5l from variety of striking designs perfect for adding colour Dulux and character into the contemporary home. £31.98 www.housedecorinteriors.co.uk
This room has a calm palette. The paler blues and white with the denim blue Ian Mankin offers a brings out its lighter, more playful side. wonderfully rich The white gives the denim blue a fresh collection of real feel and the wash of natural indigo dyed cottons light creates a softer hue. www.ianmankin.co.uk
Eames Style Dining Armchairs £55 each
to things ... r conside Add interest to your room by introducing a number of blue tones, from deep indigo through to pale pastel, for an explosion of beautiful blue.
If your room is cooler or north
-facing consider decorating with a darker, bolder blue for a striking, but cosy feel.
Warm your blue scheme by www.quick-step.co.uk £21.99 per sq. m
www.danetti.com
adding furniture in wooded hues, such as maple, ash or birch, it will keep the look fresh and light and less clinical.
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HOME & GARDEN
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HOME & GARDEN
h c i h w personal blender? Get your daily allowance of fruits and vegetables. Consuming the daily recommendations of fruits and vegetables can be a challenge. Blending a couple of servings of each into a smoothie helps ensure you meet your body’s daily nutritional needs. Home-made soup is totally gorgeous too and so healthy.
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Nutribullet Graphite Blender, 12 piece set £67.99 Lakeland The Nutribullet is a great compact blender that works well with most fruits, making a delicious smoothie in seconds. It is easy to use and takes up little space. It is fairly noisy but not for long as it takes such a short while to blend. Cleaning is easy and you can enjoy your smoothie straight from the vessel which becomes your cup.
Nutri Ninja Personal Blender with Auto-IQ £89.99 Argos This is slightly more expensive but it does have four blending options to choose from. This compact and sturdy machine uses the Auto-IQ feature to change speed and pulse for the best results and the most goodness out of your ingredients. This blender is fairly noisy but the so smooth texture it produces is worth the noise. It comes with a small and large cup.
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Smoothie2Go Sport £29.99 Kenwood This very affordable little blender works quickly and efficiently, dealing with frozen fruits with no effort. This machine is fairly noisy but the parts come away easily for cleaning.
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Davina for Lakeland £29.99 Lakeland This is a simple to use blender for those on a budget. It turns fruit into a lovely smoothie, juice or shake without excessive noise. It blends straight into the larger of two cups. Both are dishwashersafe for no-fuss cleaning.
LEGAL
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Contact us on 01788 521200 Email enquiries@dtwallroofing.co.uk Also stockists of various new and reclaimed roofing materials. 16 Cawston Lane, Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 6QE
STUART’S GARDENING SERVICES Landscaping & Tree Surgery Fencing, Slabbing, Turfing, Block Paving, Bases, Mowing, Decking, Roofing and Guttering, Mini-digger/Dumper Fully Insured. Registered carrier of waste.
FREE ESTIMATES 01788 211064 07813 790889 www.stuarts-gardening-services.yolasite.com
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HOME & GARDEN
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For your motoring needs, call the garage that you can trust..
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? e m o h moving
ney smooth ake your jour process and m e th d an rst u to unde ries to help yo Part 1 in our se
10 essential steps when buying a home You’ve been searching, viewing and considering properties for months and the day has finally come. Now the offer you have made on a house has been accepted, what next? Before the property is legally yours there are still several steps to go through in your property transaction.
Ask the estate agent to take it off the market
This is something that many estate agents will do once an offer has been accepted, always ask to make sure that the house is taken off the market as soon as possible. Doing this reduces the possibility of another home buyer visiting the property and making a higher offer.
Appoint a conveyancing solicitor
It is your conveyancing solicitor that will complete the legal aspect of your move, therefore it is important that you appoint a professional and reputable solicitor that is aware of the checks and searches relevant to your property. Conveyancing solicitors should be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Council of Licensed Conveyancers, so when you receive your quotes you will be confident that the conveyancer undertaking your transaction is professional and experienced.
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Complete mortgage application For the majority of home buyers, a mortgage will be needed to fund the house purchase. Once your offer has been accepted you will need to fill in a mortgage application form and provide your lender with the necessary documentation. The documentation they will require includes: Proof of ID, proof of address, proof of earnings, recent bank statements. To facilitate the early stages of your move, it will help to have already researched the mortgage you’ll be getting and have an agreement in principle from the lender, as it’s likely the estate agent will want to know details of how you will finance the purchase before they put your offer forward to the vendor.
Organise an independent survey from a RICS surveyor
er!
impartial account of the structural condition of the property that will assist with your decision about whether to proceed with the purchase.
Get quotes for a removal company
You won’t have an exact move date to give them yet, but it is worth getting in contact early with a removal company so you can ensure there is time for a pre-move survey to assess the volume of your belongings. You will also be able to discuss the requirements of your move and whether there are any parking restrictions at either address. You should use a regulatedcompany, ideally a member of the British Association of Removers to ensure a top quality service.
Exchange contracts and pay the deposit
Once your mortgage has been approved and the Although your mortgage searches have been lender will be organising a completed by your mortgage valuation survey for conveyancing solicitor you will the property, it is important now be able to sign the to commission an independent contract that legally commits survey from a RICS Chartered you to the purchase of the Surveyor for a detailed report property. You will then usually on your potential new home. be asked to pay the deposit The mortgage valuation is which is normally 10% of the conducted for the benefit of property’s value unless this is the lender to ensure the agreed to transact at property is worth what is being completion stage. paid for it and thus the security At this stage of the transaction of the mortgage. A house you can no longer pull out survey is performed by a RICS without losing your deposit and Chartered Surveyor for the further costs that have been home buyer’s best interests. It incurred. will include an in-depth,
Confirm date of completion and date of move The contracts have been exchanged and the deposit has been paid, you can now agree a completion date. On the day of completion the vendors will have to vacate the property, so once you have this date you will be able to organise a day for you to move into the property. You will then be able to confirm the date and the details of your move with your removal company. Although the time between exchange of contracts and completion can be anything from days to months, it is usually between 5 and 20 working days although it can even be the same day.
Completion
At the stage of completion the mortgage lender releases the funds for the cost of the property and ownership of the house is transferred from the vendor to the buyer. The house is now legally yours.
Pick up keys
Following completion, you can now pick up the keys to your new home from the vendor’s estate agent. This is usually after 1pm on the day of completion. Ensure that your keys are with the estate agent as soon as possible on the day of completion.
Move in
Congratulations – you’re in! Except for your unpacking, but this can be done at a leisurely pace, all that is left to do is to relax and enjoy your new home.
Moving house is regularly listed as one of life’s most stressful events, so it is important to do all you can to make sure it does not become an overwhelming experience. Tip 1: Budget There are many outgoings to consider when moving house and to reduce the stress during this time it is important to budget your expenditure to ensure you can cover all the important costs. To save money during your move, be sure to compare costs for conveyancing, surveying and removals to find the best price for a top quality service. Tip 2: Take your time Giving yourself plenty of time will allow you to organise a schedule to ensure you designate sufficient time to complete each item on your task list and collect all the necessary materials you will need for your move. Beginning this process as soon as possible will give you time to purge any unwanted possessions, so you only take what you need with you to your new home. You will also have time to make a full inventory for each packing box to simplify your unpacking. Starting early with your preparations will help to make sure you don’t exhaust yourself trying to fit too many tasks into a short space of time. If you want a stress-free house move, it is best to pace yourself – don’t leave it all to the last minute. Tip 3: Be flexible With so many different parties involved with moving house things will not always go to plan, so it is important to be flexible to changes during this time to keep stress levels down. By getting started on your tasks early this should give you some breathing room to re-think how to temporarily progress if you do meet any obstacles.
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MOVING HOME
JULIANS REMOVALS
Single items to a full house
House clearances
Est. 25 years
24 hours - 7 days a week services
Competitive prices
07773 055439 01788 543494
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HOME & GARDEN
windows
update your
Giving rooms a new look with window film is quick, easy and an affordable project to do. With a vast array of designs and styles, window film is a great way to add privacy and to update tired-looking windows, helping to transform the look of a whole room. There are lots of places that sell the film, there is a great selection at www.windowfilm.company.co.uk
ndow Film ÂŁ49 Trellis Decorative Wi (100cm x 120cm) reet.com www.notonthehighst
Card over the design using the squeegee that should be supplied to increase the bind between the application tape and the film. Pull off the backing sheet while checking all the elements of the design come off the backing sheet and stay on the application tape. Spray the film so that it is entirely covered with soapy water. Before beginning application, ensure that your glass is as clean as possible, the spray the entire pane with soapy water solution. Take the
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film to the window, making sure you keep it taught. Allow the film to flow onto the glass and slide into position. Spray the back of the film before squeegeeing over it with the plastic card that should come with your order. (Application tools may vary from supplier to supplier). Work from the top, pushing bubbles out to the edges, while ensuring the film doesn’t move. You can then repeat the process again to ensure that all water is removed. Leave to dry for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, spray the application tape lightly and leave to soak for five minutes. Slowly peel off the application tape, revealing the design. Lastly, wipe off any remaining water from the film and the frame, being especially careful not to lift the edges of any cut outs!
top tip The Window Film Company also supplies a specialist range of solar control window film, designed to reduce the build-up of heat in your home.
Bespoke Sliding Wardrobe Door Systems
Door systems with or without interiors Simple DIY installation
Supply only or supply and fit Free design service available
Over 30 years experience.
For more information
t: 02476 613005 m: 07803 198833 or email
woodstock.rugby@gmail.com
www.woodstockslidingdoors.co.uk
Let us build your dream garden. Driveways Paths Patios Brickwork Decking
Fencing Gates Water features Turfing Planting schemes
Lighting Wrought iron work Pergolas and more
Established in 2001
27 years experience - willing advice
Cooper-Sewell Landscapes & Construction Call David on 01788 562956 or 07711 748558 39
HOME & GARDEN
54-56 King Edward Road, Rugby CV21 2T5E
01788 570680
Electric gate automation also available 40
DoON you need new windows, POINT doors or a conservatory? Do you need repairs to your existing windows? We offer a wide range of products that include :
Windows (domestic & commercial) Doors & Bi-Folding Doors Sash-style windows Tilt and Turn Windows Fascias & Soffits Conservatories & Orangeries Roofline Repairs Repairs Double Glazing UPVC & Commercial Cladding
We make a firm promise to all of our customers that we will operate with “Pride in Our Workmanship".
No call out charges 01455 202985 | 07753 748769
www.glswindows.co.uk Unit 15 | Arkwright Hill Farm | Lutterworth Road | Cosby | Leicester |LE9 1RH 20
HOME & GARDEN
. . . e c a l p e r i f your
make it spick & span
If your fireplace is a bit of a mess here’s the kit you need to sort it out. Don’t forget to use a reputable sweep - see page 43
KNOT FIREGUARD A traditionally styled fireguard with wrought iron scrolling and a mesh back, the Knot Fireguard features hinged wings for complete protection and it is tall enough to stand safely in front of a large fireplace. £115 www.oka.com
COMPANION SET Try this set for quick clear ups £12.99 Homebase
ASH BUCKET This is for traditionalists who would rather sweep up than vacuum, this lidded bucket is great. £25.96 www.prettymaison.co.uk
FAB TIP
Sprinkle damp tea leaves or coffee grounds over ashes before scooping them out to stop the dust flying everywhere and you inhaling them.
ASH VACCUM Great for sucking up ash from fireplaces or woodburners and the BBQ! £84.99 Lakeland
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FIRESIDE HEARTH BRUSH Nice sturdy bristles. An ideal swift soot sweep up! £6 www.cotswold trading.com
CHIMNEY CLEANER As it burns, it helps to release the build up of tar, resin and soot in your chimney £14.99 Lakeland
FIRESIDE SHOVEL This will help you whip up any stray ash and soot quickly. £2.20 Wilko
Visit Progressive on Lawford Road for all sorts of accessories
QUALITY LOGS & COAL DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR Whether you prefer wood burning stoves to an open fire, we can keep you warm this winter. We are a small family firm, serving homes with all types of sustainable logs as well as coal. To find out more or to place an order simply visit our new website.
WWW. WILDSIDELOGS.CO.UK
TEL: 01788 899050
Elite Sweep Service Chimney Sweeps Est. 1949 Safe, Friendly, Reliable Family-Run Business Located in Rugby and Bristol
Chimney Sweeps & Solid Fuel Engineers HETAS & APICS Registered Fully Insured Standard Sweep £35 OAP discounts Friendly and professional service All Rugby, Coventry and Warwickshire areas covered
Full range of installation and testing services: Extra sockets & Consumer Unit Upgrades Rewiring, Earthing & Bonding Periodic Inspections, Third Party Certification & Landlords Certificates Home Security & Smoke Alarms Voltage Optimisation
Part P Compliant 17th Edition Wiring Regulations NAPIT & Trustmark Approved Contractor MCS Accredited Solar PV Installer
Call John 07799 113661 or 01788 537774 E: enquiries@cowley-electrical.co.uk www.cowley-electrical.co.uk or www.solar-technics.co.uk
T: 024 7644 1692 E: elitesweep@hotmail.com 43
HOME & GARDEN
01788 432 072
Busy Bee Administration Services Are you a successful business or independent business owner that has the daily struggle of managing your administration, holiday or sickness cover, or has been asked to organise an event or family gathering and feel overwhelmed? Look no further. With your experienced mobile assistant who is well organised, reliable and flexible to assist, you can continue your day worry free! With short notice, I have the flexibility of working from your own location or my home. No administration job too small!
I can offer a wide range of services that include but are not limited to: Small business support Event management Preparing presentation material Coordinating technical training
Organising staff Relocation services Diary and travel management Reception duties
Areas covered include Rugby, Leicester, Leamington Spa, Coventry and surrounding areas.
Call Beverley today for a FREE QUOTE on 07971 653820 or email baallcock@gmail.com 44
Looking for more business? If you are looking to target home-owners with the highest disposable income, then you should be advertising with us...
why advertise with us? Fresh Home & Living magazine is a free, local, glossy A5 lifestyle magazine, delivered to 14,000 homes and reaching 35,000 readers across each two month period. Fresh is a gorgeous blend of up to date lifestyle content and a great mix of businesses, it’s packed with all things home and garden, health and leisure, fashion and beauty, entertainment, wedding services and something for our more mature readers. We are the only local media with guaranteed GPS tracked distribution ensuring your message is delivered From £90 per month
From £60 per month
EVERY TIME and ON TIME. Each issue has a shelf life of 2 months and referred to regularly. We offer cost effective solutions to suit every advertising budget. We are an independent, local publisher with nearly 30 years of advertising experience to share. Delivering to: 14,000 homes each 2 month period West Rugby (7,000): Dunchurch, Woodlands, Hillside, Cawston Grange, Bilton East Rugby (7,000): Hillmorton, Abbots Farm, Southfields, Clifton & Newton, Coton Meadows Established for almost 3 years in your local community.
From £35 per month
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Prices shown are excluding VAT & are based on a 12 month booking. Prices available for 2, 4 and 6 month bookings and web advertising.
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Contact Michelle now on 01788 331412 or 07540 604069 michelle@freshhomeliving.com www.freshhomeliving.com Get your advertising working for you
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HEALTH & LEISURE
moaning Moaning, being negative, nit-picking, whatever we like to call it, we’re all guilty from time to time of moaning; especially with Christmas well and truly over, the bank balance still feeling light and your clothes feeling tight. manage your emotions
positive outlook and reap Life isn’t perfect. But being the benefits. Studies show that those aware of when and why with a positive outlook are we’re complaining can much happier and shed some light on our healthier. While negativity inner wellbeing and lead us to a more positive path. spikes blood pressure and can flood the brain with The issue for those with a negative mind-set is that it stress-inducing hormones, a positive open outlook can be self-perpetuating, works just like a rest leading us to look at the button, has a downsides of people and strengthening effect on our situations and to see bodies, brains and immune mishaps and system and can even get disappointments as a fact you to a better place in of life, whereas those with your relationships. a positive mind-set see Essentially we need to setbacks as short-term, look for opportunities, even manage our emotions rather than our emotions in failures, and tend to managing us. Life isn't appreciate the joy in life... always going to be straight Seeing life negatively is definitely a source of stress forward, but it will be more enjoyable and healthier if and it sends our nervous you adopt a positive system into survival mode outlook. (fight, flight or freeze), leading to irrational or illogical decisions. Anyone can take steps to a more
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ways to break the cycle...
Whenever you notice a
negative thought, replace it with two positive ones.
Look for moments of joy like a
lovely piece of music or children laughing. Registering the moments can move you to a positive mind-set.
Studies show that good posture standing tall, chest out with hands on hips - promotes a positive attitude even if held for just a few minutes.
Keep a pre-bedtime ‘gratitude
journal’ and list all the good things that have happened that day to help you to focus on the positive things. You could frame it around four questions: What went well for me today? What was my part in making it happen? What was the positive impact of this on me? What was the positive impact on others?. Performed every day for 30 days should increase your happiness.
Be deliberately kind to yourself,
pause for a cup of tea, buy yourself flowers, call a friend. This trains the train to look for positive moments.
22A Regent Street, Rugby, CV21 2PY
www.walkwellclinic.co.uk
Is your nail unsightly like this BEFORE picture?? ÂŁ10 off your first consultation
We can carry out a simple test to see whether your nail is fungal or not
Don’t wait until summer for attractive nails... call us now on: 01788 537300
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HEALTH & LEISURE
10
things you may not know about your Managing your weight long-term isn’t just about spending time in the gym or counting every calorie. Here are ten suggestions to help you to stay in better health and shape. Count nutrients not calories If you just focus on how many calories a food contains, it’s very easy to eat a diet low in healthy fats, vitamins and minerals and actually end up a little malnourished. Instead, before you eat ask yourself ‘will this food benefit my health as much as my weight?’ If the answer is no, it doesn't really matter how many or how few calories it contains, there is a better choice you could be making.
t h g i e w
clothing counts for more in health terms than a drop in weight.
Weight loss isn’t your goal
Focusing just on reducing calories or exercise to make the scales go down means it’s easy to Add an outside workout to your exercise give up if nothing changes quickly. routine Instead choose It may be chilly out but that’s actually a great health benefit. goals that will ensure weight Exercise done in cold loss naturally conditions boosts the conversion of normal, white follows, such fat cells into a type called as eating fresh, healthy food and brown fat that burns limiting or rather than stores avoiding alcohol energy. It’s probable or sugary snacks. that this brown fat is Start with your mind essential when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. In a Harvard study, people taught healthy Sleep matters eating habits for six A study by researchers in Sweden reported months had their brains’ that a group of tired people were sent reward centres shopping and came back with scanned baskets piled high with junk food. It afterwards. showed if you’re exhausted, you’re While a control prone to choosing high-fat, sugary group’s brain lit up foods! Seven to nine hours sleep is the for images of junk ideal amount of sleep, both less and food, those taught more are linked to weight gain. healthy food benefits lit up for a Scales are misleading They don’t account for changing fat to muscle salad! This is definitely proof that ratios. If you’re doing more exercise, especially we are not born to see chocolate strength training, you are likely to gain pounds as a reward, we learn it - and can actually change our thinking. as muscle weighs more than fat. Looser
Crash dieting isn’t worth it A study from the USA’s Institute of Health details an examination of contestants from a show called The Biggest Loser six years after they lost their weight. Only one of them did keep the pounds off but worryingly the sudden weight loss had permanently affected their metabolisms. Before the competition they could eat an average of 2607 calories a day and maintain their weight, this fell to 1900, and their weight increased. So, if you want to lose weight and keep it off, do it slowly.
There isn’t a magic diet
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine compared the results of the low-fat, low-carbohydrate, high-fat and high-protein diets. They found that all helped people achieve the same weight loss of around 9lb in two years. They concluded that actually what you eat doesn’t matter, The diet that works the best is the one you stick to.
Hip fat does matter
Most of us know that fat around the middle is more dangerous round the middle than that on your hips or thighs. But while tummy fat is known to increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, don’t think you are safe if you are only carrying extra weight on your hips. Those extra pounds put pressure on joints and increase the risk of numerous cancers.
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FOOD & DRINK SENIOR YEARS
local activities MONDAY
The Rugby Friendship Centre For retired people over 50, Movement to Music meets the second Tuesday of 10am-11am the month. Social activities The Claremont Centre including lunches, walks and 01788 552540 quiz evenings. 10.15am Rugby & District Philatelic Hamilton House, Bilton Road Society (every other Monday). 01788 543272 Overslade Community Centre. Knit & Natter or Crochet & 01788 542358 Chat Cruse We can even teach you! St 7-9pm (1st & 3rd week) Peter & St John Church, St The Claremont Centre Peter’s Road £1.50 a session. 01788 552540 01788 812840 Pilates 7:30pm Kilsby Village Hall 07879 896888 Keep Fit in aid of Hoskyn Day Centre at Hamilton House. 11am by qualified instructor 01788 542397 Bowls Line Dancing For Beginners 12-2pm 2pm-3pm Rugby Thornfield Bowling Club Claremont Centre 01788 571598 01788 552540 Parkinsons Stitch ‘n’ Bitch 12noon-1pm (First and Third Wednesday) The Claremont Centre Three Horseshoes Hotel 01788 552540 01788 573244 Bingo & Quiz 1:30pm-3pm The Claremont Centre 01788 552540 Bingo Legal Advice Clinic 10:30am-12noon 1pm-3pm The Claremont Centre 01788 552540 The Claremont Centre 01788 552540 Claremont Singers
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY
THURSDAY
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3:30pm-5pm The Claremont Centre 01788 552540 Dunchurch Silver Band 7:45pm-9:45pm Dunchurch & Thurlaston Hall 01788 577297 Alcoholics Anonymous Group 8pm-10pm The Claremont Centre 01788 552540
FRIDAY Tai Chi 10:30am-11:30am The Claremont Centre 01788 552540 Tiger Feet 1pm-1:45pm The Claremont Centre 01788 552540 Line Dancing 2pm-3pm The Claremont Centre 01788 552540 Bowls 12-2pm Rugby Thornfield Bowling Club 01788 571598
Do you run/organise an activity for senior people? Please email: michelle@freshhomeliving.com
SENIOR YEARS
Home care and support services for adults with a Learning Disability, people with Autism and for people with Complex Needs... We have over 10 years experience supporting adults in their own homes with a commitment to provide high quality care and support that delivers choice and enhances people’s independence through a person centred approach. Our service is tailored to suit the needs of each Service User.
Some of the services we can offer: Supporting people in their own homes up to 24 hours a
day Supporting people in their family homes Supporting with personal care Supporting people to access community daytime
activities such as swimming, gym etc. Support with cooking and shopping Support to maintain your home, pay your bills etc. Support to maintain contact with relatives and build
meaningful relationships and connections Support with going on holiday
To discuss our services please contact us on 024 7659 1335 Daud: 07713 487 091 or Monica 07922 599 088 E: info@aktiveliving4u.com www.aktiveliving4u.com
Please mention Fresh magazine when booking.
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ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & DRINK
trends for D O O F 2017
THE COLOUR PURPLE
The world has finally caught up with the benefits of purple food, meaning that we should see plenty of it this year. This means more varieties of kale, corn, carrots, cauliflower and potatoes on supermarket shelves. Any food with a purple pigment is rich in anthocyanins which are antioxidants thought to reduce inflammation, boost immunity and brain power and fight ageing. Swap in purple varieties of vegetables to up the nutrient content of your meals.
NEW SNACKS
We should try watermelon seeds. All nuts and seeds offer a health boost, but those from watermelons are now being hailed as nutritionally elite. In addition to providing essential vitamins, minerals and healthy unsaturated fats, they can pack more protein per 100g than shakes and bars. They also have fewer calories than almonds and more fibre than pumpkin seeds. Chickpeas are also fab, eat them crunchy or coated as savoury snacks. Scrape the seeds from a water melon and roast on a baking tray with salt, spices and a spritz of oil (this also works for crunchy chickpeas if they are tinned or soaked).
GUT FRIENDLY FOODS Sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, live
yoghurt. This year is the year fermented food and drinks will go mainstream. They are loaded with probiotics, to top up the deadly bacteria in our large intestine. In recent years, scientists have made huge leaps in understanding the microbiome, the collective name for gut microbes and their importance for physical and mental health. A reduced microbiome has been linked to IBS, IBDs, allergies, depression, autism and obesity.
REDUCETARIANISM
If you are health conscious and environmentally aware, it may be that you are already starting to follow this way of eating. This trend is where the consumption of meat and fish is reduced but not entirely eliminated. A more plant based diet is good for health, hence the rise in vegetarianism and veganism (and trends like cauli pizza and spiralised vegetables like courgette and carrot. Reducetarianism will resonate with those that understand the benefits, but don’t want to commit to being vegan or vegetarian all of the time. As a nation we are slowly eating less meat, and when we do we are going for
this purple pigment could
help fight ageing!
better cuts from well-reared animals. Try meat-free Mondays, this is a movement gaining momentum. Get inspiration atwww.meatfreemondays.com or pop on to www.reducetarian.org to find out more.
FILIPINO FOODS If you like Thai and Vietnamese dishes but haven't tried Filipino then you should. Filipino cuisine, a delicious Asian fusion has already taken the States by storm. Particularly popular is a root vegetable called ube (purple yam). It’s purple shade and natural sweetness adds colour and flavour to everything, even cakes! Try paket, a spicy vegetable dish; adobo which is vinegar and soy-marinated meat; and tortang talong, an aubergine and egg based breakfast.
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Love at first bite...
Valentine’s Day… Enjoy a romantic four course meal for two for only £25.95 per person Tuesday 14th February 2017 (arrival 7pm for 7.30pm sit down)
Treat your Queen of Hearts...
Mother’s Day… 26th March Traditional 3 course carvery lunch 12noon-3pm from £19.95 per person Or sparking afternoon tea 12noon-4.30pm from £14.50 per person
To book call 01788 521800 (payment required at time of booking) Draycote Hotel | London Road | Thurlaston | CV23 9LF| www.draycotehotel.co.uk
ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & DRINK
top pick
THE
RED LION
- KILSBY-
Pub and Dining... Under new ownership and newly revamped, we’re proud to offer:
Cirque Berserk brings thrilling circus acts to the theatre stage... Direct from six sold-out seasons in London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and from three packed out theatre tours, Britain’s favourite contemporary thrill circus, Cirque Berserk, comes to Northampton’s Royal & Derngate from Tuesday14 to Saturday 18 March. Showcasing the finest in traditional circus skills, Cirque Berserk brings this treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular – created especially for theatres. Combining contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians and death-defying stunt men, along with the award-winning clown Tweedy. This thrilling show bursts onto the Derngate stage from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 March with performances at 7.30pm each night, and also at 1.30pm and 4pm on Saturday. Tickets – priced from £13.50 – can be booked by calling Box Office on 01604 624811 or by visiting www.royalandderngate.co.uk
Fabulous food Traditional cask ales Array of draught beers &ciders Wonderful wines & British gins Afternoon tea and coffee Scrumptious Sunday roasts Opening times Monday - Saturday: Midday until 11pm Sunday: Midday until 10.30pm Dining from 12-3pm & 6-9pm Sunday 12 - 6pm
26 Main Road, Kilsby, Northants, CV23 8XP Tel: 01788 822265
www.redlionkilsby.co.uk theredlionkilsby 57
ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & DRINK
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d n a m u Clarins M ay... (worth £249) D e m i T all e H le M a d g a at R
win a
Nestled in the rolling Leicestershire countryside near Melton Mowbray, Ragdale Hall was recently named the Best Spa in the UK - so what better way to treat mum this Mother's Day than with a Ragdale Hall spa day or overnight break. Combining a state-of-the-art Thermal Spa, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, exercise studios and fully equipped treatment rooms with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture and the original old Hall, Ragdale Hall offers a luxurious and relaxing spa experience.
On a Clarins Mum and Me Time Day, from 9am to 6pm, you'll both enjoy a 40-minute Clarins Serenity Facial, a skincare consultation, three-course lunch, use of all Ragdale Hall’s facilities, and take home a Clarins gift worth over £21.00.
Or why not make the most of this annual celebration with Ragdale Hall’s two-night Mother and Daughter Break? Share a superior room and enjoy all that Ragdale Hall has to offer, including all meals and spa facilities, and a 50-minute treatment included in your stay, from £345 per person. And, because these special offers are available until September, you'll have no problem fitting one in. We're offering one lucky reader and their guest the chance to WIN a Clarins Mum and Me Time Day at Ragdale Hall worth £249.
To enter: Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@allsortsmag.com inserting Ragdale in the subject line. Closing date for entries is 31st March 2017.
Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The prize is non-transferrable and no cash alternative is available. Travel to and from Ragdale Hall is not included. The prize is valid Monday - Thursday and must be taken by 30th September 2017, subject to availability. Arrival 9am, departure 6pm.
Gift vouchers for these, and all Ragdale Hall’s spa days and spa breaks, are available and are beautifully gift packaged, and valid for a year.
For more information or voucher details visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk or call 01664 434831
FASHION & BEAUTY
bright eyes...
The skin around our eyes is very thin and is one of the first areas to show the effects of tiredness, de-hydration and stress. Lack of sleep increases the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a surge in blood flow, which can make dark circles look worse. Skin regenerates itself at night, so not allowing ourselves enough rest time means that this delicate area just can’t rejuvenate.
Look after your eyes:
Sleep on an extra pillow as this will help drain away fluids, and sleeping on your back allows more natural drainage from the blood vessels around the eyes. Splash your eyes with cold
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water to help the blood vessels constrict. Blink more, this helps move fluid around the eyes and help get rid of puffiness on waking. We blink less when in front of a PC so keep screens at arms length if you can and look into the distance every 25 minutes or so.
Be clever with camouflage:
Apply concealer to the under-eye shadows to reflect the light. Try a click pen concealer for ease. If your shadows have a purple tint, use a concealer with a yellow tone, for blue-toned circles use a peach coloured one.
A warm, friendly welcome awaits at Salon One; Denise Cleary and her hand-picked team pride themselves on providing the ultimate in professional hair care with cutting edge styling and colouring techniques and great customer service; taking the time to really understand your needs...
Our comprehensive range of services includes: Cut & Blow Dry Colouring Perming Children’s Hair Cuts Hair-ups
Special prices for over 60’s (at all times) Ample free parking
29 The Green, Bilton CV22 7LZ | 01788 819990 | www.salononerugby.co.uk
Gorgeous new ladies footwear collections 9 Bank Street, Rugby, CV21 2QE 01788 573502 Find us on
Schwarzkopf professional colour masters Complimentary
consultations Bridal hair Children’s hair cuts
GHD stockists Gift vouchers Free parking Open Tues-Sat
116 Hillmorton Road, Rugby, CV22 5AL 01788 570222 www.hairgalleryrugby.co.uk Hair Gallery by Louise
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WEDDINGS
d l o e h t out with wedding traditions some of
When it comes to putting your own stamp on tradition, modern brides are saying ‘I do’ on putting a twist on old traditions.
The tradition: The first dance The twist: All in!
The tradition: The top table The twist: The sweetheart table
If you and your groom have four left feet between you, the looming possibility of a first dance could be Strictly Come Embarrassing. With all eyes on you, many couples feel the pressure to book dance lessons and rehearse before taking centre stage, but if that sounds like the stuff of nightmares, why not invite all couples to the floor for a first dance? It’s a guaranteed floor-filler, and will take the pressure off your moves too.
There are plenty of reasons not to have a top table – maybe you have divorced parents to negotiate, need someone to sit with your elderly grandma or perhaps you don’t like the idea of being centre of attention at dinner. Skip family drama by opting for a sweetheart table (just you and your partner), or sit at a table just like every other.
The tradition: The gift list The twist: Honeymoon fund Many couples now live together before tying the knot, so the traditional gift list doesn’t suit everyone. If you don’t need a new teapot, it’s no longer a social faux pas to ask for something else – cash. If you do want to dress up your donations, ask guests to put money towards your honeymoon by buying an experience.
The tradition: The wedding breakfast The twist: Afternoon tea A sit-down meal used to be the heart of a wedding reception, but increasingly brides are skipping three courses in favour of something simpler, such as an afternoon tea. Not only is this budget-savvy, but it complements a laidback celebration.
The tradition: The newlywed send-off The twist: Let the music play on! The line of guests waving off the newlyweds as they drive away into the sunset, tin cans clanking behind them, is now a thing of the past. Many couples
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stay and party with their friends into the early hours of the morning. It might mean sacrificing time otherwise spent enjoying your wedding night, but for many couples the importance of staying and enjoying every last minute of the party atmosphere is more important than sloping off early to the honeymoon suite.
Perhaps you can’t bear to part with your bouquet (well, it is the most expensive bunch of flowers you’ll ever have) or maybe you find the idea of gathering all the single ladies a total cringe-fest. You could try one of these flower-friendly alternatives instead. If you have your heart set on the toss, ask your florist to make a smaller throwing bouquet, or use one of your maids’ instead.
The tradition: The white dress The twist: Colour me pretty It’s got to be all white on the night, right? Not so! It might be signature bridal style but for some, white can be unflattering and many brides choose an alternative hue such as blush, oyster or blue. You might even shrug off tradition altogether and opt for a brighter colour. Even the celebs are doing it – Avril Lavigne and Shenae Grimes opted for black, while Gwen Stefani, Reese Witherspoon and Anne Hathaway all chose shades of pink.
The tradition: Throwing the bouquet The twist: The plan-b posy
Wedding flowers
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WEDDINGS
weddings and more... Linen Hire & Decor service to local Brides, Event Organisers and Venues... Extensive range of Chair Covers, Linen, Napkins and Sashes in a large selection of fabrics and colours.
We can cater for an intimate dinner to impress your guests or a large wedding or event for up to1000 guests...
We have moved to Bilton and our new show-room now stocks wonderful gifts, cards and sweets for all occasions: Photo-frames | moneyboxes | birthday mugs | cufflinks | hip flasks | diffusers | candles | soft toys | wedding gifts | sweet cones & trees
35 The Green, Bilton, Rugby CV22 7LZ 01788 816386 www.rainbowlinenhire.com find us on Open Tues-Fri 10-5 and Sat10-3
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WEDDINGS
THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
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