Good Living with Alex Jones 2013 by kat.mccann

GOOD LIVING LIVING WITH ALEX JONES

GOOD LIVING with

Alex Jones

In a ss o ci a ti o n w it h

Clogau of Wa

les

LET’S CHAT www.celebrityangels.co.uk

THE ONE SHOW AND MY FAVOURITE CELEBS

HAIR CARE

MY WAY

HONESTLY HEALTHY

HOME COOKING

PLUS

AUTUMN 2013

15% OFF CLOGAU GOLD OF WALES FOR ALL OUR READERS

ALEX JONES

THE GLAMOROUS GIRL NEXT DOOR CELEBRITY ANGELS AUTUMN 2013 | £2.95

WITH ACTRESS & PRESENTER

ALEX JONES

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celebrity

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER & CEO Kevin Harrington MANAGING EDITOR Charles Ford EDITOR Caroline Kent

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FEATURES WRITER Kathryn McCann

2013

Contents

SUB EDITOR Glenda McCauley EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Regina Essl Julia Vasel SENIOR DESIGNER Reneta Bozhinovska

STYLE

DESIGNER Juliana Martinhago

12 Good Living’s New Season Style

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Joanna Harrington PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Helen Shaw

Get through the new season in style with our top picks.

ADMINISTRATORS Linda Young, Jessica Samuels

18 Alex Jones Interview: The Girl Next Door

CONTRIBUTORS Alex Jones, Brendan Connolly, Natasha Corrett, Anne Katz, Sunita Passi, Justin Preston, Wendy Shand, Steph Stevenson, Katherine Temple

Caroline Kent chats to the nation’s new sweetheart, Alex Jones.

WITH THANKS TO Alex Jones

33 Get Alex’s Look

We reveal how to get Alex’s fabulous cover look.

34 Marvel In Maternity

COVER IMAGE By Des Willie Photography

Good Living takes a pregnant pause to ponder the blossoming baby-mummas that got it right.

Good Living with Alex Jones Celebrity Angels, Linton House, 39-51 Highgate Road, London, NW5 1RS Tel: 020 7871 1000 | Fax: 020 7870 2010

38 Top Seasonal Must-haves

All material in Good Living with Alex Jones magazine is wholly copyright and reproduction without the written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. The views expressed in this publication are entirely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Celebrity Angels. The information in this publication is carefully researched and produced in good faith, however, neither the publisher nor the editors accept responsibility for any errors. The Celebrity Angels Series is published in the UK under licence by Damson Media Limited. Damson Media Limited is registered in England and Wales under registration no. 07869300.

We want... we need... we put the spotlight on the goodies you shouldn’t live without.

HOME & LIVING 44 Heston At Home Bring the magic of the Michelin starred chef into your home with these new cookware appliances from Heston Blumenthal.

62 Sweet Wine Sweeps Our favourite options currently on the shelves; from the A-list budget to the shopping trolley star.

47 Back To School Breakfasts How a chilled and inventive attitude to nutrition is essential for our kids’ wellbeing.

63 Do You Detox Your Hair?

54 Honestly Healthy: Home Cooking

68 The Dragon’s Guide To Dressing Your Den

Natasha Corrett offers you a sneak preview of delicious recipes straight from the Honestly Healthy kitchen. 10

Steph Stevenson explains the buzz behind the new trend.

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Get the A-list look at home with a helping hand from Kelly Hoppen.

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CONTENTS

81 Is Going Back To Work Worthwhile? Kathryn McCann asks just how easy is the transition from working girl to working mother?

STYLE p12

HEALTH & WELLBEING 86 Happy Apps Simplify your life with these top five apps!

88 Boobs In The News The background on all things breast-related that made headlines this year.

HOME & LIVING p44

94 Determine Your Dosha Sunita Passi explains why Ayurveda is a practice suitable for the modern world.

99 I Do vs To Do Anne Katz gives couples her tips on how to keep those fires burning.

HEALTH & WELLBEING p86

TRAVEL 102 Viva Argentina Try a taste of tango country.

106 Keep Calm And Carry On How to achieve stress-free travelling with kids.

108 The Lure Of Cornwall TRAVEL p102

Closer-to-home holiday destinations are increasingly popular. Brendan Connolly takes us to the Fowey estuary on Cornwall’s south coast.

111 Good Living Loves

72 East Meets West

Indulge in a few of our favourite products and services.

Bring a taste of the exotic into your home with these oriental inspired interiors.

114 Competitions Enter for your chance to win fabulous prizes.

78 Get A Great Deal, Not A Raw Deal!

116 Books To Treasure Katherine Temple browses the bookshelves for old favourites and new classics.

Dealmaker Justin Preston tells us how to get more bang for our buck and explains how it needn’t cost the earth to enjoy all of life’s little luxuries.

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124 Safe As Houses A light-hearted look at home security. GOOD LIVING WITH ALEX JONES

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STYLE ||||| TOP SEASONAL FASHION

Good Living’s

New Season Style

Get through the season in style with our top picks. Brighten up a dull autumn day with one of these on-trend tops.

A strip of neon adds an interesting twist to this formal top. Colour Block Blouse, Sainsbury’s TU, £18

Versatile and bang-on-trend. This tunic can be worn over jeans or leggings. Belted Tunic, Peacocks, £14

This faux leather top is perfect for those dark autumn evenings. Faux Leather Top, Next, £22

Pay homage to the punk trend with this red checked jumper. Brushed Check Jumper with Chiffon Back, ASOS, £40

Pair this crop trop with a high-waisted pencil skirt for going out glam. Beige Embellished Racer Front Crop Top, River Island, £38

Reveal your wild side with this animal print cardie. Animal Print Cardigan by George at Asda, £14

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TOP SEASONAL FASHION ||||| STYLE

Bottoms don’t have to be boring. Animal print, leather

Let these trousers do the talking! A plain tee is all you need. Tartan Check Trousers, ASOS, £40

Pair these floral print jeans with a leather jacket for that grungy, girly look. Floral Print Jeans, La Redoute, £39

Leather panelling lends an edgier look to black leggings. Leather Panel Leggings, Debenhams, £35

Sexy but chic, this monochrome skirt is perfect for the office. Monochrome Skirt by Therapy at House of Fraser, £40

Pair this flirty skirt with tights and heels for a statement winter look. Red Check Kilt by Next, £28

This leopard print midi will take you from the office to evening drinks with the girls. Leopard Print Skirt, Peacocks, £12

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STYLE ||||| TOP SEASONAL FASHION

together with shoes, bags and jewels.

ALEX S LOVE

1. This key to your heart should be entrusted to the one most special person in your life. Each key forever reminds you of truly memorable romantic moments shared, through a love note secretly hidden with each pendant opening up to reveal a space for a note inside. The pendant is a wonderful alternative to a traditional marriage proposal. It’s the perfect place to keep the name of a loved one close to your heart. Keynotes Pendants, Clogau, £189 – £1300 2. This butterfly pendant represents freedom, fun and natural beauty, and acts as a statement piece of jewellery that can be worn on both fomal and informal occasions. Contains a touch of rare Welsh gold – the gold of Royalty since 1911. Butterfly Pendant, Clogau, £820

3. These leather brogues combine traditional gents’ style with a glamorous metallic optic. Detailed with wingtip and punchhole designs, the shoe is completed with a contrasting slim sole. Lustrous Brogues, Dune, £79 4. August Woods is Argento’s latest exclusive fashion jewellery brand. This introductory collection of stunning leather cuff bracelets is just the thing for adding a refined edge to your look. Watch this space for more fabulous jewellery with an emphasis on

unrivalled style. August Woods Leather Cuff Bracelets, Argento, starting from £25

5. Keep it simple and stylish with this green leather-look messenger bag. With a soft-washed effect and zip detailing, this cross body bag is super versatile. Green Zip Trim Messenger Bag, River Island, £25 14

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INTERVIEW ||||| ALEX JONES

” “

MY ADVICE? EAT WELL, NOBODY CAN DO ANYTHING ON LITTLE FOOD.

The girl next door

Good Living’s Caroline Kent took a tea break on the BBC green room sofa to have a natter with the nation’s new sweetheart, Alex Jones.

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ALEX JONES ||||| INTERVIEW

Is your on-screen personality very similar to your personality in everyday life? Near enough exactly the same. That’s the key to being a presenter, you have to be happy to be 100% yourself and comfortable in your own skin because it’s not acting, it’s just you and the nation. I do ridiculous things most of the time but I’m okay with that!

(Right) Alex w e a r s : Jac k e t, s i n e q ua n o n e ; CHIFFON HEM T O p, p e ac o c k s ; trousers, La Redoute; n e c k l ac e , p e ac o c k s ; wat c h , r oya l wat c h e s o f lond on; B r ac e l e t s , A r g e n t o.

How did you get your start in presenting? I never wanted to be a presenter, I was way too shy to think that was an option. I come from a family where mum and dad are really practical, I wouldn’t even have mentioned it, I know they would’ve said, “Don’t be so ridiculous. Go and do something proper.” After university, I had a job as a runner and I wasn’t very good. For example, I was supposed to be taking care of an actor and the producers asked me to take him for lunch and I took him to a McDonalds DriveThru because I didn’t have any cash and I couldn’t afford anything else. Another time I mistook a popstar for someone who had come to fix the fire alarm, and plopped a cup of tea and an alarm code in front of this musician and left him. In the end, they went, “This is just not for you, is it? Why don’t you try in front of the camera?” and I said, “Oh no, I won’t be any good,” and so we did sort of a little screen test and I suddenly started working on children’s television. I did that for about 9 years.

How did you make that transition to in-front of the camera, and overcome your shyness? I think you really have to imagine that

you are just talking to the person who is sitting on their sofa at home.You hope that’s how it feels to the people at home too. I have this scenario in my head that maybe there’s a family of four gathered in front of the television, waiting for their supper to be ready and I’m just talking directly to them.

Do you have a favourite and least favourite interviewee? My favourite was Dolly Parton, and of course David Cameron. I never thought I would be in the position to interview the Prime Minister in front of four and a half million people. He was very nice, obviously, but it’s difficult in a situation like that because you

have to be impartial yet also ask questions that people want to know the answer to. Going from Dolly one day to David Cameron the next day, then to Taylor Swift – it certainly keeps everything very fresh! I really like when we have guests like Paul O’Grady; those people who are held closely in British hearts because it makes for a great, warm programme. Worst guests? I’m worried they might read this! Jeremy Irons said to me two weeks ago, “I read in a magazine that I’m one of your most hated interviewees,” and I just had to say, “Sorry about that, Jeremy, but there’s been lots since, you’ve probably moved up to somewhere in the top ten.” GOOD LIVING WITH ALEX JONES

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INTERVIEW ||||| ALEX JONES

INTERVIEWING DOLLY PARTON ONE DAY TO DAVID CAMERON THE NEXT – IT CERTAINLY KEEPS EVERYTHING VERY FRESH!

Some guests have been difficult, but those are the shows I prefer because it keeps you on your toes. People at home quite like watching the awkwardness – half hiding behind a cushion but glued to every minute!

Alex wears: Bl azer, The Fold; CHIFFON HEM T O p, p e ac o c k s ; trousers, La Redoute; n e c k l ac e , p e ac o c k s ; B r ac e l e t s , A r g e n t o.

How do you deal with that when someone is very shy or unresponsive? Bruce Willis is a great example. His entourage wouldn’t let our researchers get close so they didn’t have time to brief him on the content of the show. They brought him on the stage completely cold, with thirty seconds to go. People don’t understand how instant it is; what you see is what is 20

actually happening. Bruce was a really nice man, he kept checking how it was going whilst we were live and I was like, “Not great, Bruce.” David Cassidy was a nightmare. He was flown in from LA and I think he didn’t know what country he was in, let alone which show he was on, or what day it was. And we had the David Cassidy Fun Club in and he directed all his answers to them; didn’t look at Matt and I once. In the end, we linked to different segments with David still talking because he wouldn’t shut up.

Is there anyone you’d love to interview who you haven’t yet? I’d like William, Kate and Harry.

All three of them at the same time? Yeah. I think they are very modest for royals and it would be quite the laugh. The British public, especially young families, really hold them in high esteem.

How do you stay calm under this kind of pressure? We would just crumble! No you wouldn’t! I just accept that one day it won’t go according to plan and I think the viewers don’t mind when things go wrong. Of course there is that pressure, especially when you have guests that are known for locking themselves in the dressing room, and then we go on

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ALEX JONES ||||| INTERVIEW

air and don’t have a guest because the person has refused to come out of the dressing room. I won’t name any names, but he’ll know who he is when he reads this! We had Pamela Anderson on and she ran off the set because she didn’t like a picture that we showed, it was live and she just left. Matt and I try not to be rude or aggressive, but sometimes it’s very hard to make it look really relaxed and fun. But to keep it within those thirty minutes – that’s the biggest challenge.

Alex wears: Jac k e t, s i n e q ua n o n e ; C H I F F O N H E M T O p, p e ac o c k s ; J e a n s , s i n e q ua n o n e ; Wat c h , R oya l wat c h e s o f lond on; shoes, Unisa.

Do you have a good rapport with Matt? Our work ethic is pretty similar, we know that we’ve been incredibly lucky because the viewers accept us into their homes on a nightly basis.

Do you have a favourite between Matt or Chris Evans? You can’t even compare Matt and Chris. Chris is obviously slightly nuts and bonkers and he comes in on a Friday and whatever they’ve planned, he’ll change it. But of course, a lot of people in the office, myself included, look up to him. Matt on the other hand is a lot more calm, he’s like me, he likes everything quite organised.

Do you have a stylist working with you every day? Tess, who is my make-up artist too, works here three days a week and now she’s one of my closest friends. Having a dressing room is like having a second bedroom; work is the closest thing to home really, because it’s so comfortable. It’s all very casual, we are very conscious of using high street brands because I wouldn’t wear things that are more expensive than that myself! People at home who want to buy the jacket, dress or top that GOOD LIVING WITH ALEX JONES

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INTERVIEW ||||| ALEX JONES

” “

I ALWAYS TAKE MY MAKE-UP OFF. IF I DON‘T, MY BED ENDS UP LOOKING LIKE THERE ARE SPIDERS IN IT BECAUSE OF THE FALSE EYELASHES

I’m wearing can go and buy that exact same item.

What about red carpet events? The most pictured one is a yellow dress I wore to the BAFTAs; that was £40. I just don’t think you need to spend a fortune, a lot of the accessories we wear on the show are from Primark and other high street shops.

So do you shop for the things you wear on the show yourself ? Tess and I do. For example, we will go tomorrow morning to Oxford Street, Topshop, Zara and Selfridges.

What is your off-duty look and routine? 24

Alex wears: S h i r t, L a R e d o u t e ; B r ac e l e t s , A r g e n t o.

You’ve caught me in my gym gear today, but that’s a new thing! My friend, Liz, who is one of the make-up artists here asked me to go to bootcamp pilates with her. We were laughing so much we nearly got chucked out. I just couldn’t do it, he was pulling my leg and it really hurt! I do sort-of try to be active, but I don’t go to the gym because it’s really boring. Sometimes I walk to work or play tennis. I don’t like the idea of having to stick to the regime of going to the gym.

And what about your beauty routine? I obviously wear quite a lot of make-up on a day-to-day basis. But at home it’s very basic; face wipes, some moisturiser, and the job is done. I use Boots’ own brand

cucumber wipes. What more do you want? Some people can pile so many products onto their skin, that their skin doesn’t actually know what to do with them. I always take my make-up off, I can’t sleep in it. If I do, my bed ends up looking like there are spiders in it because of the false eyelashes. There are false eyelashes all over the house.

How do you spend time with your boyfriend Charlie? We’ll play tennis, and he wants me to learn golf... but I’m not sure about that. We like to travel but most weekends he says, “Can we please just stay at home?” We both quite like photography, so we’re quite competitive in terms of taking pictures.

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INTERVIEW ||||| ALEX JONES

‘Good Living’ readers – how do you keep up that stamina? Eat well, nobody can do anything on little food. Eat a really good mixture and don’t be afraid to eat when you are hungry. The key is having a job you love and then realising how lucky you are to be in that situation – that will keep you going. If you do something you enjoy, you can just go a million miles an hour.

What do you watch on TV? Anything trashy, my favourite is Gossip Girl. My friend texted me yesterday and she said, “Alex, you have to watch The Valleys,” and four hours later I was still hooked on it, I couldn’t look away. I do watch quite a lot of guilty pleasure TV.

Is there anyone else’s career you aspire to as a presenter?

Do you feel at home in London now? You can never be bored here. I don’t know whether it’s a place I’d like to be for the rest of my life, but I’m not really a country person. I miss Wales but it’s more about missing people. It’s the people who make a place and my best friends, mum, dad, sister and nephew are in Cardiff. Wales will always be there and that’s probably where I’ll retire.

What does a typical day look like for you? It’s quite busy, but it’s my own fault 26

( Ab ove ) Al e x wears: Wat c h , R oya l Wat c h e s of lond on; B r ac e l e t s , Argento; Jac k e t, M a k e - u p a r t i s t ’ s ow n . (opposite): T r e n c h c oat, La Redoute; r i n g , c l o g au G O l d O F WA L E S ; E a r r i n g s , c l o g au G O L D O F WA L E S ; b r ac e l e t s , a r g e n t o.

because I tend to cram things in. On a normal day it’ll be meetings in the morning, maybe a photoshoot or meeting with my agent. Generally I tend to leave for the studio around lunchtime, because you don’t get home until about 8.30pm every night. Some weeks I’m really busy – a month ago I was doing this [The One Show] every day and then Let’s Dance on the weekends, and a Radio 2 presenting job between 2 and 5 in the morning as well. If someone throws an opportunity at you, I always say yes.

What advice would you give to the busy

Claudia Winkleman is amazing, she makes it look really fun. People are divided over her fringe, but I think she looks lovely. You know, that’s somebody who is happy to be themselves, isn’t it? Interviewing Michael Parkinson was crazy, I had Chris Evans on one side of me and Michael on the other and I thought, “What am I doing? I have no idea how to interview this man, especially with Chris Evans watching me do it!”

Who is due to be on the show this evening? It was supposed to be Rod Stewart, the crews were building a stage outside and he was going to perform two singles from the new album but he woke up this morning with no voice. So I’m not sure...

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ALEX JONES ||||| INTERVIEW

“

I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TAKING AN ACTOR FOR LUNCH AND I TOOK HIM TO A MCDONALDS DRIVE-THRU BECAUSE I DIDN’T HAVE ANY CASH AND I COULDN’T AFFORD ANYTHING ELSE. ANOTHER TIME I MISTOOK A POPSTAR FOR SOMEONE WHO HAD COME TO FIX THE FIRE ALARM.

“

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INTERVIEW ||||| ALEX JONES

You’ve had Rod on the show before haven’t you? Yeah, when he came before he was really good fun but we nearly killed him. We were doing a story about the age limit on girls being allowed to play football with boys in school and one of the schoolgirls played against Rod Stewart. But he didn’t like the trainers we had got him to play in, so he played in his shoes and fell!

Have you ever interviewed someone who you fancied? Oh my God, so many! When David Beckham turned up I was in bits, really awkward and clumsy, he smelled amazing. Bradley Cooper just looked immaculate, one of the nicest men you could ever meet. I just sat there thinking, “Oh my God, you are perfect.” When Gerard Butler was on, it was so awful because Chris kept saying, “She really fancies you,” and I was like, “Shut up, shut up, shut up,” live on telly. I was just in bits, I wanted to leave the sofa because I felt so awkward. And then afterwards, Chris said to Gerard, “You know, that was really hard for Alex, she does really fancy you.” Gerard replied, “Well we could go for a drink?” I just spluttered, “Oh... ehm... uh, well... we all could go for a drink, together,” and Chris went, “I don’t think that’s what he means.”

” “

SOME GUESTS HAVE BEEN VERY DIFFICULT, BUT THOSE ARE THE SHOWS I PREFER BECAUSE IT KEEPS YOU ON YOUR TOES. PEOPLE AT HOME QUITE LIKE WATCHING THE AWKWARDNESS – HALF HIDING BEHIND A CUSHION BUT GLUED TO EVERY MINUTE!

Alex wears: Jac k e t, M a k e - u p a r t i s t ’ s ow n ; T o p & shoes, Alex’s

Ow n ; s k i r t, La RedoutE;

B r ac e l e t s , A r g e n t o ; Wat c h , R oya l Wat c h e s of lond on; ring, A r g e n t o.

We met at a Cowboys and Indians birthday paty. He was wearing a poncho, a cowboy hat and a fake moustache.

How could you not fall for that? I didn’t. I was thinking, “Who is that idiot?” But he introduced himself, and the rest is history. 28

How did you meet your boyfriend Charlie?

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THE WORKING MOTHER ||||| HOME & LIVING

” “

EVERY WOMAN IN THE UK WHO IS AN EMPLOYEE IS ENTITLED TO 52 WEEKS STATUTORY MATERNITY LEAVE.

The working * mother

Modern society depicts that women can now have it all: Kathryn McCann asks just how easy is the transition GOOD LIVING WITH ALEX JONES

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HOME & LIVING ||||| THE WORKING MOTHER

very woman in the UK who is an employee (not a worker) is entitled to 52 weeks statutory maternity leave. You have a legal right to come back to your old job under the same terms and conditions as if you hadn’t been away and this entitlement applies whether you have taken Ordinary Maternity Leave (the first 26 weeks of your Statutory Maternity Leave) or Additional Maternity Leave (the last 26 weeks of your Statutory Maternity Leave). Although you don’t have to take the full 52 weeks – and many women choose not to – you must take at least two weeks off after the birth, or up to four weeks if you work in a factory.

What Are The Problems? This all may seem rather straightforward, but in reality, many women find that unexpected problems and issues can arise when they make that return to work. In fact, a survey by the National Childbirth Trust found that 30,000 women a year left their jobs because of pregnancy discrimination and one in three mothers found that employers were not supportive after they returned to work. Around the same number said their relationship with their boss had gone downhill since having a baby and felt their leave and promotion prospects had been damaged. To many, this may come as a surprise. Maternity leave is a wellestablished legal right, so what are the problems? And where do they come from? “Many of the problems that arise between women returning from maternity leave and their employers are down to poor communication and bad planning,” says Harriet Broughton, an employment lawyer with Bevans in Bristol. 84

V Childcare tax credits: Be in the know

You can claim r at any time of

the year and up to seven days before you start using childcare (If you’re already getting tax credits).

If you are r new to tax credits,

contact the Tax Credit Helpline (0345 300 3900) for a claim form. It can take up to two weeks to arrive.

Call the Tax r Credit Helpline to

update your claim if you’re already claiming tax credits – you don’t need a claim form.

Keep records r about the carer’s

registration and the money you pay them (e.g. receipts or invoices) to help support your claim.

Report any r changes because

they can affect how much money you get. For example, if you start paying more for your childcare.

“ ”

both parties feel in “Women have the picture,” says Ms been away from the 30,000 WOMEN A Broughton. “And office for up to a YEAR LEAVE THEIR before you go on year and often JOBS BECAUSE maternity leave, there has been keep a record of very little contact OF PRENANCY all meetings and during that time. DISCRIMINATION. get any agreements When they come in writing from your back, they can feel out boss.” of the loop or sidelined The major sources of and sometimes feel their employer friction were either women returning is not supportive of a more flexible to work and finding their job has working pattern. changed, that the organisation has “I’d advise women and been restructured, or employers have employers to aim to keep an open refused a flexible working pattern. dialogue during maternity leave, so

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THE WORKING MOTHER ||||| HOME & LIVING

“ ”

THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES EXTRA TAX CREDITS TO ENCOURAGE MOTHERS BACK TO WORK.

Keeping In Touch In order to combat this, the government introduced ‘keeping in touch days’, where employees can work up to ten days during their maternity, adoption or additional paternity leave. Keeping in touch days are optional, both the employee and employer need to agree to them. The type of work and pay employees get should be agreed before they come into work, and the employee’s right to maternity, adoption or additional paternity leave isn’t affected by taking these keeping in touch days. It is also beneficial for those taking maternity leave to ask to be kept informed of any opportunities for promotion or new vacancies – you are still entitled to apply whilst on maternity leave. Most importantly, keep to the rules and give your employer notice of when you intend to return to

work. Employers assume you will take the full 52 weeks of your Statutory Maternity Leave, and if you do so, you don’t have to give notice that you are returning. If you do decide you want to come back earlier you must give eight weeks notice.

Is It Worth It?

Fact You are still entitled to apply for new vacancies and promotion opportunities whilst on maternity leave.

Notwithstanding the normal problems resulting from the feeling of no longer ‘being in the loop’ at work, many new mothers will no doubt ask themselves whether it is even worth it to return to employment on a financial level. Childcare is expensive, especially if relatives are not around to lend a helping hand. However, the government does provide extra tax credits to encourage mothers back to work. You are entitled up to £122.50 a week for one child, and up to £210 a week for two children or more, which can help pay towards

those steep childcare costs. How much you get depends on factors such as your income and how often and for how long you have paid for childcare. Usually you’ll qualify for childcare tax credits if the following applies: You qualify for Working Tax Credit, you’re responsible for the child, the childcare you pay for is registered or approved and you work the right number of hours for childcare tax credits (at least 16 hours a week). These extra tax credits are not designed to pay all of your childcare costs, it is likely that you will still need to contribute yourself. You can also get childcare vouchers from your employer and new mothers are also entitled to the Sure Start Maternity Grant to help towards the costs of having a child, as well as child benefit − either by week or by month. GOOD LIVING WITH ALEX JONES

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TECHNOLOGY ||||| APPS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

magazine/online image to find that elusive must-have, or search for similar items to suit your budget. Snap Fashion saves you time and money as well as eliminating the frustration of trawling through lots of separate websites. The process is simple – ‘See it, Snap it, Buy it’.

3. Bardowl, £9.99 monthly subscription, iTunes

4 3

The Bardowl app allows you to stream an unlimited number of audiobooks direct to your iPhone. Top titles can be streamed on demand with unlimited listening time, allowing you to listen to as many books as you like with no extra cost. Perfect for travelling as the app saves up to three hours of your favourite books on your phone so you wont miss out if you lose signal.

4. Expedia free, iTunes

Happy i

1. Annabel’s Essential Guide to Feeding Your Baby & Toddler, £3.99, iTunes Best-selling parenting author Annabel Karmel has cooked-up a brand new version of her popular iPhone app to make it the definitive go-to guide for parents. Annabel’s feeding app now offers instant access to 200 delicious, nutritious, easy-to-follow 86

APPS

recipes – more than any other recipe app out there. The new guide also contains video content from some of the UK’s top experts on everything from teething and reflux, to sleep and developing hand-eye coordination.

2. Snap Fashion free, iTunes Snap Fashion is a new online shopping destination that uses a photo or a

This mobile app is specifically tailored to the needs of a customer accessing their travel booking information on the go. Using location awareness and timezone updates, the app surfaces the most relevant part of the itinerary and related information – such as airport maps, flight status, confirmation codes and addresses – all at the moment the traveller is most likely to need that piece of information.

5. Hungryhouse free, iTunes and Google Play Available on both Android and iPhone, the Hungryhouse app allows users to enter their postcode to search for local takeaways (with 11,000 listed) and place an order through the app, which then goes directly to the restaurant. It also eliminates the need to pay with cash at the door, as there are various payment options. Food orders can also be pre-ordered in advance and there’ll never be a need for the stack of curling menus in the drawer again!

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Boobs 2 in the news

THIS YEAR THE FOCUS TURNED TO THOSE WHO ARE AT RISK DUE TO A FAMILY HISTORY OR GENETIC INHERITANCE OF A FAULTY BREAST CANCER GENE.

Boobs are big news at the moment. No matter where you look, it seems the contents of our bras are now an open target for public scrutiny and discussion. Whether it’s Angelina’s mastectomy, Kate Middleton’s breastfeeding regime or Lauren Pope getting her PIP implants removed on ‘TOWIE’, no area is off-limits. Kathryn McCann brings you the background on all things breast-related making headlines this year. 88

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or lung for example. However, you can remove up to around 90%–95% of the tissue, which eradicates the risk of cancer. For those at a high risk it is worth it, simply for peace of mind. What is the recovery time after a mastectomy? This depends on whether you opt for reconstruction at the same time. Normally post operation, you will need three to four days in hospital and recovery at home will take approximately five to six weeks. What type of breast construction is there available? There are two types of reconstruction. The first involves an implant being inserted, along with a matrix to hold the implant in place. The second involves using tissue from the woman’s stomach, buttocks or inner thigh to construct the breast. Is it available on the NHS? Treatment is available on the NHS and there is a waiting time of around four to five months for the procedure.

Is Breast Best? The birth of a new prince this summer has once again kick-started the great breastfeeding debate. Is she or isn’t she? It seems the question that was on everyone’s lips was finally answered when Kate Middleton was seen wearing a dress specially designed for breastfeeding mothers. But Duchess of Cambridge aside, why should new mothers choose breast over bottle? What are the health benefits for mum and baby? And what are the rules surrounding breastfeeding in the workplace? “Breastfeeding is undoubtedly the best nutrition for your baby,” says Sioned Hilton, Medela’s Lactation Consultant on breastfeeding. “It is tailor made to meet their needs and adapts as the baby grows. It is free, on tap, and always the right temperature.

% PIP Symptom checker

If you have breast implants and you have any of the following signs or symptoms, you should discuss them with your GP who will refer you to a specialist:

rLumpiness of the breast rLumpiness or swelling in the area around the breast rChange in shape of the breast r

the breast

rRedness rTenderness

of the breast

rSwelling of the breast rPain or sensitivity

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Not to mention the fact that new research has confirmed the presence of 415 individual proteins in there to help the baby develop and grow.

Breastfeeding In The Workplace

Breast milk contains all your baby needs: proteins, fats, lactose, vitamins, iron, minerals, water and enzymes in the exact amounts required for the optimal growth and development. There are 415 proteins in breastmilk; this can never be recreated artificially. %

Bottle

% Formula is less digestible than breastmilk, therefore formula-fed babies usually need to eat less often than breastfed babies.

% Breastmilk contains substances, which prevent harmful bacteria from growing in intestines and causing gastrointestinal and diarrhoeal infections. Breastfed babies also have fewer middle ear infections, fewer respiratory infections and a decreased risk of developing allergies, cancer, childhood diabetes and obesity.

% Women who decide to use formula do not have to worry about the things they eat or drink, which could have an adverse effect on their babies.

Breastfeeding is also great for mum! It reduces post-delivery bleeding and chances of anemia, helps the uterus contract and helps mums regain their figure. Breastfeeding can burn 500 calories a day. It also has a proactive effect against several types of cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.

% Either parent (or another caregiver) can feed the baby a bottle at any time. This gives others the chance to build up a relationship with the newborn and enables the mother to share the feeding duties.

The skin-to-skin contact established through breastfeeding can enhance the emotional connection between mother and baby. Many nursing mothers say they really enjoy the experience of bonding so closely. %

% Breastfeeding can sometimes be too difficult or stressful for new mothers. Commercially prepared infant formulas are a nutritious alternative to breast milk, and some even contain vitamins and nutrients that you cannot get from breast milk.

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Breast

Going back to work does not mean that mothers have to give up breastfeeding. “With the help of a good breastpump, mums should be able to express enough milk to keep their little ones satisfied while they are out at work,” explains Sioned. All employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of their employees. While you are breastfeeding, you and your baby have special health and safety protection under the same regulations that give protection to pregnant employees. You will need to discuss this with your employer, as well as where you can express milk and when. A large employer may have a ‘mother and baby room,’ or you may be able to use a first aid room, spare office or any private room. “Expressing means you can keep up with your supply and then breastfeed as normal during the evenings and on weekends,” says Sioned. It also means you can keep up the bond with your baby, even when you aren’t together.

WITH THE HELP OF A GOOD BREASTPUMP, MUMS SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPRESS ENOUGH MILK TO KEEP THEIR LITTLE ONES SATISFIED WHILE THEY ARE OUT AT WORK.

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WITH A RISE IN THE NUMBER OF WOMEN TAKING UP EXERCISE AND SPORT, THIS HAS CONSEQUENTLY SEEN AN INCREASE IN BREAST REDUCTIONS.

Better Breasts? Breast augmentation is an increasingly popular procedure, with many women deciding to go under the knife to change their bust. The reasons behind the procedure are varied. “Many women have breast augmentations, because they have lost the breast fullness and volume as a consequence of pregnancy and childbirth. In these cases, the woman’s breast shape is more or less defined, and breast implants will restore the volume and shape. Breast implants do not affect breast feeding,” says Azhar Aslam, head surgeon at Linia Cosmetic Surgery. Others opt for a breast reduction. “Heavy breasts are well known to create problems such

as shoulder and neck ache, posture and difficulties in sporting activities, especially because all sporting activities involve bouncing and movement of the breast, which is difficult to control. Following our very successful 2012 Olympics, there has been an extreme rise in the number of women who want to be active in sports; and consequently, the number of active women or professional athletes seeking breast reductions has risen. Breast reduction however can result in significant scarring, but experienced surgeons can perform Fact It is believed that this with minimal scar technique. Therefore, choice of surgeon and almost 50,000 women in the UK correct procedure is crucial.” Breast augmentation made the could have PIP news this year due to the possible implants.

danger of French Poly Implant Prosthèse or ‘PIP’ implants. There was global concern after it was revealed that they contained industrial silicone, rather than medical-grade fillers and that they may be more prone to rupture and leakage than other implants. It is thought that almost 50,000 women in the UK could have these implants. You can check if you have PIP implants by checking your medical notes, which you can get free from your clinic or GP. If you had a PIP implant on the NHS you will receive a letter. Whether you had your implants done privately, or on the NHS, your doctor will remove them if he agrees there is medical need. GOOD LIVING WITH ALEX JONES

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VIVA Argentina *

Argentinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich culture, large and varied landscape, great sporting achievements and dramatic history mean this is a country that can boast of attractions to entertain even the most discerning visitor. By Kathryn McCann 102

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ome associate this grand nation with fast and furiously played football, others with its history of fearless female leaders, the former First Lady Eva Perón and current President Cristina Fernandez. Visitors from all over the world come to sample the fine cuisine on offer including the famous Argentinian beef asado (roasted) from a parrilla (grill) restaurant, washed down with a bottle of Mendoza’s excellent wine. Others prefer to chase down some sultry Argentine Tango – renowned as the world’s ultimate romantic dance – in the lively, bustling back streets of Buenos Aires. Sold? You should be. Let Good Living magazine guide you through the best of what the world’s eighth largest country has to offer...

Wine Time The Argentine wine industry has long been among the largest outside Europe, and the country is the fifth most important wine producer in the world, with the annual per capita consumption of wine among the highest. The Mendoza region, an arid province that lies to the North East of the country, has numerous bodegas nestled in the shadows of the Andes and is at the heart of Argentinian wine making. It is most famous for its variety of Malbec grape, which although it has its origins in France, has found an ideal environment in the Province of Mendoza to successfully develop and become the world’s best Malbec wine. Mendoza accounts for 70% of the country’s total wine production, and provides many variations of ‘wine tourism.’ Visitors also flock to Mendoza to experience the impressive landscape of the Cordillera de Los Andes and the highest peak in the Americas, Mount Aconcagua, at 6,952m (22,808 ft) high.

O p p o s i t e pag e : Caminito is a street museum and a traditional a l l e y, l o c at e d in L a Bo ca, a neighborhood of Buenos Aires. R i g h t : M e n d oz a ac c o u n t s f o r 7 0 % o f t h e c o u n t ry ’ s t o ta l w i n e production.

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[ARGENTINA] IS THE FIFTH MOST IMPORTANT WINE PRODUCER IN THE WORLD.

Many of the major bodegas (Norton, Rutini etc.) offer tours and wine-tasting events are extremely common in the area. There are a large number of operators offering organised tours of the vineyards, but you can also do it independently – although if you are, it is advisable to book in advance as many bodegas only open for pre-arranged visits and are closed at weekends. You will find plenty of information in the culture section of local newspapers or by asking around. A preferable period to visit is during harvesting in March and April, and if you choose to stay in the

city, the famous winemaking regions of Luján de Cuyo and Maipú are a mere 100km away. These areas also produce Mendoza’s most famous varieties of Malbec as well as impressive Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots. Anoek Petit, Travel Consultant at Sunvil Traveller, explains why Argentina has become such a great wine country: “One of the main factors is the ideal conditions for grape growing in the area – dry, keeping it from many of the diseases found in other wine regions, differences in altitude due to being close to the Andes, which

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DRINK MALBEC FROM MAIPÚ, ENJOY GRILLED ARGENTINE MEAT AND TRY THE TANGO.

Left: As the n at i o n a l da n c e of argentina, ta n g o c a n b e l o c at e d a l l ov e r t h e c i t y, and is best experienced in the milongas. O p p o s i t e pag e : San Carlos de Barilo che, u s ua l ly k n ow n as Barilo che, is a city in t h e p r ov i n c e o f R í o N e g r o, Argentina, s i t uat e d i n t h e fo othills of the Andes.

makes for more solar radiation through a cool temperature, and takes advantage of the Andean runoff for irrigation. These ideal conditions allow Argentinian wines to be of a high quality. ” Although your plan may be to get lost in the sprawling vineyards or to tackle the daunting Mount Aconcagua, ensure you also make time to explore the city itself – to miss this would be a mistake. For starters, Mendoza city far exceeds expectations of what to expect from a municipal with a location in the middle of a desert. This lively, bustling city is bursting with greenery and impressive fountains thanks to the acequias (irrigation ditches) that run beside every main road. There are plenty of sprawling piazzas – five in total – lined with cosmopolitan cafés and bars serving a mixture of cocktails and empanadas to satisfy every palette. Take time to sample all the staples of Argentinian culture – drink Malbec from Maipú, enjoy grilled Argentine meat and try the tango – but remember the party doesn’t start until late!

No doubt your trip to Argentina will include its magnificent capital city, Buenos Aires – the cultural and historic centre of the country. Anoek agrees: “Buenos Aires is very elegant, with a lot of green space for such a metropolitan city. It is home to the Pink House (the Argentinian version of the White House), the tango, galleries and designer shops, colonial architecture and the brightly coloured houses of the La Boca neighbourhood.” Most of Argentina’s activity is concentrated in this single city, which boasts a wide range of nightlife, restaurants and pubs to

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ensure you will be completely spoilt for choice. There are three million inhabitants and 48 districts called barrios (neighbourhoods).

What Else Does Argentina Have To Offer? If you have given yourself enough time to properly explore this great country – and you should – other highlights include the Iguazu Falls, Argentinian Estancias, the Lake District, Peninsula Valdes, El Calafate and Ushuaia. Anoek urges travelers to pay a visit to the Iguazu falls in particular: “This is one of the world’s most amazing waterfalls and is twice the size of Niagara. The 275 falls

Fact The Argentine currency has changed twice since 1985.

thunder down from a height of 82 metres and stretch for more than one and a half miles. The falls can be viewed from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides.” The Argentinian estancias range from traditional cattle ranches, farms and plantations, to elegant villas and country houses. The majority are located in the pampas, a vast area of land stretching inland from Buenos Aires for hundreds of miles. In the Lake District you can experience great tranquility among the glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains and dense Northern Patagonian forests (home to four National Parks). An area of exquisite natural beauty stretching along 30 crystal lakes that vary between

aquamarine blue and emerald green, with a backcloth of majestic extinct volcanoes traversed by silent forests, it offers a magical way to enter a pristine, timeless environment. If you want to get up close and personal with wildlife, Anoek recommends Peninsula Valdes: “This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant marine reserves on the planet. Large colonies of Magellan penguins can be observed at close quarters from September to March. Between June and December, daily whalewatching boat trips take place, and between August and April, sea lions and elephant seals may be seen. Bird life is abundant with plenty of eagles, owls and lesser rheas. Guanacos scatter this wild territory.” The town of El Calafate is the base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park and the monumental glacier of Perito Moreno. This glacier has a surface of 257 square kilometers and stands a towering 50-70 metres high, while reaching a depth of 137 metres. There are many platforms and trails from where you can view the glacier and hear the ice cracking continuously. Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city. With elements of a frontier town with an indigenous heritage, it has increasingly adapted to its modern position as a focal point for the exploration of the subpolar region. Apart from cruises to Antarctica, you may explore a cruise along the Beagle Channel or to Punta Arenas in Chile. For more information on Argentina, contact Sunvil Traveller, www.sunvil.co.uk, or Tel: 020 8748 4774.

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