Vision magazine iss35

vIsIon ISSUE 35 / NOV / DEC 2016

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Christmas Trees Pantomime & Sunshine Holidays

ONLINE GIFTS FOR HIM ROCK YOUR get ready for the snow VELVET

7Benefits of Aloe Vera

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Wishi ng a l l ou r c utome rs A ver y Mer r y C hr ist mas & a Happy Ne w Ye ar

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Intro 2016 has flown by and we are looking forward to the Christmas celebrations. This has been a very busy year for us with the introduction of our new look magazine with more pages.

Please take time to read our winter warmth article and remember to look after the older people in the community, who sometimes can feel a bit lonely at this time of year.

This month we feature glittering gifts for the ladies and some good online buys for the men. We are seeing a resurgence in Velvet on the cat walk so have a look at our Velvet guide showing you how to embrace the style.

Have a great Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in the new year 2017.

VISION magazine Editor Photographer Production Printers

Visual Designer Magazine Delivery

PHYLLIS FORREST COLIN SMITH HILL & HAY

EDDIE WALSH SCOTPOST LTD

Questions and feedback: VISION MAGAZINE Phone: +44 (0) 7957 358 355 Email: sales@thevisionmarketing.com Online: www.thevisionmarketing.com www.localvisionmagazine.co.uk

Competition Winner

editor

Phyllis Forrest

Last month VISION in conjunction with Fit4Life ran a competition to win 20 private lessons with a personal trainer - Joe from Fit4Life. We are happy to announce Joe has selected the winner and has been in contact to arrange the prize. We will keep you informed with progress in our next issue

Copyright Š 2016 by The Vision Marketing All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016

18

8 VISION FEATURES 06

Benefits of Aloe Vera

16

Get away in January

08

Winter Warmth

Staying alive through cold weather

18

Velvet Trends

12

Best on line

20

Christmas Trees

14

All that glitters

22

Enter the Dame

Can this plant help you through the day

Some gift ideas to buy on line for him

Gifts for the ladies

VISION REGULARS 23

Recipe

24

Crossword

25

Movie & Book review

Baklava

Winter warmth in the sun

Embrace the look

Short history of the nations tradition

Christmas Panto

6

Games to keep the mind fit

The Lastest releases

VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016 5

7 A

BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA

loe vera is a popular medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years. It is best known for treating skin injuries, but also has several other beneficial effects on health. This is a list of the benefits of aloe vera:.

Each leaf is full of a slimy tissue that stores water, which makes the leaves thick. This slimy, water-filled tissue is the “gel” we associate with Aloe vera products. The gel contains most of the bioactive compounds in the plant, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant that is used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. It’s leaves are full of a gel-like substance that contains numerous beneficial compounds. Applying Aloe vera to burn wounds appears to accelerate the healing process. The evidence is inconclusive for other wound types.

When used as a mouth rinse, pure Aloe vera juice is just as effective at reducing dental plaque buildup as regular mouthwash. Application of Aloe vera, either as a patch or gel, has been shown to aid in the recovery of mouth ulcers. Aloe vera latex has strong laxative effects, making it useful to treat constipation.

1

Contains healthy plant compounds Aloe vera is a thick, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves.

It is widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries, and has an estimated annual market value of $13 billion globally.

Aloe vera is well recognized by its thick, pointed and fleshy green leaves, which can grow to about 12-19 inches (30-50 cm) in length.

2

Has antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Antioxidants are important for health.

Aloe vera gel contains powerful antioxidants, which belong to a large family of substances known as polyphenols.

These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in Aloe vera, can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans

3

Accelerates the healing of burns

Aloe vera is most commonly used as a topical medication, rubbed onto the skin rather than eaten. It has long been known as a treatment for sores, particularly burns, including sunburns.

In fact, the FDA first approved Aloe vera ointment as an over-the-counter medication for skin burns back in 1959. Studies suggest that it is an effective topical treatment for first- and second-degree burns. A review of 4 experimental studies found that Aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by around 9 days compared to conventional medication.

4

Reduces dental plaque

Tooth decay and diseases of the gum are very common health problems.

One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to reduce the buildup of plaque (bacterial biofilms) on the teeth. In a mouth rinse study of 300 healthy people, 100% pure Aloe vera juice was compared to the standard mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine.After 4 days of use, the Aloe vera mouth rinse was found to be just as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque . Another study found similar benefits of Aloe vera mouth rinse when used over a 15- to 30-day period. Aloe vera does this by killing the plaque-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, as well as the yeast Candida albicans.

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been available in the US as an over-thecounter medication since 2002.

Helps treat mouth ulcers

Many people have experienced mouth ulcers at some point in their lives.

They usually form underneath the lip, inside the mouth, and last for about 7-10 days. Studies have convincingly shown that Aloe vera treatment can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers.

In a 7-day study of 180 people with recurrent mouth ulcers, an Aloe vera patch applied to the area was effective in reducing the size of the ulcers.

However, it did not out perform the conventional ulcer treatment, which is corticosteroids. In another study, Aloe vera gel not only accelerated the healing of mouth ulcers, it also reduced the pain associated with them.

6

Reduces constipation

Aloe vera has often be used to treat constipation. This time it is not the gel, but the latex, that provides the benefits.

The latex is a sticky yellow residue found just under the skin of the leaf.

The key compound responsible for this effect is called aloin, or barbaloin, which has well-established laxative effects.

However, some concerns have been raised about safety issues with frequent use. For this reason, Aloe latex has not

7

May improve skin and help prevent wrinkles

There is some preliminary evidence that topical Aloe vera gel can slow aging of the skin. In one study of 30 women over the age of 45, topical application of the gel was shown to increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity over a 90-day period. Another study found that Aloe vera reduced erythema (redness of the skin), but was also found to dehydrate skin cells. There is very little evidence that Aloe vera can treat skin conditions like psoriasis and radiation dermatitis.

VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016 7

WINTER WARMTH

In the UK each winter, one older person dies every 7 minutes from the cold What is fuel poverty?

Research highlights that A person is living in fuel poverty if, to there is a general lack of heat their home to a satisfactory stanawareness of the effects dard, they need to spend more than 10 per cent of their household income on that cold weather can have fuel. on an older person’s health.

A recent survey showed Causes of fuel poverty Three factors influence whether a that many people wrongly household is in fuel poverty. believe that hypothermia is the main cause of excess Low household income. The costs winter death. There is also a of heating a property form a greater proportion of total income for those on belief that leaving a window low incomes. open at night to let in fresh Fuel costs. Higher prices reduce the air is good for your health, affordability of fuel. whereas the opposite is Energy efficiency. The energy true – breathing in cold air efficiency of the building and the lowers body temperature efficiency of the heating source determine the amount of energy and raises the risk of chest needed to heat the home. infections. website or by calling the Jobcentre Cold weather payments Cold weather causes Plus telephone line on 0800 0 55 66 88 a massive increase in or textphone 0800 0 23 48 88 (this is Some people who receive income a service for hearing impaired people, associated health problems: support, income based jobseeker’s and doesn’t accept texts). You can find allowance, employment and support heart attacks, strokes, allowance or pension credit are entitled out more about cold weather payments at Gov.UK. pneumonia, depression, to a cold weather payment from the social fund. worsening arthritis and Winter fuel payments increased accidents at home These payments are made if the (associated with loss of weather becomes exceptionally cold (0° If you are aged 62 or over, you should or below) for seven consecutive days or receive an annual winter fuel payment, strength and dexterity in more. to help with the costs of keeping the hands). warm during winter. If you are getting Payments should be made automatically with your benefits. Find out if you qualify at the Jobcentre Plus

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VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016

the state retirement pension or some welfare benefits you should be sent these payments automatically.

Otherwise, you may have to claim your first winter fuel payment.

Help from the social fund Some people may be eligible to apply for a budgeting loan, crisis loan or community care grant from the social fund.

These can be used to: buy essential household goods such as a heater buy coal, oil or bottled gas. Install a prepayment meter to help control your fuel consumption. Have your electricity or gas reconnected.

In winter 2015-16, there were an estimated 415,000 individuals eligible for Cold Weather Payments in Scotland with 119,000 actually receiving a payment VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016 9

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BEST ONLINE Sweaty, impatient crowds. Overflowing car parks giving way to dizzying lights and music.

Undeserving children screaming demands at parents and fake Santas.

Bjorn Borg Performance Underwear It’s stunning how effectively any shopping centre turns the merry Christmas season into hell on earth. No one really likes enduring this painful annual ritual.

So it’s with pleasure that we present these gift ideas. They’re crucial to you for two reasons: One, any guy on your list will want this stuff even if he doesn’t know it yet (and yes, that includes you).

Two, shopping online now will spare you from the gauntlet that is the festive shopping crowds between now and Christmas Eve. So grab a mug of something hot and pull up a seat and get your Christmas shopping done the smart way.

Cotton is great for loungewear – but athletes know never to run in the stuff. That’s why Bjorn Borg’s second-skin, hydro-pro Performance Shorts, featuring mesh inserts at the front and in between the legs, are meant for active guys. Get a pack of two, one in solid black and one in grey camo. Plus, they’re super comfy to sleep in for you. £35.00 at Bjorn Borg

ClarinsMen Collection Skincare Gift Set

Is he constantly nicking your bathroom products, yet reluctant to splash out on his own cosmetics? Nip that habit in the bud by getting him this complete skincare set. Containing an exfoliating cleanser, moisturiser, eye cream and shaving gel, plus a handy bag for travelling, it’s everything he needs to attain the smooth, radiant skin he (won’t admit he) wants. £40 at John Lewis 12

VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016

Lean in 15: The Shape Plan

The latest volume from the most wanted man in health and fitness, this body bible features recipes and workouts that will keep any guy lean and healthy in the new year. Joe Wicks hit upon a winning formula with his famous 15-minute meals and we can attest that the ones featured here are both delicious and effective. £8 at Amazon

Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones

Help him through the new dawn of headphone jack-less iPhones with Beats, whose latest model of iconic Solo headphones now come wireless as standard. Beats are known for their big bass and the Solo3 is powerful in other ways too, featuring 40 hours of battery life and the ability to connect to your device from over 30 metres away. And in terms of Christmas covetability, they’re pretty high up on the list. £209.91 at Amazon

Levi’s Sherpa Check Jacket

This jacket was made for sprucing up his customary t-shirt and jeans look, and is a piece he’s sure to throw on whenever he’s looking for something cool yet cosy. The mixed fabric keeps this look interesting, while the Sherpa lining and fluffy collar add to its warmth. Growing a lumbersexual beard is of course optional. £110 at John Lewis

Amazon Echo

The house robot of the future is here. At just over 9 inches, the Amazon Echo packs an awful lot of punch into something so compact. By simply speaking to it, he can get it to play music, answer questions, schedule alarms and meetings, request Uber rides, control connected lights and thermostats… and even more strangely J.A.R.V.I.S.-esque tasks. It won’t help him to do the dishes just yet, but surely it’s just a matter of time? £149.99 at Amazon VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016 13

ALL THAT GLITTERS We found nine eye-catching gifts that will bring a little bit of sparkle to the face of all beauty lovers this Christmas.

BECCA HIGHLIGHTER £32 Shimmering skin perfector.

Lends skin a beautiful backlit lustre, without the trace of tell-tail glitter

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VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016

KAILIJUMEI LIPSTICK £13.99 Clear lipstick infused with jelly, gold specs & a tiny flower placed right in the centre

SEPHORA BRUSH SET $74 + $6 shipping from SEPHORA US Limited edition double time double ended brush set

My Burberry Festive eau de parfum 90ml £92.00 Sweet pea,bergamot, geranium, golden quince, freesia, patchouli, damask, centifolia rose Limited edition 90ml

L’Oreal Dust £4.99

COCOLUX @

This statement shimmer is an ideal jewel tone for your nails, an essential for every engagement this upcoming season

Selfridges Grapefruit and lemongrass copper candle 150g £36.00

THE BODY SHOP SHIMMERING DRY OIL HONEY £16

BOBBI BROWN SEQUIN EYESHADOW £26

MOLTON BROWN MESMERISING Bath & Shower Gel £22

Give your skin a dose of sun-kissed golden shimmer

Delivers a sheer wash of colour & light-catching sparkle

A heady concoction of rare and rich ingredients to mesmerise your skin

VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016 15

Gambia Muscat, Oman

Praia, Cape Verde

PLACES TO GO THIS JANUARY. I

s there ever a time when we need a holiday more than January? We’re fat and cold and grumpy. Spring is a lifetime away. So here’s one easy New Year’s Resolution: book a trip somewhere uplifting. It can be longhaul and life-changing, or small and beautiful enough to lift our mood til the trees start to green again. The weather is perfect - dry, warm, sunny - in the tropics and the southern hemisphere, Europe pretty and powdery in the snow; and everywhere is a little quieter (and cheaper) after the flurry of the holidays are over. It’s a strange sensation, to find oneself longing for January. Here are our top 4 picks of the best places to go on holiday in January.

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VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016

M

P

uscat is one of the lesser known winter sun destinations but is fast becoming a popular alternative for a winter getaway. Unlike its more illustrious neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Muscat combines the authentic Middle Eastern experience with stunning architecture, and a unique location between rugged mountains and the welcoming waters of the Gulf of Oman.

raia means beach in Portuguese, which is great news when you’re looking for a top winter sun destination. The country’s capital, Praia, is on the island of Santiago - 300 miles off the coast of northwest Africa - ensuring a steady supply of heat, cloudless skies and sunshine. The temperature never drops below 19°C, with a Saharan breeze kindly cooling the air during the hottest seasons.

The white low-slung buildings and the sparse architecture is refreshingly light; buildings like the Royal Opera House Muscat and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque are aesthetic perfection; and when you’re done taking in city sights, there are public beaches galore to enjoy.

Cape Verde is a heady mix of Portuguese, Brazilian and African cultures, with Praia predominantly African in feel. Here the laid-back lifestyle and friendliness of the locals is genuine: morabeza or hospitality is a big thing. If it’s activity you want, there’s always a spectacular hiking trail to tackle, an awesome beach to visit and diving, surfing and kitesurfing in the windswept Atlantic waters.

Fraser Island, Australia

B

asking in 30°C heat during our winter, and a manageable six-hour flight from the UK means that Gambia is an ideal winter sun holiday destination.

Africa’s smallest mainland nation, the country is split crossways by the Gambia River. This waterway is home to a wealth of wildlife including an incredible array of bird species, most notably in Kiang West National Park and Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve. There are a growing number of eco-lodges and small wildlife parks popping up along the river.

Vast Atlantic beaches run south from Bakau to Kololi, and this is where you’ll find most of the large holiday resorts. The tiny capital, Banjul, is worth visiting for its market and harbour.

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fantastic winter sun destination with a sub-tropical climate, Fraser Island is exceptionally beautiful. It’s World Heritage-listed and protected, due to a number of unique features and rare or endangered species. At 120km in length and positioned off the Queensland coast, this is the largest sand island on the planet.

It’s also the only place in the world where tall rainforests grow on sand dunes. The Cathedrals (cliffs with sculpted ribbons of coloured sand) are of ecological significance too. The Great Sandy Strait which separates the island from mainland Oz is a protected wetland area and home to mangrove colonies, sea-grass beds, thousands of migratory shorebirds and vulnerable creatures such as turtles and dugongs.

There are only a few places to stay on Fraser Island, including a purpose-built eco resort with a full range of luxury hotel facilities as well as a programme of eco-led activities.

You may simply want to enjoy the panoramic, pure white sands and swimming at Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby or one of the 100 other freshwater lakes on this paradise isle.

VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016 17

Velvet dresses are back with a vengeance: this season they’re more fluid and feminine then before. Many designers from Prada to Preen showcased velvet dresses on the runway, in an array of colors and silhouettes. There’s a few versions of the velvet dress for you to experiment with; opt for something a little longer for a sophisticated ladylike look or a short and playful ruffled number. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by fabric, don’t over-layer your look. Pair your velvet dress with a jumper for a cosy feel during the cold weather. There are lots of Velvet accessories in the stores for those who just want to add a little bit of Velvet to their look.

Dorothy Perkins Navy ‘Ruby’ Velvet Sandals £30

Zara long Burgundy Velvet scarf £9.99

Zara Velvet dress £19.99

ROCK YOUR VELVET

Missguided Roll Top Velvet Clutch Bag £20

Top Shop Thin Velvet Choker £6 18

VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016

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VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016 19

Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness.

THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE I n the Northern hemisphere, the shortest day and longest night of the year falls on December 21 or December 22 and is called the winter solstice.

Many ancient people believed that the sun was a god and that winter came every year because the sun god had become sick and weak. They celebrated the solstice because it meant that at last the sun god would begin to get well. Evergreen boughs reminded them of all the green plants that would grow again when the sun god was strong and summer would return.

Early Romans marked the solstice with a feast called the Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. The Romans knew that the solstice meant that soon farms and orchards would be green and fruitful. To mark the occasion, they decorated their homes and temples with evergreen boughs.

In Northern Europe the mysterious Druids, the priests of the ancient Celts, also decorated their temples with evergreen boughs as a symbol of everlasting life. The fierce Vikings in Scandinavia thought that evergreens were the special plant of the sun god, Balder.

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

Some built Christmas pyramids of wood

and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce.

It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and tied lighted candles to the branches.

In 1846, Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas tree.

Unlike the previous royal family,

Victoria was very popular with her subjects, and what was done at court immediately became fashionable - The Christmas tree had arrived.

The early 20th century saw people decorating their trees mainly with homemade ornaments, apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies.

Popcorn joined in after being dyed bright colors and interlaced with berries and nuts.

Electricity brought about Christmas lights, making it possible for Christmas trees to glow for days on end. With this, Christmas trees began to appear in town squares across the country and having a Christmas tree in the home became a world wide tradition.

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CHRISTMAS PANTO

Enter The Dame

The Pantomime Dame, usually the hero’s mother, such as Widow Twankey in “Aladdin” or “Dame Trott” in Jack and the Beanstalk was a creation that emerged from the early Music Halls of the Victorian era.

The public warmed to seeing their favourite comedian playing the role of Jack’s mother, or the King’s cook and bottlewasher. Often the Dame’s costumes would be used to good comic effect by parodying the fashions of the day, in much the same way as the modern Dame or Ugly Sister does at the moment.

The Ugly Sisters were first seen played by women in Rossini’s opera, “La Cenerentola” in London, but were swiftly transformed into men playing the roles in 1860, at the Royal Strand Theatre, London. The Ugly Sisters differ from the Dame in that they have to tread the thin tightrope between being hugely comic characters, and yet still remain the villains of the piece.

CHRISTMAS BAKLAVA

SOMETHING FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Place all the syrup ingredients in a medium saucepan with 300ml cold water and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by a third. Leave to cool. (The syrup must be cool when it is poured over the pastry otherwise the pastry will go soggy.)

Preparation time: 20 minutes + cooling Cooking time: 40 minutes Total time: 60 minutes + cooling

2. Blitz the nuts in a food processor until coarse then tip into a bowl and stir through the signature spice.

3. Lightly grease a 34 x 24cm tin with the melted butter. Gently unfold the filo and cover with a damp tea towel to stop it cracking.

4. Layer sheets of filo in the tin and brush each layer with melted butter. After 4 layers, scatter over half the nut mixture, repeat with 4 layers of filo, then the rest of the nuts. Top with the last 4 layers of filo then generously butter the top. Cut into 24 square shapes with a sharp knife – ensure the blade goes right to the bottom.

5. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven on a hot baking sheet for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, reducing the temperature to 170°C, gas mark 3, if the baklava looks as though it is browning too quickly.

6. Remove the baklava from the oven and spoon half the cooled syrup over the top. Leave for 5 minutes then spoon over the remaining syrup. Allow the baklava to cool slightly before removing with a palette knife.

Ingredients FOR THE SYRUP 300g sugar 100ml Greek honey 1 cinnamon stick 4 strips of clementine zest 300g Christmas shelled nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans , brazils, hazelnuts ) 2 tbsp Ground mixed Spice 200g butter, melted 2 x 270g packs Jus-Rol Filo Pastry Sheets

VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016 23

crossword sudoko Cryptic

Across 1. Bank employee, who can say (6) 4. Balance found in muesli bran (5) 9. Crumbling old places fell down (9) 10. Not as old as that confused Reno guy (7) 11. Plenty of land in tarmac resort (5) 12. Opposed to poetry (6) 14. Purloins duck between beginning and end of shifts (6) 17. Last letter in some game (5) 19. Tolerates some token duress (7) 21. Alter code when moved (9) 23. One of the Earps, sounds interrogative at first (5) 24. Shue a paper then come into view (6)

Quick

Across 1. Twelve (5) 4. Hoard (5) 7. Unaware (9) 8. Gape (4) 10. Wore away (6) 12. Birds of prey (6) 13. Notion (4) 16. Large spider (9) 18. The lowest point of anything (5) 19. Implied (5) Down 1. Journal (5) 2. Menagerie (3) 3. World’s longest river (4) 4. Secret or hidden (6) 5. Bustling (7) 6. Abated (5) 9. Placed a bet (7) 11. Thinner (6) 12. Consumed (5) 14. Proficient (5) 15. Female relative (4) 17. Part of a circle (3)

Down 1. Sum up tall youth, essentially (5) 2. Let cure become a lesson (7) 3. Find a fish in a wee lake (3) 5. Begins tantrum in a moment (7) 6. Palindrome instrument (5) 7. Found in large scale drama crowd (5) 8. Hesitates to use spa turbulence (6) 12. Committee on a ship (6) 13. Evidence of injury, allow for redness (7) 15. Shorten a river crossing (7) 16. Serenity, sounds like part of something greater (5) 18. Nobleman with ponytail is before his time (5) 20. Grasp earnest weapon, essentially (5) 22. High point found in octopus (3)

books film

Release Date 16th December2016

Miracle on 5th Avenue Sarah Morgan Sometimes love needs a Christmas Miracle...Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas. Even if she is spending it alone housesitting a spectacular Fifth Avenue apartment.

What she didn’t expect was to find the penthouse still occupied by its gorgeous-and mysterious-owner. Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade is having the nightmare before Christmas. With a deadline and the anniversary of his wife’s death looming, he’s isolated himself in his penthouse with only his grief for company. But when the blizzard of the century leaves Eva snowbound in his apartment, Lucas starts to open up to the magic she brings...

This Christmas, is Lucas finally ready to trust that happily-ever-afters do exist?

The Smell of Other People’s Houses Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock Alaska, 1970: growing up here is like nowhere else. Ruth wants to be remembered by her grieving mother. Dora wishes she was invisible to her abusive father. Alyce is staying at home to please her parents.

Hank is running away for the sake of his brothers. Four very different lives are about to become entangled. Because if we don’t save each other, how can we begin to save ourselves?

Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock’s extraordinary, stunning debut is both moving, and deeply authentic.

These intertwining stories of love, tragedy, wild luck, and salvation on the edge of America’s Last Frontier introduce a writer of rare and wonderful talent.

From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction.

This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

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VISIONMagazine/ December, 2016

‘We sold in a week - in January’ Don’t believe the myth, winter can be a good time to sell your home and here’s how to do it Starting to feel the winter blues about selling your property? While spring and summer are the busiest times to market your home, it’s not always the best time to sell.

Common wisdom suggests avoiding selling in winter, but most agents argue that with less properties to compete with and only the more serious buyers on the hunt, it can be a good time to market your home.

There is less supply because there are fewer new listings and many properties have been taken off the market

Top tips to sell your house by spring Keep the price competitive: It’s not the time of year to fly a kite at an inflated figure which will simply turn off price-savvy buyers.

Make it cosy and offer a warm welcome: It sounds obvious but light the fire or turn up the central heating and offer a cup of tea to potential buyers. Put a mat or boot scraper by the door to save your carpets.

Let in the light: Open curtains and clean windows to make rooms as light and airy as possible.

Don’t forget the exterior: Make sure gutters and window frames are well maintained and clean. Any exterior paintwork maintenance, with a small investment now, can make a real difference to your home’s selling potential.

The garden is just as important in winter: Lawns should be cut and free of leaves. While children’s play areas may signal an attractive family home in summer, an expanse of dead grass under the trampoline can spoil the effect. Although you may be thinking about storing tables, chairs and benches away for winter, it’s worth leaving them outside so buyers can see the space in action. Always keep them scrubbed and clean though.

Update photos: If there’s snow when the first pictures are taken, get them retaken as soon as it’s gone.

Old seasonal pictures with trees full of leaves can make the property look like it’s been on the market for a while. And don’t be too hasty with the tinsel. Christmas decorations can make a room look cluttered or too busy Be flexible with viewings: Daytime viewings are best – try Saturdays or Sundays if weekdays are tricky.

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