Vision Magazine

vIsIon VISION MAGAZINE

ISSUE 34 Sep/Oct 2016

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? WIN 20 FREE FITNESS SESSIONS inside this month’s issue

Interior Design top ideas from our expert

7 Tips to stay healthy

Your must have FREE magazine

J.J. Blinds & Curtain Company

Blinds Conservatory Blinds

Shutters

Curtains

Pelmets

Cushions

Headboards Throws

Bedspreads

Not sure what you are looking for, need some ideas?

Let Us Help. Visit our website to see the extensive range of fabrics. Send us an email or ring us for a chat.

FREE consultaions in the comfort of your own home FREE measuring & FREE advice

CALL NOW

01555 759 250

Visit our Showroom at 2 Kirkton St Carluke

We are happy to quote for any commercial contracts

Proudly presents an amatuer production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER Lyrics JIM STEINMAN Music

FEATURING MUSIC FROM

Donny Osmond Boyzone Tom Jones Michael Ball Elaine Paige Tina Arena

MOTHERWELL THEATRE Tuesday 4th - Saturday 8th OCT 2016 - 7:30pm Saturday 8th Oct 2016 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Ticket Hotline 01555 770 614 Theatre Box Office 01698 403 120 Tickets also available from Company Member or www.carlukeaos.co.uk

Sponsored by:

John R. Muir & Co Solicitors & Notaries

HUGE SELECTION HUGE SAVINGS First come First served

Visit our FANTASTIC showroom Open to Trade & Public

01555 770 660 extremeceramics.co.uk

importers & distributors of floor and wall tiles

Castlehill Ind Est Unit 6 Craignethan Rd Carluke ML8 5UF

Intro Hi welcome to or new look VISION magazine. This month is all about keeping fit, active and eating well.

We have teamed up with Joe Fennessey from Fit4Life. Joe is orffering one lucky reader a fantastic prize of 20 FREE personal training sessions.

At the end of the sessions we will feature a before and after article in the magazineand we will include a full hair and beauty makeover on the big day of the photoshoot. Go on, try your luck see the article on page 12.

inVision Editor Creative Director Fashion Editor Photographer Production Printers

Graphic & web Designer Magazine Delivery

PHYLLIS FORREST EDWARD WALSH SARAH MCGOUGH COLIN SMITH HILL & HAY

EDDIE WALSH SCOTPOST LTD

This month as we head towards the colder climes, we look at Winter weddings and how they can be a very romantic and cost effective option.

We are also launching our new travel section this month, the very beautiful island of Santorini.

We hope you enjoy our new layout and this month’s features and articles. Thanks to all of our contributors for their work on this month’s issue.

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

editor

Phyllis Forrest

Copyright © 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.

12 6 VISION FEATURES 06

Security Driver

07

Travel, Santorini

09 16

Craig Barton Interview

The fabulous “Black Pearl”

Health Tips

Keep up the good work.

Winter Weddings

Why winter weddings can be Fabulous

VISION REGULARS 06

Recipe

10

Crossword

30

Movie & Book review

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Games to keep the mind fit

The Lastest releases

CONTRIBUTIONS 12

Fit 4 Life

14

Jaro Interior Design

24

Remax

Joe Fennessey Competition

Top 3 Tips from Janet Cathro of Jaro Interior Design Latest news on home prices after BREXIT

07

security driver An interview with Craig Barton of Security Drivers International (Scotland) Ltd Chauffeur and close protection specialist.

Tell us about yourself My name is Craig Barton. I was born and bred in Forgewood, Motherwell. This was a very rough area in which to grow up but also made me very streetwise from a young age. Due to a good upbringing, I was taught to always try my best at everything I do in life, I may not be the best but if I try then that’s all anyone can ask of me.

This stood me in good stead for adult life. I joined the Army in January 2002 when I was 20 years of age. I served for 12 years and left with a testimonial award for exemplary service. I initially joined the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, a tank regiment. I stayed there for 5 and a half years before transferring to the Royal Military Police where I remained until my 12 year point of service.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Army and have a lot to thank it for as it taught me many disciplines and made me the person I am today. It also gave me many experiences and opportunities. It taught me lessons in life and opened my eyes to many ways of life and cultures. During my service I served in Iraq on two occasions and also twice in Afghanistan. I have also served in Germany, Cyprus, Jordan, Kenya, the Falkland Islands, Canada and the UK. I had a very successful career which I am proud of with many highlights. On leaving the military in Jan 14, I was qualified as a Close Protection Officer coupled with medical qualifications. I conducted this training within my last year of service.

I managed to gain employment as a Duty Security Manager, 3rd in charge of the Commonwealth Games SECC & Hydro site.

This was an amazing opportunity and I enjoyed working with over 120 staff, the Commonwealth Committee and also the Emergency and Military Services.

In August 2014 after working the Commonwealth Games, I was asked if I would like to be the Personal Protection Officer for Alex Salmond when he was First Minister of Scotland, during the YES Campaign in the run up to the Scottish Referendum Vote. This was an extremely high profile job and gave me the opportunity to work with other highly experienced Close Protection Officers. I remained on the campaign until the end.

It was good to be apart of Scottish history even although I am not into politics I enjoyed the experience.

6

In October 2014, I made the decision to take on a contract to work in Iraq as a Close Protection Officer for BP on an 8 weeks on, 4 weeks off rotation. This was a very prestigious contract.

This was a hard decision to make as I was returning to work in Iraq as a civilian contractor through my own choice.

During my time in Iraq I progressed to Team Leader where I was in charge of my own team of 6 operators, 3 Armoured Vehicles and firearms. I had escorted many high profile clients to various locations daily all over the South of Iraq. The job was great, the salary was phenomenal, the biggest challenge was the time away from home which was 9 months of the year. In May ‘16 due to personal circumstances I decided to resign and come home and start my own chauffeuring and Close Protection company.

Tell us about your company.

I started my own company in May 2016 under a London based company called Security Drivers International Ltd which I am now a Director under my own name Security Drivers International Scotland. I made this decision as this company had been trading for 21 years and had a policing background which was attractive to me.

It was also something different and was not just an ordinary chauffeur company. I offer a variety of services across Glasgow, Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland.

Corporate Chauffeur Services~Companies wanting their clients collected from Airports or driven around during a visit to Scotland Security Escorts~Clients looking to transport high value goods or are just looking for some security to escort them to an event, meeting, business trip or recreational event.

Executive Protection~High visibility or covert Close Protection from single to teams Wedding Cars Airport Transfers~Personal or Corporate Tailored Golf tours, sightseeing tours and Whisky tours.

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

by: Phyllis Forrest

craig barton What 3 skills do you need to be successful in your line of work?

Good time management, journey planning, Situational Awareness and attention to detail striving for perfection in every task.

Who has inspired you and why?

I have been inspired by many people through life and work experiences. I would have to say that I am mostly inspired by people who have built up their business from nothing and have became very successful through hard work and determination. Richard Branson or Simon Cowell would be one of my favourites.

What does the future hold for you and your business?

Who knows what the future holds? I have a gut instinct and feeling that the business will absolutely through time grow and prosper into a really successful chauffeur and Close Protection company. Currently unsure what part of the business will be stronger. As long as I can put my personable stamp on every part of the business and have foresight on what is happening. I can grow it and tweak it to make it better and better.

I have excellent experiences and qualifications. I now need to apply that and as my name grows so will the business.

Travel,Santorini Breathtaking beauty in an idyllic setting, discover the magic of Santorini.

Santorini is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 120 miles southeast of Greece’s mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. It is also known as the ‘Black Pearl of the Aegean’ and is by far the most spectacular of the Greek Islands

For today’s seasoned travellers, staying in rented accommodation booked online is the best way to avoid pricey hotels. But that isn’t the case on the Greek island of Santorini, where savvy home-owners have wised up to the tourism opportunities, and an Airbnb apartment for two will set you back £350 a night. It comes as no surprise that holiday rentals can cost as much as a luxury hotel on this island, given it is regularly voted one of the top 10 in the world on TripAdvisor, and is widely accepted as being one of Europe’s most romantic locations. Santorini’s stunning sunsets across its volcanic bay are matched by its distinctive architecture: whitewashed churches with cobalt-blue domes line the cliff-

side towns of this Cycladean sanctuary, offering the perfect backdrop for the many Asian couples who fly in to have their official wedding photos taken. Indeed, a staged bridal photoshoot in the grounds of your hotel becomes a common sight as you share a bottle of wine of an evening. Yet there are ways to enjoy the breathtaking scenery without Malaysian, Singaporean and Hong Kong brides making their way into your photo album – and without having to pay through the nose.

When To Visit

Prices are highest from late June to early September, when the island’s two main towns, Oia and Fira, swarm with tourists. But the long summer, which runs from March to October, gives travellers the chance to lap up some rays outside of the peak season. Average temperatures in May are 22°C, and days are consistently sunny and warm towards the end of the month.

“Black pearl” Locals, meanwhile, recommend visiting in October, when the weather is similar to May, but the sea is warmer and tourists are scarce. EasyJet, Thomas Cook Airlines and British Airways fly direct to the island’s tiny Thira airport in four hours from the UK. Prices aren’t as low as a typical budget-airline jaunt to Europe, but they can be half the price if you travel before June or after September.

For example, return flights with easyJet from London Gatwick for a long weekend in October cost around £220 per person, compared with £430 for the same length break in September.

Accommodation similarly varies in price through the year.

WHERE TO STAY If choosing the month to travel is easy, deciding on the hotel is harder. Santorini’s biggest town, Oia, which has a population of just 3,300 people, has more than 170 hotels on offer. Balancing a budget with the must-haves of a swimming pool to lounge by and views over the volcanic caldera can be hard. The centrally located Armeni Village Rooms & Suites (armenivillage.com) ticks all the boxes, however, offering a swimming pool and south-facing balconies to catch the sun, while overlooking the bay. The rooms are spacious, reasonably priced and come with a fridge to keep bottled water chilled in the heat (drinking tap water in Santorini is not advised). Located a two-minute walk up 50 stairs to the main street, the hotel is quiet given its proximity to the tourist

trail. A standard double room costs £127 per night in October, compared with £254 in September. But real privacy in Oia comes at a price. If you want to take in the extraordinary surroundings away from the tourists, the luxury Canaves Oia Hotel (canaves. com) offers rooms with a private balcony and plunge pool.

Situated a five-minute walk from the main pedestrianised road, the hotel feels secluded but still in reach of restaurants and bars nearby. If even the thought of leaving the hotel feels too much, you can eat breakfast, dinner and lunch by the outdoor pool in the bar. A double room for two people including breakfast costs £345 per night in low season, and £471 in the peak summer months.

Once flight and accommodation are sorted, it is easy to keep to budget when you arrive. The hotel may offer to pick you up from the airport in an air-conditioned car for €60 (£52), but a €30 taxi from the airport’s rank does just fine. And if you’re not keen to pay €30 every time you sit down for a meal, you don’t have to.

Plenty of bakeries along Oia’s main street sell Greek pastries and spanakopita (spinach pie) for a fraction of the price of a hotel breakfast. For lunch, TripAdvisor favourite Pitogyros offers a meltin-the-mouth meat gyro and souvlaki with chips and lashings of tzatziki for just €3. Photography of Santorini might make it look like an exclusive destination, but it is possible to see one of the world’s most beautiful islands for half the price.

7

TIPS THAT WORK 1

h t l a e H ps Ti

Curb your sweet tooth Got a late-night sugar craving that just won’t quit? To satisfy your sweet tooth without pushing yourself over the calorie edge, even in the late night hours, think fruit first. So resist that chocolate cake siren, and instead enjoy a sliced apple with a tablespoon of nut butter (like peanut or almond) or fresh fig halves spread with ricotta. Then sleep sweet, knowing you’re still on the right, healthy track.

2

Find the best fitness friend A workout buddy is hugely helpful for keeping motivated, but it’s important to find someone who will inspire—not discourage. So make a list of all your exercise-loving friends, then see who fits this criteria, Can your pal meet to exercise on a regular basis? Is she supportive (not disparaging) of your goals? And last, will your bud be able to keep up with you or even push your limits in key workouts? If you’ve got someone that fits all three, make that phone call.

10

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

3

Relieve those achy muscles

After a grueling workout, there’s a good chance you’re going to be feeling it (we’re talking sore thighs, tight calves). Relieve post-fitness aches by submerging your lower body in a cold bath (50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit; you may have to throw some ice cubes in to get it cold enough) for 10 to 15 minutes.

Many top athletes use this trick to help reduce soreness after training sessions.

An athlete training for an important race should consider getting one to two massages per month to help aid in training recovery,

4

Fun up your food

It’s easy to get in a diet rut, even if you’re loading up on flavorful fruits and veggies. The solution? Have plenty of spices, fresh herbs, and lemons at your cooking beck and call. It’s amazing what a little dash of spice, sprinkle of herbs, pinch of lemon zest, or squirt of lime juice can do to liven up a dish—and your diet. The best part: They contain almost no calories.

Experiment with your dinner, tonight!

5

Swap out your shoes

While we’ve all heard that running shoes break down after logging lots of miles (about 300 to 350), you may still be holding on to your fave pair. (They fit just right! They’re so cushy!) Not a good idea. Glue has a tendency to break down under ultraviolet light, as do the other materials that make up the shoe.

So even if your running shoes have only 150 miles on them but are more than two years old, recycle them because chances are they’ve already started deteriorating. And as a rule of thumb, always keep tabs on how many miles you’ve logged on them—tedious, but you’ll be proud of how far you’ve gone.

6

7

Eat Lots of Fruit and Veg

Lose Weight

When you shed pounds you’ll lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Aim for a slow, steady drop. Try to lose 1-2 pounds a week by being active and eating better.

It doesn’t have to be an hour of intense exercise every day. As you improve, dial up the time and how hard you work

Choose a variety of fruit and vegetables as they contain different combinations of vitamins and minerals.

Fresh, frozen, tinned and 100% fruit juices all count!

Try grating vegetables like carrots and courgettes into bolognaise or add lots of vegetables to homemade tomato sauce and blend.

out. If you want to lose a lot of weight, try for 300 minutes of exercise a week.

Eating a healthy diet will go a long way.

Start by cutting sugar, which is often hiding in plain sight -- in store-bought items like salad dressing, packaged bread, and nuts. Try to avoid carbonated soda drinks and sugar-laced coffee drinks, too. vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

11

competition WITH JOE FENNESSEY fit4life lanarkshire

Get fit and shape up for the festive season.

With the party season fast approaching One lucky reader will benefit from 20 FREE sessions of personal training Is it for me?

I’m happy to spend money on a good haircut, a bottle of wine or an evening out, a personal trainer has always seemed outrageously self-indulgent.

Surely you have to be worth as much as Madonna or Gwyneth Paltrow to afford a one-on-one workout? This is what I thought until I found myself enviously eyeing a university friend’s figure at a wedding last year. “It’s my personal trainer”, she whispered and passed on the details.

Although I’m a sofa slacker by nature I did join a gym last New Year - along with an estimated quarter of a million other well-meaning people. By April Fool’s day a third of us had stopped going altogether. Yes, unfortunately, I was one of them. With this history of failed health kicks behind me, I took the plunge and called Joe’s number.

Getting Started

The first hour-long training session can be daunting to the uninitiated - I had to be taught how to run from scratch. It was a revelation. Almost a year on I am fitter and a dress size or two smaller.

Crucially I am still exercising. It has all proved far more worthwhile than my lapsed gym membership which cost hundreds of pounds a year without shedding anything

12

After four weeks of personal training I noticed a huge difference and needed a whole new wardrobe within 8 weeks.

It’s just the feeling of being toned that gives a different kind of confidence. “I finally cancelled my gym membership when I worked out that those two sessions in the gym had cost me over £400 pounds. These days I actually exercise for an hour rather than giving up after 10 minutes and going to the sauna.”

According to David Stalker, executive director of the Fitness Industry Association (FIA), personal trainers are key to getting the most out of your workout. “In my experience you work out five or six times harder with a trainer than you would on your own,” he says. “It depends how much you value the service. People are happy to spend hundreds of pounds on their hair or on a restaurant meal.”

For many the expense is motivation in itself. You are more likely to drag yourself to the gym or park in between sessions to make it worthwhile as well as to avoid the shame of not improving week on week.

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

Joe has a huge knowledge of fittness, nutrition and the very latest training strategies ensuring his clients perform at their very best. Making sure all the hard work pays off with real results.

COMPETITION Why not take part in our fantastic give away competition, WIN 20 FREE bespoke sessions with Joe at his gym in Lanarkshire.

All you have to do is in twenty words or less email joe@thevisionmarketing.com stating why the sessions will make such a difference to you.

The best entry as judged by Joe will then be contacted to arrange their sessions. Vision will feature the winner in a before and after article with makeup and photoshoot for the final article.

WHY NOT LOOK BETTER AND FEEL BETTER FOR CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR. ENTER OUR COMPETITION AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

13

Chatelherault Inn 92 - 94 Carlisle Rd Ferniegair Hamilton www.chatelheraultinn.co.uk

2 Course Lunch £8.25 2 Course Pre-Theatre £9.95 FRIDAY SPECIAL

2 8oz Sirloin +something £25.00 for 2 people must telephone to book

Our Clyde Function Suite is available for FREE hire.

An ideal location for your next party, wedding or celebration Please call for details and availability

Our aim is to provide Excellent Food, Drink and Customer Service to all of our customers as well as fantastic value for money

NOW doing a fantastic SUNDAY LUNCH

CALL us for a booking on 01698 281 084

14

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

PURE BRILLIANT

The Watch Factory BESTMAN GIFTS IN STORE New Engraving Service Available

The first stop to buy fine diamonds and diamond jewellery Contact Meg Rome F.G.A At GarrionBridges Antique Centre ML2 0RR Appointment Tel 07836720477 BESPOKE DIAMOND JEWELLERY

Watches Batteries Watch Straps Clocks Gifts Watch Bracelets adjusted from £2 Watch Straps fitted from £2 Market Place Carluke

Security Drivers International Scotland Ltd

Airport Transfers for Personal and Corporate Clients FREE Local Pick And Drop Same Day Service 3 Months Warranty On Repairs On Site Repairs

07928 662 908 Argyll Place, Bellshill, ML4 2UH

To arrive on time To travel in style To relax in comfort

CALL US NOW

Business travel Private jet liaison Courier and document delivery Wedding car service Sightseeing tours Restaurant and theatre trips Golf outings

craig@securitydrivers.co.uk T 0141 530 2177 M 07584 054 988 Glasgow Office Suite 1/1, 34 St Enoch Square G1 4DF

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

15

winter weddings how to dress

Dune Betsee £75.00

Figuring out what to wear can be tricky. How to keep warm but still rock that style Whilst spring and summer are traditionally wedding season, many brides brave the cold for a romantic winter affair. But don’t freeze in a pretty but flimsy frock - stay warm and stylish with our edit of the best outfits and accessories for wedding guests. Whether you’re off to the country for a lavish rural wedding, or need a simpler outfit for a chic city ceremony, here’s what to wear to their big day.

oasis embroderied lace dress £120.00

16

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

Jenny Packham range £45.00

NEXT Lace detail dress £75.00

COAST KATE FAUX FUR CAPE £89.00

Join us For our Prom Event

Sunday 6th November - 12noon to 5pm Monday 7th November- 10am to 9pm Call 01698 333383 For an appointment

57-59 Manse Road Motherwell Lanarkshire ML1 2PW

Mia Solano

Chiffon A-line wedding dress with slight sweetheart neckline.

Asymmetrical ruched bodice features lace appliquĂŠ detailing.

Chapel length train.

white snow yes Wedding in the Winter?

Five Reasons You Should Say Yes!

Just like summer, winter has some fabulous destinations for weddings. If you are considering a winter wedding, here are five reasons you should say “yes, please!�

First off, the colours of winter sparkle and shimmer in the light and dazzle at night, and ice blue goes beautifully with the white of the bride’s dress. When planning for your wedding, the colours you choose or gravitate towards will ultimately decide in which season you want to be wed.

Autumn and winter colours range from blues and browns to reds and golds, and if bling is on the agenda, a winter wedding may just be the right season. Nothing sparkles more than ice in the moonlight, or snow in the sunlight, so planning that epic cold weather wedding could be just the ticket. Like the photo here, even lack of color can add to that romantic setting. Using lights and white roses, with blues for

18

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

the place settings, any other colour can be added to give your reception that pop of colour.

Reason number two is the variety of bridal gowns available for these colder times of year, many of which come with amazing wraps, coats or capes. If the bling is there,then a little bit of fur will set it off magnificently. Consider the amount of stunning and creative photos one could have in the leaves of Autumn or the snow-covered grounds of your venue in the winter.

A sleigh ride to and from your ceremony is one guests will remember. Brides will also have the ability to be creative with her bridesmaids, from colour to accessories. Nothing says winter wedding like bridesmaids in mid-length dresses with gorgeous knee-high boots!

Reason number three is the epic amount of stunning arrangements that can be made for the reception. Winter is the

Reasons to say no to a summer wedding

I know what you’re thinking – we sound crazy already, but bear with us, there is a whole lot of method in the seeming madness! The norm for many brides and grooms is a spring or summer wedding in the UK. Couples consistently plan their dream day for this peak time, making demand for all things weddingrelated far higher than the rest of the year. While it may give you a better shot at sunshine for your big day, there are no guarantees that your planning will pay off.

• Save money from suppliers • It may not be sunny • Less choice of suppliers • Your dream venue will be booked • Better choice of honeymoon destinations in autum / winter

note, such as creme brulee as an option with or without cake.

time for Christmas lights and nothing sets off a venue like tiny white lights strategically placed. Pine cones can take an ordinary centerpiece and make it extraordinary, and they look amazing in bouquets, too. Also consider a venue with a fireplace, which will make the reception a warm, cozy and inviting place for your guests.

Reason number four is the food that is available in the colder seasons which warms the soul, and also can be very budgetfriendly. Soups are a delightful starter that resonate well in the winter and less in the warmer weather months.

Treat guests to a late night hot chocolate, or even serve a spiked hot chocolate drink at the bar. Candy bars set up in reds and whites or blues and whites will tie the theme together seamlessly and look amazing. Warm desserts will end the night on a high

Reason number five are table numbers and seating cards, as the sky is the limit for creative cold weather weddings.

Pine cones and succulents can be used for both table numbers and seating card holders. Snowflake ornaments, and even leaves, make elegant cards for the guests, while even a painted or glittered pumpkin will make for whimsical table numbers. Cozy up and let the ideas flow just by looking around at the natural backdrop of a winter or fall day. From providing guests with gloves to handing out pine cone candles as favours, a winter wedding will set you apart from the rest.

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

19

WEARABLE HEATING TECHNOLOGY Lightweight and Flexible Extremely Efficient Low run costs - less than 16p per month Ultra-safe FIR- far infrared heat

Featuring

Business Offers £425

see reverse for more info

Attachable to your own clothing / uniform

ex vat

£399

Featuring powerful Lithium Battery

ex vat

Long operational times Compact and rechargeable Four heat settings

Find us online @ www.ftwscotland.com 01555 752 106 or 077262 971 317 vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

01324 278002 01698 616018

○ ○ ○ ○

DESIGN PRINT PLAN DISTRIBUTION * T’s & C’s apply

20

As one of Scotland’s Largest Independent Door to Door Distribution Companies we pride ourselves in using the latest technology, booking systems and only use Full Time Distributors

our high tech detachable polymeric elements

www.scotpost.co.uk 23 Castle Road Bankside Industrial Estate Falkirk FK2 7UY

Fantastic Rewards When you Buy 2 or more Tyres 12 months of car washes 2 cinema tickets £20 Amazon gift card

A night away for two or Afternoon tea for two or £20 John Lewis voucher see website for full offer details, offer ends 31st Oct 2016

www.pinetime.co.uk

01698 360 980

102-104 Stewarton St Wishaw

Lush Nails

& Black Diamond Beauty within the salon

Reopen for Business Wednesday to Saturday

for appointments CALL to arrange

All fancy nail enhancements carried out by Lisa, who has over 18 years experience Black Diamond features all aspects of beauty treaments including microdermabrasion Tanning & waxing Massage & Body treatments

01555 660900

8 Broomgate Lanark ML11 9EE vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

21

back to uni Going back to high school or college or University without a decent laptop is like refusing to use pencil and paper. It instantly puts a ceiling on how much students can learn, how far they can go and how many lifelong abilities they can acquire. But don’t just buy whatever is on sale; you need the right laptop for your specific needs.

Pick a portable size The whole point of buying a student laptop is that you can carry the device to class. Unless you’re an engineering student who needs a CAD workstation, look for a laptop that weighs under 4 pounds and has an 11- to 14-inch display.

A younger student can get by with a laptop that has an 11-inch screen, but typing space and screen visibility are often a concern at that size. Thirteen inches is the sweet spot between portability and usability, although students in the arts or engineering may put more value on a bigger screen.

display that’s at least 1920 x 1080 (1080p) resolution should be a priority.

You can go even higher, too, with resolutions of 2560 x 1440 (QHD) or 3840 x 2160 (UHD). These are great for photo and video students who need to view high-res source material, but those display specs add to the price and subtract from the battery life. Touch screens add functionality to your laptop, but they consume a ton of power, shortening your battery life by 10 to 25 percent, so don’t get one unless you really need it.

CPU: If you want a system that provides solid performance for today and tomorrow, get an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 CPU. Make sure the processor model number has a 6000 in it (ex; Core i56200U), which means that you have the latest Intel 6th Generation (aka Skylake) chip. If you’re on a tight budget, a Core i3, Pentium or Celeron CPU will suffice for light productivity work, and Intel’s Core M processor delivers decent performance in slim-and-light designs.

Pay for better design If you have more to spend, shop for laptops made from aluminum, magnesium alloy or carbon fiber, for sturdiness you can count on. Also, look to see if the manufacturer has made any durability claims. Some student laptops, like the Asus C202, are specifically made to survive drops from a particular height.

Many business laptops are made to pass MIL-SPEC 810G durability tests, and they work just as well in the classroom as in the RAM: Unless you’re buying a cheap boardroom. A spill-resistant keyboard is a laptop for a younger child, 4GB is the bare minimum amount of RAM you should big plus. have in a laptop, and 8GB is ideal. That will run everything you need without 3. Get specs for the long haul You want something that isn’t going to dragging you down or interfering with be obsolete before graduation, so keep multitasking. an eye on the key internal components.

Storage Drive/Hard Drive: Getting Display: Most budget and many an SSD (solid-state drive) rather than mainstream laptops have low-res, 1366 a mechanical hard drive has a more x 768 displays that aren’t very sharp and significant effect on performance than can’t fit a lot of text on the screen, which buying a fast processor. Because SSDs makes them poor choices for writing have no moving parts, they run three to papers or doing research. Unless you’re four times faster than typical 5,400 rpm buying a really inexpensive laptop or or 7,200 rpm hard drives. That means one with an 11-inch screen, getting a faster app opens, start times and task

22

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

switching, along with much better responsiveness. SSDs do cost a lot more while offering less storage, so if you have a lot of media files, you may need to store some in the cloud or on an external drive.

Wi-Fi: Make sure you get a laptop with 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, rather than the older 802.11n.

Ports: USB Type-C ports are the future, but regular USB Type-A ports are the present. If you can get a laptop with a mix of both, that’s ideal. Definitely try to get a laptop with multiple USB ports, so you don’t need to carry a lot of dongles with you.

Look for 8 hours or more of battery life Don’t tether yourself to an outlet. Get a laptop that promises quality battery life, and look for systems with optional extended batteries for the longest run times. In general, you’re better off buying a system with more than 8 hours of juice, regardless of the price. The average for ultraportable laptops is 7 hours, 55 minutes, based on the Laptop Mag Battery Test (continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi). However, some models, such as the Lenovo ThinkPad T460, can last for as long as 17 hours, with the right battery.

Check the keyboard and touchpad The keyboard should be springy and comfortable, not mushy. Look for deep travel and strong feedback. The touchpad is equally important; you’ll want to make sure the responsiveness is smooth and that multitouch gestures like pinch-to-zoom are appropriately reactive. Business laptops — such as Lenovo ThinkPads, Dell Latitudes and HP EliteBooks — offer some of the best keyboards and touchpads.

7 Tips 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

quick

Go portable: 11- to 14-inch screen size, less than 4 pounds Durability matters: Spill-resistant keyboards, MIL-SPEC tested are pluses.

Recommended specs: Intel Core m or Core i CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Chromebooks can have less.

OS Options: Chromebooks are good for kids. Windows is best for productivity, but OS X is for art/design students.

Battery life: 8+ hours is ideal; 6+ hours is required.

Keyboard and touchpad: Look for responsive keys with deep travel.

Consider a 2-in-1: Great for drawing, pen-based note taking, working while standing up vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

23

super healthy veg POTATOES

CABBAGE

Just to balance up the Chocloate fudge cake we thought we would mention some super healty veg

This super-healthy, budget-friendly vegetable is a close cousin to other cold-weather favorites like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli Cabbage is loaded with vitamins and minerals (Vitamins C and K and folate, in particular), fiber, antioxidants, and anti-carcinogenic compounds called glucosinolates. Some studies claim that the spherical vegetable can even reduce cholesterol and lower risk of cancer and diabetes .

Peak Season: While some strains of cabbage are available starting in July, most varieties love cool weather and are ready for harvest through the fall and winter.

Storage Tips: Tightly wrap individual heads of cabbage in plastic and stash in the refrigerator to keep ‘em fresh for up to a week.

How to Eat It: Cabbage’s nutritional benefits are most pronounced when raw, so slice up a few leaves to add crunch to salads or stir fries.

BRUSSEL SPROUTS

These trendy sprouts are finally getting their turn in the spotlight. The Brussels sprout, aka cabbage’s minime, boasts some of the same health benefits as it’s big bro. Like other cruciferous veggies, Brussels sprouts have high levels of cancer-fighting antioxidants that can protect DNA from oxidative damage .

Peak Season: September through February Storage Tips: Brussels sprouts will keep in the fridge for a few weeks. The outer leaves will shrivel, so remove them just before cooking your sprouts.

How to Eat It: Toss halved sprouts with olive oil and roast until crispy and brown. Top with a light coating of brown butter and sage for a decadent (but still healthy) side dish.

24

Spuds get a bad rap, but they’re a staple food in many cuisines for good reason. Sure, potatoes are starchy and high on the glycemic index, but they’re also filling, inexpensive, and boast an impressive nutritional profile including potassium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C, and even protein . Fancy purple taters may even help lower blood pressure and boost antioxidants. While sweet potatoes are considered a healthier choice (since they’re loaded with beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and fiber), regular old white spuds are still nutritious as long as you don’t fry ‘em or mash them with tons of butter and cream.

Peak Season: Various varieties of potatoes are available year-round.

Storage Tips: Store potatoes in a dark, cool, wellventilated area for about one month. Keep spuds away from onions and apples. At room temperature, potatoes will keep for one to two weeks.

How to Eat It: Try a healthier take on the classic baked potato bar. Twice-baked spuds stuffed with kale, broccoli, and cheddar make for a tasty and comforting meal.

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

CHOCOLATE Fudge Cake

Preheat oven to 180C (160C with fan) Gas mar.k 4 Sieve the flour and bicarbonate of soda together in a large bowl. Place the dark chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and microwave, for 30 .seconds or until melted.

Add the oil, water, Carnation Light Condensed Milk, eggs and vanilla to the melted chocolate and stir until smooth. Make a well in the middle of the flour and then, pour in half the chocolate mix. Stir well, then add the other half and mix till smooth.

Pour the mixture into 2 prepared 8 inch cake tins and bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer to the centre comes out clean. Chill completely; Sandwich the cakes together with the Carnation Chocolate filling and topping then use the remainder to cover.

Serves: 4-8 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes For the cake

200g Self-raising flour tsp bicarbonate of soda 125g dark chocolate 100ml vegetable oil 100ml water 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla essence 405g Carnation light Condensed milk

For the topping

363g Carnation Chocolate filling and topping Serve with selection of berries You will also need 2 x 18cm sandwich cake tins, base-lined with baking parchment

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

25

crossword sudoko Across 8. Reproduction 9. Ornamental coronet 10. Large wading bird 11. Fill with terror 12. Kiln for drying hops 13. Turned around 16. Slower than sound 19. City in central Texas 22. Hold as an opinion 23. Old stringed instruments 24. Alert 25. Ashore Down 1. Of great value 2. Talks 3. Female fox 4. Bovine animals 5. Began 6. Half the diameter 7. Whimsically comical 14. Threshold 15. Evermore 17. Simple song 18. Refrigerator 20. Writer 21. Blessed 22. Meaningless chatter

books film

Free State of Jones Release Date: Sep 30th 2016

Tastes Like Fear by Sarah Hilary TASTES LIKE FEAR, Sarah Hilary’s fantastic new novel is the third in the DI Marnie Rome series and is equally as brilliant as Sarah’s debut SOMEONE ELSE’S SKIN and her second novel NO OTHER DARKNESS. In this novel Marnie and her sidekick Noah Jake are searching for a young girl who causes a car accident, believing she may be linked to another young girl who disappeared a few weeks before. As with her previous novels, Sarah explores devastating issues with care and sensitivity and, at its heart, this is a story about identity and how it can be eroded. It’s about being homeless, and how hopelessness and loneliness can dominate your life. It’s about control and what happens when you let someone into your life who doesn’t respect your independence. Above all, it’s frightening and tense and gripping. Sarah has an innate talent for characterisation and pace and this novel shows an author who is honing all her skills to become someone absolutely standout in the crime and thriller genre, and beyond.

THE WIDOW by Fiona Barton THE SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER. We’ve all seen him: the man - the monster - staring from the front page of every newspaper, accused of a terrible crime. But what about her: the woman who grips his arm on the courtroom stairs - the wife who stands by him?

Jean Taylor is going to tell us what she knows. Du Maurier’s REBECCA meets WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN and GONE GIRL in this intimate tale of a terrible crime.

Written and directed by four-time Oscar® nominee Gary Ross (The Hunger Games, Seabiscuit, Pleasantville), and starring Oscar® winner Matthew McConaughey, Free State of Jones is an epic action-drama set during the Civil War, and tells the story of defiant Southern farmer, Newt Knight, and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy.

Banding together with other small farmers and local slaves, Knight launched an uprising that led Jones County, Mississippi to secede from the Confederacy, creating a Free State of Jones.

Knight continued his struggle into Reconstruction, distinguishing him as a compelling, if controversial, figure of defiance long beyond the War.

interiors

www.jarodesign.com

We have been bringing the ‘feel good factor’ to homes all over Scotland and the UK for over 20 years with our exciting bespoke soft furnishing and interior design concepts Jaro Design is a Scottish interior design company from Motherwell, North Lanarkshire specialising in bespoke curtains, blinds, soft furnishings and interior decoration for homes, hotels, offices or just about any domestic or commercial business space you would like to possess a modern or contemporary‘designer’ touch.

With over 20 years experience as an interior designer, Janet Cathro is proud of her company’s passionate approach to affordable quality assured wall coverings, fabrics and soft furnishings. This influence can be seen in the many inspired transformations Jaro Design has brought to living and working spaces in Scotland, the UK and abroad.

Centrally based between Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel quickly to our no-obligation consultations to discuss combining your individual ideas with our creative talent to breathe unique expression, comfort and functionality into your chosen environment.

243 Low Waters Road, Hamilton

+44 (0) 7808 777262 janet@jarodesign.co.uk

28

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

2016 top 3 form Janet cathro The Colours of the Year Rose Quartz and Serenity Rose Quartz is described as “a gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure” and Serenity as “weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.”

Bathrooms go Bling In recent years, bathrooms have become increasingly sleek, high-tech and functional, with overtly luxe and colourful flourishes, such as gold taps and carpets, being swept away.

But this clinical approach to decorating the bathroom is giving way to a more maximalist feel; the designer Neisha Crosland’s spectacular en-suite, for example, is carpeted (yes, really) and features bespoke glass doors and soft pink marble, inspired, in part, by a Venetian palace.

Wall Power Maximalists rejoice! It’s time to move on from insipid feature walls and paper whole rooms again - including the ceiling, if you dare.

“We’ve seen a surge in the sales of bold, printed wallpaper as customers gain confidence in their decorating choices,” says Kerry Nicholls, interior decor buyer at John Lewis. “The fact our customers are ordering larger quantities of wallpaper suggests that they are going one step further than a feature wall and decorating a whole room with lively prints.”

Best-selling designs include strong geometric patterns and stylised nature-inspired prints - quite a contrast to John Lewis’s previous top sellers, which were usually plain or textured. The demise of the feature wall has been noted at Farrow & Ball, too.

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

29

30

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

Confidence in Scottish housing market after Brexit According to a survey, confidence has returned to the Scottish housing market following the Brexit vote, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) found that 17% more surveyors in Scotland reported an increase in house prices.

That was up from +8% in July, when there was a drop in activity and price expectations across the UK. It said the average selling price of homes in east central Scotland has increased 6.2% over the last three months.

However it reported a drop in the number of homes being sold, with a 8.1% decrease in sales volumes in the last three months.

‘Uncertainty remains’ One of the main reason buyers are choosing not to move home is that there is a shortage of homes for sale.

Experts at RICS said the Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates was a factor in boosting confidence in the sector.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also taken some “very welcome steps”, according to Gail Hunter, director of RICS in Scotland.

“Uncertainty remains over the market post-Brexit, and expected sales have declined yet again, but this week we have seen the first minister take some very welcome steps, which will help to return some much needed stability to our property and construction sectors.”

She added that policies and proposals in the Scottish government’s 2016-17 programme could provide “much needed certainty in an uncertain world”.

The RICS survey found that 10% more chartered surveyors expect to see a fall in sales over the next three months.

It also indicated that there was a decline in new instructions in August.

Chief economist Simon Rubinsohn, said there were clear signs the housing market across the UK was settling down following the EU referendum.

“It is likely the swift response from the Bank of England, both in terms of the lowering of the capital buffer and the cut in interest rates, has played a role in helping to support confidence,” he said.

“Across the UK we are seeing confidence return following the EU Referendum,” she said.

“In Scotland, prices looks set to remain firm in part caused by the lack of stock across the country.

In Association with

vision Sep/Oct, 2016 Call 07957 358 355 sales@thevisionmarketing.com

31

Fresh and Modern designs - made to measure we manufacture our own bespoke kitchens and bedrooms in motherwell and oer full design and installation of top quality bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms through our Strathaven showroom.

01357 238 491 www.kaizenglasgow.co.uk 40 STONEHOUSE ROAD STRATHAVEN