FASHION & BEAUTY Local designer

SMOOTH as SILK

Local designer Clare Haggas creates beautiful silk scarves with motifs inspired by nature and created using original artwork...

This Page: Hold Your Horses monochrome in dove grey and gold, large square 100cm x 100cm, £195.

Best in Show, classic scarf 153cm x 43cm £99.

Birds of a Feather in teal, large square scarf 100cm x 100cm, £175.

Best in Show, classic scarf, 153cm x 43cm, £99.

Birds of a Feather in russet, large square scarf 100cm x 100cm, £175.

Top/Left: Hold Your Horses monochrome in pale pink and gold, large square £195. Top/Right: George and Friends narrow scarf 30cm x 100cm £69. Bottom/Left: Birds of a Feather in royal blue, large square £175. Bottom/Right: Best in Show in coffee and navy, classic scarf 153cm x 43cm £99. Available exclusively through local designer Clare Haggas, 07943 502756 or see www.clarehaggas.com.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

NEW COSMETICS, PERFUMES AND LUXURY ITEMS IDEAL FOR MIDSUMMER NIGHTS

1. Enjoy a voyage of discovery with Hermès...

Voyage d'Hermès is a brand new fragrance from one of the world’s most well-respected brands, available at the fragrance concessions of John Lewis. It’s composed of woody notes and a musky scent which, the brand claims, is ‘lively, reassuring and generous, between warmth and intensity.’ Hermes was established in 1837 and now has annual revenues of over €6bn. £110/100ml.

5. Hygiene for hands in a post pandemic world

Diptyque’s rinse-free hand wash is ideal for maintaining hygiene in a post-pandemic world assuming – as is the case when we write this in early June – the world will begin to return to some kind of normality. Requires no water, uses saponaria to cleanse, peach for fragrance and almond oil to moisturise, leaving skin feeling soft to the touch, £24, 45ml.

2. Sheer luxury for lips...

Mac is our go-to lip colour thanks to its creamy rich formula which provides a no-shine finish and a wide palette of colours. Shown here is Natural Born Leader, one of 20 different shades. Works best in conjunction with one of the brand’s lip brushes, £17.50/3g.

Crema Nera is the new nourishing face cream from Armani designed, the PR blurb states, to reduce the signs of ageing and refine skin texture. Utilises plant extracts and minerals, £340/50ml.

3. Enjoy restful sleep...

Cowshed presents its aromatherapy solution for those warm summer nights when you’re struggling to drift off to sleep. St John’s Wort, lemon myrtle and other extracts ensure a restful night sleep with just a quick spritz onto your pillow! £32/250ml.

4. So Nera, so far... 6. Essential summer skincare from Lancôme

Lancôme has grouped together these summer skincare essentials, with Génifique serum for post-toner use, Light Pearl Eye Cream, and Day Cream. Includes Hypnôse mascara and night cream too, £83.50.

n All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, please note that prices stated are RRP and may vary.

It’s OK to not be OK

As you negotiate the menopause, the physical and emotional symptoms can sometimes seem overwhelming, but with help and support from Ali Hutchinson, you’ll gain practical tips and advice... not least the reassurance that sometimes, it’s OK not to be OK!

Words: Ali Hutchinson. Image: Dorte Kjaerulff Photography.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS that Davina McCalls’s appearance on Channel 4, talking about menopause, has had is to open up a dialogue to enable women to talk about what’s ‘normal.’ One of the most common questions I hear when working with perimenopause and menopausal clients is ‘am I going mad?’ It’s safe to say... you’re not!

As we go through perimenopause and into menopause we may all experience profound changes and often find it hard to cope, yet putting on a brave face is what we’ve been conditioned to do. Sometimes we have to admit we’re not OK, and that’s when the healing starts.

The last 18 months have been tough. You’ve seen less of the people you love and can’t do a lot of the things that make you happy. Throw menopausal symptoms into the mix and things can easily spiral downwards leaving you feeling overwhelmed. Low mood and mood swings are common symptoms of menopause.

Don’t mask the feelings... So often we mask our feelings with busyness but tapping into how you feel and paying attention to this is sometimes the first step on the road to feeling better. Don’t let low mood, stress and anxiety creep up on you until it shows up as a full on crisis.

Once your bucket is full of stress the tiniest pebble thrown in will have the flood gates opening and a full-on crash ensuing. Take moments of check in with yourself every day and acknowledge what it is that you’re feeling. You may find it useful to create a chart that helps you assess where you are and also plot how your mood ebbs and flows with your monthly cycle. I find most women still follow a monthly cycle – emotionally if not physically – and understanding this can really shed a light on low moods, headaches and other symptoms of menopause. The Warning Signs It’s important to recognise the ‘warning signs’ of this. Everyone reacts differently to feeling down, stressed or worried. Figure out what is normal for you. For instance, do you usually feel tired, emotional and tearful? Do you stop doing the things you enjoy? Does your concentration slip or do you experience brain fog? Might you feel restless or agitated? Do you find it hard to manage every-day tasks or depend on alcohol to unwind at night a little more? Some of these will be familiar but if you are experiencing them more than usual it’s worth noting them and seeking help if you need it. I’m always here to talk or join one of my menopause drop in clinics where you will meet other women experiencing similar symptoms. Ways to help yourself Firstly, give your body the best chance to feel better by boosting some key aspects of menopausal health. If you show signs and symptoms of being perimenopausal or menopausal speak to a GP about getting your hormone levels checked. Next is nutrition. As tempting as it is to comfort eat when you’re feeling down, overwhelmed or stressed, a more balanced diet will serve you better. There’s a close relationship between what’s happening in your gut and how your brain functions. A diet rich in vegetables, that’s low in sugar, salt, fast or processed foods, but rich in calcium, vitamin D and pre- and probiotics will help your gut and general health, as well as boost your energy levels and mood. Talk to me if you need help or advice, I work with individual clients to create meal plans that work for them and their family and have a variety of recipes on my blog. Finally, sleep is essential, so try and get 7-8 hours a night; a consistent bedtime routine can really help you sleep and therefore feel better. If disturbed sleep or night sweats are a problem, I have some simple tools you can try. Daily things to help Connect with people – even if it’s just over the phone; a chat with good friends or family can lift the spirits, make you laugh and help you feel a little less alone. It’s important, too, to talk about your feelings – open up with a trusted friend or family member and let the ‘I’m fine’ mask slip... you’ll often find a much brighter perspective as a result. Set a routine too. Having a plan for your day can help you feel grounded when everything feels uncertain. Stick to set times to eat, sleep and exercise, and use these as anchors throughout your day. Make time for things you enjoy or add meditation or mindful exercises that focus on your breathing or relaxing your muscles into your daily routine. Check out my online meditations via my blog or join one of my free classes or cacao ceremonies online or in person.

And above all else, remember that you are not alone – reach out to a friend or professional if you need help. n

Find Out More: If you’re struggling with perimenopause or menopause, experiencing gut issues, or need support with energy levels, weight loss or weight management I’m here to help. Book a free call via my blog www.ali-hutchinson.co.uk or email hello@ali-hutchinson.co.uk or call to find out how I could help you on the path to a brighter future: 07973 843020.

MOTORS

THE LEXUS with UX APPEAL

Historically Lexus has been a keen advocate of self-charging hybrid vehicles. Its new UX300e model, though, is the brand’s first dedicated electric vehicle... and it’s nothing short of brilliant!

Words: Rob Davis.

THANKS TO LOCKDOWN, many things were put on the back burner or went almost unnoticed. New car launches, for example, were a more muted affair for car dealerships. And for that reason you might have missed the launch of Lexus’s UX300e.

It arrived with a whisper in every sense because not only did the launch of Lexus’s first all-electric model occur when dealerships were unable to welcome crowds into their showroom, but this 150kW five seater is also whisper-quiet as it glides around the streets of Lincoln.

Lexus has long been an advocate of selfcharging powertrains, but this is the first model powered entirely by volts. Looking a little more closely at the UX300e, it might look quite conventional. It’s smart, certainly, but unlike the BMW i3 or Ford Mustang Mach-E, there’s nothing too gratuitously different or aggressive about its styling. Up close it’s a good-looking car, and there’s a much broader paint palette to choose from beyond the usual 50 shades of silver, as well as five interior colours.

Speaking of what’s happening in the cabin, the good news continues with five decent-sized seats and a boot of 367 litres. For context, a petrol or diesel Ford Focus offers 340 litres, and we make a point of mentioning that because sometimes boot space is compromised in an electric car because that’s where the batteries and motors are usually shoved. Not in this case though! >>

>> The good news continues, too, when you consider the UX300e’s price and the standard kit list. There are three trim levels, with prices of £43,900, £47,400 and £53,500 respectively.

That’s cheaper than a Volvo XC40 Recharge and on a par with the Mustang Mach-E. As standard, Lexus throws in adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable seats, navigation and mobile connectivity. We think it’s worth stumping up for the Premium Plus pack, to gain leather seats with heating front and rear, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and wireless smartphone charging.

Top spec Takumi models also add a 360° camera, sunroof, and Mark Levinson stereo. Each UX300e shares the same 150kW motor, charging in as little as 52 minutes from a DC charger. The UX’s range is a usable 190 miles. Naturally being all-electric, no CO2 is emitted, meaning company car drivers are taxed just 1% BIK, and the car falls into the cheapest A-band for VED. Performance? That’s brisk too, as you’d expect from the instant power that comes from an electric drivetrain. 60mph is reached in 7.5 seconds for safe overtaking, and the car is limited to 99mph. So far then, it’s all good. Stylish, spacious, well-equipped with good performance. The real kicker, though, is the fact that Lexus consistently ranks top in every driver satisfaction and reliability survey conducted by Auto Express, What Car? and others. Lexus is, by reputation, one of the easiest and most rewarding car brands to live with on a day to day basis, and the UX is a perfect example of why. If you’re looking for a practical, luxurious car ideal for A-roads and cities alike, it’s easy to recommend it. n

LEXUS UX300 PREMIUM PLUS

Price: £47,400 (on sale now). Powertrain: 150kW, 300Nm torque, with lithium ion batteries. Performance: 0-62 mph: 7.5 seconds. Top Speed: 99mph. Electric range of 196 miles. Equipment: Heated, ventilated, leather seats, keyless entry, wireless smartphone charging. n Lexus Lincoln, 01522 844179, www.lexus.co.uk/centres/lincoln.

Three Pronged Attack: Three electric executives...

Jaguar I-Pace S £65,245: There’s a premium to be paid even for the entry-level I-Pace which isn’t as well-equipped as Lexus’s UX300e. The 90kWh battery provides a powerful 400PS and a range of 292 miles, which is formidable. 60mph is reached in four and a half seconds and the car tops out at 124mph. Standard kit includes heated leather seats, cruise and climate but you’ll need to dig into the options list of move up the range to match the adaptive cruise and other features of the Lexus. n

Tesla Model 3 RWD £43,490: For a relatively new car brand, Tesla has certainly gained traction in the industry. The Model 3 is the smallest in the range and is comparable to a Ford Focus in size. Its 278 mile range, top speed of 140mph and 0-60mph time of 5.3 seconds are all healthy, but buyers are still likely to be wary of the lack of dealerships in the UK and by the new brand’s as yet unproven record for reliability. Lexus, meanwhile, tops customer satisfaction and reliability surveys and has a move conventional car-like interior compared to the Tesla’s ergonomically unusual ultra-minimalist interior. n

Nissan Leaf E+ Tekna £32,445: Nissan was one of the first to market with their all-electric Leaf and this is its second generation. In this flagship trim it provides 239 miles of range, 60mph in 6.9 seconds and 217PS. It’s well-equipped but feels like the budget choice against the Lexus with its brand appeal and polished cabin and through its cars are British made, Nissan still doesn’t counter Lexus’s position at the top of reliability and customer satisfaction surveys – the brand achieved a 98.7% reliability scope in the What Car? awards. n

A GOOD SPORT

Bentley has given its large SUV a more dynamic presence and the result of the sporting makeover is the Bentayga S. The sporty V8 model sits below the firm’s Speed model and is set to go head-to-head with Range Rover’s Autobiography Dynamic...

Words: Rob Davis.

SIX FIGURE FLAGSHIPS are now common among manufacturers of large SUVs. Range Rover has its Autobiography, Benz has its AMG-spec GLS and now Bentley has this: The Bentayga S. It sits below the Bentayga Speed in the range, and whilst the latter has a W12 engine – with 6.0 litres and twin turbos yielding a hulking 900Nm torque – the S, by contrast, has a more modest powerplant... at least, relatively speaking. With four litres of displacement, eight cylinders and 770Nm torque, there’s still plenty of grunt to spare and it’s still good to reach 60mph in 4.4 seconds and 180mph on a closed track. In fact, if Bentley’s Continental GT is anything to go by, the weight loss with the smaller, AMG-sourced engine may actually be the better option, making the car more nimble and improving the handling of the Bentayga S as a result. Unlike the W12 Speed, the V8 S is also more explicitly sporty in its styling. Dark tint headlights, black brightware, and a new part-Alcantara interior with red highlights plus 22” wheels provide a more muscular look. Meanwhile, bespoke sports tuned suspension and the inclusion of Bentley’s 48v Dynamic Ride system also provides satisfying dynamic precision, too. The Bentayga remains adept at handling rutted roads and country lanes, and there are different terrain settings. In theory it’ll wade through half a metre of water... although it’s unlikely you’ll take it far from its comfort zone, on motorways and A-roads. Bentley’s sector-defining and marketleading luxury SUV is available in four, five or seven seat configurations, and since it entered the market in 2016, more than 25,000 customers have taken delivery of a Bentayga... the S only looks set to built upon the company’s success with its first SUV.

BENTLEY BENTAYGA S

Price: £179,900. Engine: 4.0 litre twin turbo V8. Performance: 60mph in 4.5 seconds, 180mph. Equipment: Air suspension, four terrain modes, Alcantara upholstery, 48v Bentley Dynamic Ride system. n

More to the Morgan

MODEL UPDATES OFFER BUYERS EVEN MORE SPEC AND GREATER COMFORT

MORGAN Few people choose to put a Morgan on their drive for practical reasons, but now the Great British brand’s Plus Four and Plus Six models are a little easier to live with thanks to a number of 2022 model year improvements. The new model features a n all new hood for greater weatherproofing, all new seats for greater comfort plus the addition of USB ports for connecting mobile devices, enabling music and navigation. The standard-fit Comfort seat has lumbar support whilst the Comfort Plus version has chunkier side and thigh boosters for better lateral support. A new lighting package provides better cabin illumination whilst the USB ports incorporate Bluetooth functionality to add at least something modern to the driving experience. n ISUZU Isuzu’s D-Max has been named pick-up truck of the year by 4x4 magazine and, separately, it has been awarded the maximum five-stars in the Euro NCAP safety awards. In our part of the country, farmers, property developers and estate managers all value the practicality of a pick-up truck, and the new D-Max can be equipped with heated leather seats, adaptive cruise control, navigation, mobile connectivity providing a blend of civilisation and practicality, from £21,000-£31,000. n

D-Max pick-up of the year for farmers and landowners...

New Bugatti’s £2.7m price tag

JUST 300 EXAMPLES OF BUGATTI’S CHIRON SUPER SPORT WILL BE MADE, EACH WITH AN EYE-WATERING PRICE TAG BUGATTI If you’re sufficiently well-heeled, if you value exclusivity and if you’re in a hurry, good news. Bugatti will make just 300 examples of its new limited edition Chiron Super Sport model, each with a price tag of £2.7m. The cars will utilise an 8.0 litre W12 engine and two enormous turbochargers to yield 1,578bhp and 1,600Nm torque, providing enough grunt to shift the thing to 124mph in 5.8 seconds. The car’s top speed? You’ll need a trip to the Nürburgring to get close; the Chiron will do 273mph flat out... and 60mph is reached in just two seconds. n

MOTORING NEWS

In Brief

MOST RELIABLE CARS

WHAT CAR? NAMES 2021’S MOST RELIABLE CAR BRANDS FROM READER SURVEY

What Car? magazine has named the UK’s most reliable car brand after surveying 13,000 car owners who have suffered faults with their vehicles over the past 12 months. The survey included information from 178 models and 31 different car brands.

The UK’s 10 Most Reliable Car Brands:

10. BMW: 95.2% reliability rating. =9. Mazda: 95.2% reliability rating. 8. Honda: 95.3% reliability rating. 7. Kia: 95.9% reliability rating. 6. Hyundai 96.3% reliability rating. 5. Skoda: 96.4% reliability rating. 4. Mini: 96.8% reliability rating. 3. Toyota: 97.7% reliability rating. 2. Mitsubishi: 97.9% reliability rating. 1. Lexus: 98.7% reliability rating.

The UK’s 10 Least Reliable Car Brands:

3. Tesla: 88.6% reliability rating. 2. Renault: 87.6% reliability rating. 1. Land Rover: 78.2% reliability rating.