Southsea Lifestyle October / November 2023

October / November 2023

Southsea LIFESTYLE

50% At Design House Southsea, we love to stock the very latest fabric and wall coveringsalong with a range of traditional favourites. Here’s some photos from our recent trip to the Chelsea Harbour Design Week to check out the latest design trends.

Southsea LIFESTYLE

Time is strange commodity — sometimes it flies by, especially when we are on holiday or racing for a train. And then it all slows down again when we lie awake in the wee small hours, or wait for a kettle to boil. Of course one way of marking time is to celebrate an anniversary and not just birthdays and weddings... if you are in business it’s good to recall when and how you started and where you have arrived. In this edition Charlotte Cornelius remembers how she began her jewellery business from her home studio 25 years ago (p 8). Meanwhile Blossom Boutique is celebrating their sixth year on the high street (p.22). Daniel Nowland is thinking about warming foods for the colder months (p.28). And Elios Stone discusses breath work to allow our minds to forget time, to relax, and re-energise (p.10).

Whatever your relationship with time, it’s something that moves along regardless of how we spend it. Perhaps the best time is the present, the time we have at this very moment. After all, the past is no longer with us, and the future is unknown.

Kevin John Dean

CALLING ALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Southsea Lifestyle

Produced by Salad Publishing Ltd

Editor: Kevin John Dean

Editorial assistant: Kai Austin Dean

Creative Director: Zirrinia Austin Dean

Social media: Urban Salt

Web design: Daniel Sweeney

Southsea Lifestyle is the only lifestyle magazine delivered to people’s homes across the city.Affordable advertising rates and a loyal readership, no wonder 75% of our advertisers have been with us for 2 years or more. Just request a media pack for our December/January edition. email: info@southsealifestyle.com

PERCY HARRISON OPTICIANS

A Spotlight on our brands

At Percy Harrison Opticians we love to offer something a little bit different. To compliment our attentive service, we are focused on providing quality frames from independent brands. We have carefully curated a collection from manufacturers all over the world; from Denmark to California, Paris and even here, made in England. We think you’ll find something you truly love from our large selection.

LINDBERG

The ultimate in Danish design. Ultra lightweight pure titanium frames that can be customised for shape, colour and size, offering a unique style and comfortable wearing experience.

LAFONT

Parisienne chic in stunning exclusive acetates, this collection is not only elegant but effortlessly glamourous. Lafont frames are designed to

be worn every day.

DUTZ

A Dutch brand with flair for colour and unusual but wearable shapes, Dutz offers exciting styles for those that like something a little more bold. The Dutz philosophy is that wearing glasses should be fun!

WALTER AND HERBERT

The Walter & Herbert design team have lovingly developed a striking collection of frames using a combination of classic techniques and modern technologies. Manufactured in Liverpool, every frame boasts the best globally sourced acetates in highly polished or matte finishes.

We have invested in new equipment to provide an even better experience when you visit the practice. We have availability for eye examinations or please contact the practice to make an appointment for a dispensing consultation if you have an outside prescription.

A MESSAGE FROM HANNAH

On Monday 9th October, I would love to invite you to join me with a glass of bubbles to thank our loyal customers for their support and celebrate my first year at Percy Harrison Opticians. Please pop in anytime between 2 and 6pm - the team and I would love to see you! RSVP to info@percyharrisonopticians.co.uk

Percy Harrison

117 Elm Grove Southsea PO5 1LH 023 9282 6831

https://percyharrisonopticians.co.uk

SOUTHSEA LIFESTYLE TALKS TO CHARLOTTE CORNELIUS ABOUT HER FLOURISHING BUSINESS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT SURROUND THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY

As with many successful businesses

Charlotte Cornelius evolved gradually. In fact it was 25 years ago when Charlotte began working from her home studio on Hayling Island, while her daughters grew up. Finally in 2015 Charlotte took the leap and opened her first boutique in Castle Road Southsea. ‘I loved Castle Road, but after two and half years, we’d outgrown the space,’ said Charlotte. A shop at the end of Marmion Road became available and Charlotte hasn’t looked back... you will find a very friendly and talented team of seven in our boutique, which includes two front of house, two designers and three fulltime goldsmiths in our onsite workshop.

So how does someone commission a ring, or any piece of jewellery from you Charlotte?

‘There are several important stages, starting with a no-obligation design appointment, I get to know people’s preferences and style. We chat through various options, and I like to sketch some designs on the spot. We can discuss costs and look through stone selections, if appropriate. We have our own in house CAD designer and can even create a resin model of the piece for the client to try on.

‘We love to re-model jewellery that a client may not wear anymore, or they may have inherited — breathing new life into sentimental precious gemstones and jewellery, transforming these pieces that can be treasured for many years to come. We can melt the old jewellery down, reuse their stones and make something beautiful and

so deeply personal. There’s also a growing interest in memorial jewellery, in which we can incorporate a loved one’s name or their ashes. This ties in with our ethos of sustainability.

‘There are many environmental issues surrounding the jewellery industry, from mining practices to human rights, which is why we are very proud of our Butterfly Mark accreditation from Positive Luxury. Working to ensure metals and stones are regulated and ethically sourced’.

What are your plans for the future? ’To continue to create “Jewellery for Life”and to continue to promote the message that unique bespoke jewellery is for everyone and we are here as your personal designers and makers. And as it’s the 25th anniversary of the business, we will be holding a celebration for our customers before the end of this year!’

87a Marmion Road, Southsea PO5 2AX charlottecornelius.co.uk

DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH

Elios Stone

YOUR BREATH IS AN INDICATOR OF HEALTH. HARNESSING YOUR BREATH HAS HUGE BENEFITS

Holding your breath is just one of the signs of a stress-full life. But it’s one that you might not have noticed yet. There are other indicators that may be more obvious. Like second guessing what’s happening next and going over future and past conversations in your mind.

impacting sleep quality resulting in low energy. If not addressed, lung function is diminished. Long term risks include COPD, heart disease and lung cancer.

Have you noticed yourself mouth breathing? Or shallow breathing, or holding it?

Your breath holds the power to unlock and relieve tension and trapped emotions so you can feel lighter and freer. Emotions are experienced somatically. The mind doesn’t hold the solutions, the body does!

Breath awareness is part of the puzzle. It brings you into a closer connection with your body. As you start to feel your body, emotions can move. A way to de-stress that results in less coping, comforting, and distracting in unhealthful ways.

DE-STRESS WITH BREATH

The breath holds huge power. Your breath is affected by your health and the control of your breath can impact your health too, positively or negatively. In this article, you will find two breath techniques. One to find some calm, the other to create energy!

I used to be completely unaware of my breath. Stress and past tension held in the body meant that I had less lung capacity and would often find myself gasping, sighing and mouth breathing. These are all signs of dysfunctional breathing patterns.

Did you know that most people breathe inadequately? And they suffer because of it. Poor breathing patterns lead to numerous health issues, lack of concentration, anxiety, wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and

Ever had that feeling of a clenching knot in your stomach, that’s rising into your throat? I used to know this feeling well and had no idea how to remedy it. With calming breaths, you can pause and find soothing in any situation. Next time you sense panic, try this: take a breath in through your nose, deep and quick. Then slowly, very slowly, release the air through pursed lips. A few rounds of this and you will begin to calm. No matter where you are.

In my experience and that of my clients, it’s the combination of harnessing the power of the breath along with daily practices which truly empowers you to live well. Breathwork is a vast field, but the techniques are simple to follow. When they’re personalised for you, they’re incredibly effective and easily incorporated into a busy life.

INCREASE ENERGY

Do you want to shake off the midday sluggishness without resorting to caffeine or sugar? You could try this breath technique to ignite some energy into your body. This breath practice has been utilised by various yogic and shamanic traditions but it’s almost certainly more ancient than that. Take two quick sniffs through the nose and then push the breath out through an open mouth. So, it’s something like this; sniff, sniff, haaaaa. Make sure that you’re sitting down the first time and try it for about 20 cycles. Do you feel the energy shift in your body?

Working closely with a mentor or guide can vastly improve your capacity to breathe functionally, and to harness and channel your breath to support you whenever you need it

“The morning after my session with Elios was the first morning I’d woken up in months and not felt anxiety and dread for the day ahead.” Sara, Project Coordinator, Southsea

“Feeling connected with my body has shown me how I can stay in the moment. My mind is quiet. I can feel what I’m feeling, accept it and respond rather than react.” Alex, Entrepreneur, Southsea

How will breathwork transform your life? Click the link to book your Free Consultation today.

https://eliosstone.com/book-your-free-call/

NEW SEASON NEWNESS

alice and ivy, the beautique right in the heart of Southsea is a sanctuary for skincare, makeup, and well-being. And we’ve got some super new season treats for you!

NEW WEBSITE

We’re really excited to have launched our new website which has had a makeover to be proud of. You can book your treatments online, keep up to date with all the events, demonstrations and product launches we have planned as well as hearing from us on all things skincare and makeup. We’ve got a fabulous line up of guest blogs planned so head over to www.aliceandivy.co.uk. And if you sign up to our mailing list, we’ll send you a welcome discount to say thank you.

NEW STYLE SEASON EVENTS

Our Style Evenings are a fun way to spend the evening hearing about fashion and make up trends and seasonal skincare advice all in the relaxing atmosphere of our shop on Marmion Road. Our Autumn-Winter 2023 events are running on Thursday 5th and Wednesday 11th October 2023. We’ll be joined by super stylist Vicky Booker to update us on all things fashion and style for the coming season plus, as always, the alice & ivy team will share their top skincare and makeup tips! Tickets are £25 and available in store, by telephoning us on 07597 456636 or by booking direct on our brand new website. And yes, there are goodie bags.

NEW IDEAS

The team are looking forward to Monday 9th October as we are spending the day with Shawn Towne, Global Director of Education and Artistry at Jane Iredale learning about new products, new techniques and new makeup looks. We’ll make sure to share the fun on Facebook and Instagram and we can’t wait to share everything we learn with you.

New season. New loveliness. New you. So, come in and see us to try something new. For more information or to book, call 07597 456636 or send a DM on Facebook or Instagram.

7 Marmion Road, Southsea PO5 2AT

SAVE THE DOOM FOR LATER

Neil Maxwell

Since the banks and lending institutions recently announced more realistic interest rates, there has been increased activity from all sectors of the property market, although the future of that activity is obviously in the hands of the Monetary Policy Committee.

It seems that after every interest rate rise, a ten-day hiatus occurs before the financial markets settle down, but given that there have been (at the time of writing), fourteen interest rate rises), the flow of the market has been constantly interrupted. I meet so many people who say the ‘market is dreadful isn’t it?’ But, we are still selling property, albeit not at the rate of a year or so ago, and yet, people are still moving home.

What we don’t see so frequently, are multiple viewings on the same property, but those people viewing homes are serious and making offers. This can be very frustrating if you’ve put your house on the market and there hasn’t been a lot of interest. In fact, the only action that might have occurred, is a flurry of letters from other

agents promising instant sales, without the real ability to deliver anything.

Going back several years, I was discussing a sale with a charity who had been bequeathed an apartment in a sheltered home, which wasn’t selling. It was very frustrating for all concerned, bearing in mind we don’t get paid commission until we sell a property. People were simply not looking, at that time, for that specific type of property. We went on to sell the apartment in the spring, but it just reminded me that sometimes there just aren’t the right buyers around.

Our legal obligation is to get the best possible price for our clients, so that we always keep a close eye on market conditions and if we feel the price needs to be adjusted — following a period of marketing a property and gauging potential buyer’s feedback.

Perhaps that old adage, keep calm and carry on, has never been more apt in the current housing market?

WHITWELL ROAD, SOUTHSEA - £850,000

• Spacious Edwardian semi-detached home in Craneswater Conservation Area, close to Canoe Lake and Southsea seafront.

• Four floors with original features, including wide square bay windows, offering nearly 2,500 sq.ft of living space.

• Five double bedrooms, two with en-suite shower rooms, and a spacious family bathroom. South easterly facing landscaped rear garden.

EPC Rating TBC.

SISKIN ROAD, SOUTHSEA – £599,950

• Outstanding opportunity: Four-bedroom house in sought-after Siskin Road, Southsea.

• Spacious living areas including a conservatory, modern kitchen with integrated appliances, and utility room.

• Four double bedrooms, one with an en-suite, and a fenced, north-facing rear garden. Gas central heating and double glazing.

EPC Rating C.

QUAY HOUSE, OLD PORTSMOUTH - £1,000,000

• Stunning penthouse apartment in renovated Art Deco building on Spice Island, Old Portsmouth.

• Two large outdoor roof terraces with exceptional views of Portsmouth Harbour, The Solent, and Isle of Wight.

• Three double bedrooms, two en-suites, and secure gated parking. Electric underfloor heating and double glazing throughout.

EPC Rating C.

10% OFF WHEN YOU BUY 6 OR MORE BOTTLES OFF YOUR BILL WHEN DINING IN

T&Cs: Available until 15th Nov 2023. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Redeemable on presenting this offer/page in store

Opening hours: Tues - Thurs: 10.30am - 9pm. Fri & Sat: 10.30am - 11pm. Sun: 11am - 5pm.

www.crushedandcured.co.uk info@crushedandcured.co.uk

60c Victoria Road South, Southsea PO5 2BT. Tel: 023 92178391

FEATURE PROPERTY - EASTERN PARADE

An opportunity of immense appeal and rarity set within SOUTHSEA’S PREMIER ADDRESS. Commanding delightful and fascinating panoramic views to The Solent and Isle of Wight. 5,500 sq.ft of flexible accommodation.

* 6 BEDROOMS

* 6 RECEPTION ROOMS

* DOUBLE-WIDTH GARAGE PLUS AMPLE PARKING

* HEATED SWIMMING POOL

* DELIGHTFUL GARDENS

* EPC RATING: BAND ‘E’

* ASKING PRICE: £2,150,000

For further details and viewing, please contact SOLE AGENTS:

023 9286 4321

BLOSSOMING AT CHRISTMAS

It’s a hot day in September, but Ewa Fraczak of Blossom Boutique is talking about Christmas. ’We are organising our Christmas wreath workshops. It’s a lovely event, with festive music, mulled wine and cakes. People can join the workshop with family and friends, last year we had three generations from one family making wreaths, a mum, her daughter and her grandma. To get people off to a good start we use a ready-made base for the wreaths. All of the plants we use are completely natural — spruce, eucalyptus, holly, moss and pine cones, and we add cinnamon sticks, which combined with the winter leaves gives a wonderful aroma. The wreath is finished off with a velvety ribbon, it’s great fun and people leave with something beautiful to decorate their home said Ewa. The wreath making workshop has become something of an annual event at Blossom. ‘This will be our fifth Christmas workshop and the sixth year that Blossom has been in business, three years in Osbourne Road and three years in Palmerstone Road, we had a little party to celebrate just a few days ago’.

Christmas is a busy time for Ewa and her team, with customers wanting bouquets to decorate the home for Christmas, or flowers for winter weddings. ‘We offer a festive home decorating service too, using winter leaves and flowers to decorate fireplaces or staircases. It’s also lovely to deliver flowers to homes locally, that have been ordered by families and friends — who can’t be there for Christmas’.

It maybe six years since Ewa opened Blossom Boutique but she is still bursting with ideas and enthusiasm: ‘Running a business is never easy, but I love it and I feel very much part of the Southsea community. I’m looking forward to the next six years,’ laughed Ewa.

Look out on social media for the date and location of the Blossom Boutique wreath making workshop or sign up for the Blossom newsletter on www.blossomboutiqueflowers.co.uk

Blossom Boutique 99 Palmerston Road PO5 3PS

Tel: 02392 831333

blossomboutiquesouthsea@gmail.com

Photo: Catching Dreams Photography

ART FOR ALL

Asmall group of artists have joined forces to create City Arts Portsmouth. They aim to offer everyone in the city the opportunity to take part in accessible, high quality creative activities, from small art- based workshops to ambitious community co-produced projects.

‘So often the arts are seen as being elitist and only delivered by professional artists, but we want to break down barriers and make art available to all,’ said Gavin Hodson, who together with Matt Bugeja and Alice Mortlock began the project. ‘I have worked in community arts for much of my life and I have seen how creativity can connect people, help grow new skills, support well-being and help tackle social isolation — but most of all it’s about having fun and finding joy in our own creativity,’ said Gavin.

‘We believe the stronger the organisation, the better the outcomes, which is why we are working with the amazing Omega Art School team and Fat Clay, an innovative ceramics studio. And we have the support of the John Pounds Centre that has made a huge difference to resident's

THE GOODS YARD

lives in and around Portsea. We’d also be delighted to hear from any individuals or organisations that would be interested in getting involved with City Arts.

On Friday 13th October at 6pm we are launch-ing our crowdfunding appeal at Treadgolds Warehouse 1 Bishop Street, Portsea, Portsmouth P013DA, www.treadgolds.co.uk This will be a pop-up local artist exhibition and short event that will enable you to learn more about what we do and want to do in the City. Free tickets will be available shortly on Eventbrite. For further information see www.cityartsportsmouth.com or email: hello@cityartsportsmouth.com

Gavin Hodson talks about a new arts venture for Portsmouth

Gavin Hodson, Alice Mortlock and Matt Bugeja

AUTUMN UPDATE FROM MANGO WELLBEING

Hey folks, Sally here! We are back in the studio at CourtX, Southsea with; Pilates Core & Calm… Stretch, Breathe & Mobilise... Arms, Legs & Booty Burn… PLUS an exciting brand-new class…

BACK TO THE FITNESS with Paul (AKA the Doc!)

This is a non-scary low-impact HIIT workout suitable for everyone and set to some 80s and 90s and bangers – you’ll be singing whilst sweating! Paul is an absolute champ at ensuring individuals move safely and at the right level. So, if you want to get back on the fitness wagon, come-on, jump onboard and we’ll take you ‘Back to the Fitness’. Monday evenings 18:00 at CourtX.

“From sexy salads, smoothie bowls with granola, tapas treats, and comforting dahls, our dishes are packed with gut healthy, anti-inflammatory, hormone-balancing, blood sugar-stabilising, microbiome-boosting goodness.”

Classes are small, friendly and relaxed, oh and the coffee is delicious! Saturday mornings, Southsea. 1:1 classes also available.

For more details and to book a space in any of our classes visit; www.mangowellbeing.com Or drop us an Email: sallyking@mangowellbeing.com

Instagram: @mangowellbeing

MINDFULNESS + ACTIVITY + NUTRITION = GROWTH + OPPORTUNITY (M+A+N=GO)

GOOD MOOD FOOD COOKING CLASSES, SALLY’S KITCHEN, SOUTHSEA

Come and join us, and learn how to make (then eat) delicious food, bursting with flavour, taking your energy to the next level.

Sally from Mango Wellbeing

SLOW COOKED RAGU

Daniel Nowland

Just like that it’s suddenly autumn and dark when you wake up. Summer was a mixed bag this year, but it’s not stopped me looking forward to the best things about the autumn months. Lots of chefs get excited about this time of year, partly due to some of the produce available, and partly as we can get cracking on slow cooked comfort foods and enjoy those warmer wintry flavours again.

I want to share with you one of my favourite and most versatile recipes, and it starts with looking out for a bargain from your butcher or supermarket.

I’m a big fan of browsing the butcher’s counter in our favourite central Southsea supermarket (no names mentioned!?) towards the end of the day. Yesterday I picked up one whole ox cheek, and a kilo of free-range pork shoulder, both reduced to clear. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them! I dusted off the mincing attachment for my Kitchen Aid and minced the whole lot on a coarse setting. You can of course buy ready minced meat, but I love to do it myself.

Armed with around 2 kilo or the ultimate in minced meat, I started about making a slow cooked ragu. This is a traditional Italian method, which takes a while, but the results are worth it. I diced 3 large carrots, 3 red onions and 3 stalks of celery and added them to a casserole pan with olive oil, a couple of bay leaves and a cinnamon stick. This mix then sautéed over a low heat for around 30 minutes until translucent and sweet. I then stirred in the

minced meat, popped a lid on, and transferred to the oven for around 3 hours at 160℃

Once baked, the mixture is incredible. It’s dark and sweet with an incredible aroma, and melting soft meat. The flavour of the beef cheek and pork shoulder together is delicious. I then add two tins of quality chopped tomatoes, two tins full of water, a whole tube of tomato puree, lots of seasoning and a handful of oregano, and return to the oven for a further 30 minutes. You can eat hot, or leave to cool and store in the fridge.

I then have a batch of ragu to use in various ways. I decided to turn half into a lasagne, which I will describe below. The rest is then portioned up and chilled or frozen, and will later become a spaghetti bolognaise, a cottage pie, or even a chilli con carne.

To create a beautiful lasagne I first roast slices of butternut squash. I like to add crushed coriander seeds, paprika, seasoning and olive oil, and roast for around 30 minutes until soft.

The most fun part is then grabbing a deep roasting tin and layering the ragu, slices of squash and dollops of creme fraiche between dried lasagne sheets. I like to create three or four layers. Appearance doesn’t matter, so just get creative and use ratios you like the look of. I then top with more creme fraiche, grated cheese and bake for around 45 minutes until bubbling and golden. Leave to cool for 10 minutes or so before serving alongside a fresh green salad.

Although Tiled has only been in Marmion Road for five months, it already looks and feels like a well established business. ‘We feel very comfortable with our new showroom and the reception we have received from customers and passers-by has been overwhelmingly positive. People tell me that they like our huge range of tiles, and that it’s good to see something different,’ said Helen Pyper, owner of Tiled. ‘Also, we like to keep an eye on trends, so that we can offer our customers the most contemporary designs on the market’.

HERE ARE 5 HOT TRENDS FROM 2023 :

be creative and make your own stripes using a variety of colours of your choice. Check out the fun and playful Deckchair range or use the vibrant colours in the Seaton range to create your own design.

2. How about having a touch of THE MED in your home with real Terracotta tiles? The Malborough range has a beautiful selection of shapes available to make a beautiful floor or their Brewhouse range offers a porcelain alternative with a charming handmade, sunbaked look.

1. STRIPES have always been popular in interiors, but you can also get them in tiles or you can

3. If you are looking to increase the flow and sense of space throughout the downstairs, into your kitchen or garden room, why not think about a CONCRETE EFFECT tile that you can use indoors and outdoors on your patio area?

There are various tones to choose from to create a sleek, modern look.

have displayed in our shop window.

We also pride ourselves on a personal service for all our customers, and if anyone wants help choosing tiles for their project, then we'll work in a consultative way to create a design that a) compliments the style/age of the property b) works in a practical way for you and your family c) has the desired look that you want to achieve.

4. I love the BOTANICAL TILES that are becoming increasingly popular, they can be used to cover a whole wall or laid in patches, the Jungle Hexagon tiles are very eye catching

We take care with managing the delivery and timing of the tiles, if there are any issues, or customers need extra tiles, we are close to hand. And we can also suggest a reputable fitting company that works closely with us, Design Supply Fitting. Find out more about them on their Instagram page @dsf_interiors_

It’s been an exciting few months for Tiled in Marmion Road and looks as though they will be there for may years to come.

5. MARBLE has always been a popular, fairly subtle look, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms but there’s now a trend towards drama, including mesmerising colours and stunning swirling patterns. To create a really luxurious look I really like the California Jade marble look tile that we

Tiled

45 Marmion Road, Southsea PO5 2AT

www.tiled-uk.com

Email: hello@tiled-uk.com

Tel: 02392 293306