FOR WOMEN, BY WOMEN
FEB/MAR LOVE 2020
WELCOME
Welcome to the QueenBee Love issue 2020
H
ere in the QueenBee office, we're feeling the LOVE! This issue is bursting with oxytocin and, oh boy, do we have enough to see you through the next couple of months.
We also want to talk about another, very important love - the love of our planet - and how we can make small changes that will make a considerable difference to our children and grandchildren's future.
We have the usual Valentine staples such as lacy lingerie with the lovely Helen, 'QueenBee loves' fashion and gifts and how to create that 'Lady & the Tramp' moment with The Wine Bar Boys.
Vegan options are given for many of the products we mention to hopefully dispel the dated view that being plant-based means you're restricted!
Intimacy isn't always a bed of roses and Gemma and Gary guide us through what are often difficult subjects to talk about. New to the QueenBee family we have Steph, who teaches us the importance of self-love. Becky tells us who's treading the boards in our very vibrant theatre scene and Katie highlights who of us have love in the air with our star signs. Our very own gorgeous drag artist, Teddi, writes of how important it is to be supportive and tolerant of diversity in our LGBT+ community.
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We're also discussing sustainable fashion - slowing down our buying habits, making wiser choices and learning to be faithful to our wardrobe. Michelle even examines the eco-credentials when buying fragrances. We hope you thoroughly enjoy this first QueenBee issue of 2020 - keep feeling the love!
Tracey Tracey Skelton Creative Editor
Kathryn Grace Publishing Editor
queenbeemagazine Visit us: www.queenbeemagazine.co.uk
Š QueenBee is available from various retail outlets, beauty salons, Dobbies, Van Hage, Queensgate and Serpentine Green Shopping Centres. Views and opinions expressed by authors, services and products offered by advertisers are not specifically endorsed by QueenBee magazine. Reproduction in whole or in part of the contents of QueenBee without written permission is strictly prohibited.
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Love issue 2020
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QUEENBEE
Our team Publishing Editor Kathryn Grace kath@queenbeemagazine.co.uk t: 07738 920331
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Creative Editor Tracey Skelton tracey@queenbeemagazine.co.uk t: 07958 176679 Accounts & distribution Charlene Bryant sales@queenbeemagazine.co.uk t: 07368 525389 Printed by www.pensord.co.uk Design Slinky Design kath@slinkydesign.co.uk Advertising enquiries kath@queenbeemagazine.co.uk Contributors: A huge thank you to the following peeps for their help, support and contributions in this issue: Alice Hope, Michelle Begy, Tracey Hefferon, Gary Johannes, Lateisha Band, Rhiannon Swannell, Parveen The Spice Queen, Michelle Plant, Astrid Zeegen, Sue Poole, Becky Owen-Fisher, Lizzie Benton, Tracy Hefferon, Sarah Hounsell, Yaba Afful-Logotse, Tola Macaulay, Polly Lee, Louisa Parr, Michelle Abbott, Shelley Heading, Helen Green, Gemma McGregor, Alison Duff, Kai Wan, Alex Way, Stephen Miskell, Lucy Grace, Edward Smith, Lisa-Marie Butler, Laura Fanthorpe, Nazleen Reed.
Meet Charlene
Charlene is the QueenBee engine, quiety running in the background ensuring we get where we need to be! Contact Charlene for payments, invoice or distribution enquries on sales@queenbeemagazine.co.uk
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CONTENTS
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24
Sustainable fashion
New hair
20
A wilderness adventure
14
22
Loving our planet
Let's talk about sex
19
Lovely lingerie
What's inside
our LOVE issue 13
Pre-loved designer fashion
38
Let's connect
28
Wine tasting
26
Valentine gifts
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The Spice Queen QueenBee magazine
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FASHION
300,000
tonnes of used clothing go into landfill in the UK every year - that equates to 5% of the UK's total annual carbon footprint. The Times
Astrid's fashion journey began further back than she can remember. As a child, she always had a love of clothes and an even stronger sense of style. Coming from a small isolated village with the odd jumble sale, limited funds and a mum with a sewing machine, Astrid, although she didn't realise it, had begun her passion for sustainable fashion.
O
h, the sheer pleasure and joy of finding a hidden treasure for a few pence at a jumble sale! And if it didn't fit, I would alter it, if it was the wrong colour, I would dye it. This soon led to charity shops and then on to dress agencies, eBay, Vestiaire, kilo sales, and clothes swaps. At this point, it wasn't about being sustainable and I wasn't looking at the bigger picture, I just have a love of clothes. As I grew older and started earning money of my own, more time was spent on the high street which I interspersed with my second-hand finds. I bought too much, spent too much and always seemed to need something "new" for a night out.
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What, Sustainability started after I retired. No longer having the cash to be frivolous, and with an abundance of clothes I already owned, I began to sell them on eBay. This whole process led me to think more and more about my shopping habits and how out of control I had become. This all coincided with my new Instagram platform and the responsibilities it entails. I contacted a preloved designer agency, Timpanys that was based near me and together we came up with a plan; we would show the Instagram world how diverse preloved designer wear is and at a fraction of the price! My thoughts soon led to less fast fashion and more long-lived fashion. I started dwelling on ethics and sustainability, which led to a gusto of research of places I wanted to buy my clothes from. I suppose the point I'm making by sharing this is that we can all become more aware of our shopping habits. Don't get me wrong, I still succumb to the high street occasionally, but I will always try and find a preloved version first and will always constantly re-wear and re-love my exciting wardrobe > @astridiwantyouinmylife
FASHION
this old thing? With pre-loved being the new fashion "buzz word," Astrid and Sue talk about their jouney and guide us into a more ethical and sustainable style.
I
know I’ve hit the mark with my oddball sense of sustainable style when I get a raised eyebrow from a fellow parent at the school gate. I can often turn up the ante with a second hand find I have in my wardrobe. I get no sense of excitement from walking through the doors of Westfield and I was never going to be an Instagrammer sharing her hauls from big name brands and ‘coming at you live’ from a changing room.
I get my buzz from having a rare Sunday off from family life and having the day to myself, scouring the rails at Clerkenwell Vintage Fair or Frock Me Vintage in the atmospheric Chelsea Town Hall. I love stepping out of Notting Hill tube and walking past the coloured houses on a Friday morning to see what rare finds I can spy at Portobello Green Market. Or happening upon the vintage shops of Haight Ashbury in San Francisco on our West Coast family road trip (I didn’t get long in them before the faces on my family told me I’d had my time!). A lot of people say to me, "I could never wear that" and that is my aim - to make people braver with their fashion choices and convince them that second hand /pre-loved/ charity most
Meet Sue, MUA, style influencer and the other half of our pre-loved Queens. Sue has made a life long decision to only ever purchase clothes that are pre-loved or that she will love forever. Read and find how to fall in love with slow fashion.
definitely IS for everyone. There's more to life than the high street. I looked beyond and now I very rarely buy new or fast. Sustainable is where it’s at. Online finds from Rokit Vintage and Beyond Retro never fail me when I’m looking for something specific. I’ve bought some fabulous items from Waiste Vintage, One Scoop Store, and always keep a keen eye on Manifesto Woman. Second hand and true vintage sites are popping up on Instagram all the time and many people are unaware of Asos Marketplace. It's a forum where individual sellers/boutiques can sell their vintage and secondhand wares. My wardrobe is pretty full of designer garb, but I would never now buy high end/designer brand new. My favourite pre-loved site and my most successful buys come from Vestiaire Collective. My latest finds are a much longed for pair of Gucci Marmont loafers in Silver and a vintage Gucci horsebit shirt - in my size and at the right price point! Just remember, it’s not sustainable if you’re buying more than you need. Each pre-loved buy is much considered... but I warn you, a few bargains in and you’ll be hooked! > @mamma_see_mamma_do QueenBee magazine
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LIFE BLOG
Love is... By Louisa Parr
B
efore writing this article and knowing that ‘LOVE’ was the theme for this particular issue, I sat for an hour staring blankly at an empty screen. I’d had a plethora of ideas swimming around in my head, but hadn’t a clue as to what angle I would actually tackle the enormity of this four lettered word from?
Peterborough lady Louisa Parr gives us her thoughts on what love is...
There seems a lot of us who are very quick to self sabotage; fixated on our flaws we are generally ready to bring ourselves down at any given moment.
The word ‘Love’, of course, comes in many guises and in the past I’ve written about it several times. I’ve spoken of my four beautiful sons and my unconditional, immeasurable love for them all. I’ve written of my unabashed love for my Momma, despite her random behaviour during some of her rather more unusual menopausal moments. And, my Dad too, for instilling those very strict but firm, foundations that have partly made me who I am today. I have broached the slightly harrowing subject of the dating game for both men and women of a certain age and just how much more complicated the pursuit in finding love can be!? I’ve even enthused over my passion for
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certain types of music, dancing and fashion. However, I think that the most important love of all is the kind you have for yourself. There seems a lot of us who are very quick to self sabotage; fixated on our flaws we are generally ready to bring ourselves down at any given moment. I don’t know why we do it, but we do! Maybe it’s the society we live in, who knows? We should all try being a little kinder to ourselves. Attend that art class you’ve been saying you’d like to go to, but haven’t quite got around to enrolling yet. Buy those quirky red boots you’ve had your eye on for the last month and have that long hot soak in a bubble bath (along with a glass of wine and some chill out music), like you’ve been promising yourself for weeks! It’s so important to do these little things for ourselves - it’s great for our own self esteem and wellbeing too... because you all know Ru Paul’s famous mantra... “ If ya can’t love yourself, how the hell ya gonna love somebody else?”. Amen to that!
FASHION
#QueenBeeloves pre-loved ...where to find the best pre-loved and vintage fashion pieces
archlabelagency.com
cowgirlincouture.com
manifestowoman.com
cowgirlincouture
manifestowoman
Sustainable styling & shopping service
Etsy: FabulousMissK
circlesofyaxley.com
beyondretro.com
Etsy: StudioThriftyFour
onescoopstore.com
archlabelagency
fabulousmissk.co.uk
beyondretro
fabulousmissk
studiothriftyfour
circlesofyaxleylimited
onescoopstore
...share your pre-loved finds with us @queenbeemagazine
QueenBee magazine
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FOOD
Parveen The Spice Queen
I
am often asked what my favourite ingredient is when cooking Indian food. Is it chilli, cumin or the queen of all spices… saffron? Well, I have to say, the one essential key ingredient I always cook with is 'Love.' That may sound a little clichéd but here's the thing about clichés - they are true, that's why they are clichés. I believe that food made with love tastes so much better and naturally, food made with love needs to be eaten with love. So for Valentine's Day, try my eastern version of the quintessential english dessert 'Eton Mess' or as I call it 'Mango Mess'. It's a delightfully creamy and delicious dessert that can be made to share. Use a tall sundae glass and two sundae spoons, so you can enjoy it with the one you love. > For more recipes, go to www.ParveenTheSpiceQueen.com Follow Parveen @ParveenTheSpiceQueen Parveen's cookbook Parveen The Spice Queen: Step by Step Authentic Indian Cooking demystifies the art of Indian cooking with simple step by step instructions, top tips on how to get the best from her recipes and beautiful clear images. Available from ParveenTheSpiceQueen.com for £16. Get a free sachet of spice by quoting 'QueenBee' when ordering
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Mango Mess made with love Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking (assembly) time: 10 minutes Makes approximately 6 Individual Portions Ingredients • 250ml double cream • 100ml tinned mango pulp • 2 medium sized mangoes or 1 pot of mango in own juice • 4 mini ready-made meringue nests (5x7cm) Method 1. Peel & dice the mango into 1cm pieces. 2. In a large bowl, pour in all the cream and whip until soft peaks are formed. 3. Carefully crush the meringues into the cream, add the mango pieces and fold together. 4. Serve in dessert glasses of choice, drizzled with mango pulp For a vegan version, use vegan squirty cream or Elmlea plant based double cream and make your meringues using aquafaba - for a recipe www.bit.ly/veganmeringue.
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QueenBee Autumn 2019
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FASHION
Pre-loved designer labels in Stamford
A
rch Label Agency is a unique gem of a shop in Stamford, offering pre-owned top quality designer labels at a fraction of the original price. They opened their doors in May 2003 after the owner, Susie Archer (left), moved to Stamford from London. Since then the shop has gone from strength to strength and grown a loyal customer base with people travelling to Stamford from all over the country.
You'll find labels such as Chanel, Prada, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Celine, Isabel Marant, Sandro, Balmain, A.P.C, Burberry‌ the list goes on! Turnover of stock is quick so keep an eye on their social media pages @archlabelagency to get first peak at some of the amazing items they get in. However, we really do recommend that you pay them a visit and have a good rifle through the rails! See the advert below for address and contact details
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HEALTH
Let's talk about sex baby! By Gemma McGregor
V
alentine's Day and love is all around. Romantic candlelit dinners, red roses, chocolates, and of course, sex is on everyone's mind. But is Valentines sex always a good thing or are we doing it because of the commercial pressures? Sex should be enjoyable, but what if it's not, what if it causes pain? What if your relationship isn't all shiny and smelling of roses? Gemma McGregor BSc (Hons) PGCert MCSP is a woman's health specialist, physiotherapist and educator.
Of course, Valentine's Day isn't really about just sex, it's just another day in our busy lives, but all these triggers might seem even more personal if you know sex isn't enjoyable anymore – for whatever reason. The ladies of QueenBee have asked me to start this conversation about some of the topics around
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sex that ladies may be too scared or embarrassed to ask. Painful sex in the medical world is called dyspareunia and it can be caused by a whole host of things. Sex should never be painful, so it is essential to speak with your doctor when you first notice new symptoms to rule out causes such as acute infection.
HEALTH
However, if the symptoms continue, it may be caused by other factors, either physical or psychological. When speaking to patients with these types of symptoms, we try and ask questions that help us to find out where the pain is coming from and what may be causing it? We want to know: • Is the pain caused by infection such as thrush or urinary tract infection? • I s the skin of the vulva or vagina becoming sore or dry? •H ow are the muscles working? • I s there any pelvic floor tightness or spasms (vaginismus)? •O ther conditions can also contribute to painful sex such as IBS, constipation, fibroids, or endometriosis. Hormones can play a part in causing pain during sex and these vary throughout your cycle. Hormones also change dramatically during the menopause – thankfully, there are lots of treatments available. Postnatal changes can be a cause of painful sex; if you've recently had a baby consider having a thorough postnatal check or a Mummy MOT with me or other qualified specialist to eliminate post birth perineal trauma causing any issues later on.
Regardless of your sexuality or gender identity, if you are experiencing problems within your sexual relationships, it's important to acknowledge not only the medical and physical causes but also the emotional, psychological, and social factors that can play a big part. Specialist counsellors and psychosexual therapists are out there and they can use various methods such as mindfulness, CBT, couples and individual counselling to support you. When sex is good – it is great! But if you think there is a problem, seek help. Never feel pressured - not everyone is having it! Be comfortable and make sure you are open and honest in your relationships
Sex should be enjoyable, but what if it's not, what if it causes pain? What if your relationship isn't all shiny and smelling of roses?
Psychological trauma from abuse or not feeling content with a partner sadly is sometimes a factor. Poor self-worth can also contribute and leave us feeling overwhelmed. Speaking to a professional healthcare provider such as a Women's Health physio, nurse or doctor will start you on your journey of recovery. We appreciate this is a sensitive topic, but it is an area we have chosen to specialise in, and we are here to offer help.
> For anyone looking for more information on any of these issues please do get in touch gemma@specialisedphysiotherapy.com Call: 07518 101700 or visit: www.specialisedphysiotherapy.co.uk
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PARENTHOOD
Alison Duff, Founder and Director of Calmababy talks about that most unconditional love the love we feel for our children.
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PARENTHOOD
Who loves you... By Alison Duff
Our earliest experiences shape our brains forever. The environment and first interactions we have with our parents form distinctive characteristics of relating socially and coping emotionally for the rest of our lives. In her book 'Why Love Matters' Sue Gerhardt refers to these experiences as "the bones of emotional life, hidden and outside awareness - the invisible history of each individual." They are the unseen patterns of relationship that weave into our body and brain in babyhood. Every single parent I meet has the same intention - to do well by their child. We all want to raise a happy, emotionally stable, resilient, kind and honest, independent person. The good news is that to establish the foundations of these traits, what a baby needs during the formative years is love, connection and responsive caregiving. All too often, parents receive unsolicited advice and influence that promote early separation from their baby.
While this advice is usually wellintentioned, it is often ill-advised. Attempts to foster independence in a child before they are ready can affect their ability to cope socially and emotionally. Every babies primary drive is for connection, love and a secure physical contact for as long as they need it. In short, independence is born from complete dependence. So, It is ok to hold your baby as much as you want. It is ok to feed them to sleep. It is ok for them to be 'clingy' and never let you put them down. Above all, it is ok to listen to your inner self and do what feels right, what feels instinctive. Because when you do that, you are hard wiring your baby's brain for the rest of their lives through love - and that matters!
> Find Calmababy at 8 Botolph Bridge Estate, Oundle Rd, Peterborough PE2 9QP. Tel: 01733 707808. www.calmababy.com calmababy
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LINGERIE
Bring on the spice! By Helen Greene
Triangle Leopard and Lace mesh bra & mathching high waisted briefs • £15 & £8 Monki
Strappy Halter Teddy • £38 Victoria Secrets
Lingerie to put some flavour into your Valentines... Helen brings you the mild, the spicy and the downright sizzling! How hot can you handle it? Follow Helen @hptonhoney
Floral Thrill Crotchless Body • £35 Ann Summers
Hotness levels Hot Spicy Sizzling Down The Aisle bra & thong • £15 & £12 (on sale) savagex.co.uk
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LINGERIE
Ana Underwire Bra & Knickers • £32 & £5 Dora Larson
Sheer Mesh Baby Doll • £86 Victoria Secrets
Embroidered Body • £35 Autograph, M&S
Figleaves animal print plunge bra & high waist knicker • £26 & £14 Asos
Embroidered Body • £35 Autograph, M&S
Floral fantasy body • £30 Ann Summers
Bluebella Karolina Black Basque • £48 John Lewis
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ADVENTURE
Wilderness adventure just for mums Do you dream of relighting your independent, adventurous soul‌ that's lurking somewhere beneath the dirty-washing pile?
Embrace the ultimate 'me' time and step into the Namibian wilderness with the 'Maverick Mums Matriarch Adventure', June 2020
Meet wanderluster, mother and founder of Maverick Mums, Rhiannon Swannell. After the sudden death of her father and frustrated with the balancing act of family responsibility and a desire to reconnect with her authentic self, she has joined forces with Catherine Edsell; expedition leader and founder of The Matriarch Adventure™ to provide an African adventure that supports mums’ to step away from their ordinary lives. 20
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ADVENTURE
As you finish up another domestic chore, crammed between working for a living, speedcooking a meal and arranging another school pick-up, do you ever dream of a future when you can relight your slightly lost, independent, adventurous soul? This transformative, empowering and fully supported ‘Maverick Mums Matriarch Adventure’ is for mums, step mums, foster mums and grandmas who have an adventurous spirit, care about the environment and want to spend time in the company of other women who feel the same. It runs from 12th-21st June 2020 and embraces the ultimate in ‘me time’ with a total digital detox. Think ten days and a group of maverick mums in the Namibian wilderness, tracking elusive desert elephants (the most iconic matriarchs there are). Have an adventure, enjoy dawn yoga under huge flame-red skies, daily journaling, inspiration around a camp fire, sleeping out under a myriad of stars, meeting with Namibian mums and hearing their stories... and all else that expedition life has to offer.
The adventure is built around a sustainable low-impact model and is facilitated by conservation group EHRA (ElephantHuman Relations Aid), an NGO promoting coexistence between local people and elephants in the growing competition for access to water in Namibia. The EHRA Peace Project leader is also head elephant-tracker for the Maverick Mums making this search for the elusive African matriarchs steeped in education as well as beauty. A minimum £850 from each fee goes to EHRA. Rhiannon tells us "The hardest part is deciding to put yourself first and step from the front door into the wilderness of Namibia. I have now let go of the ‘mum guilt’ and know that the example I am setting my daughter is that of happy, strong mothers who can live and love for themselves, not just for their children." > Read the full itinery and find out more about the ‘Maverick Mums Matriarch Adventure’ at www.maverickmums.com
Follow Rhiannon on Facebook @maverickmumsuk or Instagram @maverickmums *Images courtesy of Matriarch Adventure™
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NO PLANET B
some love
Show our planet
By Lucy Grace
Turn off your lights, use a blanket instead of turning on the heater, limit your shower time and your water usage, turn off your appliances when they’re not needed, car share, adjust your diet if you can, ditch the dryer, take public transport, ride a bike, walk! There's lots of things we can all do to care for the planet we live on and right now is the best time to start.
W
ith mainstream media spouting a continuous stream of statistics and environmental revelations at us, it’s no avoidable fact that we humans are giving our home planet a pretty rough time. Whilst this last century has birthed many useful inventions now commonplace in households throughout the world, there are a few things that perhaps aren’t as harmless as they seem. It can be hard to accept that the conveniences we rely on in our daily lives can be so detrimental, especially when many only cross our hands for a moment before going in the bin – out of sight, out of mind. But here we are, contributing to widespread pollution of the oceans and land, unprecedented rates of wildlife and species decline (scientists estimate up to 200 species of animals and plants become extinct every day) and not to mention extreme deforestation - 46% of the planet’s forests 22
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have been felled according to the National Geographic. As our world population continues to rise at an incomprehensible rate, along with our consumption and waste, it seems that now is the time for a bit of a reality check. As I cover this topic for you, I ponder how, somewhere along the line, we have become a separate entity from nature. Nature is outside, right? The trees down the lane, the grass by the parks, the birds, the flowers popping up for Spring. Perhaps, beyond the issues that have stemmed from our species, the problem lies in this very perspective. We forget that we are also living, breathing elements of nature, just like any other species - made up of the very same stuff and existing in the very same place. Since we are a magazine for women, let’s see this new decade as an opportunity to pursue the ultimate act of feminism – nurturing our Mother Earth!
NO PLANET B
So what can we do? How can we evolve our human behaviours to blend back in with nature and give our planet the chance to thrive? How can we protect the future of our children? To tip the scales back into balance, even the smallest change does make a difference, so here are some simple ideas to get going.
aims to plant over 230,000 trees in and around the city by 2030.Whether you’re a resident, local business, community group or school, you can join the volunteer planting days. These fun social events are a great way to meet new, like-minded people. To get involved, see www.pect.org.uk
Eat local and organic Eating local, organic produce has so many benefits for our community and our planet. Visit your local market or support a fruit/veg shop instead of the supermarket (don’t forget your reusable bags)!
Cleaning Step away from harsh, pollutive chemicals that go down our drains and discover nature’s cleaning power. Don’t underestimate the following simple recipe, it's particularly good for even the toughest places, including oven tops. And it's cheap as chips too!
Reduce your waste We need to make wasting our resources unacceptable in all aspects of our life. When shopping, if possible opt for packaging that is recyclable – or better, biodegradable. For example, we’ve upped our efforts by composting all paper and card waste at the QueenBee allotment which has seen our bins empty drastically. Get your own compost heap started - it's great for your garden! Things you can compost include fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags, garden waste, hair from your hairbrush, dust from the hoover, stale bread, paper towels, paper waste, cardboard… and so much more! Find a full list online. Another way to reduce your waste is to reuse items. Upcycling is a creative way to keep things out of the bins. This could be reusing a jam jar as a candle holder, or using old tins as plant pots. Search online for ideas - the possibilities are endless! Plant more trees Trees absorb CO2 from the air and help to combat climate change, making us less vulnerable to flooding and other extreme weather. They provide shade and shelter, improve the quality of air we breathe, encourage wildlife and improve our health and wellbeing - we need more of them! If you'd like to get involved with volunteering, PECT’s Forest for Peterborough campaign
Multipurpose cleaner recipe: 1 splash of apple cider vinegar, 1 scoop of bicarbonate of soda and a little water to dilute. You can add a few drops of essential oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for fragrance and a cleaning boost. Eat less meat Farming animals for meat and dairy requires huge amounts of resources. One of the biggest causes of forest loss is the expansion of agriculture. Moving towards a more plantbased diet will lower your impact on the environment - and with vegetarian and vegan foods on the rise it's never been easier. Use your voice! Tell your friends, tell your family and post it on social media. You don’t have to be annoying, preachy or belittling (we all know that doesn’t help), but having a kind conversation or sharing an interesting post is often all it takes to plant a valuable seed. Be informed and open to learn. This isn’t a situation of “ignorance is bliss” as in the end, it’s our lives and the lives of our future generations that ultimately depend on it. Take the time to research, listen to the facts, watch the documentaries. Take in as much information as you possibly can. It's up to all of us to do our bit and form better conscious habits because after all, there is no planet B QueenBee magazine
Love issue 2020
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HAIR
LO E YOUR HAIR By Kai Wan
Kai Wan, owner of three busy salons and on the council of The Fellowship Of British Hairdressing, talks us through those difficult hair decisions.
If you're thinking "New Year, new me?" as we find ourselves heading towards the season of love then why not start right at the top?! I'd like you to think about showing yourself some self love and re-igniting your hair dreams!
Show yourself some love and re-ignite your hair dreams!
> Read more from Kai at queenbeemagazine.co.uk
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Start by booking a consultation with a professional hairdresser. One of the modules in our training is to study suitability and we'll look at face shape, features, bone structure and how various hair shapes and forms will complement you. Spend some time talking with your hairdresser and getting to know one another. Suitability doesn't stop with the aesthetics, it goes a lot deeper. Your personality plays a big part - what does your personal style say about you? I often ask clients if they want to blend in or stand out in a crowd. Maybe it’s time to re-invent your look a little! Perhaps you want to get noticed amongst the sea of long hair and wavy balayage colouring. Why not try a super sexy shorter haircut and add a dash of colour? Style a longer bob with tight curls and dress it out for a playful look, or perhaps consider a hint of pink. Your skin and eye colour also play a huge part. Don't always go for the obvious - a pale skin tone and blue eyes doesn't necessarily mean going for a Scandinavian blonde. Try adding celtic copper tones and see those eyes pop! Just as your make-up can create contouring and change the shape of your face, layering colour in and around your hair can create the same effects. Putting "pockets" of light flashes in and around the face can give the appearance of being wider and more open, while deepening tones can help to narrow and highlight cheekbones. Go on, love yourself!
TEDDI TALKS
Just Love... Teddi is a local drag artist with her hand and mouth firmly on the pulse. She is never one to shy away from the limelight and always has her opinions ready and raring to go! Here she talks about love and the LGBT+ scene.
As the song goes 'we were born this way' and it is embedded in our DNA.
L
ove is something I think we struggle to talk about. Well, we’re British, so as a nation we find it hard to communicate our feelings and openly discuss love. To me, love is a hybrid and varies wildly depending on your relationship: there's unconditional family love (which can sometimes be the most painful), platonic love - the love between friends, colleagues, a love that supports and reassures you, or the fairytale love that I believe only a few experience in their lifetimes, when two individuals simply 'click' and get one other.
experienced that true-love kiss once before. Now imagine talking about that love to someone who you know is totally against it. Really think about it. Your family, where all love starts and stems from suddenly outcast you. Your friends, who are supposed to support your every move, vanish. This love - the love between a man and man, a woman and woman and everywhere on the gender spectrum - is not and never has been a choice. As the song goes 'we were born this way' and it is embedded in our DNA.
This last type of love is what we have all grown up on. If you have ever watched a Disney film, fairy-tale love is always the main theme of the movie. That is up until recently when true love has diversified into that of motherly love, as in the case of Brave or that of sisterly love, as in Frozen.
Think about walking down the street with your partner and not being able to hold their hand, not being able to kiss them in public, not being able to show any affection in case you might get caught! Thank goodness we live in a country where we can love who we want to love. Sadly however, for many people around the world, that isn't the case.
I have been privileged enough to experience all types of love. My family have accepted me for who I am, my friends have always been supportive and yes, I have
Hopefully one day everybody will be accepted for who they are without fear or repercussions. And what a great world that would be QueenBee magazine
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GIFT GUIDE
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#QueenBeeloves the ultimate Valentine gift guide 5 7 8 6
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GIFT GUIDE
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4 Heart tealights £4 • Paperchase 2 Candle holder £15 • River Island 3 Milk heart lolly £2.50 • Hotel Chocolate 4 Heart drop earrings £8 • Accessorize 5 Love necklace £15 • saywhatyouc.com 6 Alcoholic sherbert Double Dipper £7 • smithandsinclair.com 7 Pop up lobster £6 • Paperchase 8 'Aloe is it me' card £2.75 • Paperchase 9 'My world' glass mug £9 • Paperchase 10 Praline vegan truffles, dark chocolate with sea salt £8.99 • Willie’s Cacao 11 Message in a bottle £4 • Paperchase 12 Lavendar & myrrh olive oil vegan soap £7.50 • estiasoaps.co.uk 13 Love cushion £16 • Next 14 Restoring Balance £19.97 • restoringbalance.life 15 Ylang Ylang Espresso vegan perfume £58 • floralstreet.com 16 Rose gift set £14 • Lush 17 Birthstone ring £40 • Pandora 18 Chunky love heart necklace £36 • saywhatyouc.com 19 Vegan cherry amore chocolate £20 • Creighton's Chocolaterie 20 'Love Every Side Of You' slogan mug £5.99 • New Look
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VINO
The food of love... and wines to lubricate your Valentine's
I
'm sure many of you follow @queenbeemagazine on Instagram and Facebook so you may have seen that I had the pleasure of hosting the lovely QueenBee ladies, along with friends, for a wine tasting to celebrate the festive season.
Alex Way and Stephen Miskell, owners of The Stamford Wine Bar and Twelve All Saints are here to advise, inspire and entice us on one of the great pleasures of life: vino.
Treat you and your loved one to a true lady and the tramp moment with this sultry Linguine dish along with a glass of Cruel Mistress. 28
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Wine tasting at The Stamford Wine Bar? Yes! We welcome novices and wine buffs alike and we ensure all dietary requirements are catered for, priding ourselves on having a full and extensive range of vegan wines. Hen parties, birthday bashes and even small intimate gatherings are welcome. So, if like the QueenBee ladies you'd like to join friends for your very own bespoke and personalised wine tasting experience, give us a ring on 01780 757844
Love issue 2020
By Alex Way
Kathryn, Publishing Editor of QueenBee said "I came away with so much more knowledge in choosing the perfect wine to pair with food and confidence in selecting a fantastic tipple to enjoy with friends.�
VINO
Until we see you at The Wine Bar, we've put together a menu and wine choice to wow your partner at home...
STARTER
Smoked salmon and soured cream blini or aubergine and chickpea bites with a harissa yoghurt. Start with a fizz; Try a glass of Pink champagne from Waitrose which is also vegan-friendly!
MAIN
Steak with garlic butter or linguine with tomato avocado and lime. Treat you and your loved one to a true lady and the tramp moment with this sultry Linguine dish along with a glass of Cruel Mistress which is stocked at The Wine Bar. Or enjoy a light Pinot Noir.
DESSERT
Chocolate fondue with strawberries and marshmallows. Melt your chocolate of choice and add some double cream and butter. For a vegan option use dairy free chocolate (Green & Blacks organic dark works well), coconut cream and vegan butter.
Wine trends 2020
H
ere are some of the new wine trends coming through for 2020... be ahead of the game and be confident in you're latest wine choices.
Prosecco Rose Yes, we all love prosecco and we all love pink fizz now Prosecco Rosé is coming and coming in big! Producers are now able to use up to 15% of Pinot Noir alongside Glera grapes to make Rosé under the Prosecco DOC name. This has been a lengthy process to get this approved and bottles are set to hit the shelves in mid 2020. New wines and a resurgence Expect higher-end Rosé to make an appearance this year, Moet has just bought the makers of Whispering Angel so we can look forward to seeing this prevalent on shelves. Appassimento wines (or straw wines) are generally sweeter due to being made from dry grapes, expect a strong concentrated wine, but do not fear, these luscious flavours will excite your palette! Lastly, ever heard of ABC (anything but Chardonnay)? Well, expect to change this to AIC (anything including Chardonnay) and forget your 90's preconceptions of cheaply made wines. Chardonnay is impressive when made in the right way. So give it a try, and you may find one you like! Vegan Wines Majestic Wines has increased its offering from 39 wines listed in 2018 to 200 at the end of 2019, so expect to see more Vegan friendly wines coming through. Here at the wine bar, we are proud to say that 90% of the wines we stock are Vegan. Give something new a go in 2020 - remember, life is too short to drink bad wine! Happy Valentines and see you soon. Much love from The Wine Bar boys!
Enjoy this ultimate sharing dessert by feeding your partner and you'll be on to a winner! To complete the perfect night, pair with the beautiful Denbies Noble Harvest dessert wine from Waitrose (vegan friendly) - enjoy!
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EATING OUT
The Chalkboard With beautiful views from the embankment and the River Nene flowing by, Hannah tells us why The Chalkboard is the perfect venue to hold your wedding reception, birthday party, or even enjoy the perfect afternoon tea.
H
aving my very own Tea Room and being able to offer a 'Pick Your Own' afternoon tea has always been a dream of mine.
With The Chalkboard afternoon teas, you get to choose what you want rather than getting what you're given! You might not be too fond of fruit scones but love cheese scones, so we offer a choice of plain, fruit or cheese. With a selection of breads to choose from for your sandwiches and a range of cakes and savoury options. Your afternoon tea is served on your very own slate, so there are no arguments over who gets the last piece of cake - it's all yours (and we also provide boxes to take your leftovers home!). We're very keen on being inclusive so that everyone can enjoy The Chalkboard, so we have a wide range of gluten free and vegan options. In fact, our vegan afternoon tea was described as better than the Ritz's version just this week! Our breakfasts are delicious and are served all day at the weekend and until 12 noon during the week. We have a fixed menu in the evening where we offer three courses for only £18. As we are located in the Key Theatre, theatregoers often dine with us before the shows, but we also love to welcome the non-theatre goers to enjoy our evening menu too. Bring the kids! We offer children's breakfasts, afternoon tea, evening meals with board games and toys to keep children entertained. We also have a baby menu which includes our baby breakfast and baby banquet, so even the youngest members of the family can join in! We are a popular venue for baby showers each guest chooses their afternoon tea and the 'Mum to be' eats free and receives a gift.
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Our beautiful location on the Embankment allows us gorgeous views of the River Nene which makes us a perfect venue for private events and weddings. We feel the word 'wedding' shouldn't mean we should charge you more so we offer you an affordable wedding venue. We host birthday celebrations, engagement parties, gender reveals, retirement parties and even wakes. We also host our own events, such as Drag Queen Bingo with our resident Drag Queen Teddi (Teddi also writes a regular column for QueenBee - see page 25). We're very excited about Valentine's Day (which also happens to be my wedding anniversary!). However, we don't just want our Valentine menu to be enjoyed by couples but enjoyed and shared with all your family and friends. We'll have a special Valentine's Afternoon Tea running from 1st to 16th February for only £30 for two, including bottomless hot drinks. We will also have a very special 3 course menu on Friday 14th for only £20, including a glass of prosecco on arrival and a sweet treat for each guest. Andy and I look forward to welcoming you to The Chalkboard soon! > Visit thechalkboardpeterborough.co.uk or call us on 01733 305405.
WIDE SELECTION OF WINES • EXTENSIVE GIN LIST • LARGE WINE GARDEN • BESPOKE WINE TASTINGS FUNCTION ROOM • WEDDING RECEPTIONS • MONTHLY WINE TASTINGS • DOG FRIENDLY
RESERVE YOUR VIP TABLE FOR A BESPOKE WINE TASTING EVENING For groups of up to eight or an intimate gathering for just two people.
10 Saint Paul’s Street | Stamford | PE9 2BE www.stamfordwinebar.co.uk
MUSINGS
Valentine musings By Tracy Hefferon
Tracy Hefferon is a local author, mother of two and a selfconfessed telly addict. She has published four novels to date and her latest "The Towparth" has just been released.
I
am never sure how I feel about Valentine’s Day. The actual day holds very bittersweet memories for me. I got engaged on Valentine’s Day... and I also ended a ten-year relationship on Valentine’s Day. Since then, even though I have a new partner of almost four years, I haven’t celebrated it much at all apart from a card and a peck on the cheek. Saying that, last year I went all-out to buy Marks and Spencer’s jumbo heart-shaped sausage for dinner but they sold out in a nanosecond. So we had bangers and mash instead. The story of getting engaged on Valentine’s Day is one I often muse over. If it hadn’t been for a hidden rose I doubt it would have even happened. I’ll explain. I was in a fairly new relationship with a young man at work. We did the same job just in different offices. I thought I’d surprise him and send him a rose with a saucy cryptic note attached and wait for him to do something equally as romantic for me. I met him at break, and at lunch, but nothing was mentioned about the rose.
I’m not sure, in hindsight, whether we would have made it to the altar had it not been for that rose. 32
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It got to 5.30pm and I strolled into his office, cursing Interflora, when I saw him hurriedly shut his desk drawer. I asked him if he’d received anything at all that day. He looked a bit flushed and muttered ‘like what?’ ‘A rose?’ I boomed, as he glanced nervously at his colleagues and opened Love issue 2020
his drawer to reveal said rose, crumpled and slightly worse-forwear. After much grilling on the way home he revealed he was so worried it wasn’t me who had sent the rose that he hid it. The cryptic message had been so cryptic he didn’t realise it was about me (despite it mentioning the red underwear he’d bought me for my birthday…) which led to a full scale ‘I’m ending this relationship right now!’ kind of row which in turn led to him getting very upset and pleading with me not to leave him and let’s get married instead. After the initial shock, and being the ripe old age of twenty-four, I thought I’d better seize the opportunity while it was smacking me in the face. We got engaged and eighteen months later we had our fairytale wedding. I’m not sure, in hindsight, whether we would have made it to the altar had it not been for that rose. The marriage lasted until the sevenyear-itch struck and that was that. I’m still as romantic as ever but to this day I’ve not sent flowers to another man. You never know where it might bloody lead!
Tracy x
> Tracy's latest book 'The Towpath' is based on the true events of the Coronation year of 1953 and is available on Amazon for £7.99.
QUEENBEE COCKTAILS
Just Love The
cocktail
QueenBee, with help from Alex Way of Twelve All Saints Bar, Stamford, bring you this simple yet delicious cocktail to help liven up Valentines evening!
The 'Just Love' cocktail (makes two) • 75ml Vodka • 35ml Amaretto • 125ml Cranberry Juice • Ice Combine in a shaker. Shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain and pour then top with a little heart sweet. Voila!
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FITNESS
Stand up for yourself By Yaba Afful-Logotse
Yaba Afful-Logotse BSc, Director, Afful Health & Fitness Ltd www.affulhf.com t. 07956 494 821
Exercise is a form of self-love and a wonderful way to celebrate your body, no matter what your age, gender, or ability.
W
hen taking part in any form of physical activity, I like to ask my clients, “Do you enjoy it?” and “Does it leave you feeling good,” “Is it sustainable?” Exercise is a form of self-love, and a wonderful way to celebrate your body, no matter what your age, gender, or ability. Many of my clients find it empowering to know that exercising regularly can be free, convenient and fun. How you decide to do it is unique to you. In this article, I would love to encourage you to find your way of introducing more self-body-love into your life and maintain it. Did you know, our bodies are designed to stand? The average person is sitting for a sedentary 12 hours a day - which puts them at a higher risk of poor health. Sitting puts considerably more stress on your body and consequently causes body pain, herniated discs, damaged nerves, and degenerated joints. You wouldn’t want this for someone you love, so start with Standing Up for Yourself! Before you begin any physical activity, we advise that you assess your starting point. Are you sedentary, reasonably active, or very active? If the answer is sedentary, you can tackle this by alternating between sitting and standing every 30 minutes
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for optimum health. By simply standing more, you can lower your risk of severe health issues like obesity, cancer and early mortality and, in turn, increases your energy levels, lower stress and will improve your mood. Not only that, but standing more can also increase your metabolism, tone your muscles and reduce those aches and pains you’ve been living with (www.juststand.org). If you are on your feet a lot already, and fairly active, then you can take it to the next level by taking part in activities that get you slightly breathless, warm and maybe sweaty. Be active for a minimum of 30 minutes five times a week. One budget-friendly and super effective exercise is walking. Walking is free, burns excess calories, makes your heart healthier, and reduces your carbon footprint. For example, if you already walk your dog faithfully every day, then walk faster. If you can, try introducing a 10 second jog into your dog-walk every 1 minute and increase the jogging length as it gets easier. If walking isn’t already part of your routine, then some ways you can make it a habit is by walking part of the way to work, walking to the shops, using stairs instead of the lift, walking the kids to school, and walking with friends or family to have a catch up. You could also join a walking group, or a personal favourite of mine is to get up and dance to your favourite playlist! > Yaba offers personal and group training as well as Health and Fitness retreats. Find out more by emailing Yaba@teamafful.com
FITNESS
3 top tips to avoid injury By Tola Macaulay
Y
ou wouldn't wait until your car packs up before you take it to be serviced, so why wait until you're injured to sort your health out? With the feeling of love and romance all around us, it’s very easy to forget to love yourself! If you have no idea where to start, here are 3 top tips from TMacLife that will have you stay in tip top shape. 1. Listen to your body. Generally, injuries don’t just appear from nowhere. Your body will have been dropping subtle hints that something isn’t quite right. They produce signals such as aches, soreness and persistent pain and it's up to you not to dismiss them and to take appropriate action. Ignoring these signs can mean that a niggle turns into something more serious and can result in a longer rest period from your sport or exercise. By catching and treating these small niggles sooner, you can try to prevent an injury occurring. Even better keep on top of these aches and pains by having regular sessions with a Sports Therapist, and using that foam roller that’s gathering dust in the corner!
2. Relax, Recover and REST! For our muscles and joints to get stronger, recovery is essential. Over training can lead to injuries that will set you back and make your targets nearly impossible to achieve. Make sure you take a rest day, and try to mix up your training by doing something different this is known as active recovery. For example, take a break from running by doing some strength training. Pilates is a great way to maintain and develop your core strength, which can only enhance your running, cycling or weight lifting etc.
Tola Macaulay BSc MSTA MSMA Clinical Director TMacLife Ltd. www.tmaclife.com t. 0330 043 2326
Make sure you take a rest day, and try to mix up your training by doing something different this is known as active recovery.
Think about other methods to assist in your recovery too such as ice, heat, compression garments and sports massage. 3. Know your limits. Runner and sports podiatrist Stephen Pribut, D.P.M., warns runners to beware of the "terrible toos"- doing too much, too soon, too fast. This is a major cause of injuries, whether from running, lifting weights, or team sports. Trying to increase your mileage or intensity must come hand in hand with recovery, to allow the adaptations to occur, meaning you can and will get fitter and stronger. So don’t rush! Remember, prevention is better than cure! Don’t wait before it's too late to do something about your health
‘Love Yourself ’ massage offer for QueenBee readers Treat your beautiful, hard-working body to an hour long massage and receive a free 100ml bottle of Relax & Recover massage oil with Lavender, Fennel, Peppermint and Chamomile (which smells divine), all for just £50. > Email Info@tmaclife.com with your name and preferred time and date and they’ll do the rest! Remember to Include ‘QueenBeeLove’ In the subject line. Ingredients: Lavender, Fennel, Peppermint & Chamomile Essential Oils in Grapeseed Oil
QueenBee magazine
Love issue 2020 EARTH KANDI massage & bath oil
RELAX & RECOVER
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CANINES
Pepper Paws - passion for your pets
M
eet Michelle, owner of Pepper Paws, your local dog walking and pet sitting service covering Peterborough, Stamford and the surrounding areas.
In today's busy world, walking your dog daily might not always fit in with your busy schedule - that's where Pepper Paws comes in! As a dog owner herself, Michelle understands that dogs are more than just your pets, they are a huge part of the family. That's why she always offers an introductory meeting to get to know you and your dog better. Michelle also offers a home evening or overnight sitting service so if kennels are not always the best option for your pet - or you you'll have peace of mind in knowing that your pet is in their own, familiar home environment. Out for the day or long working hours? Michelle's feeding and visiting service means she'll check in on your pet where they'll be fed, watered, let out into the garden as needed and given plenty of fuss and love!
PepperPaws
Your local dog walking & pet caring service
Contact Michelle at PepperPaws enquiries-pepperpaws@outlook.com or telephone: 07788 632658
www.pepperpaws.co.uk
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This allows you to have time away from home guilt-free, secure in the knowledge that all of your domestic pets feels safe and secure. Michelle worked as a private chef for many years before her love and passion for animals took her in this new direction. When she set up her dog walking and caring service she decided to name it after a Jack Russell cross, Pepper (shown above), who she rescued from the streets of Spain. Michelle is fully insured and CRB checked. and is a member of the National Association of Registered Pet sitters and dog walkers (NARPSUK). She is trained in pet illnesses and pet first aid too so you can rest assured that your furry friend is in great hands. Michelle says "It’s essential to have an initial introduction with each animal before I walk or care for them. Your pet needs to know who I am, and that I know their routines. I provide regular updates and photos of the pets in my care to reassure and show how looked after and cared for they are. The car I use is a regular car with no advertisements (so as not to notify that you are potentially not at home) and keys are safely locked away in a secure key safe to give you peace of mind > For more information or to book online please visit www.pepperpaws.co.uk
CANINES
Puppy
Love By Shelley Heading
T
hose that have never owned a dog can find it hard to understand the connection and the shared bond between dog and owner.
Shelley Heading, owner of the Doghouse Academy and dog trainer of 23 years, talks about the love we have for our four legged friends.
When we return home, our dog greets us with such love and enthusiasm – it’s a feeling that’s hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t experienced puppy love. A dog is not, as the law suggests, a chattel and possession; it’s a relationship and friendship that grows and deepens. The strong relationship we have with our dog is similar to the one we have with our children or siblings. The reason - the love drug oxytocin!
Rescue shelters have shown that dogs with the most expressive eyebrows are the ones most likely to be rehomed.
Oxytocin is an important hormone. We all have it and we all produce it. A mother produces oxytocin in abundance during childbirth to help create that first intimate bond between a mother and her newborn. In fact, all mammals produce it to help form healthy relationships. So, do our dogs really love us? Dr. Teresa Romero wrote a study that looked at how oxytocin promotes bonding and what this means for us as dog owners.
The first group of dogs had oxytocin sprayed into their nostrils to raise their natural levels. The second group had saline sprayed into their noses. The dog’s behaviour was then observed during their interactions with humans and other dogs. Not surprisingly, the scientists found oxytocin was a powerful love drug. The dogs with boosted oxytocin were far more sociable and interacted more with their owners than those with the saline spray. A North American study published in 2019 also found that dogs had developed muscles around their eyes that allowed them to raise their inner eyebrows, which made their eyes look larger, anxious and ‘babylike’. Scientists say this process spanned tens of thousands of years and unconsciously breeding dogs led to further the development of expressive eyebrows, which we tend to call ‘puppy-dog eyes’. Rescue shelters have shown that dogs with the most expressive eyebrows are the ones most likely to be rehomed > Do you need help with your dog training? Visit www.thedoghouseacademy.com QueenBee magazine
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WELLNESS
Let's connect
By Simon Burrows, Alcroalchemy
Explore your potential with
AcroYoga A Partner Yoga-based practice inspired by Yoga and Acrobatics • Builds strength, flexibility & confidence • Helps build trust and connection • Encourages us to play and have fun
W
hat do chocolate, touch and play have in common? They all trigger a surge of neurotransmitters in the brain that make us feel good. Neurotransmitters help us feel less stress and anxiety and build both platonic and romantic relationships. Our brains are hard-wired to reward us with good feelings when we connect with others, so why don’t we do it more? So much of our modern life is solitary, whether it’s our commute to work in the car, train travel with our book and headphones, working in an office at our computer or just responding to the stimulus of our mobile phones. Letting go of the solitary activities and finding somewhere we can connect with others, or even our loved ones, where we can play and touch, support and trust, move and be free, be silly and, above all, play, lights up our brains with activity. Couple this with being in a safe environment where you can focus on the present moment and you have a magic combination for improving your well-being and your partnerships with others.
Book in for your FREE AcroYoga taster session! Sessions are held at Welland School of Dancing, Stamford
Visit our facebook page @acroalchemy Call or text: 07732 730501 Email: info@acroalchemy.com
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For us, AcroYoga fulfills so much of the connection and play that we seek. There is movement in the body, connection and bond with others along with laughter and support. We learn, we move, we play, we have fun, we are present and above all, we enjoy being ourselves and taking time out for some self-care > Come and Play with us! Call or text 07732 730501 and find us on Facebook and Instagram @AcroAlchemy.
Greek inspired, luxurious soap with a social conscience ALL NATURAL • VEGAN • PLASTIC FREE
estiasoaps.co.uk
estiasoaps
SUSTAINABILITY
Peterborough’s leading beauty salon and skincare clinic
• 3D Lipomed
• Rejuvapen Mirconeedling
• Fotona 4D laser facelift
• Light Fusion LED PhotoFacial
• Semi-permanent make up
• Liplase
• Medik8 skin peels
• Exuviance advanced facials
• Laser hair temoval
• Light Fusion LED PhotoFacial
• Laser thread vein treatment
• Hand & foot treatments
• Laser active acne treatment
• Waxing treatments
• Non-surgical laser eyelift
• Eye treatments
‘‘
Wish I could give more than 5 stars! I leave feeling relaxed and fully pampered. The staff are so lovely and nothing is ever too much trouble
‘‘
Offering a wide range of beauty and aesthetic procedures including state-of-the-art facials using cutting-edge technology
Angie, Peterborough
The Beautiful Truth Spa, Salon, Clinic, 40 Cowgate, Peterborough, PE1 1NA
01733 555540 8 beautiful-truth.co.uk
@the beautiful truth
BEAUTY
Hydro2Facial at
The Beautiful Truth by Alice Hope
I Local blogger Alice Hope tries out the latest must have 3D-HydrO2 facial at The Beautiful Truth salon in Peterborough.
was extremely excited when The Beautiful Truth offered me the chance to try out their 3D-HydrO2 Facial in celebration of it's recent launch. Not only is it their newest treatment, but they are the first salon in the Cambridgeshire area to offer it to their customers. So, it’s pretty exclusive stuff guys! This facial is the latest must have treatment that uses 7 advanced facial technologies to give you the perfect prescriptive facial treatment, comprising of: • Hydro Extractions • Deep Exfoliation • Oxygenation • Ultrasound Infused Hydration • Electroporation Skin Lifting • Radio Frequency Skin Tightening • Fire and Ice Lymphatic Drainage
There were four, glorious steps to my personalised facial and it resulted in clear, glowy and hydrated skin.
By carefully going through a questionnaire with your beauty therapist beforehand, they can decide which combinations of treatments would work best for you based on a large range of factors from your diet, to your skin type, to your current skincare routine. This allows you to create a bespoke facial, giving you optimum results for your needs.
nemesis), skin-ageing, loose skin, dull complexion and congestion. What this essentially means is that it is suitable for pretty much anyone, and brings a wide variety of benefits, rather than being specifically targeted to only one area. There were four, glorious steps to my personalised facial and it resulted in clear, glowy and hydrated skin: my ultimate goal in the winter months! My facial lasted 30 minutes, however it can last up to an hour and a half depending on your wants and needs, with prices ranging from £49 to £139. A few days later and my skin still felt very bright and smooth, used in conjunction with my normal skincare routine, I think the facial has given me the perfect boost! Head over to my blog to read the full details of my treatment at www.alicehope.blog > To book your complimentary consultation call 01733 555540. Visit the Beautiful Truth website for more information www.beautiful-truth.co.uk.
This effectively targets multiple different skin concerns, including dehydration (aka my winter QueenBee magazine
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BRIDES
Anna Couture Brides
designer bridal salon in Stamford Anna Couture Brides, located opposite The George Hotel in Stamford, is a modern and relaxing bridal salon. Having it's very own workrooms, the Couture house creates an in-house designer bridal label, Chanticleer Brides, where romantic chic meets the very best of British design.
B
rides have the choice of and trying on gowns from our latest collections or the unique opportunity of choosing to commission a custom-made gown with a choice of beautiful fabrics, original embroidery and detailed beadwork. As skilled couturiers, Atelier House of Anna Couture will be happy to make any bride's dream come true using their design ideas, with help from their design team to guide them along the way, making this an extraordinarily exceptional experience. Mother of the bride and bridesmaids are also catered for - not forgetting the groom and his men with all the necessary waistcoats, ties and cravats. Bridal accessories include shoes, bags, veils, stockings, handmade lingerie and garters from exclusive retailers Rainbow Club and Perfect Bridal Company. Owner and Creative Director Anna, along with her team, have created gowns in all areas of the fashion industry, including costumes for film and theatre. Chic silhouettes to timeless classics, their professional stylists and dressmakers can help you choose the perfect gown for your special occasion. Please visit them in Stamford and see what journey your design and fashion ideas will take you on. > Find Anna Couture Brides at 8 St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF. Tel: 01780 762614
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For a beautiful boutique and hub of fashion, please visit their sister shop, Anna Couture Boutique, Cheyne Lane, Stamford. Offering the latest in style and glamour, Anna specialises in occasional, day and evening wear. This includes prom and red carpet, boasting labels such as Forever Unique and Gino Cerruti, on-trend accessories and hats, fascinators, shoes, bags and jewellery. They also now stock the exclusive Veni Infantino, mother of the bride and groom wear. All garment repairs and alterations are undertaken in this unique boutique too > Find Anna Couture Boutique at 17c Cheyne Lane, Stamford PE9 2DG. Tel: 01780 765 174.
BRIDES
WEDDINGS BRIDAL BOUDOIR ROCK THE FROCK
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Why we need to talk about this... By Gary Johannes
A
Gary Johannes AHD DHP HPD MNCH (Reg.) AfSFH (Reg.) SFH Sup (Hyp) runs 'Inspired To Change' and is a Peterborough based hypnotherapist
Around 1 in 5 men reportedly suffer from erectile dysfunction
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Around 1 in 5 men reportedly suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) and surprisingly, about half of sufferers are those in their 30’s, with 42-45% being men in their 40s and 50s. More concerning is that only around a third of those suffering will seek help from their GP and far less speak to partners or friends. ED is never suffered alone as it can put a strain on relationships, leading to more stress for the couple involved. Or if a man is single he may find it difficult to start a new relationship due to the fear of being humiliated - this can cause worry and depressive thoughts, often leading to more feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem. Some causes of ED are due to physical illnesses. However, the majority of cases are psychological. The pressures of modern living really can take its toll on us. Being all things to all people is really hard and can cause high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Unfortunately for many men, this can cause the symptomology of ED and it can have a strong negative impact on self-esteem and confidence. For some men, sexual ability equates with masculinity and they Love issue 2020
may feel as if their whole identity is suddenly at risk. If you’re suffering with ED and it’s not due to a physical aliment that you already know about, you should consider that it might be an early warning sign of a more serious physical issue and would be worth getting a health check with your GP. As the biggest causes of ED are stress related, even if you don’t feel particularly stressed, it may well be presenting itself with you suffering with ED as this is often the case, which then leads to men seeing it as a bigger problem than it is, often looking for what’s wrong with them as a man, blaming others or seeing it as a weakness and hiding it. If you are one of over 4 million men estimated to be suffering in the UK then there really is an answer. I see many men in my clinic suffering with ED and once they understand that it doesn’t need to be permanent and that it can be sorted simply, respectfully and without having to talk about IT, they make a remarkable swift return to their comfortable, affectionate best selves. We use Solution Focused Hypnotherapy at Inspired To Change, meaning we look at you achieving what you want without ever having to dwell on the past or the problem. Understanding your stress levels along with getting good sleep and nutrition can help build on what makes you happy and positive... and will really help you to improve how ED affects you > For more advice contact Gary at gary@inspiredtochange.biz
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FRAGRANCE
Michelle Abbott, our regular style contributor, tells us why sustainable fragrances are the next big thing.
Scents...ible fragrance...
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e are now more thoughtful in the eco-credentials of shopping for clothes, but what about our fragrance? Have you ever thought whether your perfume is sustainable and made with environmentally-compatible ingredients and processes? I was interested in investigating further on this topic as although I’m keen that my clothes are sustainably crafted, I confess that when I choose a scent, this is not something that I’ve previously given enough thought to. As with clothes, fragrance should also have sustainable qualities. We should be reassured that the brands use production methods that are not damaging to the environment and are thoughtful in reusing and recycling. The most important factors are sourcing cruelty-free and
sympathetic ingredients along with packaging from local UK suppliers, reducing the carbon footprint and giving us a more ethical and sustainable product. Brands that address these issues at the heart of their business are carving a place in the modern customer’s heart. Our desire to shop responsibly and wear products that are respectful of their ecological and social impact is now becoming a necessity. So, now we know what to look out for, what brands are available which offer us affordability and a clear conscience? I first came across the UK brand, Floral Street, when I was given a sample to try at the QueenBee relaunch party. Their credentials are impressive and award-winning! All Floral Street packaging is made from recyclable materials and secured with a reusable hair band. Genius! They have so many beautifully unique scents to choose from, all vegan and completely guilt-free. I love the Electric Rhubarb with its fruity, floral notes. The price point is perfectly placed, starting from £22 for 10ml. Check out floralstreet.com.
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MUSIC
New band hits the local music scene
T
he Latiesha Maria Band is a new five piece act fronted by the amazingly talented Latiesha Maria, performing a mixture of modern-day soul, R&B and pop classics. Clean Reserve at Space:nk is another brand to try. As the name suggests, clean, raw ingredients are blended to creating unique ‘antimainstream’ fragrances. The brand has simplicity and sustainability at its heart. Priced at £20 for 10ml. Another vegan option is Eden. These are botanical, crueltyfree fragrances that are consciously crafted with respect for the planet and all beings. Priced at £18 for 30ml at Edenperfumes.co.uk. Excitingly, some of the well-known fragrance houses are offering refillable bottles – Lancome, Mugler and Molton Brown are just a few. No doubt we’ll start to see a lot more brands following suit and promoting their ethical and sustainable qualities. At the end of the day, although we want to smell gorgeous, we don’t want this to be at the cost to our environment
Those of you that came to the QueenBee relaunch party in November will have heard 16 year old Latiesha's fabulously modernsounding voice! In 2018 Latiesha's mother sent a video of her singing to a local radio show called Peterborough's Most Wanted on PCRFM. It was here that Latiesha performed an open-mic session and first met local musician and guitarist, Robin Brisley. Seeing how talented Latiesha was, Robin offered to take her under his wing and soon they started to perform as a duo and playing at local open mics. The band has now grown with the introduction of David Hughes on drums, Vic Lennard on Lead guitar and Rob Allanson on bass. The band are currently performing at festivals, charity concerts, pubs, clubs and gigs, including performing at 2019s Feel The Force Day at the Peterborough Arena in front of 5000 people. They are proud to be supporting such artists as Toploader at The New Theatre and Toyah Wilcox at The Action Medical Research for Children Charities. The Latiesha Maria Band is definitely a band to look out for! > You can book them to play as a five piece or acoustically. Check out their website www.ltmband.co.uk or contact thelatieshamariaband@gmail.com QueenBee magazine
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THEATRE
The best of
local theatre
By Becky Owen-Fisher
Becky is a writer, actor and theatre producer. Fancy a night out at the theatre? In this column Becky will give her tops tips on what to see.
I
feel like I’ve never been busier, there’s so much going on in the theatre scene in the city at the moment and I don’t want to miss out on anything Hopefully this guide will help you to pick some fantastic things to see over the next two months. There’s so much more on offer that I can’t fit in so please check out the Facebook pages and websites of all the venues for up to date listings, shows and tickets. Happy theatregoing!
19 February
Suitcase Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet & Macbeth Stamford Arts Centre
Pop down the A1 and catch Lamphouse Theatre’s new spin on these classic Shakespeare plays, with tons of comedy and live music. Take the whole family!
stamfordartscentre.com
will be a great evening’s entertainment. Don’t miss out!
stamfordartscentre.com
6 March
Peterborough Sings! A Choral Celebration
The Cresset
Join Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Youth Choir.
cresset.co.uk
12-21 March
Cubed: A Short Play Festival
The Undercroft, Serpentine Green, Hampton
Peterborough Mask Theatre brings you three double bills, that’s six short plays over nine nights. Prepare for drama, laughs, tears and intrigue.
masktheatre.co.uk
25-29 February
Bang Bang by John Cleese
The New Theatre
If you’re in need of a giggle this hilarious farce will be a rollicking night out! Perfect for date night.
newtheatre-peterborough.com
26-29 February
Skylight by David Hare Key Theatre
This will be a fantastic night of drama from Kindred Rep at the Key Theatre.
18-22 March
Billionaire Boy
The New Theatre
If your little ones loved Gangsta Granny, they won’t want to miss this! Take the whole family to see David Walliams’ charming story
newtheatre-peterborough.com
vivacity.org
2-3 March
Jayne Eyre
Key Theatre
Blackyed Theatre are bringing this powerful brooding drama to the Key in March. Definitely one to catch!
24-28 March
vivacity.org
Made In Dagenham
3-7 March
The Seagull
Stamford Arts Centre
This powerful comedy by the renowned Stamford Shoestring
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Key Theatre
Don’t miss the marvellous Westwood Musical Society performing this uplifting musical based on a true story.
vivacity.org
HOROSCOPES
Katie Lancashire tells you what the stars have in store for your love life during February and March 2020... Welcome to Katie Lancashire, our International Clairvoyant and Astrologer. With over 25 years experience Katie will share her insights on all things psychic and spiritual. For one to one readings or out of area phone readings call 01733 246426 /07876641453
Aries
Love is on your mind more then you thought it would be. You’re ready to make commitments, which six months ago, you would have run a mile from.
Libra
Don't be defined by failures in your love life, learn from them, and start again. News on an ex makes you nostalgic, look at the bigger picture and remember why they're an ex!
Scorpio
A new romance is closer than you think, take it at a steady pace. Settled? Balance work & home life and show your loved one how much they mean to you.
Sagittarius
Taurus
Feeling hot under the collar? It’s no wonder, you exude magnetism and charisma, and will attract admirers. Be sure not to play mind games, though.
Gemini
You think a loved one doesn't want to be around you, but they’re just giving you the time and space you say you crave. If you want them close by, tell them.
Time to shape your life and make it a happier place for you to be. Friends turn into lovers if you let your guard down. Major decisions shape the next five years.
You need a partner who can shower you with attention, if this is absent, speak up. Don’t go looking elsewhere, the grass isn’t greener.
Cancer
Baring your soul to those you love, and see how much closer it brings you together. Games you play in business can lose you time and money!
Leo
Communication is vital if you want a relationship to move to the next level. Don’t hide your feelings, choose your words carefully, and express your feelings.
Capricorn
Aquarius
A relationship may be asking too many compromises from you, be true to yourself and your feelings. An old flame may reappear. Tread carefully.
Pisces
You want a partner who can be your best friend, as well as a lover. This combination relies on you wearing your heart on your sleeve
Virgo
You’ve weathered a fierce storm and have done amazingly well - acknowledge this fact. A new romance leads to big celebrations and life commitment. QueenBee magazine
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HOLIDAYS
Staying close to home By Sarah Hounsell
Sarah Hounsell is your very own Personal Travel Consultant. Sarah can find, plan and tailor make your most perfect holiday.
A
s much as I have sunshine offerings the world over, a fantastic break can also be found a lot nearer to home, avoiding long travel times and the hassle of airports.
wi-fi too, so the kids won't need to worry that they will be stuck in the middle of nowhere without a link to the outside world! And maybe they won't want to have their heads stuck in their Ipads if they have a hot tub right there?
I can find you the perfect UK break just a couple of hours away from home. Open fires, cosy pubs and bracing walks can be found many months of the year... and you never know, you may also get to experience these destinations in the unexpected heat of an english summer. Just take a cagoule for when it decides to revert to type!
If you are on a tight budget then why not go for a larger property which can house two or even three families, sharing the costs? With smaller lodges available if you are looking for a romantic getaway and a country pub with an open fire.
The Norfolk coast, The Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales all offer beautiful lodges to retire to after a day walking and enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are lodges to suit all needs, offering all mod cons whilst you enjoy a quieter pace of life. Most have
Last year was a tough one for the holiday industry, but in many ways it demonstrated the need for an experienced travel agent. I’m here and ready to help you, so do please give me a call or message me through my page > For the latest amazing holiday deals follow Sarah on facebook @Sarah Hounsell at Hays Travel. Call Sarah on 01733 646316.
Here's two example of great deals I can find for you. Share with friends and make the price under £100pp for a three night break with a hot tub!
Open fires, cosy pubs and bracing walks can be found many months of the year. Rafters Barn cottage Kings Lynn. • 17th February for 4 nights. • A peaceful setting with outside pool and hot tub. Sleeps 4. • Total cost £333, £83.50pp if four people sharing. www.hoseasons.co.uk/cottages/ rafters-barn-e2064 50
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Brigg Marina in Brigg, Lincs. • 6th March for 3 nights • Sycamore VIP 2 lodge with hot tub. Sleeps 5. • Total price £319, £63.80pp if five people sharing. www.hoseasons.co.uk/lodges/ brigg-marina-brmc
FITNESS
Self love & awareness By Lisa-Marie Butler
Here, Lisa-Marie Butler from Breathe In Pilates, talks about the importance of focussing on self love and awareness in this busy world we live in.
W
ith Valentines and Spring just around the corner we often focus on loving those around us, yet tend to forget ourselves. It’s so essential to find time for self-love and awareness. In Pilates, we promote whole mind & whole-body health; Joseph Pilates said, “The acquirement and enjoyment of physical well-being, mental calm, and spiritual peace are priceless to their possessors...” and I couldn’t agree more; through Pilates movements I feel revitalized. It is our mind that controls our body, therefore, to move correctly, we need to concentrate. Let’s remember, concentration is a skill that takes practice, especially with life’s distractions.
How do we work on concentration when practicing Pilates? • Bring your focus inwardly when trying to learn the movements. • Bring awareness to your body and listen to what it is telling you. • Ignore what others are doing on their mat, Focus on YOU. • Let go of what you have to do when you leave. Focus on the task at hand. Lisa-Marie is a qualified instructor of Classical Pilates and offers 1-to-1 sessions as well as group mat classes. Why not start a new pilates habit this year? > For more info please visit www.breatheinpilates.co.uk.
QueenBee magazine
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The BodyLaser Clinic Peterborough Clinic 60 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1SU (01733) 555 200 Cambridge Clinic 71 Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1AB (01223) 464 171
BodyLaser.co.uk
ADVICE
Ask Boo Offering advice and guidance about real life issues.
Q: I’ve recently hit my mid 30’s and come out of a long term relationship, but everyone around me is making me feel like I need to find a partner. How do I tell people I’m quite happy just being with me?
Lizzie Benton, founder and owner or Liberty Mind, is a passionate advocate of personal development and loves to help our readers with their personal dilemmas.
Self-love is just as important as romantic love. It’s an inside job.
Our society is still struggling with the idea of being happy and single. Everything we have created in our economy pushes people to believe that we can’t possibly be happy without someone else making us happy. But the reality is, relying on another person to make you happy will mean you’re never happy. As the old saying goes, happiness and love starts with you. Not with your relationship, not with your job or your house, but with how you feel about you! Learning to love yourself first is the best thing you can do. Especially when you’ve come out of a long term relationship. Many of the things you love were perhaps compromised for someone else, and even your decisions and lifestyle may have been to make someone else happy. When we’re trying so hard to love someone
else, we often forget to give love to ourselves. You are doing what feels best for you, which is the best thing you can do. Friends or family may be adding the pressure of a relationship onto because they are happy in their relationship. But this doesn’t mean that rushing into another relationship is a good thing. Self-love is just as important as romantic love. It’s an inside job. Rather than continually trying to tell people you’re happy, just live your life and ignore the comments of others. Everyone has an opinion, but unless they’re living your life, they can’t truly understand how you feel. Instead, focus your energy on doing things that you enjoy, and embracing this time of your life. Fall back in love with your life and who you are, and when the time is ready, you’ll attract the right person into your life because you will be shining so brightly > Send me your dilemma: Email: lizziebenton@live.co.uk or visit my website www.lizaboo.co.uk and ‘Ask Boo’ QueenBee magazine
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BEAUTY
The 'I Love Me' Rose Quartz Crystal Healing Facial Rose Quartz is the stone of universal love restoring trust and harmony in relationships and encouraging unconditional love. Rose Quartz purifies and opens the heart at all levels to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace. Why not gift yourself or a loved one the “I Love Me” Crystal Healing Facial at The Retreat in Yaxley this Valentines? Not only will you experience a heavenly facial but you will also receive a rose quartz crystal and be taken on a mindful journey to find love for yourself. 60 mins is £56. Or you can choose the ‘Love Me’ facial from the Discover Wellbeing Collection which uses a combination of rose quartz crystals, mindfulness and Reiki healing. This holistic treatment promotes self-love, reinstating love and harmony to the mind, body and soul. 70 mins is £55. > See the advert below for contact details
Retreat, Relax & Rejuvenate with a
Holistic Crystal Healing Facial Skin is cleansed, toned and nourished; crystals are then used to increase energy flow in a sensory face, neck, shoulder, arm and hand massage. Feel completely relaxed from head to toe with this truly blissful experience! A truly uplifting treatment that also makes a fabulous gift for a loved one.
Organic. Paraben, SLS, MC1 & MI free. Just £56.00.
Sue Wilkins
Holistic Wellbeing Practitioner
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07531 824805 The Retreat, Yaxley PE7 3NJ holistichealingandwellbeing.com
Love issue 2020
Dare to be daring Hair colour by Gina
Be colourful this Christmas!
t: 01733 311001
www.houseofhairandbeauty.net
DATING
Dating after divorce If the last time you were active in the dating scene you were dancing to Mr. Loverman, sipping Archers & Lemonade whilst making eyes at the cute guy across the bar, then the bad news is that the dating scene has changed. With people working longer hours, and the advent of the internet, we no longer socialise the way we used to. By Michelle Begy, Matchmaker & Head Hunter, Ignite Dating
D
ivorce rates dropped substantially in 2018, but there were still over 90,000 couples making the decision to go it alone. After taking time to heal, focusing on the children and exhausting your friends ‘single friends’ list, how do you go about meeting the one, second time around? Most people turn to online apps. Quick, easy and disposable, but is that what you want and even then, is it for real? A cheeky ‘wink’ in your coffee break offers instant gratification, and most of the time it's great. But online dating comes with risks. There were over 4,500 reports of romance fraud in 2018, accumulating losses of over £50,000,000, and those are worrying statistics when trying to keep safe. Common sense and gut instinct is
After taking time to heal, focusing on the children and exhausting your friends ‘single friends’ list, how do you go about meeting the one, second time around?
key - if someone is reluctant to talk on the telephone or meet, then they probably aren’t who they say they are. If online dating isn’t for you, then offline agencies may well work, and more and more professional people are turning to use them. A good agency will take time to get to know you and what you're looking for, and as members are interviewed and ID checked, you can be confident that matches are serious. At the top end of offline service is head hunting - a dedicated professional working with you to find the one. It costs more but is great for people who know what they are looking for and the rewards can be spectacular. You can be as prescriptive as you want; from height and build, to salary and education, or simply types and characteristics – head-hunters excel at using all sources to find your match Unfortunately, your first date probably won’t be your last and it is harder as you get older to find the one. Try to be open minded and if you really aren’t sure after the first date, then always have a second one. Whatever is the right forum for you, enjoy and embrace the exciting journey that you are on QueenBee magazine
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ROMANCE FRAUD
Romance fraud
Don’t let online romancers steal your heart - or your money...
A
n estimated seven million UK residents are registered on dating sites and around one in three relationships in the UK now start online.
For many, it will be romance and roses; but for an increasing number of people, it can spiral into heartbreak and financial misery. Romance fraud affects thousands of people with woman making up the majority of victims. According to Action Fraud, scammers swindled victims out of an average of £11,145 per victim in 2018. There are many local stories too, such as one woman who lost everything, including her home (read Carol's story at the link below*). Fraudsters trick victims into sending money or gather enough personal information to steal their identities, resulting in an overall cost to victims of £50 million a year. The majority of accounts on dating websites are genuine people looking for romance, but fraudsters may try to contact you by making fake profiles and building what feels like a loving relationship. Once a fraudster using a fake dating profile is confident that they’ve won your trust, they'll tell you about a problem they’re experiencing and ask you to help by sending money. They may have already arranged to visit you, but need money to pay for the flight or visa. They may tell you everything was booked, but their ticket was stolen and they need you to send money quickly to get them on the next flight. Alternatively, they may prey on your sympathies, telling you a family member is ill and need money for medical treatment. Once you’ve sent them 56
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money, the fraudsters will keep coming back and invent new reasons to be sent more. There are a few simple steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from fraudsters - who often target the vulnerable, the lonely, or recently widowed or divorced. D - Don't rush into an online relationship. Get to know the person, not the profile, ensuring you ask plenty of questions. The vast majority of romance fraud is initiated online. A - Analyse their profile. Check the person is genuine by putting their name, profile picture (using a reverse image search), and any repeatedly used phrases, along with the term ‹dating scam.› Be mindful that a fraudster could be hiding behind an alias and have changed details connecting them to previous frauds.. T - Talk to your friends and family. Be wary of anyone who tells you not to tell others about them. Romance fraud involves grooming over a long period of time. Alienating a victim from their friends and family can make up part of that process. E - Evade scams. Never send money or share your bank details with someone you've only met online. It doesn't matter how long you've been speaking to them or what story they give behind needing the money. S - Stay on the dating site messenger service. Fraudsters will often encourage their victims to use different communications channels that are often undetectable. Be confident that you know who you are speaking to and be wary if they fail to meet you in person *Read Carol’s story and more at www.bit.ly/Romance_Fraud
LIFE BLOG
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QueenBee 2019keep Tear outAutumn page and
FINANCE & BUSINESS
Polly, our PwC qualified chartered accountant gives sound business and financial guidance along with advice on how to best run your business – it’s a “financial arm around you when you need it”.
Caring for your cash... In this month of LOVE it’s time to pay some attention to your books and finances to make your money work that little bit harder for you… 1. Never miss and deadline and keep on the pleasant side of Mr. Tax man by creating alerts on your e-calendar to remind you when to file your accounts and tax returns. 2. Set aside 5 mins a day (no more), to check for any outstanding invoices to chase up that cashflow. 3. Put 20% of all your income into a separate savings bank account to pay for your taxes. 4. Make bite-size money goals, like saving £100/week, £5,000 in the bank in 6 months or £10,000 in the bank at the end of the year etc. 5. Think about consolidating your debts to get lower interest rates.
If you have surplus funds or are saving towards a first house (or one for your offspring) make use of the lifetime ISA. 58
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6. If you have surplus funds or are saving towards a first house (or one for your off-spring) make use of the lifetime ISA. The tax man tops up your investment with a 25% bonus which you can use towards your first home. 7. Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry! You’ll end up with ten packs of cheese strings, Love issue 2020
which will later languish in the back of your fridge! 8. C heck if you’re actually using the overdraft facility that you’re getting charged for. It may have been useful a few years ago, but if you’re no longer using it and you’re still paying £25 a month for the priviledge, cancel it. 9. I f you’re not already paying into a pension, think about putting £50 a month into a private pension. if you’re a business owner this will save you tax as well. 10. G iving money to charity also saves you tax. 11. I f you have debt on your credit card, can you switch it to a 0% interest credit card. There are lots out there, just search on www.moneysupermarket.com 12. u Switch your household or business utility bills > If you need further practical advice on your business finances call LeeP Accountants on 01733 699033 or email contact @leepfinancial.co.uk.
SELF LOVE
The greatest love of all As we know, we are in the month of love and you'll be seeing love and romance broadcasted everywhere. However, the most important love of all is ourselves! Self love is often forgotten; the love we show ourselves doesn't come naturally to us all.
H
ave you noticed the distinct difference between how you talk to yourself and how you talk to others? The things you skip doing for yourself but go out of your way for other people? Perhaps how you avoid or put off those all important self care habits?
Here are some tips to get you through February and help you begin to show yourself the same love you show others.
Steph Williams is a qualified psychological wellbeing Practitioner based in Peterborough. She provides private one to ones, supporting anyone with mental health and wellbeing difficulties.
• Make a list of the things you love to do and the times where you feel, content, happy, and relaxed. Schedule in some time to purposefully do these activities. These don't have to be big gestures, they could be such as having a relaxing bath with your favourite bath bomb, or making your favourite meal. Maybe it's going for a walk and appreciating some peace away from demands. • Accept yourself including your flaws. Stop focusing on the things you want to change and focus on those things you like about yourself - this isn't as easy as it seems, so maybe start by accepting compliments people give you and without awkwardness say 'thank you.’
• Begin to notice when you’re scared or fed up how your inner monologue changes. Ask yourself what you would say to a friend in your situation? Don't be so hard on yourself. • Treat yourself! The great thing about self love is it comes from you and no one else! You definitely don't have to be in a relationship to receive flowers - buy them yourself! • Write down in a diary or notebook how you feel after taking a bit of time out for some self love. Remind yourself of the positives from doing these things and don't forget to schedule them in again! > Find Steph on Facebook and Instagram @becomeyourbestself or you can email her at becomeyourself19@gmail.com. QueenBee magazine
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BEAUTY
Aesthetic services in the heart of Peterborough
A
s clients look for ways to achieve their aesthetic goals without the complications and downtime to surgical methods, the popularity of non-surgical cosmetic procedures continues to increase. Dermal filler injections for the face and lips are a convenient and cost effective way to smooth and fill lines and wrinkles while restoring lost tissue volume. Procedures usually take about 30 minutes so can be done in your lunch break.
Surgeon, Dr Chris Dawson, from Orchard Mews Clinic provides treatments for lip augmentation, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and a 5 point cheek reshape. Lip fillers help improve the shape and volume of your lips and provide a plumper and more defined look with the end goal being a subtle enhancement to your lip profile. Fillers to the nasolabial lines smooth out the deeper lines that appear between the nose and mouth and give you a smoother contoured face with a more youthful complexion. The 5 point cheek reshape lifts the cheek and restores lost volume in the tissues of the face, to combat the signs of aging. Orchard Mews only use Juvederm fillers from Allergan and the injections normally last for 6-9 months depending on the area treated > Contact Lisa on 07747 126999 for a free consultation over a coffee to discuss your treatment plan.
Aesthetic services in the heart of Peterborough
• Treatments for men and women by a surgeon or nurse
• Free consultations either in the clinic or by Facetime/Skype • Anti-wrinkle facial injections
• Dermal fillers for nasolabial folds and lip augmentation
• Botulinim toxin treatment for excess sweating, downturned mouth, 'bunny' lines, brow lift, 'gummy' smile, chin puckering and 'Nefertiti' neck lift • Vitamin B12 injections
• Discretion guaranteed with no overlapping appointments • Obagi prescription only cosmeceuticals BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
07747
126999 • orchardmewsclinic.co.uk
orchardmewsclinicltd • Discrete location with off road parking
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QueenBee magazine
Love issue 2020
QueenBee magazine
Love issue 2020
63
HOLISTIC THERAPIST NOW OFFERING
CHAKRA BALANCING W I T H C R Y S TA L S F O R R E L A X AT I O N A N D W E L L B E I N G
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QueenBee magazine
Love issue 2020
WELLNESS
Feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? By Nazleen Reed, Ultimate Performance Lifestyle Ltd
D
o you feel like your head is getting heavy? That’s because it is! Did you know the average weight of a human head is approximately 10 lbs which is 8% of your body weight. The neck is very narrow to balance and support the head - it's a bit like a grapefruit sitting on a golf tee! In our society we often sit around on mobile devices and when doing this our head protrudes forward, doubling the force and weight of our head on our neck. Think of the grapefruit balancing on the edge of a golf tee - what do think it would do? It is no wonder we are seeing an increase of patients with neck pain! The good news is, this can be corrected and prevented. The number one thing to do is to think of your posture. I always say to my patients “Think of your head is like a helium balloon”.
DO YOU SUFFER FROM LOWER BACK PAIN?
Have you been told to rest and take painkillers? Or even worse have you accepted that you are a back pain sufferer? If you want to stop this viscous circle of pain, medication, and rest then take action NOW! We can help you get back to things you enjoy like walking, cycling, tennis, gardening, playing with your children/ grandchildren and keeping young and fit!
4 key exercises for your neck 1. Lean through a doorway holding one arm out at a 90 degrees angle - hold for 30 seconds, repeat with the other arm. 2. Stretch your neck by bringing your ear to your shoulder - hold for 30 seconds the repeat on the other side. 3. Tuck your chin in, giving yourself a double chin and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat eight to ten times.
PHYSIOTHERAPY • MASSAGE • PILATES & YOGA
Book a consultation with our back pain specialist at our Physiotherapy clinic. Book online at www.upl.life call 01733 235226 or email: contact@upl.life Unit 5, TDL, Ivatt way, Westwood, Peterborough PE3 7EZ
4. Retract your scapula by pinching your shoulder blades together - hold for ten seconds the repeat eight to ten times > For a FREE worksheet of exercises for your neck Email:contact@upl.life or visit our website to see the video of exercises to do at home www.upl.life.
Pilate’s studio and full equipped gym available to rent at reasonable rates. Suitable for classes & 1:2:1 personal training.
QueenBee magazine
Love issue 2020
65
QUEENBEE
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No matter what your tastes are, Yaxley Carpets offers flooring that will complement them!
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Carpets Vinyl & LVTs Wood & laminate Commercial Natural flooring
yaxleycarpetsltd.co.uk Tel: 01733 242358
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QueenBee magazine
Love issue 2020
FEB/MA R
LOVE 2020
FEB/MA R
LOVE 2020
Chalkboard The
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Embankment Road, PE1 1EF
01733 305406
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