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Welcome... Hello everybody, It’s a super hot summer’s day at Glean Towers - let’s hope it stays that way (apologies if it’s rubbish weather by the time you get to read this issue!) It’s another fantastic edition and again as I keep saying, it wouldn’t be so without the fabulous contributions of our authors. Read about anything from travel, to book reviews and everything in between. We celebrate our local authors, Carol and Bob Bridgestock, with Melanie Archer reviewing their first book, Deadly Focus, taking you back to where it all began. Perfect for a beach read this summer!
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Contributors Art Direction, Marketing, Graphic Design, Features and Advertising Claire Sells gleanmagazine@outlook.com Proofreading: Melanie Archer Contributors: Marie-Clare Thompson, Maggie Currie, Fiona Trowbridge, Melanie Archer, Jane Mott Photography: Front cover and pebbles image kindly supplied by Jo Thearle at Seagrass Photography www.seagrassuk.com Social Media links: www.facebook.com/ gleandigitalmagazine https://twitter.com/GleanMagazine Website www.gleanmagazine.co.uk If you would like to get in touch with any of our column writers please do so via the email address provided, with their name in the Subject Line
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Contents
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HEALTH Reducing overwhelm by Maggie Currie (Maggie Currie Coaching)
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BEAUTY Summer Skincare... protect and repair before you bare by Jane Mott
To advertise in the OCT/ NOV/DEC 2015 issue of glean at a special discounted rate of ÂŁ10*, please email: gleanmagazine@outlook.com
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*not inclusive of artwork
CUISINE Beet it... by Marie-Clare Thompson (Isle Cook)
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Deadline: 5pm, Friday 25th September
ENTERTAINMENT Book review of Deadly Focus by RC Bridgestock by Melanie Archer TRAVEL Walking La Gomera by Fiona Trowbridge
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HEALTH
Reducing overwhelm by Maggie Currie, Maggie Currie Coaching Have you ever looked at your ‘To Do’ list and thought that your head would explode? The list is so long it covers 2 sheets of paper and you are in a state where you are not functioning because your brain has decided that it can’t cope and is turning you into a gibbering wreck. I know I have been in that position, and it doesn’t feel very good at all. In fact, all I wanted to do was rip up the list and go on holiday. But there are tips I can share with you so that you can reduce your overwhelm and actually move forward with your life without feeling like a huge failure. The very first thing to do is to stop, breathe and look at the big picture. Get up from whatever it is you are doing, break state. Go for a walk, a game of golf, an exercise class. What you do doesn’t matter, changing what you are doing does. Have a little chat with yourself. Tell yourself it is perfectly normal to be overwhelmed but this is only a passing thing. This time is not great, so what! That’s life. This state of mind is not interminable, it is just your current state. Very soon you will be back to your normal self and getting so much more done than you can today.
Write down everything you have to do in great detail. Everything, including the dripping tap in the kitchen, the shopping – everything that is competing for your attention. Put on your ‘Best Friend’ hat. Imagine you are your own best friend. What would you advise your best friend to cross off, delay or put to the top of the list? Stuff that is left on your list now, what can you give to someone else to do? A staff member, a friend, a family member? Of course they probably won’t do it as well as you, but currently you aren’t doing anything. So ask for help. Focus on the bigger picture. What is your intention behind any task? Is the task getting you closer or further away from your intention? Ditch, delay or change the task accordingly. Your list should be much shorter now. Prioritise, give each task a grade. A = has to happen today. B = Brilliant if I could get it done today, but not essential. C = We’ll see if we get to it today.
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Now make tea/coffee. Self explanatory. It’s time to start with A1. Do it. A2. Do it. A3 Do it. Tick each one off as you accomplish them and celebrate. Give yourself acknowledgement and accolades for as long as you can maintain your state. It is then crucial after your emotionally challenging day that you take time to unwind. A bath, a movie, a meal. Whatever it takes to get you to place where you will sleep well. It’s not about time management, it’s about energy management, so you small investment at the end of a big day pays huge dividends for the rest of the week.
Enjoy the warmer summer months and feel the sand between your toes on the beach. Don’t forget to look for interesting stones, pebbles and shells too!
BEAUTY
Summer Skincare... protect and repair before you bare by Jane Mott Summer’s the most carefree time of the year and we all enjoy the sun, its warmth on our skin, we love a sun-kissed glow on our skin! Sun exposure isn’t necessarily bad – it is a key source of Vitamin D. As with all good things, however, keep exposure in moderation. The ideal maximum is 15 minutes before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. Sun Protection Sunscreen is not limited to the poolside or beach – it should be applied on a daily basis. Opt for moisturisers and body lotions with SPF, and if possible, always choose a higher SPF for your face. Think about how dry wood always burns better than damp or wet wood…the same applies to our skin…keep it hydrated and moisturised, to reduce the likelihood of burning and opt for mineral based, oil free products as you don’t want to fry your skin in the sunshine. 90% of wrinkles are caused by the sun, and while intentional overexposure (tanning, sunbathing) is incredibly harmful, two-thirds of all sun damage is, surprisingly, incidental (walking the dog, driving). Don’t forget your hands especially when driving. Hands are an instant
giveaway to your true age, so invest in a hand-cream that offers SPF protection. What is SPF? Sun Protection Factor refers mainly to the amount of UVB protection a sunscreen offers. Higher SPFs can help: It’s about understanding SPF and what this means to each person individually. Factor 20 will only protect 20 times the time it normally takes you to burn, so if you normally burn in 10 minutes, factor 20 will multiply this time by 20, so you still burn, it just takes 3 hours to get the same level of burn. But we all use far less sunscreen than the amount recommended! You need to apply generously - on average 6 teaspoons (36grams) to cover the whole body and re-apply regularly at least every 2 hours! SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93 percent of UVB radiation and SPF 30 sunscreen blocks nearly 97 percent. The higher SPF values do offer some safety margin, since generally we do not apply enough sunscreen. Boost your block with antioxidants. Skincare products containing antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and green tea can help reverse sun damage. 3
Age spots — also called liver spots are flat tan, brown or black spots. They vary in size and usually appear on the face, hands and shoulders and those areas most exposed to the sun. Age spots are very common in adults older than 50. But, younger people can get them too, especially if they spend a lot of time in the sun without SPF protection. Try serums such as Mary Kay Timewise Replenishing Serum C, suitable for all skin types to help boost your block which is rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that help to counter any free radical cell damage caused to the skin due to excess sun exposure. This clever antioxidant also has the ability to regenerate other antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, giving added protection. It has amazing wound healing abilities will help your body rebuild and produce new collagen and revitalise and firm your skin, with consistent daily use in just 7 – 28 days. And used in conjunction with #MaryKay Microdermabrasion you’ll see really amazing results. Contact me for a free product trial or sample or to order ladyjane7@ gmail.com / 07773149431
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CUISINE
Beet it... by Marie Clare Thompson from Isle Cook With its distinctive earthy and savoury sweetness, beetroot seems to be one of those ingredients that is as divisive as Marmite. Love it or loathe it, there’s a lot more to this blood hued root than the vinegary vac packed versions we find in our supermarkets. Beetroot is a versatile and hardy root that will lend lovely bass tones to many dishes and will make a perfect foil and contrast to sour and acidic top tones like citrus and creamy goats cheese. There are lots of weird and wonderfully coloured varieties available at good farm shops and markets. Beetroot is also really nutritious; especially the greens, which are rich in calcium, iron, vitamins A and C. They are an excellent source of folic acid and a very good source of fibre, manganese and potassium.
You don’t always have to boil or roast beetroot for hours either. Try eating it raw using a spiralizer and pairing it with these perfect partners... • Apple • Cumin • Dill • Horseradish • Oily Fish • Potato • Walnut • Watercress Candy Beet Carpaccio with Dukka Serves 4 as a side salad Ingredients:
4 medium sized Beetroot 1 small orange -zest and juice 1 lemon - zest and juice Dukka Honey - drizzle Salt & Pepper Olive oil
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Method: 1. Thinly slice the beetroot lengthways into a bowl. 2. Squeeze on the juice from the lemon and orange along with the zest. 3. Toss together and leave for at least half an hour. Add a drizzle of honey. 4. Arrange on a serving platter and scatter with the dukka and a little olive oil. WHAT ELSE IS IN SEASON? JULY At their best: Apricots, Asparagus, Aubergines, Basil, Beetroot, Blackcurrants, Broad beans, Carrots, Cherries, Chervil, Courgettes, Crab, Garlic, Gooseberries, Halibut, Lamb, Lamb’s lettuce, Lettuce, Mackerel, Mint, Nectarines, New potatoes, Peas, Peppers, Radishes, Raspberries, Redcurrants, Runner beans, Salmon, Sorrel, Spinach, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Tuna, Watercress. On their way: Blackberries, Broccoli, Celery, Figs, Marrow, Peaches
Colourful Beet salad with soft cheese, walnut & dill Serves 4 Ingredients: 4 medium sized mixed Beetroot 1 lemon and 1 orange Any soft cheese such as goats Honey Fennel seeds & fronds Handful of honey roast walnuts (Just drizzle the walnuts with honey and mix with fennel seeds and roast in a 180C oven until golden and toasted) Method: 1. Roast the beetroot and peel the skin when cooled & cut into quarters. 2. Season with Salt & Pepper and add the zest and a good squeeze of 1 lemon and toss together.
3. Beat the cheese with some orange juice to loosen. 4. Arrange the beets on a plate with a dollop of the cheese and scatter the walnuts and some fennel fronds and flowers if you have them. WHAT ELSE IS IN SEASON? AUGUST At their best: Aubergines, Basil, Beetroot, Blackberries, Broad beans, Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, Chervil, Courgettes, Crab, Fennel, Figs, Garlic, Gooseberries, Grouse, Halibut, Lamb, Lettuce, Mackerel, Mint, Nectarines, Peas, Peppers, Radishes, Raspberries, Redcurrants, Runner beans, Samphire, Sorrel, Spinach, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Tuna, Watercress, Whiting. On their way: Damsons, Goose, 6
Guinea fowl, Plums, Sweetcorn. Roast beetroot and rhubarb with citrus honey dressing If you haven’t tried it, raw rhubarb is a revelation and its unique flavour and sourness works brilliantly with beetroots sweet rooty flavour. Preheat oven to 170-180C, Gas mark 5. Method: 1. Peel some beetroot and cut into half or 1/8ths if using round beetroot. 2. Place on baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and some sea salt, cover with foil. 3. Roast on the middle shelf until tender. 4. Meanwhile peel some stem of rhubarb into strips, squeeze over the zest and juice of an orange, a good drizzle of honey and some grated stem ginger and toss together. 5. To serve add the beetroot and some orange pieces. WHAT ELSE IS IN SEASON? SEPTEMBER At their best: Aubergines, Beetroot, Blackberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, Crab, Damsons, Dover Sole, Fennel, Figs, Garlic, Gooseberries, Haddock, Halibut, Lamb (autumn), Lemon Sole, Mint, Mussels, Nectarines, Peas, Peppers, Plaice, Queen Scallops, Radish, Raspberries, Runner Beans, Salmon, Spinach, Strawberries, Sweetcorn, Tomatoes, Watercress.
BOOK REVIEW
Deadly Focus - RC Bridgestock Review by Melanie Archer - The Reading Chestnut Deadly Focus – RC Bridgestock published by Caffeine Nights Local Island authors Bob and Carol Bridgestock are about to embark on the launch of their sixth novel with Jack Dylan in Killer Smile. So, I have decided to go back to where it all began for RC Bridgestock and DI Jack Dylan in Deadly Focus. I have now read this book several times, and each time I enjoy it, the realness of the story and the honesty of the characters just jumps off the page. I have read further novels in the series and if you looking for a police story with a little more bite then look no further than RC Bridgestock. In Deadly Focus an excited little girl goes to show her grandmother her bridesmaids dress, she never returns, vanishing without a trace. This opening story line introduces DI Jack Dylan, a new hero for readers. The story is seen through the eyes of DI Jack Dylan as he hunts down a serial killer in the present but has to look to the past to get the answers he most desperately needs. During the course of the investigation Dylan’s own personal principles are put to the test as he is attacked on the job. With no obvious motive for the murders or the attack on Dylan, the need to solve the crime is more frustrating than ever.
Dylan has a passion and a relentless need for justice, and outside of the office readers are introduced to the lovely Jen, who is Dylan’s life; however as the killer ups the ante, Dylan’s health is affected and his relationship is under enormous strain. Husband and wife team RC Bridgestock have years of experience working in the police and being right in the centre of true-life crime. Deadly Focus deals with a very difficult harrowing subject and it is dealt with in such a way that the experience of the author avoids clichés, readers are not patronized and there is a real focus on what occurs within an investigation, making you feel as if you are part of the team which makes this story hit home even more. Since Deadly Focus was first published in 2009, RC Bridgestock have continued to be a success with further novels about Jack Dylan being published; Consequences, White Lillies, Snow Kills, Reprobates and their sixth novel, Killer Smile, is just about to be launched (June 2015) , each one better than the last. Each is a stand alone story so you can enter the world of Jack Dylan at any point but you will want to read them all. Author RC Bridgestock have also worked on ITV’s Scott and Bailey and BBC One’s award winning Happy Valley. Recently Dylan 7
fans were given cause to cheer when it was announced that RC Bridgestock’s Jack Dylan have been picked up to be made into a TV series. This series of novels will delight followers of crime fiction and I’ve no doubt that both Bridgestock and Dylan will continue to be a success today and tomorrow, with old fans and new. The Jack Dylan series is available to order on-line in both hard copy and as an e-book; why not check out your local book-store and grab a copy today.
TRAVEL
Walking La Gomera by Fiona Trowbridge
There’s something quite special about being able to explore a small island; a circular coastline marking our boundary and allowing us to wander freely, safe in the knowledge that we won’t get too lost. The Island we were exploring was La Gomera, the second smallest of the Canary Islands with a pleasant yearround climate and a character quite different from its big sister, Tenerife. We didn’t find wild vibrant nightlife or beautiful sandy beaches on La Gomera, nor did we dine on fish
‘n’ chips or a full English but what we did find was an island unspoilt by mass tourism with spectacular scenery and steep gorges with white stone cottages that salted the slopes. By the coast we dined on freshly grilled tuna steaks or other catches of the day and in-land meaty stews were on the menu accompanied 8
by garlicky mojo sauces, a Canary Islands specialty. Getting around La Gomera on foot was far less terrifying than negotiating the winding hilly hairpin bends in a car, although the island does have some precipitous footpaths which were so narrow in places, they felt as though they had been made for mountain goats. Until the road system was built, the people of La Gomera used to communicate across the valleys using a whistling language called el silbo. Today it’s only the birds whistling across the gorges but the challenge of walking from one side of the valley to the other is still as formidable, as most of the routes are direct and can be quite steep. However, they are well signposted with clear tracks. Each day’s walking revealed a different surprise, from pastel coloured houses perched precariously on cliff faces, lush green vegetation on an island closer to Western Sahara than the Spanish mainland, cacti and prickly pears and striped skinks that appeared from under the roof tiles of an abandoned hut when we stopped for lunch. Walking La Gomera was not the
She looked me up and down and with a slight tone of disgust in her voice, said to me, “For you, it will be difficult!”
easiest of hiking holidays, in fact, it was quite challenging in parts as was so aptly pointed out to me on our last day as I was ascending the highest peak on the island, La Garajonay. It had been a long day and the weariness was obviously starting to show on my face but I still managed to maintain pleasantries with other walkers I passed on the way, until I met a tall German lady who was descending the same path that I was going up. I smiled and said hello and asked if it was far to the top. She looked me up and down and with a slight tone of disgust in her voice, said to me, “For you, it will be difficult!” She wasn’t wrong but the views and the heady perfume from the vegetation helped to unburden the continuous challenge underfoot.
We finished our long walk back at Playa Santiago where we dined in a restaurant built into a cave. The next day we left our little quiet canary and sailed back to lively Los Cristianos, another world away in Tenerife.
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