Close Up February 2019

CLOSE UP The

L VE Issue

Glow on

Tattletale

Turn up the

HOW TO GLOW UP CELEB STYLE

SO-SWEET VALENTINE GIFTS & MORE

THE

Education

An interview with

JAMIE DORNAN

SUPPLEMENT IS BACK

All of the The neon trend is shining bright this season

Serpentine Style Snakeskin strikes a tamed look

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL with

MICHAEL B.

JORDAN

FEBRUARY 2019 closeupuk.com

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Publisher & Editor Andrea Michael andrea@closeupuk.com

Accounts Director accounts@closeupuk.com What’s Hot Editorial Lauren Lunn Farrow

Head of Marketing and Sales Leah Shakallis leah@closeupuk.com

Dental Column Dr Richard Marques

Field Sales Advisor Kat Stylianou kat@closeupuk.com

Hair Column Jason Collier

Film Editor James Luxford

Photographer Debbi Clark Photography

Editorial Leah Shakallis

Images Coach

If you would like to contribute, contact sayhello@closeupuk.com If you want to advertise your business with style, contact 020 8886 8472 sayhello@closeupuk.com

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46

Jamie Dornan

36

16 10 28 Food

T

here’s an unmistakably light, bright and breezy feel to this issue. In fashion, we look at how neon is taking over, and how snakeskin is making a clean sweep in womenswear and homeware. Speaking of fresh, cover star Michael B. Jordan has clearly brought his A game.

He stole the show in ‘Black Panther’ with his charismatic turn as Erik Killmonger, the villain in the superhero movie, and now he’s taking another swing at the box office with ‘Creed II.’ It’s the follow-up to the ‘Rocky’ movie franchise. Being named Michael Jordan sadly had him being teased a lot, due to it’s connections with NBA star ‘Michael Jordan’.

He’s since made for it. He goes by Michael B Jordan. The B is for Bakari, and he’s no longer content with just mastering the world of acting. He now has his own production company and more. All featured in this month’s interview.

Now, it may be a small, four-letter word, but is there any greater power than love? And it’s not just poets, mystics and sages who tell us so. And it’s not just a romantic love that we’re talking about. Just watching a feel-good movie, petting an animal or practising selfless service for others increases our longevity and makes us feel marvellous. So, in this month of love, grab an object or affection (your mate, your girlfriend, your dog, someone else’s dog, a total strange). For their health and for yours! Open heart, open arms – go forth and be in love!

Fashion

Wish List

Editors letter

All in all, we’re celebrating life at its lightest, brightest and loveliest.

Until next month,

Living

Enjoy!

38 Beauty

RECYCLE

x a e r d n A

PLEASE NOTE: Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Although we make every effort to quote correct prices of items featured, it is possible that these may have changed on going to press. Although we endeavour to ensure any organisations or firms mentioned are reputable, the editor cannot guarantee they will fulfil obligations in all circumstances. Neither the editor nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any materials submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. The editor reserves the right to edit any materials supplied as she sees fit.

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WISHlist

Close Up’s monthly guide to what you should be wishing for…

PERSONAL TOUCH

GLAM SLAM

TEA FOR TWO

NATURAL SELECTION

Love is in the air once again!

While you’ve been busy sorting your plans, Jo Malone have been forming our favourite aftershave yet.

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Comfy, cool and just a bit on the bright side, these pastel pink slippers are the perfect pamper present for anyone who loves to lounge.

A high-fashion inspired trend, the serpentine style extends far beyond the catwalk. Introduce in your home for a trendy touch.

A highly pigmented collection, prepare for an intensity that’s not just colour-true but extremely long-lasting in Illamasquas Valentine’s collection.

Explore a vast landscape of unique styles and designs, inspired by adventure. Including a distinctive selection of spinning jewellery, used throughout history to calm and soothe the soul.

Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne £120 www.jomalone.co.uk

UGG Scuffette II Slippers £79.99 www.office.co.uk

BONKERS FOR BACON Who doesn’t love the smell of delicious bacon cooking in the morning, or evening, any time of the day will do! Well, now you can enjoy bacon cooked to perfection.

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COVER INTERVIEW

THE RISE OF

MICHAEL B

JORDAN Words by Leah Shakallis

Staying stylish, changing the universe and therapy sessions.

12

13

14

COVER INTERVIEW

I’m honoured to be joining the Coach family and have so much respect for Stuart Vevers’ vision, I’m looking forward to jumping into the creative process and exploring fashion through a different lens.

C

oach kicked off 2019 by releasing its debut campaign starring Black Panther actor Michael B. Jordan, whom the label named as its first-ever global male ambassador last fall. Inspired by a “backstage” look at a faded carnival, the images shot by Craig McDean depict Jordan on a vintage car dressed in key pieces from the brand’s Spring 2019 menswear line.

Beginning in Spring 2019, Jordan’s partnership with Coach will include men’s advertising campaigns (for ready-towear, accessories and fragrance), special design projects with Stuart Vevers (Coach’s Creative Director), as well as philanthropic endeavours with the Coach Foundation. “I’m honoured to be joining the Coach family and have so much respect for Stuart Vevers’ vision,” Jordan noted in the press release. “I’m looking forward to jumping into the creative process and exploring fashion through a different lens.”

This sartorial union between Jordan and Coach makes perfect sense. The A-list actor has long been a fan of the luxury label and has often been seen wearing the brand’s signature designs on the red carpet and beyond. From the beginning, he said, he “had ideas of how to be involved and put my fingerprints on it. I don’t just put my name on something.”

Asked to describe his style, Jordan said, “As an actor, I’m always putting on somebody else’s shoes and becoming someone else.” But he admits to loving “a very pristine” tailored suit when appropriate and is “very comfortable with streetwear,” such as graphic T-shirts and denim jackets when he’s dressing down. “I like to dress for the occasion,” he said, “but I always have to be comfortable.”

He said he keeps his stylist busy as the roles he plays cause him to fluctuate in weight and size. So, his physique when playing the boxer Adonis Creed in “Creed 2” is quite different from that of Stevenson in “Just Mercy.” “My weight has an impact on what I wear,” he said.

After an Oscar-buzzed role in Marvel’s Black Panther, he’s now headlining Creed II, a sequel that’s over-performing at the box office.

The saga chronicles a boxing underdog with a champion name – Adonis Creed – who is fighting his way to recognition, independent of a legacy that seemed to die with his father. In the sequel, Adonis must face the son of the man who murdered him. The journey he takes

resembles Jordan’s own struggle to legitimate leading man status in a traditionally restrictive industry for actors of colour. It’s no wonder that the actor plays the boxer so well.

There’s also that name…

“Being named Michael Jordan – I think growing up playing sports and having a name like Michael Jordan, and I was extremely competitive, I used to get teased a lot,” he said.

“But it made me want to strive for greatness and be able to compete at whatever I decided to do.”

“What I’m trying to do, and what I’m trying to represent and build, is universal,” he said in a Vanity Fair profile in October.

“We live in the times where everything is based around race, and for me, it’s like, I get it, I understand. It just makes everything so loaded.”

“I grew up in a tough neighbourhood, there were lots of drugs, lots of gangs, lots of pitfalls wherever you stepped. I love Newark, but it was easy to get caught up in the wrong situation. You know, when you come from very humble beginnings, you always have that fear that everything could go away at any moment.”

Where is he now? Apparently, everywhere. He’s at the beginning of an extraordinary year that will see him campaigning for an Oscar for “Black Panther” — the Marvel movie has a real shot at multiple nominations, including Best Picture.

Jordan’s performance as the villain Erik Killmonger in Black Panther received widespread acclaim. The character was so compelling that it even inspired a viral hashtag, #KillmongerWasRight, after the movie’s release.

He poured so much of himself into the villain that the end of production was reportedly followed by a stint in therapy.

“Once I got finished wrapping the movie, it took me some time to talk through how I was feeling and why I was feeling so sad and, like, a little bit depressed,” he shared on The Bill Simmons Podcast. Sessions with a therapist helped him move on just in time to prepare for his next project.

“I’m happy, man, but I can’t wait to start living for me, though, like really living,” he said. “Right now, I’m in grind mode, non-stop. But I can’t wait to really start feeding my soul, and just really start working on who I am on the inside.

Because, to be honest, I have not done the best job at that so far. I think that’s why I’m working so hard, so I can hurry up and get to that part.”

15

FASHION Joseph

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New Look Pink Cat Eye Sunglasses £7.99

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THIS MONTH’S

product recommendation For the perfect finishing touch for your pre-date prep, I recommend my Super Strong Natural Teeth Whitening Mouthwash (£24.00 from www.drrichard.co.uk). It contains aloe vera and fennel seed oil to naturally whiten teeth instantly, as well as natural peppermint oil for teeth and gum odour removal and breath freshening.

TOP 10

MY TIPS FOR KISSABLY FRESH BREATH THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

1

Make sure you’re brushing your teeth regularly to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Twice a day will go a long way to reducing bad breath and keeping teeth sparkly clean.

2

Watch what you eat on date day. Avoid strong smelling foods such as onion and garlic that linger on the breath, and limit dairy consumption as it can create a rotten-egg smell that will escape through the mouth.

3 4

Give your lips a gentle brush with your toothbrush when you’ve finished brushing your teeth. It will exfoliate any dead skin and leave them irresistibly smooth!

5

Dry mouth is a major cause of bad breath, so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water which will help the production of saliva in the mouth to kill odour-causing bacteria.

6

Floss regularly to remove debris and food particles trapped between the teeth from rotting. It’s always a good idea to take dental floss out with you, especially if you’re on a dinner date!

7

If you smoke, now’s the perfect time to kick the habit.

Tobacco products cause dry mouth and leave a strong odour in the mouth. Not to mention the long-term health risks you definitely want to avoid.

8

Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash to kill bacteria your toothbrush might miss. Use after brushing and whenever you need a quick freshen up.

9

A build-up of acids in the stomach can cause bad breath, so don’t go hungry. Snack on fresh, crunchy food such as celery or apples that act as a natural toothbrush, removing surface bacteria on the teeth.

10

For a quick-fix to freshen breath before your date, chew on some sugar-free gum, just be careful not to use this in place of brushing or rinsing as it won’t eliminate odour causing bacteria.

Don’t forget about your tongue. Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper daily to remove bacteria and food residue left behind.

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Bringing together an inspirational collection of the very best in health, fitness and wellbeing, at Live Well London you can trialrun the very latest in fitness by celebrity trainers, experience yoga and meditation, be inspired by the Live Cooking and Nutrition Theatre, all while tasting, trying and shopping innovative brands and learning from credited wellness experts.

This years’ expert line-up includes Kristina Karlsson (Founder of kikki.K), The Gut Stuff, Lizzie King (Lizzies Loves Healthy), Sarah Malcolm, Tyrone Brennand, Liz Earle MBE and Michael James Wong and access to the DEFINE London Barre Fitness Studio and more!

Whether you are a newcomer to fitness and wellbeing or if you are already a convert, Live Well London help you make your own choices about the products and techniques that will enhance your own individual physical and emotional wellbeing, as a sustainable part of every day.

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FOOD

Banana butterscotch pancakes Vegetarian Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus sitting Cooking time: 25 minutes Total time: 35 minutes, plus sitting Serves: 2-4 Ingredients 150g plain flour sifted 50g Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Golden Caster Sugar ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 284ml tub buttermilk 1 egg, beaten Unsalted butter, for frying 2 small bananas, sliced Butterscotch sauce 75g unsalted butter 75g Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Golden Caster Sugar 100ml double cream, plus extra to serve ½ tsp vanilla bean paste ¼ tsp flaky sea salt

Method 1. Mix the flour, sugar and bicarbonate of soda in a mixing bowl with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk and egg, whisk together until smooth, then set aside for 30 minutes.

2. For the butterscotch sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat, then add the sugar and allow to dissolve.

Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly, until golden. Take off the heat and stir in the cream, vanilla and salt.

3. Heat a large frying pan over a medium-low heat. Melt a knob of butter, then add a small ladleful of the batter and spread to a circle roughly 12cm in diameter – cook 2-3 at once, if possible.

Flip after 2-3 minutes when bubbles appear, then cook for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat to make about 8 pancakes. Stack onto plates, top with the banana and spoon over the warm butterscotch sauce.

Cook’s tip Serve with whipped cream too, Don’t worry if the butter if liked. and sugar look separated as they melt and simmer, as the sauce will come together when you add the cream.

Recipes and images courtesy of Waitrose. Find over 5000 recipes at www.waitrose.com

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INTERVIEW

AN INTERVIEW WITH:

ANNA WILLIAMSON

T

he new season of Celebs Go Dating is set to return to E4 with a new host of stars. Amid the new line-up is Anna Williamson – a journalist, TV presenter and life coach.

It won’t be Anna’s first TV stint, having appeared as an expert on shows including This Morning, Good Morning Britain, Inside Out and Single AF. Speaking exclusively to Close Up magazine, Anna reveals she’s not afraid to say it how it is!

Congratulations on joining the show! How does it feel to be the new dating expert on Celebs Go Dating?

Thankyou! I am absolutely loving my new job on Celebs Go Dating and what a series to join from! I honestly am loving every minute of being the new Dating agent for the show, and working alongside Paul C Brunson and the gorgeous Tom is a dream. I’ve had a little time to find my feet, but it’s safe to say, my feet are firmly under the desk now and I’m knuckling down with these love hungry Celebs!

With two new dating agents, will you and Paul be changing it up slightly?

Paul started last series of course, but I guess he’s still relatively new to The Agency too so it was a good time to join. Our predecessors have done an incredible job but it’s safe to say

Paul and I have changed things up a tad and are really using our coaching skills and knowledge to unpick our celebrities from the inside out. There is nowhere to hide with us, and we are bringing out emotions and reactions from our Celebs that are going to equally shock and delight viewers.

Will any of the celebs truly find love this series?

You’ll just have to watch and see.... I couldn’t possibly say at this stage ;-) a lady never tells. However, what I WILL say is that every one of the Celebs on our books is a busy dating bee! And discovering sides of themselves they didn’t know they had...

Do you think being opinionated (as we’ve seen on the incredible ‘Loose Lips’ podcast) will be shown in the agency?

Ha, thanks for the LL love, I adore doing my podcast with my friend Luisa Zissman... as fans of the podcast will know, I am on the whole kind, considerate, and patient… But I’m no pushover! I have a job to do as the new celebs go dating agent, and as Paul’s wing woman, if I think people have stepped out of line, I am not afraid to tell them!

Anna Williamson is the new celebrity dating agent for E4’s Celebs Go Dating

Next Valentine’s Collection

Whether it be dining out or buying the perfect gift, Close Up has got you covered this Valentine’s Day.

VALENTINE SUPPLEMENT

BE MY VALENTINE

INTERVIEW

EYAL BOOKER Model and TV personality Eyal Booker recently visited the Philippines, seeing World Vision’s response work in the wake of Typhoon Mangkhut.

T

yphoon Mangkhut (known locally as Ompong), one of the strongest storms of 2018, made landfall in the Philippines early on Saturday 15th September, devastating Northern Luzon affecting more than three million people.

What has been the most difficult moment for you during your journey?

I think it has been adapting to the new industry that I am in finding yourself again and remembering you are who you are and that’s okay.

Eyal Booker hit headlines after he appeared on Love Island last year, but now he’s stepped out of his comfort zone once again for an incredible reason. The model, 22, put his hunt for love on hold to help rebuild a community in the Philippines, following a deadly typhoon that brought widespread damages to Guam, the Philippines and South China in mid-September, 2017.

What was the most rewarding moment for you?

Looking back on everything I’ve achieved the last few months has been rewarding and seeing how far I’ve come.

Eyal headed to Cagayan province in the Philippines, where he helped deliver materials that will be used to rebuild homes.

Here, Close Up speak exclusively to Eyal on his journey so far…

What inspired you to join World Vision?

They are an incredible charity and their aim is to help children across the world in places of conflict and devastation which really resonated with me. Children are the future and if we can help them now then it allows us to make sure the next generation will be ok.

Have you had any previous charitable experiences such as this?

I’ve never travelled abroad with a charity like I did with World Vision but I’ve always got involved with it growing up. I’ve also worked with Rays of Sunshine and did a half marathon for charity too. We were always encouraged to get involved with fundraisers when we were young but it’s nice I can get involved on a bigger scale now I have this platform.

Would you recommend joining World Vision to other celebrities?

Yes I would definitely recommend it. I think they are an incredible charity and you get to see just how far their work really does go.

Can you tell us a little bit about Celebs on the Ranch?

It was a crazy experience and was quite overwhelming at times - I didn’t even realise real cowboys existed until we got on the ranch! It was set on 57,000 acres and everything you can imagine a cowboy doing, we did it!

Have you formed any ‘special bonds’ during filming?

Definitely a bromance with Siva and Bobby who I shared a room with which was so much fun. We were completely out of touch with the world so we all became a little family which was nice.

While saving the world and finding love, what else do you have up your sleeve for 2019?

I’m hoping to do more TV and get involved in some documentary work and continue with my modelling and charity projects. I’m excited to see what the year brings!

Eyal supports World Vision UK, a children’s charity dedicated to supporting the world’s most vulnerable children.

For more information visit www.worldvision.org.uk

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VALENTINE SUPPLEMENT

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FILM INTERVIEW

NICOLE KIDMAN The screen icon on the powerful message behind her new film Boy Erased.

O

ver the course of a 35 plus year career, Nicole Kidman has starred in Hollywood blockbusters such as last year’s Aquaman, hit comedies such as Bewitched, and of course award-winning prestige films such as The Hours. Despite achieving everything there is to achieve in acting, Kidman continues to produce buzz-worthy work, such as this month’s drama Boy Erased. She plays the mother of a young man undergoing conversion therapy, who begins to suspect her son may be abused.

The Oscar has earned the right to be picky about her projects, but it was the passion of director-star Joel Edgerton that won her over. “I came into this film because Joel said ‘I’m working on this script right now’ and he sent it to me and I was completely moved by it” she says at a Q&A for the film.

LGBT+ rights are still being fought for across the world, and Kidman believes the film’s subject matter is something that can’t be ignored. “(The message is) so important, I just went ‘ok, it doesn’t matter what the role is, I just want to be in it’” she says, “and then as I read the script I thought what a beautiful story it was, about a family staying together and the mother being the bridge to keep that family together.”

Unlike many biopics, where the subjects have normally passed on, this was based on living people’s experiences, and Kidman is eternally grateful to the real Martha for guiding her in her performance. “Martha was just so open with me, and so willing to help” she beams. “To step into somebody’s shoes who exists and tell their story, or a slither of their life, is a huge thing to ask and they’ve both been so generous to let their story be told like this,” The passion has rubbed off on the audience, and the star is visibly moved by the response that the film has received. “Just today I read the sweetest thing that was written about this film” she says.

“I don’t usually read things that are written about the films I’m in, but it said that this film could save lives. If it saves one life, then I’m so glad that this film is being seen and has been made. That’s why we’re out here trying to share it.”

Boy Erased is in cinemas 8th February.

I don’t usually read things that are written about the films I’m in, but it said that this film could save lives. If it saves one life, then I’m so glad that this film is being seen and has been made. That’s why we’re out here trying to share it.

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Thursday 14th February

VALENTINE SUPPLEMENT

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

FILM INTERVIEW

MELISSA MCCARTHY The comedy star gets serious for her new award-tipped drama.

S

he may have made her name on wacky characters and hilarious movie moments, but Melissa McCarthy shows a different side to her repetoire this month when she stars in the award-nominated drama Can You Ever Forgive Me? She plays Lee Israel, a real life author in 90’s New York who began forging letters written by famous people in order to scam money from the lucrative memorabilia market.

While most actors are drawn to roles on reputation, McCarthy came to the part with a fresh perspective. “I wasn’t familiar with Lee” she says at a Q&A for the film. “I felt disappointed in myself that I didn’t know who she was and I didn’t know her story.” It’s also possible that the pair literally crossed paths at one point.

“I was in New York at that time period, and I thought ‘my god, I could have passed her at any moment’. Then once I read (the script), I thought she’s so fascinating that I wish I had.”

Of course, the Oscar nominee went on to do a lot of research on the part, which turned out to be more difficult than she expected given Isreal’s penchant for secrecy. “Lee didn’t want you to know things about her unless she wrote them, so we really had to conjure things about her” she explains. “It was a bit of a mystery, a bit of a learning exercise for me. What I loved about Lee is that she had a heart in her, she just kept a prickly shell around it.”

The film has won rave reviews across the globe, and been tipped for glory at this month’s Academy Awards. The Bridemaids star puts that success down to the story’s invaluable lesson.

“Lee is such an incredible story of an ‘invisible’ person that you pass a million times a day” she explains. “Now I look at people differently and think ‘I wonder what that person’s life is really like, I wonder what she does, I wonder what his story is’.”

It’s also a lesson that she thinks could be taken online! “It’s a story that teaches humanity, and I think I’d like to spread that particularly on social media – except I don’t know how to use it!” she says with a chuckle.

Can You Ever Forgive Me? Is in cinemas 1st February.

It’s a story that teaches humanity, and I think I’d like to spread that particularly on social media – except I don’t know how to use it!

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Italian Food at its Best & More to Enjoy We welcome you to experience the very well established and probably the best Italian restaurant in north London like no other – Cocorico, bringing you traditional and modern Italian dinning for everyone, combined with the flavours you love to enjoy from Italy.

So, whether you are after a truly good meal and a good time or a venue for that special celebration, think Cocorico. We cater for all occasions, for all the family.

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BEAUTY NOTES

Glow UP

Dewy, glowing, radiant, luminescent — there is no shortage of ways to describe the modern ideal of beautiful skin. A complexion that looks “lit from within,” is the status quo these days, both on social media platforms and IRL. But all that poetic prose is really just another way to say highlighting, which is a beauty technique that’s been a mainstay in the repertoire of professional makeup artists for decades.

Here’s our favourite products for the perfect glow.

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1. Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter £26 2. Givenchy Teint Couture Poudre £33 3. Birchbox Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow Illuminator £25.50 4. Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick in SculptingL33 5. Iconic London Illuminator £30 6. Birchbox CLE Cosmetics Essence Moonlighter Cushion £22 7. Erborian Glow Crème Illuminating Face Cream POA 8. Clinique Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator £24.50 9. Illamasqua Beyond Powder in Deity £34

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Cook’s tip

Salmon, avocado & poached egg muffins Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients 4 British Blacktail Free Range Eggs 2 essential White Muffins 1 avocado, sliced 100g pack Waitrose 1 Chestnut Smoked Scottish Salmon ½-1 tsp chilli sauce (such as sriracha) 2 tbsp natural yogurt Lime wedges, to serve

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The method above is a great way to poach 4 eggs perfectly at the same time.

Remember, the fresher the eggs, the better the whites will hold together.

Method 1. Set a large frying or sauté pan over a low heat and pour in a kettle full of justboiled water. The water should be hot and steaming but with no bubbles rising to the surface. One at a time, and keeping them well spaced apart, crack in the 4 eggs and poach for 2-3 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft. Lift out with a slotted spoon and set aside to drain on kitchen paper.

2. Meanwhile, split open the muffins and toast. Divide between plates and arrange slices of avocado and smoked salmon on top of each half, and then a poached egg. In a bowl, swirl the chilli sauce through the yogurt and spoon over the eggs. Serve with the lime wedges to squeeze over.

Roasted parsnip & carrot soup with kale crisps Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Total time: 55 minutes Serves: 4-6 Ingredients 500g essential Waitrose Parsnips 300g carrots 1 tbsp maple syrup 3 tbsp olive oil 150g pack pentland brig kale, stalks and leaves separated 2 onions, roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp ground cumin 500ml fresh vegetable stock 1-2 tbsp lemon juice 4 tbsp non-dairy yogurt alternative

Cook’s tip Roasting the parsnips and carrots first intensifies their flavour and brings out their natural sweetness.

Recipes and images courtesy of Waitrose. Find over 5000 recipes at www.waitrose.com

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Trim and peel the parsnips and carrots, then cut into 3cm chunks. Toss with the maple syrup and 1 tbsp oil, then spread out on a parchment- lined baking tray.

Season and roast for 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat another 1 tbsp oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Chop the kale stalks, then add to the pan with the onions, garlic and a pinch of salt. Cover with a lid and cook gently for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid, add the cumin and cook, uncovered, for another 3 minutes. Tip in the roasted parsnips and carrots, stock and 750ml water; bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, turn the oven down to 160°C, gas mark 3. Tear the kale leaves into 4-5cm pieces. Toss with the remaining oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Season and spread over a baking tray. Roast for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway.

4. In a blender, whizz the soup with 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth.

Add a splash of water to loosen if needed, then reheat. To serve, swirl in a dollop of non-dairy yogurt alternative; top with the kale crisps and some black pepper.

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You’ve heard about (and seen) the all over animal print trend for 2019. Though leopard spots emerged as an early favourite, there’s another bold pattern that’s looming large this season—and it’s a full-blown eighties throwback.

Brands like Zimmermann and Tory Burch wove snakeskin prints into their collections as accents or one-off pieces, presenting the eye-catching pattern in a way that feels much more approachable. Check out our favourite snakeskin print buys to add to your wardrobe rotation ASAP.

Lipsy Snake Print Shirt Dress £55

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Spoilt ROTTEN Whether your V-Day plans involve an M&S meal deal for one, spending the day loved up, or a gals night in with some bubbly – you NEED to treat yourself to these…

Slip Silk Eye Mask, £45 Get your best ever night’s beauty sleep with this pure silk eye mask, it’s luxury x 100000.

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One of our faves from Khloe K’s mega collaboration with Becca, this all in one holds a blusher, bronzer and highlighter, so you’ll never be without.

Curl your strands to your heart’s content with T3’s Convertible tongs. You can mix and match the barrels and heat settings to customise the wand to your hair type.

Neat, huh?

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BEAUTY NOTES

JASON COLLIER: Your Hair Hero

Stylist to the stars Jason Collier shares his expert advice with Close Up readers

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH To get that elusive look, it’s all about a great texturizing spray, but it can be tricky to find one that adds grip and a beachy texture to the hair, without making the hair matte, crispy or sticky. I love Oribe Apres Beach Shine & Wave Spray, which adds a beautiful tousled effect to the hair without leaving it looking dusty or dry, as it also enhances shine at the same time. A perfect combination. It’s pricey but if you like this kind of look, it’s a musthave and will last a very long time.

I love February – it might still be cold outside, but things definitely start to feel more like spring is in the air. Gradually lighter, longer days, the gloominess of January is behind us, and of course, February is the month of romance!

Whether you believe in Valentine’s Day or not, February is a fabulous time to fall back in love with life, and with your hair too. If you’re happily coupled up, you’re probably already thinking about what you might have planned for the biggest date night of the year, and planning your outfit (and hair, of course) to perfection. In my opinion, loose, slightly dishevelled but still wonderfully shiny hair is the perfect date-night look; paired with polished makeup and a glamorous outfit, it’s heavenly. Think Kate Moss, who always rocks slightly bedhead hair with a fabulous outfit and looks glorious.

If you’re single, Valentine’s Day is for you too – it’s the ideal excuse to fall back in love with yourself, and treat yourself as you would a loved one. Why not buy yourself a little gift, fill the house with flowers and treat yourself to a delicious dinner? Self-care is the finest form of affection you can show yourself, so I say indulge in it. Run a luxurious bubble bath and apply a nourishing hair mask, sit back and look after yourself. Who says you can’t show yourself a little bit of romance?! @jasoncollierjc

LOOK OF THE MONTH As I mentioned above, I think dishevelled glamour is the ideal date-night look, and with the right products, it’s easy to achieve.

Wash your hair as normal and rough-dry with your hairdryer, copying Kate Moss’s technique of blasting the hair dry with your head upside down, for maximum volume.

Once the hair is mostly dry, brush through and twist any slightly damp sections with your fingers to create movement. Spritz a texturizing spray through the lengths to add grit, then massage the roots. If you still need some movement, twist random sections around a tong and break up the waves with your fingertips. Mist with a shine spray to finish for perfect rock’n’roll date night hair!

HAIRCARE TIP OF THE MONTH

When it’s cold and drizzly outside, use it as an excuse to stay home and treat yourself. Your hair will have taken quite the battering over the past few months of autumn and winter, and could well be in need of a bit of pampering. I really recommend trying out a self-heating hair mask, to seriously indulge your hair and restore its hydration, strength and vitality.

Particularly if you have colour-treated hair, an intensive heated mask will help to limit damage and restore hydration. I really like Redken’s Heatcure at Home mask, which is very simple to use. Before you step in the shower, simply open the pouch to activate the self-heating, then shampoo the hair as normal and apply the mask, leaving it on for 5-10 minutes to intensively nourish and condition dry, damaged locks.

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As we drift away from traffic cone orange, we enter the domain of Frozen Yellow. Futuristic, antagonizing and the antithesis to “clean” we can see the colour across various brands on both macro and micro levels. Even BMW is into it.

TK Maxx Yellow Tassel Beaded Earrings £9.99

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Topshop High-Heeled Boot £85

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TRAVEL

PERFECT PLACES to pop the question

OK, you’ve decided Valentine’s Day is the day to pop the big question.

You cheesemeister.

But picking 14th February means you’re going to have to do it in spectacular fashion.

And in a place in which she’ll be so overcome by images of butterflies, rose petals and couples sprinting toward each other in meadows that a “No” is simply not a possibility.

Paris is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in the whole world, thus it’s also one of the most ideal places to propose. The Eiffel Tower might come to mind as the best-known symbol of the city, that said, there are many more romantic, original (and less crowded), places to pop the question. You can create a special memory that will last a lifetime at one of the following ultra-romantic, very Parisian places.

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Pont Alexandre III Most of the bridges of Paris are picturesque, though it’s awfully hard to not include the city’s most romantic into this list.

Completed in 1900 and named in honour of the Russian Tsar, the elaborate bridge is adorned with water nymphs, catskills and aquatic life and is guarded by four columns topped in gilded Fames restraining Pegasus. For the most romantic angle, approach it from the right bank, in the shadow of the Grand and Petit Palais and with the stunning view of the golden dome of Les Invalides straight ahead. At the start of the bridge there is a little alcove, with a backdrop of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower – it might just have been made with proposals in mind. If the traffic is too noisy on the street level, take the stairs down to the riverbank level, which is equally romantic.

Temple of Sibylle, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Château de Chantilly

For a more laidback, but equally lovely Parisian garden experience, venture off the beaten path to the north-eastern Butters-Chaumont Park. A favourite of Parisians, this is one of the various parks built during the second half of the 19th century under the Haussmannization of the city. Constructed on the site of a disused stone quarry, the terrain shows evidence of this with its hilly slopes, though quite thoroughly remodelled by the park’s designer. Crowning one of these is the Temple of Sibylle, found in the middle of the small lake on Belvedere Island. Inspired by the Roman Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, you’ll have to scale 173 steps to get to the top, but the path is pleasant, passing hidden grottos and waterfalls, plus once at its summit, you’ll be rewarded with an impressive view of the north of the city, including Sacre Coeur, very romantic horizons for your very romantic occasion.

A fairy-tale romance should definitely involve a caste and the greater Parisian region has many. Sure, Versailles is most famous and the most flashy… but it’s hardly a private place. Instead, travel out to one of the smaller castles of Ile-de-France like the Château de Chantilly.

This is probably the easiest to get at only 40-60 minutes from the city centre by public transportation and gives the best all around ‘castle’ feel. It consists of a renaissance Petit Château, dating from around 1650, and the Grand Château, damaged during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870’s. A section of the interior houses the Musee Conde, an impressive collection of masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Watteau and Delacroix among others.

After soaking up the regal and artistic interior, take a stroll in the gorgeous gardens extending over 115 hectares where you can admire a Jardin a la francaise, designed by Versailles fame Le Notre, a more casual English garden and an Anglo-Chinese garden. In the latter, you can find Le Hameau, a restaurant set in quaint cottage-like buildings inspired Marie-Antoinette’s Norman hamlet at Versailles.

Here you can lunch on local seasonal dishes or sample some of its famous Chantilly whipped cream. Why not slip your ring in her bowl of strawberries and cream… or ask her for her hand on a private, leisurely boat ride around the lake?

Palais Royal Gardens If your sweetheart doesn’t know Paris, this will be a nice surprise. Walking through the passageway from the busy streets around the Louvre and the Opera district, you’ll enter a quiet oasis of columns, arcades, and an elegant garden.

One of the best aspects of this as a proposal option is that it’s marvellous all year round so you won’t have to rely on the unpredictable skies of Paris that some of these other venues might require. In addition, it’s rarely packed so you’ll be sure to have the intimacy to cherish the moment.

Opera Garnier The historic Opera Garnier is not only one of the most glamorous buildings in Paris, but possibly the whole world. Designed to be the centre of the ‘new’ Paris of the 19th century, the building is decked out in statues extolling the arts, monumental columns and gilded chandeliers – all elaborate show-stoppers, or rather heart stoppers! Take your love’s breath completely away with the shimmer of her engagement ring shining even more brightly in one of the reception salons which can be visited on a selfguided tour of the inside or take her to a performance to build up the moment then surprise her afterwards either in front of the building or on one of the quiet sides.

VALENTINE SUPPLEMENT

TRAVEL

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FILM INTERVIEW

Life Through a Lens Jamie Dornan on the trials of making his new biographical drama, A Private War.

I

t’s been almost four years since Jamie Dornan shot to international stardom as the lead in the multi-million dollar Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. The 36 year old father of two has also been building on that momentum with films such as My Dinner With Herve, co-starring Peter Dinklage.

With the Fifty Shades saga having ended last year, the actor is now looking to life after the role, and one of the first films he will be taking on will be in the real-life drama A Private War, which turned out to be both a professional and personal challenge for the star.

as The Fall and Once Upon A Time. “Ros and I have known each other for a very long time, fifteen years probably, but as friends. I’ve never had the opportunity to work with her” he says. “Certain friends in the industry you like the idea of never working with, because you have this fear that they’re going to be this different version of themselves when they work or something. But Ros was always one of those people I thought I’d enjoy working with… I think she’s incredible in this film.”

Certain friends in the industry you like the idea of never working with

The film is based on the life of Sunday Times war reporter Marie Colvin, a fearless journalist who put her life on the line to bring the world stories from conflicts in the Middle East, particularly Syria. Relentless and devoted to her profession, the film covers the emotional and psychological costs of covering warfare, and the amount of bravery required in the pursuit of the truth. Little wonder, then, that the film was nominated for two Golden Globes this year, and has been a favourite at film festivals across the world over that last twelve months.

The film is part of a change in direction for the Northern Irish actor, who made his name in big budget fare such as last year’s Robin Hood alongside Jamie Foxx. It also came to him in a rather awkward manner. “It came to me quite late; I think there was another actor who was attached to it at one point, who’s a friend of mine” he says with a grin at a Q&A for the film. “I was actually filming a movie in Budapest with him at the time that it came to me! I didn’t say anything to him, because you don’t really know what the situation is with things like that.”

The film stars the celebrated actor Rosamund Pike, a casting that represents something of a career goal for the BAFTA nominated star of TV series such

Dornan plays real life photographer Paul Conroy, Marie Colvin’s colleague in Syria and someone with a unique perspective on her life and work. He was also on hand to give him all the advice he needed on set. “It was just such a privilege to be able to have that access” he says. “It’s invaluable as an actor to have the person you’re portraying as a constant presence on set. I spent quite a bit of time with Paul, he’s quite a character, and he came over to Jordan, where we shot it, supposedly for a week or two to give us some guidance on going through the process. We couldn’t get rid of him!”

Indeed, where most actors have access to the person they are playing for a few days at most, the real Paul Conroy was literally part of the crew. “We had him there for the entire shoot. Actually, he ended up becoming our stills photographer on set, which was quite trippy for the actors!” he says, laughing. “But he’s become a dear friend of mine, but from an acting point of view, for Rosamund and I to be able to just mine his brain to get every morsel of information about the situations journalists find themselves in, and obviously for me doing his accent – which is very far away from my own – having him there was invaluable.”

Finally, the film’s context, covering some of the most horrific suffering in existence, took a toll on the actor, who is reported to have ended some shooting days in tears. “It was a very emotional, cathartic experience for all of us” he explains, before adding that despite the tough conditions he felt the experience was worth it. “Sometimes you make movies that are strictly entertainment, and they’re just meant to be escapism for people for a couple of hours” says the actor, whose next role is in the more light-hearted sequel to Trolls. “Then sometimes you do movies that carry a little more weight to them, and feel like they’re a little bit more important.”

A Private War is in cinema from 1st February.

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What’s

HOT! KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE GOSSIP RIGHT HERE AND ON SOCIAL MEDIA @CLOSEUP_UK

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Ashleigh Money Saver was founded in 2013 by Ashleigh Swan. Ashleigh is now joined by a group of dedicated and hardworking Mum’s who are on the hunt to deliver the best bargains, money saving tips, and unique savings for their follower base of over 1.7 million people based in the UK! Members of the Ashleigh Shopping Club will be saving 7% straight away and every time they load money onto their Ashleigh Shopping Club card. For example, when members load £100 onto the shopping card they only pay £93!

Membership to the Ashleigh Shopping Club is at a cost of only £1 per month*. Average savings per household look to be over £1,000 with trial members commenting that their household savings could reach over £1,500!

Shoppers can use the Ashleigh Shopping Club’s calculator to work out their estimated savings if they join the Ashleigh Shopping Club. Ashleigh and her bargain savvy team hope to be able to save each household up to £1,000 per year meaning a grand saving of £25 Billion a year for UK shoppers if all households sign up to the card.

The Ashleigh Shopping Club works at over 160 major high street and online retailers. A full list of retailers (and a full list of the terms and conditions) can be found at www.ashleighmoneysaver.co.uk

IT’S A

Competition!

Close Up magazine have teamed up with Ashleigh shopping club to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win an annual free membership.

To enter, simply email sayhello@closeupuk.com headed ‘ASHLEIGH SHOPPING’ Closing date 28th February 2019 Good luck!

48

As an LGBT activist, February is one of my favourite months for campaigning. This is because it is LGBT History Month. This year’s theme is Peace, Activism and Reconciliation.

Gay or straight, LGBT History Month allows us to challenge prejudices, reassess the role that LGBT people have played in history and examine how we can work together towards a better future.

For me, one of the most inspirational LGBT activists of all time was Harvey Milk (1930-1978). Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, winning his seat in 1977. At the time he was the most high profile openly gay elected official in the United States. He was prepared to stand up for what he believed in, fighting passionately for LGBT rights. Milk’s campaigning was controversial and he served just short of eleven months in office, before being assassinated.

Today, in the UK, we have 45 openly LGBT MPs, making the UK Parliament one of the most diverse in the world. It is pioneers, like Harvey Milk, who made this possible.

LGBT History Month encompasses a wide range of events. Stuart Milk, Milk’s nephew, who also heads the Harvey Milk Foundation, will be speaking in London and Bedford about human rights in February. Why not attend one of his talks? Every LGBT History Month I feel that I have learned something new about LGBT identities and about myself.

Written by LGBT Activist Philip Baldwin To find out more about LGBT History Month, please check out: https://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk @philipcbaldwin

STACEY BENDET Self-taught designer Stacey Bendet started Alice + Olivia in 2002 with a small collection of trousers. Today, she heads up a $200m business that spans ready-to-wear, bags, shoes and sunglasses.

One of my first memories is from when I was two.

My mom bribed me with red patent-leather shoes to give up my bottle. It worked!

From then on, I dressed myself. I admire my parents for allowing me my creative expression. My mom was very stylish; she got married with a pair of bell-bottoms peeking out from under her dress. For me, trousers are the sexiest item in a woman’s wardrobe. A perfectly fitted pair can give you confidence. Of course, today, Alice + Olivia is about so much more than just trousers. It’s for every woman: the mother, the daughter, the cool girl, the classic girl. I’d sum up my own style as colourful, sparkly and fun. I buy a lot of vintage and I archive all my own collections. Like my style, my design process is always changing. But I usually begin with colours.

EDUCATION Supplement Containing all the latest information from the finest schools in your area

www.next.co.uk/back-to-school

Easing back into school after Christmas can be a stressful time in any parent’s life. With Christmas holidays a happy but distant memory, the back to school routine begins and many of you will see your children progressing as their year is now in full swing.

With the transition from infant or junior school approaching fast, some of you may begin to think of the best option for your child’s educational future. Our fabulous education section will help smooth the way for you. It is packed with the latest information on schools as well as fantastic features to help you prepare for the coming months.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

The

SCHOOL

Why Choose Palmers Green High School?

A PGHS education will give your daughter a great start in life. Headmistress Wendy Kempster discusses the reasons why…

Traditional Values A forward thinking school with strong traditions.

We are driven by our aims, ethos, tradition and values to create a community of parents, pupils and teachers working passionately towards the same goals.

Our teaching and pastoral care embed strong moral and spiritual values, exemplified by our 114 year old school motto “By Love Serve One Another”.

Nursery to GCSE PGHS is a very special ‘through-school’ where strong friendships are formed and extend beyond year groups.

Pupils progress in a familiar setting, benefiting from seamless transitions across Key Stages and there is an authentic feeling of being one family.

Attention to detail from small class sizes Small class sizes enable staff to spot and nurture the potential of each individual.

Our lower staff to pupil ratios encourage close relationships between staff, pupils and parents and a greater level of individual attention.

Academic Success

Wide range of extra-curricular activities and trips

We specialise in educating girls, providing exciting learning opportunities to encourage curiosity, creativity and confidence.

In addition to academic success, we understand the importance of developing well-rounded individuals.

PGHS is TOP of the Sunday Times League Table for small independent schools. Girls leave PGHS with outstanding GCSE results transferring to high achieving sixth forms before moving on to the top universities in the country.

PGHS offers an exciting programme of extra-curricular activities with over 80 running every week!

School trips to museums, theatres, galleries, field trips, as well as language, history and art trips abroad offer valuable learning opportunities outside the classroom. Other activities include Kingswood, skiing and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Wendy Kempster is Head of Palmers Green High School in North London.

Teachers

Sports

Our School combines high standards of teaching with superb pastoral care.

We are committed to enabling girls to discover and develop their sporting talents.

PGHS teachers are highly qualified and passionate about their subject. Specialist teachers deliver timetabled sport, music, drama, art, D&T and languages to pupils at all educational stages.

Sports are taught on site and at the local Walker Cricket Ground where the pupils enjoy year round use of the high quality netball and tennis courts, athletics field and football pitch. In addition, we use both Southbury and Southgate Leisure Centres to ensure pupils are offered a diverse range of sporting activities including aerobics, badminton, basketball, swimming and trampolining.

Pastoral care is exceptional and dedicated staff support pupils throughout their time at PGHS. Pupils develop the strength of character and vision to become confident and responsible young people.

Excellent facilities Learning is enhanced by specialist teaching, facilities and resources.

Teaching rooms are all equipped with state of the art teaching walls providing modern, bespoke learning environments. Girls benefit from using the specialist science laboratories, D&T workshop, music suite, library and art studio.

Prep Open Morning - Wednesday 13th February 9.30am to 11.00am Prep Open Morning - Friday 3rd May 9.30am to 11.00am Senior School Open Morning - Friday 8th March 9.30am to 11.00am Taster Day for Year 7 entry - Friday 24th May 9.00am to 3.00pm

Wrap-around care In an environment that nurtures and cares for children combined with healthy, nutritious food.

We run a Breakfast Club and have exclusive links with M&M Childcare who provide bespoke After School provision for PGHS.

Location We are your local school.

Your daughter can be involved in extra-curricular activities after school and be home at a reasonable time to be involved in activities outside of school, to tackle her homework and still have time to relax.

Come along to one of our Working Open Mornings or arrange for a personal tour at a time that suits you. Details can be found on our website at www.pghs.co.uk or telephone 020 8886 1135.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

SCHOOL

EDUCATION

SMALL talk

Arts & Crafts, blossoming style and our pick of educational apps for kids.

NIGHT light

ART attack

The dark can be a daunting prospect for some littluns, but this adorable dinosaur provides them with a reassuring glow at bedtime.

Filled to the brim with everything they need to practise their fine art, this set contains watercolours, pens, pencils, oil pastels and more. The front of the case can be personalised with a name too!

£12.95 www.cuckooland.com

£24.99 www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

FASHION corner As if by magic, watch every parent’s heart melt into a puddle of oozy marshmallow as their daughter transforms into Valentine’s very own Cupid in a matter of seconds.

£32 www.bobandblossom.co.uk

TOP 5 educating apps It’s no secret that Christmas comes with presents and presents are likely to be technology related if last year’s statistics are anything to go by. In 2013, 54% of parents planned tech purchases, with tablets topping the Christmas shopping list.

Of course, you can’t have a tablet without having apps, but with increased concerns from parents over the content and advertising within apps, it’s now a top priority to find out exactly what you’re letting children have access to.

If you’re going to download apps there’s a strong chance that you’ll be including some educational games to your list.

But how do you know where to find the best ones? Leave it to us! We’ve selected the 5 Educational Game Apps for Young Learners, so your children can have fun with their new tablet whilst learning something in the process.

Toca Town £0.69 Toca Town is an openplay environment designed to nurture a child’s imagination and analytical skills. Kids can choose between a whole set of virtual dolls houses and characters to play with, with each part of town providing a whole range of creative options to empower children with a sense of the freedom to explore.

Explorium £1.99 An app that will make a budding astronaut of your child, as they take on interplanetary adventures full of games, facts and surprises.

Children play and learn their way across the solar system at their own pace, creating their own path.

Letterland Stories: Annie Apple (Free) One of ten apps that concentrate on a specific selection of alphabet letters, grouped together in their most phonically regular forms. Through the reading activities and phonic exercises, this app helps provide a good basis for a child’s reading and development.

Tower Math £0.69 An app that makes practicing arithmetic fun. The app surrounds the idea that numbers have been turned into monsters by an evil wizard – the child’s job is to add, subtract, divide and multiply until you build a tower with powers strong enough to free the numbers.

Zoo Playground £1.99 Aims to teach children about animals and their diets and habits, as well as developing a range of other core preschool objectives. The gaming feature comes in the form of nine mini-games, each being designed with usability and informational learning in mind.

PREP OPEN MORNINGS - FOR RECEPTION TO YEAR 2 ENTRY Wednesday 13th February & Friday 3rd May 2019 9.30am - 11am

LEADING INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL AND NURSERY FOR GIRLS AGED 3-16 YEARS

SENIOR OPEN MORNING - Friday 8th March 9.30am - 11.00am TASTER DAY FOR YEAR 7 ENTRY - Friday 24th May 9.00am - 3.00pm

Book a place online, by telephone or email.

Palmers Green High School, 104 Hoppers Road, London N21 3LJ Tel: 020 8886 1135 www.pghs.co.uk Email:office@pghs.co.uk

EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

TOP OF THE SUNDAY TIMES LEAGUE TABLE FOR SMALL INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GCSE Results 2018 - A*/9/8 - 53% and A*/9 to A/7 - 79%

Why Choose A Prep Education?

At Grange Park Prep School, we embrace what we know to be true: the best learning happens in extraordinary academic environments full of diverse beliefs, pursuits and backgrounds, guided by excellent classroom teachers.

I believe a prep school education enables each child to be treated as an individual, to feel valued and, above all, to reach their full potential. Every child is unique and it is at this young age that excellent foundations can be laid and a sense of aspiration created. Offering more than just academic success we place equal value on what happens outside the core subjects – the importance of sport, music, drama, art, design and a varied programme of activities which adds an extra dimension to a child’s education.

Extra-curricular activities such as these introduce children to new skills, engage them in social activities, develop positive learning traits and help to shape their lives in a positive way. Every child has talents and skills, some of these are more difficult to find and recognise, it is our job to unearth and cherish these latent abilities.

We have a maximum of 16 children per class keeping the ratio of staff to pupils small. Their education is further enhanced by the use of specialist teachers. This means that each child has a greater chance of being understood and provided with the guidance they may need.

Additional support as well as further individual challenges can be given when needed, building the confidence which is so important for a child. Enthusiastic and passionate teaching staff inspire and nurture a love of learning and instill inquisitive learning in pupils, allowing them to become critical thinkers.

A sense of family epitomises education here at GPPS and our school is built around open communication. It is important to involve parents in the school community and parents are always more than welcome to come into school to speak to the teachers. The partnership between parent, school and the child offers 360˚support, allowing every opportunity for the child to flourish both academically and socially.

The very nature of prep school education ensures that children feel safe and secure. A wealth of happy memories are often a legacy, with lifetime friendships frequently being forged.

The vision for our school is probably not far off many people’s vision for our society as a whole. It is a place in which young girls, and now boys, develop and learn together as well as from one another; where they compete and laugh together with equal access and opportunities to develop their own individual potential. Getting there will no doubt have its challenges, but any goal worth pursuing usually does.

If you are interested to see what GPPS could offer your child we would welcome the opportunity to meet with prospective parents and children. Please contact our office to book an individual tour or Open Morning (The first Tuesday of every month) 0208 360 1469

Grange Park Prep School 020 8360 1469 13 The Chine • Grange Park London N21 2EA www.gpps.org.uk

P R I VAT E EDUCATION FOR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM 3 YEARS THROUGH TO 11+ • • • •

High academic standards Small classes 11+ preparation Specialist subject teachers

PLEASE CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A VISIT 13 The Chine, Grange Park, London N21 2EA T: 020 8360 1469 E: office@gpps.org.uk

www.gpps.org.uk

• Competitive fees • Extensive extra curricular programme • Wrap around care 7:45am - 6:00pm

VOTED IN THE TOP 100 INDEPENDENT ENGLISH PREPARATORY SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY

EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

T H E O N LY P R E P S C H O O L IN N21 OFFERING A TOP

KBL143_ad_136x190

14/3/16

15:40

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Keble provides an excellent all-round education, in small class groups, combining high academic standards with opportunities for boys to achieve in Sport, Music, Drama and a broad extra-curricular programme.

The best way to experience what Keble can offer you and your son is to visit us, meet the boys and get a real sense of why we really are a school where all boys can grow, achieve and succeed. The impressive range of senior schools we send boys to both at 11+ and 13+ is testament to how well we do academically. However, here at Keble Prep we realise that academia is just one part of your son’s character and so through our sports, arts, music and drama we look to develop your son’s physical, creative, emotional and personal character.

We are now interviewing for Reception 2019 and do have occasional places in other year groups.

Keble Prep, Wades Hill, Winchmore Hill, London N21 1BG Tel: 020 8360 3359 www.kebleprep.co.uk

Sweet Tooth

Chocolate & salted caramel sundaes Time: 10 minutes, plus softening and 4 hours chilling

Makes: 4 Ingredients: 500ml white chocolate ice cream 2 x 90g bags Cadbury Mini Eggs 8 tbsp Waitrose 1 salted caramel dipping sauce 4 hazelnut cocoa wafer rolls, to serve

Method: 1. Take the ice cream out of the freezer and soften for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, tip 1 bag of Mini Eggs into a resealable bag and bash with a rolling pin until roughly crushed. Tip the ice cream into a mixing bowl and whisk quickly until almost smooth. Stir through the Mini Eggs, return the ice-cream to the tub and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

2. When you’re ready to assemble the sundaes, take the ice cream out of the freezer to soften for 10 minutes and warm the caramel sauce gently in a pan.

3. Place a spoonful of sauce in the base of a sundae glass. Top with a scoop of ice cream, spoon over a little more sauce, then top with another scoop of ice cream. Scatter over the remaining bag of Mini Eggs, either left whole or lightly crushed. Stick a wafer in each sundae and serve immediately.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT Quainton Hall School has excellent academic results alongside extensive extra-curricular and sporting opportunities.

Quainton Hall Nursery

We are now taking applications for the places available in our nursery.

Quainton Hall School, Harrow, HA1 1RX

For nursery applications or an appointment to visit our school call

020 8861 8861

admin@quaintonhall.org.uk www.quaintonhall.org.uk Registered charity number: 312638

With an emphasis on high academic expectations and standards combined with a broad and balanced curriculum, Quainton Hall School offers first rate facilities set within a secure, nurturing and family-centred environment.

Established in Central Harrow at the end of the nineteenth century, Quainton Hall is a thriving IAPS co-educational Preparatory School dedicated to the education of children between the ages of two and a half and thirteen years.

We offer a broad and inclusive education firmly centred on the core values of respect, integrity, determination and humility and believe in setting high expectations,

leading by example and creating a secure, positive and inspiring learning environment where staff and pupils can feel challenged and supported to achieve individual success in all aspects of school life.

We are a school that is proud of its academic tradition, that possesses a genuine sense of community and that very much has at its heart the interests of the girls and boys. As educators and in the increasingly competitive environment in which children find themselves today, we believe it is our duty to foster creative thinking, to develop independent learning and to support every child in gaining the confidence to believe and know that they ‘can’.

Quainton Hall School, Harrow, HA1 1RX 020 8861 8861 admin@quaintonhall.org.uk www.quaintonhall.org.uk

EDUCATION

YOUR

Half term Diary

BY SOPHIA’S DIARY

Happy half term to all our readers with children. What’s on over the holidays?

Sophia’s Diary has researched the best things to do in North London. What will you pick to do, from these amazing and very different events? Enjoy making memories.

Events FROZEN TEA PARTY Crafty Chefs and Fairytales Come True are hosting a Frozen Tea Party. Queen Elsa will entertain the children with fun and games. Crafty Chefs will help the children make Sven the reindeer biscuits and decorate frozen heart cupcakes to enjoy with their Afternoon Tea. When?

Friday 22nd February 10am-12pm or 12.30-2.30pm Where?

Fields Cafe in St Luke’s Church, Enfield Contact: ailsa@craftychefs.co.uk

Lion King lovers will love doing Arts & Crafts, Canvas Painting, Drama Games, Script-Work, Choreographed Dances, Mask-Making, Goodie Bags and more!

This event is run by fully qualified Drama and Primary School Teachers and all staff are DBS checked.

When?

Monday 18th & Tuesday 19th February Where?

Oakwood Baptist Church, Merrivale, London, N14 4TE Contact: info@theartzkidz.com

SLIME MAKING AND SOFT PLAY

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC

Kids can enjoy a fun packed slime making workshop plus unlimited soft play at KB02. Each child will make their own slime to take home, and will enjoy finding out the perfect formula to make gooey and fluffy slime plus pick their colour and consistency!

Join Teddy Tastic at their Teddy Bears Picnic at Coffee & Crayons this half term. Children can make their own bear, enjoy party games and lunch is provided at this lovely child friendly venue too.

When?

Friday 22nd February at 9:30am–1pm Where?

Lodge Drive Car Park, 220 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5LB Contact: holidayclub@annmarietimeforchange.com

58

THE LION KING WORKSHOP

When?

Thursday 21st February Where?

Coffee & Crayons, 161 Ballards Lane, N3 1LJ Contact: val@teddytastic.net

Shows

WOW! IT’S NIGHT TIME

TALES FROM THE SHED

The curious little owl is back, and this time she’s ready to discover the wonders of night-time, from the big, bright moon to the bats in the sky and the foxes deep in the forest. Young audiences will adore this stunning show.

Tales from the Shed will have vibrant, interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children over half term. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space - children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. Every show will be fun, really silly and that there will be plenty of colourful puppets and live songs.

When?

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th February at 11am & 2pm Where?

The Dugdale Centre, 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS

When?

Wednesday 20th, Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd February.

10am & 11.30am

Contact: www.dugdalecentre.co.uk/whats-on/wow-its-night-time

Where?

290 Chase Side, London N14 4PE Contact: www.chickenshed.org.uk

Places to Go

Sophia’s Diary’s top picks for local places to take the kids include

Flip Out Brent Cross Fun Junction N20 Kids Club Pots of Art Rainbow Creative Learning Centre They are perfect for cold winter days and the kids will have so much too. Details for each venue can be found on the website www.sophias-diary.com/indoor-fun

Child Friendly Venues to Eat

Sophia’s Diary has tried, tested and reviewed so many local venues to eat out.

We love The Farmhouse Essex as it has an indoor play area.

The Plough Crews Hill has an outdoor play area too.

The Winchmore Pub is reputable for their amazing food and welcoming attitude towards families.

Heddons Kitchen is also the perfect place to meet families for brunch or coffee and cake.

Check out our other venues too www.sophias-diary.com/going-out

Keeping Active PRO ELITE FOOTBALL ACADEMY HALF TERM CAMP Football fans will enjoy fun filled and active days with Sophia’s Diary Award winning Football School. Children will learn football tricks and play games as well as have an amazing time and make friends too.

When?

Monday 18th February - Friday 22nd February Where?

Raglan Primary, Bush Hill Park, EN1 2NS Contact: www.efacademy.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER 37.5% off for Sophia’s Diary Members. Email Pro Elite Football Academy and mention Sophia’s Diary to receive a code!

EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

EDUCATION

EDITORIAL

CLOSE UP AND PERSONAL WITH PHOTOGRAPHER:

Debbi Clark

D

ebbi Clark discovered her passion for photography during her time studying Fashion and Textiles at Central St Martins College of Art. It was when she was using her first camera – an Olympus Pen F 35mm film camera whilst she was researching patterns for her designs in textiles, everything changed. “I just fell in love with the feeling of capturing the moments of the shapes of clouds, leaves, shapes as they blew in the wind. I just fell in love with it all, how being in the moment, you could capture such beauty.

It literally transformed everything. Black and White photography is her passion. “I became slightly obsessed with clouds, so many nuanced shades within both black and white – to me it almost became colour.”

Debbi’s impressive portfolio include high -fashion editorial for the likes of Italian Vogue, Wonderland, and Id magazine. It is her striking monochrome portraits that have helped make her mark in the photography world. Her hero provocative fashion photographer Helmut Newton are visible in her work and her portraits are fast becoming iconic in their own right. Well known faces she has immortalised include a rakish Paul Weller whilst getting fitted for a suit by the iconic Soho Tailor Mark Powell. Award winning actress Helen McCrory OBE, Actress/Fashion icon Sadie Frost in make-up backstage at Soho Theatre, The Late Lord Snowdon at his home and Damian Lewis ‘BILLIONS’ star smouldering in denim jacket. “I love colour, but I always seem to veer to black and white. It’s a medium that seems to own it when it comes to portraits” Debbi Clark’s go to camera at every opportunity is her beloved Olympus Pen-F and enthuses “I also use the new Olympus E-M1 Mark II, the intelligent use of manual control in this camera and the four thirds sensor is beyond comparison to any other camera. The clarity with the Olympus cameras and the Zuiko lens is beyond comparison.”

EDITORIAL Debbi Clark is a force of nature, A drive to share her own knowledge and inspire others led Debbi Clark to set up the Sir Hubert von Herkomer Arts Foundation in 2013. Aimed at providing a gateway to photography and the arts, with the honour of having Helen McCrory OBE as the charity Patron. Not content with fast becoming London’s go to photographer for portraits for the stars, she forges ahead with Sir Hubert von Herkomer Arts Foundation with a burning passion.

The charity is set up to support young people aged 5 yrs. to 18 yrs. providing a gateway to the arts in which otherwise some young people would not be able to access. “My reason for starting the charity was to give the gift of art through inspiring young people. I wanted to give them the skills and tools to develop lifelong artistic passions and be able to express themselves and gain confidence in all areas of their lives. As a photographer I knew personal experience the transformational effect of having a medium I can access and express myself through – I wanted children to be able to effect this magic too.”

The charity holds several exhibitions of the children works during the year and an Annual high-profile fund- raising exhibition to raise funds to support young people in social backgrounds. Ambassadors include Kate Moss, Damian Lewis, Billy Piper, James Purefoy, Paul Weller, Jason Isaacs, Sadie Frost, Frances Ruffelle, Craig Bierko, Andrew Scott, Harry Treadaway, Stephen Mangan and The Late Lord Snowdon who have all been in to sit a portrait taken by Debbi Clark and donate their image rights for 100 % sales of the piece to Sir

Hubert von Herkomer Arts Foundation. With the top of the bill Helen McCrory OBE supporting this incredible charity as their Patron.

If you would like to see more about the work that Debbi Clark does at Sir Hubert von Herkomer Arts Foundation then please take a look at the projects currently running and the work they do here www.vonherkomerfoundation.org.

The charity is constantly fundraising to keep up the support for children in disadvantaged backgrounds and any donations are a great support to the work Debbi Clark does with young people in London. OLYMPUS UK are currently supporting Sir Hubert Arts Foundation with their incredible gift of 8 EPL-8 cameras and lenses which have enabled the charity to put on over 26 courses in photography over the past year, inspiring over 203 young people in this art medium.

Debbi Clark accepts private commission – see more of her pictures at www.debbiclark.com You can follow: Debbi Clark

Sir Hubert von Herkomer Arts Foundation

@debbiclarkphotography

@sirhvharts_official

@debbiclark1

@SirHvHArts

@Debbi Clark Photography

@SirHvHArts (bluetick)

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Your Local Independent Electrical Retailer Top Electrical Stores Ltd 32-36 A ldermAldermans ans Hill, PaHill lmers Green, London, N13 4PN 32-36 0800 Palmers 458333Green 9 N13 4PN Tel: 020 8886 6290 or 0800 4583339 www.topdiscount.co.uk chris@topdiscount.co.uk

Top Discount Electrical Stores Ltd

*Terms and Conditions apply. Sold as an agent of Euronics Limited. All rights reserved. All offers are subject to availability while stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges may apply. Exclusions and Radius Apply. See in store for full details. Images for illustration purposes only. Copyright Euronics 2018. E&OE September 2018.

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FILM REVIEW Welcome to the first film review of 2019! This month we’ve got awards hopefuls, dragons, and a new twist on the rom-com! Enjoy!

Can You Ever Forgive Me? 1st February

★★★★★

Comedy superstar Melissa McCarthy stars in a rare drama performance, playing a real-life writer who forged private letters of famous people in order to sell them as authentic. Finding depths we’ve never seen from her before, McCarthy is amazing in a lead role as a prickly, antisocial anti hero struggling through her own stubbornness. She’s joined by Richard E Grant, who is unforgettable as her wayward friend/accomplice. Touching and complicated, this is a character study wrapped in a heist film that will keep you captivated from beginning to end.

Green Book 1st February

★★★★★

Two incredible actors combine for this story of friendship drawn from real life. Viggo Mortensen is terrific as an Italian-American from 1960’s New York who takes a job driving a well-to-do African-American pianist (Oscar winner Mahershala Ali) on a tour of the Southern States. The story is sweet and powerful in places, even if it feels a little bit too glossy to tackle to the serious issues it covers. Nevertheless the marvellous leads, and moments of breath-taking emotion, make it a journey you’ll be very happy you took.

How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World 1st February

★★★★★

The third and final part of the How To Train Your Dragon trilogy goes out on a high, as viking Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his dragon Toothless venture to The Hidden World to save their community from its greatest threat yet. Since the first film right years ago, the series’ fan base has grown, as have expectations, which luckily have been met. A gloriously animated, emotional roller coaster caps off a wonderful series of films in an emotionally satisfying way. Be warned, however, there may be tears before the credits roll!

Boy Erased 8th February

★★★ ★★

Excellent young actor Lucas Hedges (Manchester By The Sea) plays a young man whose strict religious father (Russell Crowe) discovers he is gay and offers him an ultimatum – go through ‘conversion therapy’ or face exile. As well-intentioned as actordirector Joel Edgerton’s drama is, the portrayal of a sensitive subject has been handled better elsewhere (particularly last year’s The Miseducation of Cameron Post). A worthy but flawed example of ‘Oscar bait’!

64

FILM REVIEW

Also Out This Month...

A Private War

Alita: Battle Angel

15th February

6th February

★★★ ★★

The life of war journalist Marie Colvin (Rosamund Pike) is dramatised in the story of her commitment to report on the biggest conflicts in the world, sacrificing her own relationships in the pursuit of her passion. The film has a lot to say about the power of journalism, and the bravery of those reporting from the front lines. However, in terms of its subject it doesn’t get under the skin of the real life writer. Still, the committed turns from Pike and co-star Jamie Dornan (playing a photographer who works with Colvin) are worth the price of admission alone.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez (Sin City) and produced by James Cameron, this sci-fi adventure follows a revived cyborg who must learn to cope with the present as she gets flashes of her forgotten past. British actor Ed Skrein, Christoph Waltz and Mahershala Ali all join Rosa Salazar who plays the title role. With an enormous budget and high expectations, Rodriguez and co. will be hoping this funky action film will start a brand new franchise and give the likes of Star Wars a run for their money!

On The Basis Of Sex

Isn’t It Romantic?

22nd February

15th February

★★★ ★★

Taking on the task of playing an icon, Felicity Jones stars in the early years of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a lawyer who would go on to become a pioneering force for gender equality in the United States. Jones gives her all in the lead role, flanked by Armie Hammer as her supportive husband, however the dramatised version of events really doesn’t touch the electricity of the real story, as portrayed in last month’s documentary RBG. An engaging film, but one that does a disservice to its subject.

Ever get tired of the same old formula for a romantic comedy? The hilarious Rebel Wilson is looking to turn that formula on its head in this comedy about a cynical architect who suffers a head injury and wakes up as the star of a cheesy rom-com. Wilson has made a career of defying expectations and representing a more realistic kind of movie star, and this promises to be a romantic comedy that will both delight lovers of the chick flick and maybe convert a few haters as well!

Agree? Disagree? Tweet us @closeupmag #CloseUpFilm

65

EDITORIAL

Forfeiture for Rent Arrears Commercial Landlords Take Note!

- Says Commercial Property solicitor Zoe Winfield

I

n a decision that will be essential reading for property professionals, the High Court has ruled that landlords who invoke the statutory commercial rent arrears recovery (CRAR) regime may thereby waive any right they have to forfeit leases.

Landlords who rented out commercial premises under a 20-year lease exercised the CRAR mechanism created by the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and instructed enforcement agents to recover rent arrears from the tenant. The agents exercised CRAR over the tenant’s goods and the stated rent arrears, which came to over £8,000, were remitted to the landlords.

The landlords, however, argued that that sum did not in fact clear the arrears because a £3,000 cheque previously written by the tenant had been cancelled and dishonoured. In those circumstances, the landlords purported to exercise their right of forfeiture by peaceably re-entering the property.

After the tenant launched proceedings, a judge found that, where a right to forfeit a lease arises, a landlord must elect whether to enforce that right, thus treating the lease as being at an end, or not to enforce it, thereby treating the lease as continuing to exist.

By engaging the CRAR procedure, the landlords had chosen to take the latter course and had thus irretrievably waived their right to forfeit the lease in respect of past rent arrears.

In dismissing the landlords’ challenge to that ruling, the Court noted that the Act had abolished the ancient common law right to distrain a tenant’s goods in order to recover rent arrears. That remedy had effectively been replaced by the CRAR regime and the landlords’ exercise of the statutory procedure amounted to an unequivocal representation that the lease was continuing.

Other grounds of appeal put forward by the landlords were also rejected and the Court’s decision opens the way for the tenant to claim damages from them in respect of trespass, breach of covenant and unlawful conversion of his goods.

The above article is for general interest only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on any commercial property matter contact Zoe on 020 8370 2851 or by email at zoewinfield@vanderpumps.co.uk.

020 8367 3999 www.vanderpumpandsykes.co.uk

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