Urban Fox - December 2015 Issue

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December 2015

elfies

WIN

Christmas

£100 spree in Birmingham Hotel Chocolat Goodies

Camera ready makeup

Deck the

HALLS

Fabulously festive wreaths

Carey Something about

Carey Mulligan exclusive

The ultimate

GIFT GUIDE

Don’t shop without it!

Making BERRY

Cranberry inspired desserts

All that glitters Razzle dazzle ‘em

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URBANFOX URBANFOX MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor MARTINA LENAGHAN editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk STEVE LENAGHAN Head Sales & Marketing STEVEofLENAGHAN 07738 614245 Head of Sales & Marketing steve@theurban-fox.co.uk 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk LISA ROTH Head of New Business LISA ROTH Development Head of New Business 07843 851132 Development lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk 07843 851132 lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk LAURA WILLIAMS Designer PAUL BANKS laura@theurban-fox.co.uk Designer paul@theurban-fox.co.uk SHAUN TAYLOR Designer Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to creative@theurban-fox.co.uk

ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content.

Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material this publication, Copyright: All text, images and in design in this the editor can notoresponsibility for the publication areaccept subject copyright. Any veracity of claims made byiscontributors in either unauthorised duplication strictly prohibited. editorial or advertising All artwork is acceptedcontent. on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it this Copyright: All text, images and design ininthis publication.are subject to copyright. Any publication unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited.

All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it in this publication.

As the new season looks hit the high street, local boutiques and online stores; no better IT’S CHRISTMAS! So get the there’s party started with time to celebrate all things fashion and your fun and fabulously festive editionstyle of than inFox. our Retail Therapy edition.

Urban We bring you the must-have items from the We’re going all out in the glamour stakes with new season collections, updates on key trends in dare-to-wear reds, opulent metallics and flat Join the Dots and Pleats Please; plus spring’s 10 shoes with get-up and groove. Then complete best clutch bags in Clutch Control. I also share your party look with our A-list style secrets and my favourite tries and buys for SS14 in camera-ready cosmetics perfect for all those Wish List (p15).

Christmas Elfies.

As consumers we waste hundreds of pounds over our lifetime buying the wrong One A-lister wasn’t revealing any of her Christmas award winning products for that our hair, so Jon Levy, Artistic Director at Tonisecrets & Guy was comes to our rescue actress Careyto Mulligan. with and catwalk how shemakeup finally became with 4 Steps Perfect Discover Hair. We her alsostruggle check out thisfame season’s trends, to comfortable with life in the in Something about Carey on pages 34-35. help you transform your newspotlight season look.

On the home front, we’redon’t decking doors and basically anything that doesn’t If fashion is your passion, missthe outhalls, on our interview with revolutionary designer move with our pick 2015toChristmas interior trends.

Put on barriers the glitzand withwhy a touch Zandra Rhodes whooftalks us about breaking down design the of twenties old world glamour, magical Winter Wonderland simply government should show more conjure supportup to a the UK fashion industry.

And everorwondered what it takeswith to become a personal stylist?

Tinawreaths.

Lock reveals all in this month’s My Way. accessorise one of our must-have festive Finally bag yourself one of our Berry exclusive offers courtesy of Lands’ End, In the kitchen we’ll be Making withreader cranberry inspired desserts, and if your motto T.M. Lewin, Clarins and more.

There’s better excuse to shop, shop, shop! is Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook, take yournever head been out ofathe oven and swap your traditional Christmas dinner for some smoking hot canapés, afterall #ChristmasIsForSharing.

Until next time,

If like me you’ve not yet started your gift shopping, don’t panic, we’ve got Christmas all wrapped up! Check out our Gift Guide, packed with stylish, desirable and entertaining gift ideas from all your favourite local, online and high-street stores. Or for the personal touch get crafting with our great Christmas make-off ideas. Finally if you’ve already come down with a touch of festive fatigue we show you how to save time and money in Shop ‘Til You Drop.

FASHION & BEAUTY

I’ll be taking a break in January, but join me again in February with our Future Proof edition. Until then aIGN DES very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me and all at Urban 16Fox

Revolution approach to Famed for her wonderfully colourful Rhodes design, English queen of textiles Zandra discusses her involvement in the industry

her garments procured by buyers Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and Saks, Zandra has since become the enigmatic textile designer of her age.

W

hen asked to picture a figurehead of the British fashion design world, the vivacious fuchsia-haired Zandra Rhodes promptly comes to mind. So it’s a privilege to meet the ‘Princess of Punk’ in her bright, quirky and altogether penthouse. Awarded London fabulous a Commander of the British Empire for her efforts in the fashion industry, the designer has permanently printed of her mark on the international world textiles.

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easy That isn’t to say that fashion was an industry to crack. Did being a woman have anything to do with it?

“Oh yes. I think women have a harder go road all round, in whatever field they into. The only thing I would say is not to make it any harder for yourself by pointing it out.”

At 73, Rhodes has never been one to shy away from bold prints and iconic patterns. Rewind half a century to the late 1960s and a youthful Zandra’s vibrant designs were considered a little left-field.

Unperturbed, the designer made dresses from her own fabrics, embedding printed textiles within her craft.

“One of my first struggles was the fact that I was a textile designer,” she explains if with a laugh. “People would say that you’re a textile designer then you can’t a make dresses. So I suppose that was revolution.” an This revolution, in bringing together eye for both design and production, secured Rhodes’ assimilation into the fashion world. In 1967 she opened The Fulham Road Clothes Shop, in London.

Just two years on she’d taken her designs Vreeland Diana where to New York featured them in American Vogue. With

41

Introduced to the colourful world of at textiles by her mother, Zandra studied Medway College of Art in Kent, before securing a place at London’s The Royal College of Art.

“I do think that being in London at the time that I started, when everyone was But looking toward the UK, was helpful.

I don’t think that there’s such an equal that opportunity at present. I don’t think our current government spends enough on promoting fashion when compared to the French government, for example.

So therefore, unfortunately, you don’t necessarily reap the benefits.”

Rhodes shows no signs of slowing down. this The fashionista passed up her seat at of year’s London Fashion Week in favour advocating a women’s health awareness campaign in San Diego. Known for dividing her time between bases in

“I think women have a harder road all round, in whatever field they go into.”

8 8 29 Y SORBET e the skin and gh to remov CRANBERR the fruit throu and leave to cool. side a spoon, press CHRISTMAS perfect purée to one pips. Set the g the t, this is the Light yet brigh dessert Christmas Day

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Gene Image: sugar , 2-3 minut in a small 150g caster ted simmer for cranberry purée erries, defros dissolved then the sugar syrup to the 500g cranb re into a 1 add When cool, up andth, then pour the mixtu freezer. if frozen to smoo advice her in the industry, time: until fashion place ng Cooki the museum freezi stir well merges the ng has made.” iner and museum Juice of ½ lemon coming British designers Founded by Rhodes in 2003 r-proof conta es + 6 hours freeze 20 minut litre slushy. Place is of work the re sage. the with showcasing to entrepreneurial is dedicated the mixtu Having also expanded into designing the ice 2-3 hours until 6 the fashion and textile designers s:from to break up Serve Freeze forBecause for the San Diego , whizz costumes and sets and l hours her 2 believe ssor can.

150m “Work as hard as youfood every withon 1950s onwards. Does she its claim m pan has staked in awasted. proce Opera, America freezer. Then, a mediu And has no hard work gets museum has made ripples in the fashion of the sugar indesigner. not only Return to the from the edges She boasts the sugar the English, stirring until crystals. ice crystals to work harder Place 50g industry? boil, thenunfortunately you have and her th and evento draw the museum Heat gently to the to her flagship a fork , bring right at the there sorbet is smoo glass bowls cold water. deedscranberries y, harder to getuse the ionalland also it, but g e until the the home abovestirrin occas and Textile ls. Place in ved. Addpenthouse to the centr es, “I definitely think the Fashiondissol of Miami, ly, beginning.” tiny ice crysta keys to the cities er for 15 minut transatlantic to simm regards to cool slight and textured with Museum has had an impact incover . Allow Orleans. to a smooth and New es pulpy Beverly Hills of us visible,” . the majority years before making the textiles industry more the fruit becom and serve of until ssor and blend the backDebuting proce Sir ‘haute curator pronounce museum food to “The a enough old using in were she deliberates. won’t bowl and, then place a designer But this veteran of couture’, it’s safe to say she’s arrived.

Nicholas Serota recently opened one. Place a sieve over from us so easily. With claimed be purée amazingly been our exhibitions, and he’s

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time: Preparation 15 minutes

California and London, Rhodes has also spent time researching materials further large afield. The designer cites travel as a creative inspiration.

3

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“When travelling you see things, one just thing leads to another thing and it’s fabulous.”

That isn’t to say that Zandra has forgone her design industry efforts closer to home. The London Fashion and Textile Museum holds testament to her commitment to British fashion.

complimentary about the difference

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MAKING

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URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 17

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6. Break up CIGARS C, gas mark the oven to 200˚ pieces and mix with PUDDING Preheat the a CHRISTMAS 1 the Christuntilmassmoopuddth.ingSpoointon into a piping bag with with

pud er Christmas Liven up leftov Day treat ng with this Boxing Christmas puddi time: Preparation 10-15 minutes Cooking time: 8-10 minutes

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CONTRIBUTORS: Jeremy Cahill, John Cawrey, Mark Goddard,3Jake Harvey, Julie r guests this to impress you You won’t fail these cranberry inspired tell Christmas, with se. Just don’t

Serves: 4

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DECEMBER URBAN FOX

Waitro 21 desserts from they are to make! James Lonergan, Lino Poli, Phillip Sharpe Howard, Ali Jahan, Allison Jones, them how easy Sheelagh Powell Jon Levy Julie Langton

Guiding you on cosmetic looks, trends and application

Bringing you the latest in hair style, colour and product trends

13

helping you make the most out of your money 55

URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 5

CONTRIBUTORS: Gianni Greco, Jake Harvey, Zoe Hubbard, Mark Sandall, Rebecca Watts URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 5

December HEALTH & WELLBEING

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23 Party hard?

Survive the party season 25 Great expectations …

… and how to manage them

WINING & DINING

65

27 For sharing

Christmas pick-me ups

HOMES & GARDENS

29 Making berry

Cranberry inspired desserts 33 Gifts for foodies

Treats to tickle their taste buds

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FASHION & BEAUTY

34 Something about Carey

Carey Mulligan exclusive

8 R ed alert Make an entrance

37 Reviews

December’s recommendations

11 All that glitters

Razzle dazzle ‘em

39 What’s on

Entertaining the whole family

43 Christmas past

Old world glamour 47 Gifts for home birds

Ideas to feather their nests 51 Winter wonderland Bringing the outside in 55 Deck the halls

Fabulously festive wreaths 57 Home for Christmas?

How to make a winter sale

LIFE & WORK

13 Twinkle toes

Festive cocktail flats

55

15 Gifts for her

Because she’s worth it

61 Shop til you drop

11 ways to save time & money 63 Gifts for tech lovers

Fun, functional and super cool

17 Gifts for him

Indulge the men in your life

65 Crafty holidays

The great Christmas make-off

19 The mane attraction A-list style tips uncovered

PEOPLE & PLACES

21 C hristmas elfies Camera ready makeup

66 My Way

Local spotlight on Karen Adcock

WIN £100 GIFT

WIN CHOCOLATIER

for Grand Central Birmingham

from Hotel Chocolat

TABLE

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HEADSET from Kreafunk

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LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING THERE’S NO NEED TO RUSH Over 100 shops, 40 restaurants and cafés, and a 12-screen Cinema de Lux If you’re going to be spoilt this Christmas, be spoilt for choice Extended opening hours begin 27th November

Diorific Vernis Nail Polish, £20, Dior Carven Crepe Wrap Skirt, £295, Harvey Nichols

Manhattan Clutch, £350, Aspinal of London

Red ALERT

Elisabetta Franchi

Miu Miu Pleated Wool-Felt Coat, £1,425, Net-A-Porter

Cut a dash after dark with a blast of Santa’s favourite colour. Go head-to-toe for maximum fashion points or keep it simple with a slick of red lipstick.

Marie Jo Avero Plunge Bra & Briefs, £60.95/£28.95, Browns, Stoneygate Christmas products from The Contemporary Home

Beautiful Color M Lipstick, £21, Eliza

Aquazzura Sexy Thing Suede Sandals, £415, Net-A-Porter

MSGM Wide-Leg Trousers, £245, Harvey Nichols

Red Lace Dress, £450, Carven

Ruffled Lace Dress, £199, Karen Millen Lance Sandal, £495, Jimmy Choo

Franchi Elisabetta

Nuhad Bow Detail Dress, £179, Ted Baker

Moisturizing zabeth Arden

Vanity Clucth, £775, Charlotte Olympia

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FASHION & BEAUTY

ALL THAT Make like a magpie and dazzle in this season’s shiny, shimmery and sparkly fabrics. Switch classic gold for deep sapphire or burnt copper for stand-out party glamour.

Efa Sapphire Sequin Top, £89, Hobbs

Bronze Triple Framed Earrings, £77.50, Boticca

Metallic Leather Mini Lily, £375, Mulberry Quin Sequin Dress, £350, L.K. Bennett

Ascent Of Glamour Eyeshadow, £18, MAC

Kalli Midnight Metallic Trousers, £135, Reiss Leighton Denny Nail Polish in Venus Desire, £11, John Lewis

Black & Copper Spike Heel Shoe, £159, Jacks, Mkt Harborough

Rosie Metallic Leather Bag, £235, L.K. Bennett

The 2nd Skin Co

Glitter Nail Polish, £18, Deborah Lippmann

Ombre Patent Court Shoe, £140, Karen Millen

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N I W £100 GIFT CARD

from Grand Central

Grand Central is Birmingham’s newest premium shopping and dining destination.

Located above the transformed New Street Station, Grand Central offers a mix of over 60 shops plus 20 restaurants and cafes, creating the perfect place to meet with friends and family.

This Christmas you could be the lucky winner of a £100 Grand Central gift card to spend at some of the biggest and best brands in the UK, including The White

Company, Hobbs, Joules, Foyles, Cath Kidston and Neal’s Yard. Add to this one of the biggest John Lewis stores in the UK – there’s never been a better time to think about treating yourself.

Perhaps a Grand Central gift card would be the perfect Christmas gift for the impossible-to-buy-for, or the person who has everything. The card can be pre-loaded up to a value of £500 and is available from the customer care desk.

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Grand Central’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 18 December 2015.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and correspondence will not be entered into. The prize is non-transferrable and no cash alternative is available.

The competition may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

Toes Twinkle

We love a high heel as much as the next girl, but they’re not exactly conducive to a Gangnam Style gallop now are they?

So let others totter while you conquer in the best cocktail flats for the festive season. Happy dancing!

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1 Fur Bow Python Pointed Toe Flats, £1,010, Lanvin 2 Alberta Ferretti Appliqué Ballerinas, £482.62, Farfetch 3 Editor’s Pick: a playful yet glamorous pointy toe Dolly Flat with Pom Poms, £595, Jimmy Choo 4 Degraspike Flat Patent Scarabe, £595, Christian Louboutin 5 Sirius Satin Mary Janes, £600, Manolo Blahnik 6 Floral Lace Ballet Flats, £545, Dolce & Gabbana 7 Poppy Lips Glitter Loafers, £200, Chiara Ferragni 8 Seditionary Minetta Ballerinas, £230, Marc Jacobs 9 Editor’s Pick: the perfect balance of pretty and punk Rockstud Patent Leather Ballerinas, £615, Valentino

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 13

BROWNS L I N G E R I E Give Exquisite Lingerie from Browns this Christmas • Free Gift Wrapping • Gift Vouchers • Free Parking in Stoneygate • Luxurious Designer Brands 35 Francis St, Stoneygate, Leics LE2 2BE T: 0116 2707188 BrownsLingerie.com Browns - Dec2015.indd 1

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Boden

GIFT GUIDE

Granite Blanket Stitch Poncho, £69, Mint Velvet Valentino Rosa Assoluto Fragrance (80ml), £92, Selfridges

Rose & Rose Helsinki Wool & Alpaca Scarf, £114, Cavells, Oakham

Gifts

Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector, £16.20 (each), John Lewis

for her Knitted Hot Water Bottle, £35, Boden Falabella Shaggy Deer Fold Over Tote, £680, Stella McCartney Flannel Pyjama Top & Bottoms, £24.95/£29.95, Joules

Marine Dream Gift Set, £199, Elemis

Knitted Pom Pom Ballerina Slippers, £25, White Stuff

Joules

GIFT GUIDE

Acqua Di Parma Colezione Razor & Stand, £245, Selfridges

Long Sleeve Waffle T-shirt, £35, Boden

Colour Block Messenger Bag, £40, Original Penguin

Gifts

for him

Albert Fleece-Lined Slippers, £19.95, Joules

Brushed Cotton Pull-Ons, £35, Boden

Striped Rugby Socks, £10 (pack of 3), John Lewis

Samurai Bath Foam, £13.50, Rituals

The Cyclist’s Bucket List, £16.99, White Stuff Big Pony Eau De Toilette, £44 (each), Ralph Lauren

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 17

3-5 Gallowtree Gate | Leicester | LE1 5AD www.modagreco.co.uk | 0116 2629201 Scan for Offers!

Mane THE

ATTRACTION

FASHION & BEAUTY

If you can’t go all out with your hairstyle for the Christmas party then when can you? Recreate these 3 A-list looks with a little hair-boosting know how from the creative team at Moda Greco.

Glamour Puss

Amanda Seyfried’s side-sweep is the quickest way to earn some serious A-list style points Prep towel dried hair with a small amount of Kérastase Keratine Thermique Creme, distributing evenly to the length and ends.

Blow dry your hair smooth using a round brush remembering to add volume to the roots. Leave a deep parting on one side of the hair.

Apply ghd Curl Hold spray, then using a curling wand, work through the hair in sections to create waves. Curl sections in alternate directions for a natural look or in the same direction for more glamorous waves.

From the side parting, brush the waves from one side and gather all the hair at the nape.

Hold in place using hair pins.

Finally work your fingers through the curls to soften and shape and finish with some L’Oreal Techni Art Fix Anti-Frizz.

Screen Siren Retro Babe

Scarlett Johansson channels the swinging ‘60s with up-to-there hair Place a headband around your neck. Prep hair with plenty of volume mousse and dry in.

Using a tail comb or Paul Mitchell Wonder Brush, backcomb small sections all over to create volume. Spray with extra hold hairspray.

Kate Winslet looks every inch the screen goddess with this 1940’s inspired do Prep the hair with a lightweight serum such as Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum and blow dry smooth.

Next separate the hair at ear level, clipping the top part up and dividing the bottom section into two equal parts.

Braid the two lower sections and tie with hair bands.

Next use a paddle brush to smooth hair from the hair line to the crown and spritz with a small amount of shine spray. We love Paul Mitchell, The Shine.

Using hair pins secure the hair to the nape.

This is now the base for your faux bob.

When in place secure using fine pins and extra hold hairspray.

Roll the hair inwards using a tail comb, and pin into the base of your faux bob.

Finally pull the headband up and over and place approximately 4 cm from hairline.

Finally smooth the hair to the perfect shape using an oval brush and finish with shine spray.

Unclip the top section and apply a small amount of your lightweight serum.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 19

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Elfies No other time of year is more snap-happy than Christmas.

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Eyeliner is a must in photos, but you don’t have to go overboard. Keep it simple with a thin line hugging the upper lashes or ‘wing it’ for a more daring, statement look. Try Clarins Instant Liner, £21, its precision tapered foam applicator makes it so easy to apply.

Blank Canvas

A brand originally developed for photo shoots, Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream, £29, will create a flawless look in front of the lens. Wear alone or under foundation for more coverage.

False eyelashes offer great eye definition. For full-on drama opt for strip lashes or choose individual ones for a more natural look. In a hurry, then apply a volumising mascara. Clarins Wonder Volume Mascara, £21.50, delivers perfect lash definition and will hold all night long.

The camera picks up on any shiny areas, so keep a loose translucent powder handy to touch up prior to any photo opportunities. We love Shiseido Translucent Loose Powder, £36.50.

Finishing Touches

Perfect your pout with Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Love Scrub, £20. It gently removes dead cells and boosts circulation, helping to eliminate those fine lines around the mouth that cause lipstick to stray.

Make the most of your lips with a matte, highly pigmented lipstick. Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick, £23, creates the illusion of fuller, wider, lit-from-within lips.

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URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 21 Images: British Fashion Council

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Hard?

Party

Orsay

The lead up to Christmas inevitably means the infamous office party. If you’ve pulled out all the stops to fit into your LBD don’t ruin it all now says Nutrafit’s Rebecca Watts.

Discover how to survive the Christmas blow-out.

1

Earn the calories before you indulge.

Clean the house, go for a long walk or do an extra gym session.

2

Enjoy regular healthy meals during the day, then opt for smaller portions of higher calorie foods when out.

7

Pre-order your meal if you can.

Selecting in advance will enable you to make more sensible choices.

12

Restrict alcohol intake. Offer to drive and you’ll avoid the extra calories as well as the hangover.

3

8

13

4

9

14

5

10

15 16

6

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Eat slowly, as this allows your stomach time to acknowledge the food and therefore you’ll need less.

Drink plenty of water. Thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Drinking throughout your meal can help fill you up.

Swap buffet favourites sausage rolls, crisps and fried nibbles with carved meat, breadsticks and crudités.

Follow the ‘one plate’ rule. Put everything on your plate you want to eat but no going back for seconds.

Opt for a Christmas roast. Fill your plate with turkey, vegetables and only a couple of small potatoes.

Watch out for hidden calories such as those in sauces. Always pick tomato based sauces over creamy alternatives.

Choose a starter or dessert - but not both - and instantly reduce your calorie intake by a third or … … share a starter and dessert with a friend and get the best of both worlds but only 50% of the calories.

Slow down by alternating alcoholic drinks with a glass of soda or sparkling water.

Switch your glass of wine for gin or vodka. With a low cal mixer it will set you back a mere 60-100 kcals.

Don’t see food as the enemy, enjoy your party night and see it as a treat.

Avoid letting over-indulgence slip into the next day. Get back on track with a healthy breakfast.

Accept that you’re not going to lose lots of weight over Christmas, simply focus on maintaining.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 23

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t a e r G EXPECTATIO

NS

Dreading the Christmas hols? You’re not alone! It’s perfectly natural for families to feel some degree of stress or anxiety. So we at Urban Fox have put our heads together and come up with 5 ways to help you get through the festivities unscathed.

Boden

Be Realistic

Christmas is meant to be the ‘most wonderful time of the year’, so it’s hard not to fall into the trap of setting huge expectations; but this can leave you feeling underwhelmed. So try to keep your expectations - whether gifts, children’s behaviour or family members – under wraps. We know you’ve spent hours in the kitchen preparing a gourmet feast but it’s unlikely your 4 year old will get through Christmas lunch without some disruption. So whether it’s Ninja Turtles – yes they’re having a revival - or sprouts at the heart of the meltdown, just take a breath or alternatively prescribe yourself a large G&T.

Rally the Troops

Don’t be a martyr. It’s quite easy for women to take everything upon themselves and then feel irritated that no one is helping. We’ve all been there.

But you really don’t have to do it all. This year try getting everyone involved in the preparations both in the run up to Christmas and on the day itself. Rope your other half into getting the tree,

putting up decorations, doing the grocery shopping – he will need a list - and wrapping presents. The paper only gets ripped off and the rustic look is in! As for the kids, friends and family will love receiving cards written in their squiggling hand and making mince pies could become a fun family tradition.

Take Time-Out

Be pragmatic about your relationship.

If things with your partner have been strained recently, don’t expect Christmas Day or a New Year’s party to fix everything. But before you rush to the divorce lawyers, escape to a romantic retreat for a child-free interlude ahead of the festivities and take some much needed time and space to reconnect with one another. A little time-out can really add new perspective to your relationship.

Create Balance

Get together as a family and write a list of what everyone wants to do, be it panto, carol singing or simply shutting the door until the New Year. With older children,

“You really don’t have to do it all. Get everyone involved this Christmas” discuss creating a happy balance between family time and time spent with friends. Also make a list of who needs to see who over the holiday period. This is particularly important if you are part of a blended family. Scheduling visits ahead of time is the key to a Happy Christmas.

Play the Game

Finally if you’re staying with relatives or friends over Christmas, discuss beforehand who will do and pay for what to avoid any tensions on the day.

Remember every family has their own Christmas traditions from when to open presents, to the time to eat, so work out a compromise to suit all. Failing that if you’re in their home, play by their rules. It won’t kill you for one year.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 25

The Dunton Bassett Arms Award Winning Pub & Restaurant and Luxury Accommodation

Christmas Menu 2015

Tel: 01455 209 786

3 Course Lunch: Tuesday-Saturday: £22.95 3 Course Dinner: Tuesday-Thursday: £29.95 3 Course Dinner: Friday & Saturday: £32.95

King Prawns, Gnocchi, Chilli & Coriander Goats Cheese, Cranberry & Orange Relish Oak Smoked Trout, Potato & Horseradish Salad Chicken Liver & Brandy Pate, Chutney & Brioche Tomato Soup & Cheese Straws Sautéed Button Mushrooms with Garlic & Thyme Herb Crust. ~ Confit Barbary Duck, Garlic Mash, Red Wine Sauce, Savoy Cabbage Supreme of Chicken, Sage & Onion Stuffing Bacon Roll, Gravy Sea Bass Chinese Greens Crab Ravioli, Sweet Chilli Sauce Butternut Squash, Blue Cheese & Pinenut Risotto Scottish Salmon Fillet with Leeks, Peas & Asparagus, Mustard Grain Sauce

All Rooms Feature: En-suite

Medallions of Scottish Beef Fillet, Diane Sauce (£2.95 supplement)

100% Egyptian Cotton Linen

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Flat-screen LCD Televisions

Egg Nog Crème brûlée Crushed Banana & Raspberry Pavlova

Broadband Connection

Chocolate Pave, Turkish Delight Ice Cream

Molton Brown Toiletries

Selection of Cheese and Biscuits (£2.50 supplement)

New Year’s Eve Bookings now being taken!

Christmas Pudding with Brandy Butter Blueberry Soufflé, Vanilla Ice Cream

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18/11/2015 13:24

WINING & DINING

For

Sharing Forget dry turkey and soggy sprouts because this year Christmas canapés are where it’s at. Don’t believe us?

Check out these bad boys from Riverford organic farm. Just remember #ChristmasIsForSharing

TEA-SOAKED PRUNES, CRISPY BACON & TOASTED ALMONDS

PARSNIP BLINIS, CROPWELL BISHOP STILTON, WALNUTS & HONEY Serves: 12 Ingredients: 3 large parsnips 2 large eggs, separated into yolks and whites Dessert spoon of rice flour 30ml crème fraiche 30ml milk Butter and olive oil 100g Cropwell Bishop Stilton or similar Handful of toasted walnut halves 1 tablespoon of honey Salt and pepper Chop the parsnips into ½ inch chunks, removing any bits of core that feel very woody. Sauté gently in a pan of butter and olive oil until nice and soft. Then purée in a food processor, season with salt and pepper, leave to cool in the fridge. Once cooled, mix in the egg yolks, rice flour, cream and milk.

Serves: 24 Ingredients: 24 good quality prunes 4 rashers of dry cured smoked bacon 24 whole almonds 1 earl grey tea bag ¼ of a cinnamon stick 1 clove 1 star anise A thick strip of orange zest 100g brown sugar

Images: Riverford

To tea-soak the prunes, stir the sugar into 500ml of boiling water, add the prunes, spices and tea bag, leave overnight.

Whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Then fold gently into the parsnip mix trying to maintain a much air as you can.

Cook the bacon, in a pan or in the oven, until crispy and toast the almonds in the oven until golden brown.

Heat a frying pan of olive oil and butter until the butter starts to foam. Drop a few spoonfuls of the mix into the pan, smoothing each in to a 2-3 inch disc. Cook until golden brown on one side and flip over to finish the other. Cook in batches.

To serve, snap the bacon in to 6 pieces.

Cut a slit in the side of each prune, push a whole almond inside and jam in a shard of bacon. Slide a cocktail stick through the middle so your guests don’t get sticky fingers.

To serve, top with some crumbled blue cheese, mix the walnuts into the honey and pop one on top.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 27

BOOK YOUR TABLE AT MARCO’S LEICESTER THIS JANUARY, AND RECEIVE 50% OFF ALL MAIN COURSES FROM OUR A LA CARTE MENU

To book, call 011625 75533 www.mpwrestaurants.com *Only valid on bookings made in January 2016, valid Sunday - Friday and Saturday lunchtime. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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Marco’s New York Italian Leicester

Berry MAKING

You won’t fail to impress your guests this Christmas, with these cranberry inspired desserts from Waitrose. Just don’t tell them how easy they are to make!

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 29

CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY SORBET Light yet bright, this is the perfect Christmas Day dessert Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes + 6 hours freezing

Ingredients: 150g caster sugar 500g cranberries, defrosted if frozen Juice of ½ lemon

a spoon, press the fruit through to remove the skin and pips. Set the purée to one side and leave to cool.

2

eanwhile, make a sugar syrup by placing the M remaining sugar, 350ml cold water and the lemon juice in a small pan. Heat gently, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved then simmer for 2-3 minutes. Leave to cool.

When cool, add the sugar syrup to the cranberry purée, stir well until smooth, then pour the mixture into a 1 litre freezer-proof container and place in the freezer.

3

reeze for 2-3 hours until the mixture is slushy. Place F in a food processor and whizz to break up the ice crystals. Return to the freezer. Then, every 2 hours, use a fork to draw the ice crystals from the edges to the centre until the sorbet is smooth and eventextured with tiny ice crystals. Place in glass bowls and serve.

Serves: 6

1

lace 50g of the sugar in a medium pan with 150ml P cold water. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Add the cranberries, bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit becomes pulpy. Allow to cool slightly, then place in a food processor and blend to a smooth purée. Place a sieve over a bowl and, using the back of

CHRISTMAS PUDDING CIGARS Liven up leftover Christmas pud with this Boxing Day treat Preparation time: 10-15 minutes Cooking time: 8-10 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 200g leftover cooked

Christmas pudding with cranberry 50 ml whipping cream 4 sheets of La Petite Maison Feuilles de Brick Pastry 4 tsp Cooks’ Ingredients Cinnamon Sugar Scoop of ice-cream, to serve

1

reheat the oven to 200˚C, gas mark 6. Break up P the Christmas pudding into pieces and mix with the cream until smooth. Spoon into a piping bag with a straight nozzle.

2

ay out the pastry sheets and pipe a cigar-sized line L of the pudding mix lengthways along the middle of the pasty. Fold over the pastry lengthways and roll into a cigar shape.

3

lace on a baking tray and sprinkle with cinnamon P sugar. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until crisp and serve with ice-cream of your choice.

WINING & DINING

BAKED APPLES WITH CRANBERRY & MARZIPAN CRUMBLE A warming pudding, packed with festive flavours Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 4 Pink Lady apples 50g fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped 50g porridge oats 50g Cooks’ Homebaking Golden Marzipan, roughly chopped 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp melted butter Crème fraîche or Greek yogurt, to serve

1

reheat the oven to 190˚C, P gas mark 5. Halve the apples horizontally then using a sharp spoon, scoop out and discard the cores, taking care not to pierce the apple skin. Remove some of the flesh so that a 1cm border remains to create a shell.

Roughly chop the flesh.

2

dd the cranberries, oats, A marzipan and cinnamon to the chopped apple and stir together well. For extra crunch, try adding some chopped hazelnuts to the filling. Stir in the melted butter and pile the mixture back into the apple shells.

3

lace on a large baking sheet P and bake for 25 minutes until tender and golden. Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt or crème fraîche.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 31

WIN!

CHOCOLATIER’S TABLE from Hotel Chocolat

CHRISTMAS IN THE

KIBWORTHS Christmas is coming! And you could be the lucky winner of this large Chocolatier’s Table (worth £100) from Hotel Chocolat. Bar a stay in their boutique Saint Lucian hideaway, you can’t get more awe-inspiring than the complete Hotel Chocolat collection. Epic in scale, this show stopping selection makes a fantastic party centrepiece, an unforgettable gift or dessert upgrade.

Hotel Chocolat has been busy crafting a decadent collection of brand new recipes and honing old favourites to perfection for this festive season. They’ve got everything you need to make it a truly magical Christmas. For an indulgent treat or sharing around the table on Christmas Day, there’s nothing better than the Christmas Sleekster and H-Box. Enjoy a balanced selection of festive chocolates, with something for everyone, including the Christmas Mess, Mulled Wine, Mince Pie Brownie and Brandy Butter.

Visit them in store at Highcross Leicester, 5 Shires Lane, LE1 4AN

If you’re looking for somewhere relaxed, stylish and sparkling this Christmas then the Kibworths is the place for you.

The Lighthouse and Boboli will both be in full festive swing, so get together with family, friends and colleagues and celebrate Christmas in style.

WE LOVE HOSTING PARTIES TOO, SO DO GET IN TOUCH SOON

TO ENTER Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Hotel Chocolat’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 18 December 2015.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and correspondence will not be entered into. The prize is nontransferrable and no cash alternative is available. Delivery is available to the UK only.

The competition may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

Tel 0116 279 6260 lighthousekibworth.co.uk

Tel 0116 279 3303 bobolirestaurant.co.uk

Joules

GIFT GUIDE

Christmas Spiced Vodka & After Dinner Mint Vodka, £27, Two Birds Spirits

Pheasant and Oak Apron, £24.95, Thornback & Peel

Gifts

Royal VKB Herb Pot With Scissors, £34.95, The Scandinavian Shop

for Foodies Scandinavian Baking by Trine Hahnemann, £19.99, Amazon

Architectural Series Tableware, from £9.90, Bluesuntree, Leicester Stoneware Pestle and Mortar, £33, Le Creuset

The Christmas Wreath Box, £42, Hotel Chocolat

Smeg SMF01 Stand Mixer, £349.99, John Lewis

Carey

There’s something about

It’s been a big year for Carey Mulligan. She has become a mother, been tipped for yet another Oscar nomination for her role in Suffragette and is finally comfortable with her life in the spotlight.

Five years ago, Carey Mulligan was a Hollywood newcomer who had been nominated for an Academy Award for her role as ingénue Jean in An Education.

It was her breakout role, and standing on the red carpet at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles wearing a stunning, bejewelled Prada gown, the gorgeous 24-year-old starlet looked luminous but overwhelmed by the sudden attention.

It seems odd coming from the now far more confident actress, but Mulligan admits that she was ‘so terrified’ by the Oscar circus. “It was overwhelming and glamourous, which is not really me at all,” she says.

Now one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Mulligan is a pro at handling the media onslaught and has become, whether intentionally or not, something of an inspiring woman. The characters she plays, from naïve schoolgirl Jenny in An Education to struggling mother Irene in Drive, all have a quiet strength – overcoming adversity to maintain their place in the world no matter the cost.

Though Mulligan admits to having a rather privileged background, her decision to act was met with disapproval

from both her parents who wanted her to go to university like her older brother, Owain. In desperation, she wrote to [Downton Abbey creator] Julian Fellowes who helped get her in touch with agents, but also suggested she forget acting and “marry a lawyer”. Thankfully, the future Hollywood superstar didn’t take his advice.

In her latest film, historical drama Suffragette, Mulligan plays Maud Watts, a laundry worker who becomes a foot soldier for the Suffragette movement. At first, Maud is taken aback by the level of violence and aggression the women use to have their voices heard, but eventually she too is galvanised into action, risking her livelihood and young children in the process. The sacrifice made by the original suffragette women is not lost on Mulligan, who is herself now a working mother, and she relished the opportunity to portray such a vital part of history.

“It’s one of probably the most exhilarating films I’ve worked on, ever,” she says. “And yet it baffles me that this story has never been told on film.

Considering what makes the cut, we’ve gone a hundred years without telling

their story, these remarkable women who changed the world.”

Away from the glare of the camera, Mulligan remains enigmatic. Marrying Mumford and Sons musician Marcus Mumford following a whirlwind five-month romance in 2012. The pair are actually childhood friends and reconnected during the filming of Inside Llewyn Davis, which Mulligan starred in and Mumford co-produced the soundtrack for.

Despite being a ‘celebrity couple’ Mulligan is notoriously guarded about her private life and was determined to keep her impending motherhood a secret for quite some time, wearing billowy dresses and baggy jumpers at public events as her pregnancy progressed and even after the birth, it would be a few months until she revealed the name of her daughter, Evelyn.

Indeed, this will be her first Christmas as a mother but she is extremely tightlipped when asked about her daughter, who was born in September. “People ask sometimes... actually all the time, and I answer in a very British way, ‘Oh you know, I can’t, sorry’!”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“It was overwhelming and glamourous, which is not really me at all”

One private matter she doesn’t mind talking about is her grandmother’s dementia. The actress works closely with the Alzheimer’s Society and when asked which women she most admires, she mentions both her mother and grandmother, but also the women who tend to her grandmother at her care home in Wales. “They are passionate, dedicated individuals who do a job that is so important, so necessary,” she says.

“They amaze me all the time. I hold them in the highest esteem.”

In 2012 Mulligan helped launch the ‘Christmas to Remember’ campaign at Downing Street, where she and various other stars along with Prime Minister David Cameron gathered to share their favourite Christmas memories. “My favourite Christmas memory is every Christmas we spent with my

grandmother,” she said at the time. “She used to alternate between us and our cousins and every year we were lucky enough to have her was particularly precious.”

This Christmas, Mulligan will no doubt be celebrating with her newest family member, enjoying the simple pleasures of motherhood, Mr Mumford and a Christmas Day away from the glare of flashbulbs.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 35

Friday night is

music night

A spectacular night of live songs from The Shows

Friday 29th January 2016 7:30 start, £35.00 per person A welcome drink, fish based menu, choose from 3 starters, 3 main courses & 3 different desserts.

A spectacular night of live songs including The Sound of Music Friday 4th March 2016 7:30 start, £35.00 per person A fondue based menu, choose from 3 starters, 10 ounces of sirloin steak or vegetarian alternative cooked in a group at the table with French fries, salads, breads & 3 different desserts.

Join us for our special nights with a hotel room only offer of £22.50 a head.

For further details visit

www.quorngrangehotel.co.uk or call 01509 412167 88 Wood Lane, Quorn, Leicestershire LE12 8DB

Upp Theatre UFox advert Dec 15.qxp_Layout 1 17/11/2015 08:49 Page 1

Haven’t booked your Christmas party yet?

We have a few places left Thursday night Festive Carvery incl’ live music - £25 per person Festive main course,desserts, tea, coffee & mince pies.

Follow us on:

Uppingham Theatre

Bringing Rutland to Life with Arts and Entertainment

.............................................................................................................................................

Thursday 10 December at 7.30pm

Frank Sinatra – The Movie Years Award-winning singer Robert Habermann tells the story of Frank Sinatra’s film career with lots of stories and anecdotes, singing Ol’ Blue Eyes’ greatest movie songs. Songs Include: ‘The Lady is a Tramp’, ‘The Tender Trap’, ‘High Hope’, ‘Ol’ Man River’, ‘You’re Sensational’, ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ the Oscar Winner ‘All the Way’ and many more.

.............................................................................................................................................

Friday 11 December at 7.30pm

Best of the Fest Part 2

Our second Edinburgh Festival comedy night, with another three fantastic comedians for you. Our headline act is Ed Gamble, a regular at the fringe, He is supported by Mark Smith (who’s been a presenter on MTV2 and written and performed for Dick and Dom’s Funny Business on BBC 2) and Hayley Ellis (who is also an MC at gigs across the UK and a regular sight gag contributor for the Russell Howard’s Good News television programme).

.................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Box Office: 01572 820820 Online: www.uppinghamtheatre.co.uk Or Uppingham Sports & Books to buy tickets in person

film REVIEW

Carol (15)

1hr 59mins Fri 11 - Thu 24 Dec 0116 242 2800 | phoenix.org.uk Directed by Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven, Mildred Pierce) and based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel The Price of Salt, this sumptuous new romance stars Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett as Therese and Carol, two women who begin a relationship in Manhattan in the 1950s. After a flirtatious first meeting at Christmas in the department store where Therese works, soon the two are sharing clandestine dinners and trips away from the city. Knowing the conservative nature of 1950s society and the adulterous nature

book REVIEW

From edible decorations to letters from Santa, it’s starting to look a lot like Christmas!

it breaks your heart fall in love with even as Carol: a film that you

of their affair it seems their time together must be limited, but the two are unable to keep from falling deeper in love.

After premiering at this year’s Cannes Film Festival to a rapturous response, Carol has since gone on to win a handful of awards on the festival circuit and looks set to feature prominently at next year’s Oscar and BAFTA ceremonies. It’s a gorgeous, woozy romance meticulously

put together by Haynes and acted brilliantly by a cast that includes Kyle Chandler and Sarah Paulson alongside the two sublime leads. There’s a certain icy similarity between Blanchett’s Carol and her performance in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, again trapped in a loveless marriage of convenience, whilst Rooney Mara has never been better. Simply put, Carol is a supreme achievement; a film that you fall in love with even as it breaks your heart.

Great British Bake Off: Christmas

by Lizzie Kamenetzky

The ultimate collection with all of Paul Hollywood’s and Mary Berry’s Christmas masterclass recipes. Also includes new bakes from previous winners, plus other contestants. Whip up tempting nibbles like Potato Blinis with Smoked Salmon and Parmesan Palmiers, or get the kids involved with Stained Glass Tree Biscuits and a Raspberry & Cinnamon Christmas Wreath. Packed with everything from edible decorations and delicious gifts to party dishes and show-stopping centrepieces, this is the perfect Christmas companion.

Letters from Father Christmas

by J. R. R. Tolkien

Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting and a beautiful drawing or sketch. The letters were from Father Christmas telling wonderful tales of life at the North Pole including how the reindeers got loose, the accident-prone Polar Bear and the troublesome goblins who lived beneath his house! No reader, young or old, can fail to be charmed by the inventiveness and ‘authenticity’ of Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas.

Handmade Scandinavian Christmas:

by Hege Barnholt

Be the envy of your friends this year by personalising your Christmas with an on-trend Scandinavian look! There are over 120 beautiful yet achievable projects, with easy-tofollow instructions, stunning photographs and full size templates to guide you through your crafty Christmas celebrations! Create beautiful tree decorations, gifts, delicious festive treats and even learn to wrap your presents Scandi style. Then bring this book out year after year to create different looks for your home!

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 37

Coles

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Thursday 10th – Friday 11th December | 3:00 – 7:30pm

INCLUDING... * * *

Local Organic Produce Santa’s Grotto Hot Food

* *

Mulled Wine Music

FREE

ENTRY

For more details visit our new webiste: www.colesplantcentre.co.uk info@colesplantcentre.co.uk | 0116 241 8394 | Uppingham Road, Thurnby, Leicester LE7 9QB

Weddings and Ceremonies

23/10/2015 10:19

at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse

Beaumanor Hall is a 19th Century Manor House set in 34 acres of idyllic Leicestershire countryside. The perfect venue for your wedding or ceremony, you will enjoy exclusive use of the elegant Victorian Hall and the beautiful gardens that surround it.

Up to 120 guests may be seated formally for a wedding breakfast or 180 for a less formal buffet.

Join us to look around our elegant Victorian house and gardens at one of our wedding open days.

Saturday 16 January & Sunday 28 February 2016 11am-3pm For more information or to arrange a viewing please call us on 01509 890119 or visit www.beaumanorhall.co.uk Find us on facebook Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Leicestershire, LE12 8TX

P0665

Coles.indd 1

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON

Jane Eyre, 8 Dec, Cinema De Lux

DECEMBER 2015

Chotto Desh Fri 4 - Sat 5 Dec Curve Theatre Tickets £8-£12 curveonline.co.uk

This magical, thrilling and poignant dance theatre production for children is adapted from Akram Khan’s award-winning Desh.

Chotto Desh, meaning ‘small homeland’, draws on Khan’s unique quality of cross-cultural storytelling,

creating a compelling tale of a young man’s dreams and memories from Britain to Bangladesh. Using a magical weave of dance, text, visuals and sound, this production is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit in the modern world.

Recommended for children aged 7+ and their families.

Clarendon Park Christmas Fair Sun 6 Dec

Queens Road Free Event Start your Christmas shopping here with over 50 stalls selling fabulous crafts, gifts and delicious homemade treats, plus a whole host of local stores opening especially for the day. Featuring live music on Queens Road, at Bar Dos and The Donkey, and children’s fairground rides, plus new for this year, a treasure hunt on Clarendon Park Road. Don’t miss being part of the festive spirit this Christmas. Event runs from 11.00 – 17.00. For more details visit facebook.com/ clarendonpark.christmasfair

Wreath Workshop

Sun 6 Dec Newarke Houses Museum Tickets £18 visitleicester.info

Wreath Workshop, 6 Dec, Newarke Houses Museum

In the historic setting of Newarke Houses museum, enjoy views of the winter gardens, whilst creating your own unique traditional Christmas wreath. This

workshop will give you all the materials, expertise, and inspiration that you need.

Enjoy mince pies, traditional wassail (alcohol free), tea and coffee throughout. To book please call 0116 225 4980.

Fee includes all materials and refreshments. Event runs from 14.00 - 16.30.

Sherlock Holmes Sun 6 Dec The Guildhall Tickets £10-£12 visitleicester.info

The Baroque Theatre Company presents the poignant, humorous and atmospheric Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol . Literature’s favourite quirky detective is infused with the spirit of a crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge in this festive Victorian theatrical treat. After failed attempts by Dr. Watson to cheer Holmes into celebrating the holiday season, the unrepentant, illtempered detective is forced to deduce the facts and solve the most important mystery of his life – past, present URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 39

The Nutcracker, 13 Dec, Phoenix

to squish them and squiggle them and make them disappear. But one brave young boy and his grandmother have a plan to get rid of the witches for good… if only they can avoid being turned into mice. Directed by Curve Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster, The Witches features a hugely talented cast of actor-musicians and mind boggling illusions that will leave you flabbergasted! Recommended for children aged 7+ and their brave grownups.

The Magical Xmas Tree Wed 9 Dec The Guildhall Tickets £12 visitleicester.info

and future. Experience a magical mix of Dickens and Doyle within this exhilarating visual and audio feast. For audiences aged 10+. To book, please call 0116 253 2569.

Jane Eyre

Tue 8 Dec Cinema De Lux Tickets £11-£14.50 showcasecinemas.co.uk Almost 170 years on, Charlotte Brontë’s story of the trailblazing Jane is as inspiring as ever. This bold and dynamic production uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment on her own terms. From her beginnings as a destitute orphan, Jane Eyre’s spirited heroine faces life’s obstacles head-on, surviving poverty, injustice and the discovery of bitter betrayal before taking the ultimate decision to follow her heart. See this celebrated production performed live via satellite from the illustrious National Theatre.

The Magical Christmas Tree Tour is Pete Morton, Emily Sanders, Chris Parkinson and a tree! Not just any old Christmas tree, but a very magical one. After five successful seasons touring the UK, this show is a festive treat, where the audience pick scrolls from the tree and make every night a unique occasion!

This high-flying trio - a singer/songwriter extraordinaire, a superb fiddler and one of the folk scene’s most sought-after instrumentalists - deliver a richly textured collection of vibrant new songs, beautiful old carols and stunning instrumentals. To book, please call 0116 253 2569.

The Nutcracker Sun 13 Dec Phoenix

The Witches

Wed 9 Dec - Sun 10 Jan The Curve Tickets £12-£16 curveonline.co.uk This Christmas, Roald Dahl’s scariest book is brought to life in a tremendously terrifying treat for the whole family.

Witches absolutely detest children. They find them revolting and are planning to wipe them out like weasels! They want

Chotto Desh, 4-5 Dec, Curve

Tickets £13-£15 phoenix.org.uk On Christmas Eve, Marie is given a wooden nutcracker as a gift. When the clock strikes midnight, the nutcracker transforms into a prince and saves Marie from the Mouse King and his army.

Part of the ‘Stage on Screen’ series, this beloved holiday classic will enchant the whole family with its fairy-tale setting and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. The Bolshoi’s version of The Nutcracker has a unique and beautiful sense of romance, danced by the heroic Denis Rodkin as the courageous prince and the magical Anna Nikulina as Marie.

A Victorian Christmas Past Fri 18 Dec The Guildhall Tickets £5-£9 visitleicester.info

Join Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and a host of other characters for a festive evening of carol singing, parlour games, shadow puppetry and stories from the pen of Mr Hans Christian Anderson to discover how the Victorians invented the modern Christmas.

Featuring The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Tinderbox, The Little Match Girl and a special guest appearance from Father Christmas this is the perfect family outing. To book, please call 0116 253 2569.

A ISON I NTERIOR S t he Lif eSTYLE store

DON’T MISS THE

BIG JANUARY SALE

EVERYBODY NEEDS

TO PUT THEIR FEET UP 37 - 41 LONDON ROAD, OADBY, LEICESTER , LE2 5DL

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HOMES & GARDENS

Past CHRISTMAS

It’s the most glamorous time of year. Give your home the old razzle dazzle with a decadent mood evocative of the roaring twenties, says Zoe Hubbard, Interior Designer at Maison Interiors.

Putting on the Glitz

Images: M&S

Opulent jewel shades, sumptuous textures and shimmering metallic accents are key to creating an indulgent Christmas look. Use a bright jewel colour – such as maroon, turquoise, emerald or even raspberry pink liberally throughout your festive theme.

Accessorise with gold and silver, adding a touch of old-world glamour through the use of rich fabrics such as velvet, satin and fur.

Shape Up

The Art Deco style of the 1920’s is synonymous with geometric and angular shapes, stepped forms and chevron patterns. Other design elements include shell, flower and sunrise motifs. If your home already boasts these original features, lucky you, but do consider adding some contemporary touches to avoid a museum like vibe. Not so lucky?

Then dial it up with streamline furniture in highly polished wood or lacquer.

There are a number of tasteful replicas on the high street right now.

“Can’t repeat the past?

Why of course you can!”

F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Drinks Anyone?

Get into the spirit with a 20’s style cocktail party. A perfect opportunity to use that mixology set you got for Christmas last year. Serve martinis and champagne cocktails in crystal glasses or alternatively use little teacups and saucers, the traditional way to serve alcohol at a speakeasy back in the Roaring Twenties. Keep food simple, arranging delicious canapés on metallic platters and glass plates. Finally don’t forgot to recreate the sounds of the era with a little light jazz.

Time to Indulge

For that lavish Deco look, your Christmas table should take centre stage! Dress with crystal coupes, delicate china and silk napkins. Show off with a striking peacock feather centrepiece, candelabras and use tiered metallic serving trays to add height and extra visual impact. And why not try making your own place settings. All you need is some black card and a silver or gold paint pen.

Branch Out

Whether real or artificial, for that vintage feel opt for a tree with a blue hue. Then go all out and completely coat your tree in mother of pearl, metallic and glass ornaments. Jewel colour decorations in various geometric shapes and patterns also work well.

Finally ditch the tinsel in favour of lux feather bowers and swathe the tree in starry twinkle lights.

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 43

IMPORTERS • INSTALLERS • RETAILERS • WHOLESALERS

The Light House

YOUR LOCAL LIGHTING SPECIALIST

LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE

107A/B Hinckley Road, Leicester LE3 OTD

www.lighthouse-leicester.co.uk sales@lighthouse-leicester.co.uk 0116 233 0303 • Mon - Sat 9 - 5 • Sun 11 - 4

Lighthouse - Dec15.indd 1

18/11/2015 09:41

Contemporary and Mid-Century Modern Furnishings, Lighting and Homewares www.bluesuntree.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ sales@bluesuntree.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ +44 (0) 116 267 0267

White Stuff

GIFT GUIDE

Vera Wang Treasures Photo Frame, £40, Wedgewood Breaking Dawn Large Lampshade, £190, Anna Jacobs

Gifts

Simpatico Hobnail Class Candle, £36, Amara

for Home Birds Karlsson Table Clock Book, £26, Houseology Grey Multi Spot Cushion, £42, Bluesuntree, Leicester

Revival DAB, £170, Roberts Radio Bluebellgray Knapdale Throw, £125, John Lewis

Large Bamboo Display Bowl Teal, £16, Oliver Bonas

Personalised Family Values Print, £37, Betsy Benn Designs

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 47

37 - 40

TELEPHONE: 01509 212554

OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY

LOWE’S FURNISHING SHOP AT LOUGHBOROUGH

•

CHURCH GATE

Lowe's Furnishing.indd 1

•

LOUGHBOROUGH

•

LE11 1UE 19/11/2015 10:47

Bringing Your Transformation Ideas to Life

Specialists in bespoke windows, doors, orangeries, cutting edge glass, timber and hybrid products.

Factory & Showroom Pontefract, West Yorkshire t: 0333 323 9601

w: www.totali.uk.com

Office & Showroom Rothley, Leicestershire e: info@totali.uk.com

0116 255 5745 WWW.DEWHIRSTKITCHENS.CO.UK OUR LEICESTERSHOWROOM IS LOCATED AT 98 GRANBY STREET, LEICESTER LE1 1DU

encer Marks & Sp

HOMES & GARDENS

1

2

Johanna Johnson

4

3

WINTER

Wonderland 5

Transform your dining room into a snowy landscape with frosted pine cones, hints of sparkle and a cool palette of silver, white and grey.

6

7

9 8

1 L’Objet Platinum Perlee Dinner Plate, £195, Amara 2 L’Objet Platinum Perlee Napkin Rings, £147 (set of 4), Amara 3 Geometric Copper and Vine & Pearl Bauble, £4 (each), The Contemporary Home 4 Luxury Gold Crackers, £19.50 (box of 6), Marks and Spencer 5 Mirror Glass Trees, £29.99 (set of 3), Retreat Home 6 Avani Antique Silver Glass Etched Placemat, £12.95, Nkuku 7 White Berry and Cone Garland, £34, The Contemporary Home 8 Waterford Lismore Wine Goblets, £90 (set of 2), Houseology 9 Christmas Silver Candlestick Holder, £5, Sophie Allport

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 51

JANUARY OFFERS AVAILABLE

Harborough Lights Lighting Design Consultancy

Add light and space to your home Would you like somewhere to just sit back and admire your garden?

Adding a conservatory can be a relatively low cost, hassle free way to extend your living area whilst adding value to your home.

For more information, call Harveys on 0116 233 4441 Showroom: Empire Road, Leicester LE3 5HE Open Weekdays 9-5, Saturday 10-1 info@harveyswindows.co.uk Ambience ad H109xW150 08.14.pdf www.harveyswindows.co.uk

Displaying the very best in British and European decorative lighting and the latest in LED technology.

Thousands of options and bespoke manufacture offering an unlimited choice.

New Season Decorative Lighting Now Available Open 9am until 5pm Tuesday to Saturday Appointments and home visits available

13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP 1

26/08/2014

www.harboroughlights.co.uk 01858 467716

e id nw ery tio liv Na De

Ambience

14:43

HARDWOOD FLOORING

Over 100 real wood floors on display in our showroom open to all

0116 274 1050 or visit our Showroom at: Unit 5 Euston St, Freemens Common, Leicester LE2 7ST Open: Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-1pm

www.ambiencehardwoodflooring.co.uk mail@ambiencehardwoodflooring.com

Adhesives, oils, lacquers, cleaning products, skirting & door trims etc available from stock

in-toto Leicester 33 London Road, Oadby, Leicestershire LE2 5DL 0116 272 0272 www.intoto.co.uk

PROMOTION APPLIES TO SELECTED KITCHENS & APPLIANCES*

5

SALE

Limited offer period*. Ask in store for details.

Terms & Conditions apply.

WINTER

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 53

Celebrating our

th

R E T IN

ss year in busine

W RMER A W 0 5 £1 ACK B H S A C

following completion of

ALL MORTGAGE APPLICATIONS submitted during January 2016

For more details, call 0800 917 9202 or visit hrbs.co.uk /mortgages Modern mortgages Traditional service YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE Principal Office: Upper Bond Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 1DG. The Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. The Society’s Registration number is 206043.

Deck the

Halls

1

From conventional and rustic to opulent and quirky, welcome Christmas into your home with our pick of fabulously festive wreaths.

2 4

3

7 5

6 8

1 Editor’s Pick: gorgeously opulent Peacock Feather Wreath, £55, The Contemporary Home 2 Leaf and Red Berry Wreath, £7.50, The Orchard 3 Bauble Pinecone & Willow Wreath, £65, Berries and Baubles 4 Midwinter Red Berry & Blackberry Wreath, £35, John Lewis 5 Gold Decorative Wreath, £35, Marks and Spencer 6 Multicoloured Bauble Wreath, £18, Paperchase 7 Editor’s Pick: get crafting Scandi Christmas Rag Wreath Kit, £17.50, Clare Loves 8 Brussels Sprout Wreath, £31, The Contemporary Home

ANDREW GRANGER & CO

Passionate about property Whether looking to buy or rent, we have the right property for you.

See our full listing at www.andrewgranger.co.uk LD

SO

LD

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Stoughton Lane, Stoughton

Knighton Rise, Oadby

• Detached family home • Five bedrooms • Underfloor heating • Mature large gardens to the rear • Adjoining open fields to the rear

• Six Bedrooms • Desirable road • Ample off road parking • South facing rear garden • Detached double garage

LD

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Bankart Avenue, Oadby

East Avenue, Clarendon Park

• Executive detached • Five bedrooms • New build • Generous plot • Good size gardens to rear

• Spacious five bedroom villa • Retaining period features • Three floors • Stunning extended living/dining kitchen • Enclosed walled gardens to rear

Chartered Surveyors, Property Management, Planning & Professional Services Andrew Granger & Co. 10-12 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RD

Call 0116 242 9922 www.andrewgranger.co.uk

HOMES & GARDENS

Christmas?

Home for

The holiday season is often considered the worst time to put a home on the market but that doesn’t need to be the case says Mark Sandall, Joint Managing Director at property specialist Andrew Granger & Co. Here’s how to make the most of those festive viewings without dampening your Christmas spirit.

Curb appeal

Dark evenings and wet weekends can make homes seem dreary. Make sure your property stands out from the crowd; give your front door a fresh lick of paint, clean your windows ‘til they sparkle and clear away dead leaves and debris from the porch. If it’s a white Christmas, clear all paths of ice and snow to avoid any nasty surprises.

Let there be light

Good functional lighting on paths, driveways and porches is essential. It’s Christmas so make the most of tasteful decorative lighting in trees and around garden features, to help highlight your home’s best assets. Inside, ensure all lights are switched on and working.

Keep your curtains open, to illuminate the approach to the property, making it feel warm and welcoming.

Pot the difference

Many gardens can fall into disarray during the winter months. Fallen leaves, bare trees and soggy patches of grass can all look very unappealing to visitors. Trim and prune unkempt bushes and shrubs, and keep those unsightly wet leaves under wraps with regular raking and brushing. Finally add a touch of colour with an array of winter-flowering plants in attractive pots.

First impressions

Remove coats, shoes, umbrellas and dirty wellies from the hallway to make your entrance seem larger and more inviting.

Be sure to air out each room daily and combat any musty smells with appealing home fragrances. Add cosy woollen throws to beds and sofas and few people can resist the allure of a crackling fire, so if you have one, make sure it’s lit and well stoked when viewers arrive.

orary Home The Contemp

All the trimmings

Prospective buyers like to envision what life would be like if they were to live in your home. So bring in the festive cheer and deck the halls. However do beware of overdoing it. The viewer needs to be able to see your house’s assets past an explosion of tinsel. Less is definitely more, so choose a simple but elegant theme that is in keeping with your property.

Play background Christmas music and perhaps even offer some homemade holiday treats.

The great escape

If you’re planning on jetting away to escape the cold this Christmas and leaving your keys with the estate agent, remember to leave the heating on, even if on a low setting. This will prevent the pipes from freezing - and potentially bursting - but also ensure your home is warm and inviting for prospective viewings.

Finally selling your home during the winter months does have its advantages too. Competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed and buyers tend to be more serious, leading to less time-wasting overall.

If you’re spending Christmas away from home, don’t leave your house in the cold!

Tesco

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 57 n Bode

www.ivytimberstructures.co.uk

Beautiful spaces for work, rest and play Do you have a dream garden room? Visit our workshop in Market Harborough to discuss your ideas with our talented architects. Then discover how we use the latest techniques alongside traditional carpentry and joinery methods to create bespoke timber structures to your specifications.

Let us design and build your dream. www.ivytimberstructures.co.uk | 01858 426285

WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | FASCIAS

Love coming home this Christmas You can be sure of a warm welcome with EAS.

Call us today on

0116 298 4251

Showhome at 25 New Street, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5EB

www.easwindows.co.uk

CHRISTMAS YET TO COME At Furnley House, we put your hopes for the future at the heart of our investment advice.

Your independent financial advisor will focus on your plan to put the kids through university, retire to the coast, or simply lay on festivities for the family well into the future. In plain English. No humbug.

To find out more or to arrange a FREE consultation call

0116 269 6311 furnleyhouse.co.uk

LIFE & WORK

Shop till you drop

1

Consider downscaling your Christmas list and agree not to buy for friend’s children, extended family, work colleagues etc. You’ll be surprised at how receptive and relieved they’ll be to losing a present or two from their ever growing list.

La Portegna

Christmas shopping starts as early as October in the UK, with many of us tiring of it long before now. If you’re already suffering from Christmas fatigue, put your feet up and discover how you can save both time and money.

5

If your children are young, save buying big ticket gifts and opt for gift experiences instead – a trip to the West End, an activity break, riding lessons etc. - creating much needed family time or focussing on your child’s own interests.

9

6

If you do hit the shops, make a list before you go and stick to it! Don’t let the Christmas atmosphere unleash the impulse buyer in you.

10

2

If you’re finding it hard to cull your list then how about a traditional Secret Santa approach. Choose a budget and everyone pulls one name out of a hat to buy for. Far less frustrating and time consuming and chances are you’ll have more fun choosing for your special someone.

3

7

4

8

Alternatively ditch the shopping and give a gift that only costs you time. Ironing topped the Urban Fox office poll, with babysitting a close second. If you’d like to add us to your Christmas list please contact the Editor.

If you’re not giving time, then spend some time together. Forego gifts and throw a party for your friends and family instead. Everyone can bring something which spreads the costs too.

If you’re planning a one-off family purchase - television, home cinema, games console etc. – and missed Black Friday, consider waiting until the Boxing Day sales. What difference a day makes!

It’s easy to get carried away on spending money to make your home feel festive. Make your own decorations and table settings à la Kirsty Allsopp and for handmade gifts ideas be inspired by our Crafty Holidays feature on page 65.

If you still feel the need to send Christmas cards then look out for 3 for 2 offers and send by second class post. Better still hand deliver where possible and work off a few pounds before the festivities begin!

Down brand your food shopping.

You don’t have to go crazy, just drop one level to retain quality and taste but save money too. Do the bulk online and avoid the dreaded supermarket queues.

11

Finally whether you’re shopping online or in store, consider applying for a cashback credit card. They are essentially a form of reward scheme, yet rather than giving points, you get cold hard cash, tax-free, every time you spend on the card. The top card pays 5% cashback for the first three months, while others give up to 1% on fuel and supermarket spending. Every little helps!

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 61

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So what are you waiting for, shut out the world and dance like nobody’s watching!

TO ENTER Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Kreafunk’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 18 December 2015.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and correspondence will not be entered into. The prize is non-transferrable and no cash alternative is available. Colour subject to availability.

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21/10/2015 15:13

Cuckooland

GIFT GUIDE

Orla Kiely iPad 2 Case Car Park Print, £39.99, Covers & Cases

Face Recognition Welcome Home Camera, £199, Netatamo

Gifts

Ruark R1 MK3 DAB Digital Radio, £179, Design 55 Interiors

for Tech Lovers Icona Vintage Ecov 310.

GR, £189.98, DēLonghi Vifa Helsinki Wireless Speaker, £300, Amara Jump Cable, 2-in-1 Cable & Portable Charger, £39.99, Native Union

Fitbit Wireless Activity & Sleep Tracking Wristband, £84.99, John Lewis

Technoline WS1600 Weather Station, £87.50, The Weather Shop Kreafunk Bluetooth Headset, £95, Cuckooland

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 63

Wading through treacle?

For Commercial Law and Litigation Services, call

0116 204 7260

19 New Walk, Leicester LE1 6TE

www.hlegal.co.uk

mail@hlegal.co.uk

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Hollingsworths Don’t wade through treacle, make this Treacle Tart

Ingredients • 1 x 500g block of shortcrust pastry (or make your own) • 100g of fresh white breadcrumbs • 375g of golden syrup • A lemon

1) Gently heat your golden syrup in a pan on the hob – once warm, stir in the breadcrumbs and set aside to cool.

2) Grease a 23cm tart tin with a small amount of butter.

3) Roll out your pastry and line the tart tin with the pastry. Return to the fridge for 15 minutes to cool.

4) Add half the juice and rind from your lemon in the syrup and breadcrumbs mixture and then place into the pastry case. For a Christmas look, make some holly leaves out of pastry trimmings to place on top or create a lattice to go over the top.

5) Bake for 25-30 minutes in a pre-heated oven (200 C/Gas 6) until the pastry is golden brown.

Allow to cool for a few minutes and serve with custard or cream (or both!)

DISCOVER THE UNMISTAKABLE SOUND OF THE ABARTH 595 COMPETIZIONE. AT YOUR NEW ABARTH DEALERSHIP.

Aylestone Road, Leicester, Leicestershire LE2 7QN. Tel: 0116 3660134 WWW.STURGESSGROUP.CO.UK/ABARTH Official fuel consumption figures for Abarth range mpg (l/100km): Combined 47.1 (6.0) – 48.7 (5.8), Urban 35.8 (7.9) – 37.2 (7.6), Extra urban 57.7 (4.9) – 60.1 (4.1), CO2 Emissions: 139 – 134 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with

EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. Abarth UK is a trading style of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK Ltd. The New Abarth 595 Competizione range starts from £19,890 OTR. Model shown is an Abarth 595 Competizione 1.4 T-Jet 180 hp at £22,110 OTR with Cordolo Red Tri-Coat Metallic Paint at £660, 17" Formula – Matt Black Finish Alloy Wheels at £190, Black Stripe and Door Mirrors at £170 & Abarth Corsa Front Seats by Sabelt in Leather/Alcantara at £1200.

LIFE & WORK

Boden

Crafty

Holidays

We Brits used to be known as a nation of shop keepers. Handy, given that we also apparently spend around 8 years of our lives shopping. Someone has to take our cash! Research suggests we’ll spend an average 14 hours trawling the high street this month to find 11 perfect Christmas gifts for loved ones. Not me ...

Cool Crochet

Yes, that’s right, crochet. Boshi is a craze from Japan (see, cool) which swept Germany this year.

It means beanie. You know, the sort teens wear. Indoors and out. All year. Perfect for hard-to please nieces and nephews.

With Myboshi, you choose a shape, pattern and colours to create the ultimate, made-to-measure, personalised beanie. Get busy with your own hook.

Or buy them a kit to make their own. So much better than socks. Which brings us to ...

Knit One

Once upon a time, an army of grannies in Scandinavia slaved over complex patterns to craft those toasty sweaters and socks favoured by the hunky models in the Toast catalogue (is it just me?)

Way beyond the skills of us who have just learned to cast on.

But now some genius has invented wool which makes the pattern itself, so even a beginner can knit these brilliant socks.

Show him you love him. Transform him into one of those Toast models. Well his feet anyway.

Sew Simple

White Stuff

Got a foodie in your life? Even if you don’t have a sewing machine, a one-day class will have all the equipment you need to create a unique apron or quilted oven mitt to match their kitchen style.

Hit the haberdashery to find a print they’ll love, or seek out vintage fabric for a real oneoff. Wrap your gift together with a copy of Jamie’s latest cooking manual and you might even encourage a reluctant brother to discover the kitchen.

Print Out

You know those gorgeous hand-printed posters featuring witty phrases in funky type faces? Well, it’s super easy to make your own. And it’s almost impossible to make them look less than fabulous.

With a one day workshop you could print a gin-related witticism onto a tea towel for your mum, a funky ditch the plastic cotton tote for your sis, wooden name plates for the kids bedrooms and your own Christmas cards. Infinitely better than those cheesy/smug staged photocards from your cousin and all for

* That research was conducted by Pizza Hut and does not even include internet shopping

The Great Gift Co

I’ll be using those hours to hand make gifts. They won’t necessarily cost less than shop bought, but crafting is a great way to stay calm amid the festive chaos. So why not join me in some stress busting creativity that’s guaranteed to impress the recipients?

less than you’d spend on lunch for two while Christmas shopping in town.

Try it. You might get hooked. And this time next year you could be the proud keeper of your own shop on Folksy.com Kerching!

Happy Craftmas!

You’ll find more information at leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk, knitone.uk.com, thesewingcafe. co.uk, ruthsinger.com, leicesterprintworkshop.com, nickgraphic.wordpress.com

URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2015 65

There’s nothing like a cottage by the sea as my cosy Christmas escape Favourite Christmas Tun e

Merry Christmas Everybody, Slade Tree Style

MY WAY

Traditional red and gold

Karen Adcock “Happiness is a journey not a destination” says lifestyle and business coach Karen Adcock.

I am a Leicester lass, born and bred. I was a shy child with no siblings, but a great imagination. I loved art and writing with a passion. I also had a cheeky streak and remember getting into trouble at school aged 7 for pinching a teacher’s nose. I still have no idea why I did that but I was mortified to have to stand in the hall at playtime with everyone watching me.

When I left school I undertook a BTEC Graphic Design Course at Southfields College. My first job was designing T-shirts in a clothing factory followed by a design job in a Leicester Design Studio designing magazines, leaflets, brochures.

I married Ian at the tender age of 22. We met at Sunday School at just three years old! Life looked very straight forward back then. We got married and had two children. I gave up work to bring up a family and Ian worked full-time as a printer.

During those years, I loved being at home. I volunteered in my local church helping with the children’s work and youth clubs, I was contented and happy, never really dreaming of achieving anything else in life. Over the next six years, I found parttime secretarial work to bring in some extra money but my hours were always restricted with the school run so we never seemed to improve our lifestyle or escape the everyday stress of the mounting bills.

Deciding to have another child to complete our family seemed a great idea at the time but when we were blessed with twins, we wondered who was having the last laugh. As our family grew, so did our outgoings. I initially set up an online party shop, however I worked long hours for little profit so

I branched out into social media instead, finding clients who paid for me to update their Facebook & Twitter accounts.

Festive Treat

Iced mince pies

Best Present Ever

Furry slipper boots Party Style

Lipsy

Festive Beauty Brand

Forever ‘Flawless’ make-up Best christmas ever

When my first child was born Christmas escape

A cosy cottage by the sea

Then 2 years ago I stumbled across my dream job under the umbrella of Forever Living, which enables individuals to run their own business from home, recommending health and wellness products. It was the flexible role I’d been waiting for, offering an exciting career alongside a large family and busy lifestyle.

Since then, I have gained more confidence, made new friends and have even travelled to Singapore and Dubai speaking in front of large groups of people, something I could never have done two years ago. I now tell my children they can achieve anything they want in life.

My greatest pleasure comes from helping others to make a change in their lives. I show people how to be more creative with their time and build a residual business of their own in the nooks and crannies of their day. It’s so rewarding to see their lives transform in so many ways.

As for next year, it already looks very exciting with incentive trips with my team to Greece and South Africa on the horizon.

Roll on 2016!

LEICESTER • LOUGHBOROUGH • MARKET HARBOROUGH • LONDON

Andrew Granger & Co. Your sales & lettings agents across Leicestershire

RURAL • COMMERCIAL • PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT • SURVEYS & VALUATIONS

For expert advice call:

0116 2429922 / 01858 431315 / 01509 235534 www.andrewgranger.co.uk