URBANFOX Join the conversation
December 2017
WIN
Ragdale Hall Spa Experience Overnight Stay The Falcon Hotel Skandinavisk Candle Set
Let it snow I’m dreaming of a…
Boogie NIGHTS SURVIVING THE PARTY SEASON
O COME ALL YE STRESSFUL AVOID THE FESTIVE FALLOUT
Santa baby
RED HOT PARTY WEAR
FIT FOR A KING
(OR QUEEN) Gold, frankincense & myrrh
Making your property our LD eek SO1 w in
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School Walk, Kibworth
SOLD £332,500
Ring Road, Knighton
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Stonesby House, New Walk
SOLD £210,000
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info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com
priority made 2017 a great year! s LD ek SO we 2 in
The Pines, Bushby
SOLD £562,000
Dover Court, Stoneygate
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SOLD £645,000
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Knighton Grange Road, Stoneygate
SOLD £269,000
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Knighton Drive, Stoneygate
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Hello
IT’S CHRISTMAS! So let’s get the party started with our fun and fabulously festive edition of Urban Fox.
COVER SHOT:
Cabell Cable Knit Jumper, £69.95, Joules
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We’re going all out in the glamour stakes. From red hot party wear, to hair that’ll make ‘em stare (in a good way), we’ve got the answers to all your festive dilemmas. And if you’ll be rockin’ around the Christmas tree this December 25th check out our pick of Novelty Knits for a little extra ho ho ho! On the home front, we’re decking the halls, doors and basically anything that doesn’t move with this year’s brightest trends. Bring the outside in, with a whimsical Woodland Wonderland, or shorten the odds of a white Christmas and Let It Snow with your very own winter scene. From silver spray to crème brûlée, our Puddings of Comfort & Joy will bring a happy ending to any Christmas dinner. And while everyone knows that all calories consumed at this time of year are neither judged, nor counted, Alexis Gray is on hand to tell us how to Eat, Drink & Be Healthy. If like me you’ve not yet started your gift shopping, don’t panic, we’ve got Christmas all wrapped up! Our gorgeous gift pages are packed with stylish ideas from all your favourite local, online and high street stores. Tick. Still feeling the strain? We reveal how to avoid the festive fallout in O Come All Ye Stressful. And if it takes more than buffing your baubles to get you in the Christmas Spirit, Santa’s little helper Sarah Mettrick is here to help you rediscover the magic. We’ll be taking a break in January but join me again in February with our Reshape Your Life edition. Until then, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from us all at Urban Fox. 45
MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk
8 48-49
STEVE LENAGHAN Head of Sales & Marketing 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk
LET IT
Snowflake Decoratio ns, from £5, M&S
HOMES & GARDE NS
SNOW
LISA ROTH Head of New Business Development 07843 851132 lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk
Let’s face it, the only to guarantee a white way Christmas is to creat one yourself. Think e sparkling diamante snowflakes and frosted glass, with touch es of tradition re-imagine the form metallic d in stags and silver leaf spray s.
White Pinecone Wreath, £15, M&S
Tealight Christmas Tree, £35, Sainsbury ’s
LED Wooden Pyramid Tree, £24, Dar Lighting
Asparagus Silver Spray, £7, John Lewis Silver Tealight Holder, £4, Sophie Allport
KATIE TURNBULL Designer katie@theurban-fox.co.uk
11
Clear Spun Glass Baubles, £4, The Contemporary Home Branch Bowl, £62, Kelly Hoppen
Pom Pom Throw, £50, Laura Ashley
Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to 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. Copyright: All text, images and design in this publication are subject to copyright. Any unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it in this publication.
Marks & Spencer
Christmas Snow Flake Room Spray, £3, Primark
Silver Stag, £6.99, Talking Tables
URBAN FOX DECEMB ER 2017 49
15 41
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CONTRIBUTORS: Kirsty France, Alexis Gray, Gianni Greco, Jake Harvey, Sarah Mettrick URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 5
December 11
HEALTH & WELLBEING
53 48
25 Eat, drink & be healthy Gym bags and gladrags 27 O come all ye stressful Avoid the festive fallout
WINING & DINING 29 Puddings of comfort & joy Serve up a showstopper
LIFE & WORK 34 Snow business… Rebecca Ferguson interview 37 Christmas spirit Where is the love? 39 Boogie nights Surviving the party season
FASHION & BEAUTY
HOMES & GARDENS
8 Santa baby Red hot party wear
41 Gifts for home birds Ideas to feather their nests
11 Blue Christmas She wore blue velvet
45 Woodland wonderland Into the woods
13 Novelty knits 'Tis the season to be jolly 15 Gifts for her Because she’s worth it
48 L et it snow I’m dreaming of a…
29
53 D eck the halls Spruce up your home
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 57 What’s on Entertaining the whole family 61 Reviews December’s recommendations
17 Gifts for him Indulge the men in your life
PEOPLE & PLACES
19 Fit for a king (or queen) Gold, frankincense & myrrh
65 Home for Xmas? Cool yule escapes
21 How to party hair A guide to party-worthy hair
66 My way Local spotlight on Lottie Davies
WIN SPA EXPERIENCE at Ragdale Hall
24
WIN OVERNIGHT STAY
WIN VINTER CANDLE SET
at The Falcon Hotel
from Skandinavisk
28
42
Christmas gifts from Porsche Driver’s Selection. Whether it’s the 911 Speaker or office chair RS, Porsche Driver’s Selection has the perfect Christmas gift for the car enthusiast in your life. For more information about Porsche Driver’s Selection, call 01162 764488 or email info@porscheleicester.co.uk
Porsche Centre Leicester Fletton Close Thurmaston Lane Leicester LE4 9LP 01162 764488 www.porscheleicester.co.uk
Tie-Belt Midi Dress, £190 Mini Shoulder Bag, £90
KAREN MILLEN
Strappy Patent Court Heels, £120
nta Oscar de la Re
Bodycon Midi Dress, £35
L.K. BENNETT
Alicia Suede Clutch, £225
MARKS & SPENCER
Yasmin Suede Sandals, £235 Delent Dress, £295
Suede Kitten Ankle Boots, £69
FASHION & BEAUTY
Frances Dress, £139
Erica Twist-Front Dress, £85
Lip Comfort Oil, £19, Clarins
HOBBS
Lip Lacquer, £60, Christian Louboutin
REISS Francessca Court, £179
SANTA
BABY Cut a dash after dark with a blast of Santa’s favourite colour. We hit the high street to find the hottest red dresses to wear this Christmas. Nail Varnish, £19, Smith & Cult
Rouge Pur Couture, £28, YSL
Jil Suede CurveDetail Shoes, £160
Oscar de la Renta
I
t n a w i l l A hristmas of r C
16 Mill Street • Oakham Rutland • LE15 6EA 01572 770372 cavells.co.uk
Clothes for the individual lady Handbags Accessories, Shoes, Handbags much more. more. Lingerie, Dresses, and much friendly We offer individual style, in aa friendly environment and professional environment
Chapel Street, Street, 4-6 Chapel Leicester, LE2 LE2 5AD 5AD Oadby, Leicester, 0116 271 271 4430 4430 Tel: 0116 www.jeanneofoadby.com www.jeanneofoadby.com HOURS OF BUSINESS Monday - Friday: 9:30am to to 5:30pm 5:30pm Saturday: 9:30am to 4:00pm 4:00pm
OURRANGES RANGESINCLUDE INCLUDE OUR AnnBalon Balon Ann Anvrdie Anvrdie BettyBarclay Barclay Betty Bianca Bianca Capollini Capollini Condici Condici Dents Dents DorisStreich Streich Doris Dynasty Dynasty Emreco Emreco EugenKlein Klein Eugen Faber Faber FrankLyman Lyman Frank FrankWalder Walder Frank Georgede Georgede Godske Godske Gollehaug Gollehaug Habella Habella Just JustWhite White Lebek Lebek Maria MariaBellentani Bellentani Michaela MichaelaLouisa Louisa Naya Naya NYDJ NYDJJeans Jeans Olsen Olsen Passioni Passioni Rabe Rabe Sommermann Sommermann Turnover Turnover Van VanDal Dal
Blue Christmas
FASHION & BEAUTY
Nothing to wear to the office do? For low-maintenance, highimpact party wear, it has to be velvet. Think sophisticated, sassy and extremely smooth!
Velvet Earrings, £9.99, Zara
Samara Jacket, £89, Monsoon
Francesca Liberatore
Sawyer Dress, £199, Hobbs
Primrose Court, £169, Hobbs Hazel Jegging, £45, White Stuff Suzie Dress, £250, Whistles
Carmela Mules, £195, L.K. Bennett
Karla Bag, £225, L.K. Bennett
Stiletto Boot, £39.50, M&S
URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 11
JOULES.COM
O R D E R I N S TO R E O R O N L I N E
FASHION & BEAUTY
From a festive fairisle to all the bells and baubles, we've got the Christmas jumper for you. We might need all of these...
Novelty
KNITS
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5
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1 Tarn Fair Isle Jumper, £89.95, Barbour 2 Reindeer Jumper, £29.50, M&S 3 Editor’s Pick: Will bring out the kid in you Pom Pom Christmas Jumper, £75, Boden 4 Dachshund Christmas Jumper, £45, Yumi 5 Antlers Christmas Jumper, £75, Boden 6 Love Robin Intarsia Jumper, £49, John Lewis 7 Striped Mistletoe Jumper, £29.50, M&S 8 Baa Humbug Jumper, £59.95, Joules 9 Farah Fairisle
Jumper, £45, Fat Face
URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 13
MICHAEL GRUNDY Jeweller • Designer • Goldsmith
Jewellery restoration & repairs Remodelling of jewellery A full design service All work carried out in our in house workshop
A beautiful selection of hand crafted and bespoke jewellery designs.
Email: Mick@MichaelGrundyJewellers.com Phone: (0116) 2745968 | 64 Queens Road, Leicester, LE2 1TU
www.MichaelGrundyJewellers.com
New Autumn/Winter collection now in Brands including Paul Green, K&S, Hogl and Peter Kaiser. Also handbags by Abro
29 High Street . Oakham . Rutland . LE15 6AH . Tel: 01572 757646
Joules
GIFT GUIDE
Luxury ‘The Rebel’ Palette, £39, Charlotte Tilbury
Elsa Fairisle Scarf, £34.95, Joules
Fix Long Lasting Makeup Hold, £24, Clarins
Gifts
for her
Lagom, £4.99, The Book People
Meryl Luxe Intarsia Jumper, £79.95, Joules
Exquisite Treats Cracker, £20, Molton Brown Diorific Vernis Nail Liner, £20.50, Dior
Modern Muse Nuit Eau de Parfum, £52, Estée Lauder Amberley Satchel Dark Frozen, £950, Mulberry House of Dorchester Chocolates, £10, John Lewis
Factory Outlet Shop Opening times Saturday 9.30 - 12.30.
Chrysalis Clothes T NC LTO SHE
D NR LTO SHE
CT ELL PYW
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Leading to Steel Road (A6116)
Makers of the finest hand cut luxury outerwear for Men & Women British Made Since 1985
SON
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Chrysalis Clothes Shelton Road Corby Northants NN17 5XH
British Cloth
www.chrysalisclothes.co.uk Tel : + 44(0)1536 269034
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16/11/2017 16:17
OVER 25 DESIGNER BRANDS INCLUDING STONE ISLAND & C.P COMPANY FROM 2-14 YEARS SALE STARTS BOXING DAY 9AM
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Joules
GIFT GUIDE
Tom Ford Oud Wood 50ml, £158, Selfridges
Mindful Thoughts For Cyclists, £5.99, White Stuff
Collezione Barbiere Razor and Stand, £260, John Lewis
Lambswool Scarf, £40, Boden
Gifts
for him Chronograph 911 Targa Classic, £470, Porsche
Men's Shave & Recovery Gift Set, £44, Molton Brown
Stag Outline Christmas Jumper, £48, Fat Face
Scotchgrain Large Clipper Holdall, £695, Mulberry
Barbour Dry Wax Washbag, £59, Cavells, Oakham
Homestead Slippersocks, £24.95, Joules
URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 17
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FASHION & BEAUTY
FIT FOR A KING
(OR QUEEN) Bring her gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
This captivating, incense-like fragrance evokes the atmosphere of oriental palaces. GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ MYRRHE IMPÉRIALE EAU DE PARFUM, 100ML, £178.50.
Luxurious. Opulent. Precious. Truly the gold standard of de-ageing, this skin-enriching super serum, gives your face a golden glow. LA PRAIRIE CELLULAR RADIANCE CONCENTRATE PURE GOLD, 30ML, £470.
SISKYN MACADAMIA & MYRRH BODY OIL, £34, is an exquisite blend of 18 luxury plant oils, chosen for their ability to get to work quickly, leaving your skin silky smooth and smelling divine.
Precious. Heady. Mesmerising. MOLTON BROWN OUDH ACCORD & GOLD, BATH & SHOWER GEL, 300ML, £22, blends rich oudh accord, exquisite gold leaf and cinnamon leaf oil for a sweetly-spiced note.
With large and petite golden particles suspended in a seethrough base, SMITH & CULT, SHATTERED SOULS, £19, is completely irresistible with impressive staying power.
YVES SAINT LAURENT FULL METAL SHADOW 17, £22, is 1 of 10 shiny liquid eye shadows that burst with vibrant metallised reflections and offer a 16-hour lasting colour impact.
This multi-action nourishing cream visibly lifts and re-contours. Contains an exclusive Frankincense Active Phyto Complex. NEAL'S YARD REMEDIES FRANKINCENSE INTENSE LIFT CREAM, £65.
Reminiscent of the vintage ‘chypre’ scents of the 1950s, this WILNELIA FORSYTH CELEBRATION CANDLE, £55, contains an uplifting mix of rose, patchouli, sandalwood, frankincense and cypress oil.
This REN FRANKINCENSE GIFT SET, £34, FROM JOHN LEWIS, contains a trio of REN's night-time skincare favourites, including the full-size V-Cense Revitalising Night Cream.
URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 19
Scan for Offers
3-5 Gallowtree Gate | Leicester | LE1 5AD www.modagreco.co.uk | 0116 2629201
Images: GHD
HOW TO
PARTY HAIR Let your hair down with these glamorous party dos, recreated with a little hair boosting know-how from Gianni Greco of Moda Greco Hair Designers.
DISCO CURLS 1 Prepare your hair with curl hold 2
RETRO WAVES 1 Spray hair with curl hold spray and
Take 1-inch horizontal section at bottom of head.
3
Place curling wand (I use ghd Creative Wand) sideways below the section and twist wrap hair.
2 Create a side parting. 3 Take horizontal sections and split into 4. 4 Take your tongs (for me it’s ghd Classic Curl
4
Take next piece, place wand sideways above hair and twist wrap.
5
Continue curling every section, alternating between above and below.
5 Release the hair and allow the curl to cool in your hand. 6 Repeat, working around the head, until you reach the parting. 7 Brush your hair back diagonally to crown, then push the hair to create a wave. 8 Use a brush to define and structure the curl at the ends. 9 Finish with hair spray, or shine spray for a glossier, more polished look.
6
Repeat the process until you reach the parting.
7
Frame face at front by pointing the wand down, twist wrapping away from the face.
8
Separate curls using your fingers and use hair spray to fix the final look.
spray and dry product in.
dry product in.
Tong) and twist and wrap hair over the barrel of the tong and hold for 4-5 seconds.
ROUNDED CURLS 1 Spray hair with curl hold spray. 2 Place in a parting, create a section and clip away rest of hair. 3 Place your styler (ghd V Gold or Platinum work best) at the root and rotate the styler backwards, gliding the plates through to the ends.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Blow-dry your hair straight.
4
Once you’ve created each curl, wrap them around your finger and hold in place with a clip, allowing the curl to cool down and set.
5 6
Repeat through the top section of your hair.
7
Once finished, unpin the top section and brush. Shake and separate the hair with your fingers.
On the rest of the hair, place the styler at the root and rotate round, away from the face and glide down. You won’t need to pin these curls.
TEXTURED PONY
Brush the hair back into a smooth pony tail and secure in place. Take a section of hair and wrap it around the base of the pony and pin securely. Starting from the top of the pony take thin sections ½ cm thick and crimp the hair. Continue to work down through the rest of the pony tail. Use a brush or your fingers to separate and soften the crimp. Once you’ve completed your desired look, hold in place with hair spray.
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Have Yourself
A Merry Little Fit-mas! Treat yourself
or a loved one to 3 Personal Training sessions from just £70 this Christmas Vouchers available from Reception, or contact our friendly team for more information. ussc@uppingham.co.uk www.sportscentre.uppingham.co.uk
! N I W
SPA EXPERIENCE FOR 2 at Ragdale Hall Spa
With the Christmas season here and the prospect of spending hours in crowded shopping centres looming, wouldn’t it be great to think about enjoying an evening of pure relaxation at the UK’s Best Destination Spa*? Ragdale Hall Spa is offering one lucky reader an Evening Spa Experience for two people in our Christmas competition. Combining state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture Ragdale Hall offers the most luxurious and extensive spa facilities in the country – with the new Rooftop Infinity Pool (Ragdale Hall’s sixth pool) offering stunning views across the rolling Leicestershire countryside - while you relax and breathe in the fresh air, cocooned in the blissfully warm water. And what if you could also give that gift of ‘me-time’ to friends, loved ones and family? Ragdale Hall gift vouchers start from just £25. With spa packages starting from just
£60 there is something to suit every taste and budget. Gift vouchers are beautifully presented in a special Christmas gift pack and wallet, and are valid for a whole year. For more information or to order your vouchers visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk or call 01664 434831. Follow Ragdale Hall on Facebook and Twitter or download the free Ragdale Hall App for exclusive offers.
TO ENTER:
Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Ragdale Hall’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 5th January 2018. Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is subject to availability. Over-16s only. Travel is not included. Prize must be taken within six months of the winner being notified and is non-transferable. Arrival 6.30pm, departure 9.30pm. Includes spa and 2-course meal. *Good Spa Guide 2017.
Joules
HEALTH & WELLBEING
EAT, DRINK & BE
HEALTHY Tempted to ditch your gym bag for gladrags over the holiday season? With a little forward planning it’s perfectly possible to have a merry Christmas and still enter the New Year feeling fit and healthy, says USSC’s Alexis Gray.
White Stuff
Here’s some ideas to get you started…
EARLY BIRD
At Christmas most of us don’t want to be at the gym, while our friends and family are playing Pie Face at home. So don’t miss out and be flexible with your time. Working out first thing in the morning gets it out of the way, allowing more time with others, while kick starting your metabolism for the rest of the day.
XMAS HIIT
With a hectic social calendar you may not have 1-2 hours spare for your regular workout. High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT is a perfect blast of fitness, taking no longer than 30 minutes. It can be done on a cardio machine, with weights or even just using your body weight. Studies have shown that 15 minutes of HIIT burns more calories than jogging on a treadmill for an hour!
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
If you’re having visitors over the festive period, motivate each other and organise an energetic activity. Take the kids to the local ice rink or ski
slope and join in with some skating or the ringos. If that’s just a bit too energetic, a winter walk is the perfect way to work off some of those excess calories.
this time of year and that won’t be readily available come January. The odd open mince pie (less pastry) isn’t the end of the world.
SQUEEZE IN BREAKFAST
Most of us enjoy a tipple over the festive period but this is the main reason for weight gain over the holidays. If you’re going to the pub or a house party, choose lower calorie drinks. Try swapping your large glass of wine for a gin and diet tonic. Limit yourself to 2 alcoholic drinks and have a glass of water in between. Better still offer to drive and save the calories.
Many people will skip breakfast on Christmas Day, to leave room for the turkey and all the trimmings. But having breakfast will stop you from bingeing and over-eating later in the day. Opt for something high in protein such as salmon and scrambled eggs, or an omelette, which will keep you fuller for longer. For something lighter, try fruit with yoghurt.
SWEETS & TREATS
Be selective about your treats. Try to snack on nuts and oranges, rather than selection boxes and Pringles…once you pop and all that. If you can’t resist a little indulgence - and let’s face it, it is Christmas - then try to choose treats that you can only enjoy at
EVERYTHING IN MODERATION
Finally, Christmas may well be the hardest time of year to keep active and be mindful of your diet, but if you stick to just a few small treats and fit in some exercise, come January you already have a head start on those fitness resolutions.
Merry Christmas! URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 25
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
O Come All Ye
STRESSFUL With presents to buy, food to prepare and greataunt Agatha’s annual visit looming, it’s easy to feel the strain. So we at Urban Fox have put our heads together and come up with 5 ways to help you avoid the festive fallout.
have to do it all. 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.
Be Realistic
Take Time-Out
It's hard not to set huge expectations at Christmas (perfect food, family accord, thoughtful gifts); but this can leave you feeling disappointed and underwhelmed. So try to keep your expectations under wraps. We know you’ve spent hours in the kitchen preparing a gourmet feast but it’s unlikely your 3 year old will get through Christmas lunch without some disruption. So whether it’s Shopkins (or some other piece of plastic tat) or yucky sprouts at the heart of the meltdown, just take a breath. Alternatively prescribe yourself a large G&T.
Rally the Troops
It’s quite easy to take everything upon yourself and then feel irritated that no one is helping. But you really don’t
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. And should disagreements surface over Christmas, try to deal with them as they arise and don't let resentment build.
Create Balance
Get the family together and write a list of what everyone wants to do, be it
panto, a Monopoly marathon or simply shutting the door until the New Year. With older children, discuss creating a balance between family and time spent with friends. I’m always amazed at how engaged they become when ‘Beat the Parents’ makes its annual appearance. And don’t forget to make a list of who needs to see who over the holiday period.
Remember every family has their own Christmas traditions. This is particularly important if you’re part of a blended or extended family. Scheduling visits ahead of time really 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 secret Santa and midnight mass, to when to open presents (Christmas Eve v Christmas Day) and what time to eat, so if possible 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 and next year you can either offer to host or alternatively do your own thing. URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 27
“OH, A CHRISTMAS PUDDING” Bunter proclaimed “Perfect”
TRUST US TO DO CHRISTMAS IN STYLE
Proper food and proper portions for everyone who’s not afraid to really enjoy the festive season. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit spiffing this Christmas look no further.
Tel 0116 279 6260 lighthousekibworth.co.uk
Tel 0116 279 3303 bobolirestaurant.co.uk
! N I W DINNER, BED
& BREAKFAST FOR 2 at The Falcon Hotel
Enjoy an overnight stay for two in one of The Falcon’s exquisite bedrooms with a three course dinner in our fabulous restaurant in the evening and breakfast the following morning. With locally sourced food and luxury bedrooms, The Falcon Hotel is the perfect place for a relaxing stay. In the picturesque Market Town of Uppingham, resides The Falcon Hotel, a charming 16th century coaching inn, recently renovated to create a beautiful home from home. Presiding over the Market Place, The Falcon’s twenty one individually decorated bedrooms, traditional restaurant and oak-panelled bars, create the ultimate environment for your perfect stay in the quintessential county of Rutland.
From weddings and private functions, to a quiet weekend away, The Falcon Hotel’s dedication to making every experience memorable and personal to each individual shines through. The staff pride themselves on their customer care, taking interest in all of our guests. We look forward to welcoming you. For more information visit www.falcon-hotel.co.uk.
TO ENTER:
Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Falcon Hotel’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 5th January 2018. Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The prize must be booked in advance and is valid from Sunday to Thursday only; subject to availability, and excludes Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter Sunday & Monday, May Bank Holidays and Father’s Day. The three course meal can be chosen from their evening menu, including specials, a supplement for certain dishes will be added as extras, as per the menu. No drinks are included in the prize. The prize must be taken within six months of the winner being notified. The prize may be withdrawn at any time.
PUDDINGS OF
COMFORT & JOY Every Christmas dinner should have a happy ending. So why not serve up a showstopper with one of these fabulously festive desserts.
BAILEYS CRÈME BRÛLÉE Serves: 6 Ingredients: 600ml double cream 200ml semi-skimmed milk 6 medium free range egg yolks 30g caster sugar 4 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream 3 tbsp demerara sugar
1
reheat the oven to 150˚C, P gas mark 2. Pour the cream and milk into a saucepan and heat until almost boiling. Remove from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes.
2
I n a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together with a balloon whisk until combined. Stir in the cream mixture and Baileys and pour into 6 small ramekins.
3
ut the ramekins in a roasting tin and P add enough cold water to the tin to come two thirds of the way up the sides of the ramekins. Carefully put the roasting tin in the oven and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until just set. Remove from the tin and leave to cool, then chill for 2 hours.
4
reheat the grill to hot. Sprinkle the P demerara sugar in an even layer over the brûlées and grill (or use a cook’s blowtorch if you have one) for about 2 minutes, until the sugar has melted. Leave to cool until the sugar has set, then serve straight away.
SPICED ORANGE & ALMOND CAKE Serves: 10 Ingredients: 8 easy peelers Vegetable oil, for greasing 5 medium free range eggs, separated 200g caster sugar 250g ground almonds 2 tsp Waitrose Signature Spice (ground) 2 tbsp clear honey or maple syrup, to serve A little icing sugar, for dusting
Images and recipes: Waitrose
1
ut 4 of the easy peelers (peel still P on) in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 25 minutes, then drain and cool slightly. Whizz to a purée in a food processor.
2
reheat the oven to 180˚C, gas mark P 4. Brush the base and sides of a 23cm springform cake tin with a little oil and line the bottom with baking parchment. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and half the caster sugar until pale and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then whisk in the rest of the sugar.
3
old the puréed easy peelers, ground F almonds and spice into the egg yolk mixture. Fold a quarter of the egg whites into the mixture to loosen it, then carefully fold in the rest. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 55-60 minutes, until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin.
4
urn the cake out onto a serving plate. T Peel the rest of the easy peelers and cut them into slices. Arrange on top of the cake and drizzle over the honey or syrup. Dust with icing sugar and serve.
WINING & DINING
PLUM & CHOCOLATE CRUMBLE TARTE Serves: 10 Ingredients: 250g softened unsalted butter 125g caster sugar 125g light brown soft sugar 2 large free range egg yolks 300g plain flour 3 tbsp cocoa powder 1 tsp baking powder 400g plums, halved and stoned 60g dark chocolate, coarsely grated Cream to serve
1
lace the butter and sugars in a P bowl and whisk with a handheld electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until creamy, then beat in the egg yolks, one at a time.
2
dd the flour, cocoa and baking A powder and stir in until the mixture starts to form a dough. Tip onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Divide into 2/3 for the bottom of the tarte and 1/3 for the top. Wrap the dough in clingfilm, chill the larger piece for 30 minutes and place the other piece in the freezer.
3
reheat the oven to 160ËšC, gas mark P 3. Grease a 25cm loose-bottomed tart tin then place on a baking tray. Roll out the chilled pastry into a 30cm round on a lightly floured surface and use to line the prepared tin. Place the plums cut-side up on the pastry and sprinkle over the grated chocolate.
4
oarsely grate the frozen pastry C over the plums. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the topping is crisp and the plums are tender. Cool for 30 minutes before removing from the tin. Slice and serve warm with cream.
URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 31
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SNOW BUSINESS
LIKE SHOW BUSINESS
From spooky Scandi crime films, to one of the industry’s biggest franchises, ice-cool Swede Rebecca Ferguson is currently enjoying a hot-streak in Hollywood.
LIFE & WORK
There’s certainly an influx of talented Nordic stars currently in Hollywood, and, alongside the Alicia Vikanders and Alexander Skarsgards of this world, Rebecca Ferguson is taking advantage of this cinematic chance for her and her fellow countrymen. But why this sudden migration from Scandinavia to the silver screen? “Because we are amazing!” the 34-yearold laughs. “What else can I say? Swedish actors are all fabulous!” Certainly, Ferguson’s latest project – chilly crime thriller The Snowman – has provided her with ample platform on which to showcase the traits native to her national heritage. And with the tantalising combination of working with an all-star cast and the chance to head homewards on-shoot, Ferguson was determined not to be left out in the cold. “I must say, I bulldozed my way onto this movie,” she agrees. “Jo Nesbo, Tomas, Michael Fassbender, shooting in Norway? This wasn’t going ahead without me. As soon as I knew Tomas was working on a script of Jo’s novel, I knew he would create something effortlessly majestic and marvellous. Because he doesn’t come from a commercial background, it’s pure artistry what he does. He can weave an image, he can transform what can be perceived as the most monotonous scene, and breathe such energy and life into it. He’s just phenomenal. And we were shooting in Norway!” Ferguson hails from “next door” – Stockholm to be precise – but the Scandinavian energy that swirled around the making of The Snowman – from its stars and director Tomas Alfredson to Nesbo’s novelistic source material – made it impossible to envisage the film’s set being situated anyway other than a Nordic nation. “I know when there were efforts to produce the scripts before, they were talking about shooting in Ohio, which
is all part of the magic of filmmaking - you can make anywhere seem like anywhere,” Ferguson explains. “But Norway plays such a powerful role and Tomas was insistent, we were doing it there. Oslo is so perfect and we moved onto the mountains outside Rjukan, it’s indescribably breath-taking. The environment, the breath-taking emptiness was the lead character, everything.” And while the recent slew of subarctic cinematic spectacles put out by Hollywood have left some of its biggest stars pining for a swift return to the L.A heat, Ferguson was more prepared than most for the icy conditions on-set – even in spite of lead Michael Fassbender’s European heritage. “I’m probably more used to it, certainly more than Michael!” She says of coping with the dropping temperatures during filming. “I know it gets cold in Ireland but they have nothing on us when it comes to snow. Plus, you’re wearing seven, eight pairs of long johns, there’s a lot of heat in there. Too much! But we had so much fun. There were lots of snowball fights. I won naturally; I’m Swedish, and my blood can handle it far better.” Ferguson’s natural ability to cope with cold aside, her recent rise on the big screen seems incongruous with a modest personality behind the scenes. Though Ferguson had a brief and unfortunate dalliance with a modelling career – “I hated it. It was awful. I hated being photographed” – she is now revelling alongside some of cinema’s biggest names. “I actually suffer from claustrophobia but I love feeling cocooned by the camera when I’m acting,” she explains, calling to mind visions of that Scandinavian penchant for comfort and warmth. “It’s strange how I hated to have my photograph taken and it’s not so bad but I’m not a big fan of it now. But when it comes to acting, it’s about the channel of energy between me and the character through the lens.”
And her newest upcoming project is even more an example of how far Ferguson has risen in the Hollywood ranks than The Snowman. Set to return as spy Ilsa Faust in the sixth instalment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Ferguson is excited to be thrown back into the fray as the “badass” female lead alongside one of the silver screen’s most intergalactic male names: Tom Cruise himself.
I knew he would create something effortlessly majestic and marvellous. “I think everything has been one long continuous blur since then. I’m not sure if Mission: Impossible has ever felt real, considering we’re filming the next one, it still doesn’t feel…like ‘what is happening?’” “But Ilsa coming back is just delicious. She is arguably one of my favourite characters, she’s such fun to play and Chris McQuarrie really knows how to write her and he understands her motivations. For example, he gave her the knife fight at the end of the last movie, not to Ethan, because he was fully aware, this is Ilsa’s fight. This is her conflict.” With some filming again taking place in – you guessed it – Norway, alongside a host of other exotic international locations, Mission 6 is set to be the stage on which Ferguson’s ascent is cemented to a global audience. And although other actors may well be daunted by such a proposal, Ferguson can instead rely on her inherent ice-cool philosophy, and the calming charm of Cruise. “That smile, that dazzling megawatt grin is so disarming,” she smiles. “I think that alone sort of calmed any nerves I may have had. I don’t think I even had time to feel nervous!” URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 35
• Contracts of Employment • Employee Handbooks and associated Policies • Assistance with all day to day HR issues • Learning and Development for all levels of management • Recruitment programmes • Appraisals and Performance Management • Redundancy and Reorganisation E emma.wood@mainstreethr.co.uk M 07713012295 W mainstreethr.co.uk
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Boden
LIFE & WORK
CHRISTMAS
SPIRIT If it takes more than buffing your baubles and stuffing your turkey to get you in the Christmas spirit these days, don’t worry you’re not alone. Sarah Mettrick is determined to prove the magic is still out there.
Christmas - the most wonderful time of the year. We know this because Andy Williams tells us so, and he knows these things. But is it? Really? Now don’t panic I’m not going all bah humbug on you, but is it Christmas we still love or merely the thought of it? Now I love the twinkling lights, pressies under the tree, The Rat Pack blaring out and the waft of cinnamon in the air. What I love most is that warm glowing feeling you get inside. The thing is - it left me - years ago. It got buried under the buckling pressure of trying to make Christmas perfect. It’s somewhere under the collapsed Christmas cake, the attempts to decorate the house like Fortnum & Mason and queuing for hours for the latest kids plastic crap must-have. Well I want my feeling back and I’m on a mission to rescue it.
Surely I just have to relax back into the spirit of it all. Take Christmas trees for example, I watch my excited daughters decorate theirs in the playroom, (we have 3 trees so I have full control of the other 2). I’m smiling while desperately resisting the urge to balance out the baubles. I do well for several hours but under the cover of darkness I find myself groping around re-arranging their display. The shame, and all for my own Christmas feng shui.
I can’t even escape my cooking faux pas during the festive season. Last year I proudly presented the Christmas Pudding to the table smothered in Brandy. Too much Brandy. After lighting, it exploded into flames and set the table alight. I frantically whacked everything with a wet napkin including half the guests. Afterwards my family looked like they’d been caught up in Storm Brian.
Maybe being honest would help my mission as well. When I tell my husband to get me just a token gift surely he knows I don't mean it. I’m a woman. So after he’s finished opening his voucher for a fabulous spa break I’m trying to look thrilled with my new battery heated slipper socks.
"I’m surrendering to the inevitable mishaps, embracing the wonderful chaos"
Now being organised is surely the key so why am I still flapping around like a deranged turkey on Christmas Eve? It’s not like I don't know the date, it hasn't changed for over two thousand years. Last year after buying not one but three presents in October (I know, check me out) I was rather smug and confident being ahead of schedule. By mid-December I still had the grand total of exactly …three presents.
The truth is it’s easy to lose touch with what’s really important at Christmas; by the time you look up to inhale the magic it’s February. Well not this year, I’m surrendering to the inevitable mishaps, embracing the wonderful chaos and most importantly appreciating what truly matters. I’m sure then my warm glowing feeling will return. Failing that there’s always my spa break to look forward to - I bought my husband a voucher for two this year. I’m no Yule Fool! URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 37
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Call our specialist solicitors for legal advice that’s always straightforward, even when life isn’t.
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December
(except Christmas Day)
LIFE & WORK
BOOGIE
NIGHTS ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but you just can’t be bothered to go to the office do? Limit the pain and not your career, with our guide to surviving the party season. You never know, you might just enjoy it!
Put in an appearance
Even if all you want to do is get home, put on your PJs and watch the latest episode of Peaky Blinders, it really is worth showing your face. If you manage a team, go along, have a drink and then leave. The team will recognise that you’ve made the effort, but also appreciate the early exit, so that they can let their hair down. Even if you’re not a manager, yours will be looking to see who’s a team player and who isn’t. You don’t want to commit career suicide just for the sake of a couple of hours of mediocre conversation and an anaemic vol-au-vent!
Identify shared interests
Spending time with colleagues in a social setting creates a connection that may not be feasible in a normal working environment, due to geographical location(s), company structure, departmental remit etc. Social events are a great way to connect on a human level and you might even discover
common interests you never realised you had. And if you’ve been struggling to get your colleagues to engage on your current project, the party might be the perfect opportunity to facilitate inter-departmental cooperation and get some extra brownie points too.
Hone your networking skills
Don’t be tempted to huddle into a corner with the people you know… parties are for mingling! You want to make a positive impact, so make eye contact and listen to what colleagues are telling you about themselves. Not only is it polite but they might be a useful contact in the future. Keep your own conversation interesting and upbeat, they don’t want to hear about all your work problems. And if you get caught with someone who is – there’s no other way to say it – boring, go to the bathroom, grab another drink, or just say, “Nice talking with you” and move on.
Get to know your boss
If he/she is not present in the office very often, it’s likely that you don’t have
Boden
a particularly strong relationship. If they show up to the Christmas party, it’s a good opportunity to get chatting. Don’t quiz them on the forward strategy or the recent round of pay reviews – it’s a party, so keep it light. And don’t monopolise them either. When the time is right, invite others into the conversation and leave the group at the appropriate time. If your boss thinks you’re friendly and inclusive they’ll remember you better, which is great news when it comes to developmental or promotion opportunities.
Take it easy on the alcohol
It’s easy to go overboard, particularly for us introverts who tend to get nervous, only to find ourselves throwing some serious shapes, or giving the CEO some ‘constructive feedback’ by the end of the night. It’s worth remembering that although it’s a Christmas party, essentially it is still a work event, so limit yourself to two alcoholic drinks. If you don’t want to look like a party pooper, spirits are an easy way to disguise what you’re drinking. A couple of G&Ts followed by plain tonics, nobody will be any the wiser. URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 39
Joules
GIFT GUIDE
Scion Spike Hot Water Bottle, £20, Amara
Lavender Scented Candle, £25, Orla Kiely
Homestead Fleece-Lined Slippersocks, £19.95, Joules
Gifts
Merino & Cashmere Herringbone Throw, £139, Heal’s
for Home Birds Carola Van Dyke Pierre Cushion, £89.99, Dobbies Penguin Christmas Classics, £54.99, Blackwells
Tom Dixon Scent Water Diffuser, £85, John Lewis
Raffia Storage Basket, £32.50, Berry Red
Roberts Revival Rd60 Dab Digital Radio, £149.99, John Lewis
URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 41
The Light House
Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 11am-4pm www.lighthouse-leicester.co.uk
LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE
LEICESTER’S LEADING LIGHTING SPECIALIST
107A/B Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 OTD • Tel: 0116 233 0303
sales@lighthouse-leicester.co.uk
! N I W
A VINTER CANDLE SET from Skandinavisk
Evoke festive memories and feelings of cosiness and calm with the SKANDINAVISK Vinter gift set. SKOG, SNO, BAER. A triptych of natural fragrances reflecting Scandinavia’s winter landscapes. Hand-poured into painted glass from a blend of perfume and vegetable wax with a 100% cotton wick and protected by a special gift box. Each candle will burn for 16 hours and each glass votive is designed to be re-usable for tealights. Scandinavians get through more candles than any other nation in the world, using them at morning, noon and night. SKANDINAVISK’s beautiful range of home fragrance celebrates this tradition and the ease at which a lit candle can enhance our environment to create a softer, more informal and cosier atmosphere.
SKANDINAVISK can be found in some of the best design, fashion and fragrance stores worldwide or shop online at skandinavisk.com/collections
TO ENTER:
Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Skandinavisk’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 5th January 2018. Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn after the specified closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The prize may be withdrawn at any time.
LEICESTERSHIRE’S LEADING INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF QUALITY CARPETS, RUGS, WOOD AND VINYL FLOORING. VISIT YOUR LOCAL STORE TODAY: LEICESTER, OADBY, ENDERBY, BROUGHTON ASTLEY. WWW.MICHAEL-JOHN.CO.UK URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 43
HOMES & GARDENS
1
2
Winter WONDERLAND For a spell-binding Christmas, we adore this ‘Into the Woods’ collection from John Lewis. Think woodland creatures, decadent embellishments and a sprinkling of festive magic.
3
5 4
6
8
7
9
Images: John Lewis
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Mossy Deer Head Hanging Decoration, £25 Glittered Pine Cone Trio Tree Decoration, £7 Woodland Owl Crackers, Pack of 6, £12 Mossy Ball Bauble, £4 Clear Moss Filled Bauble, £4 Beaded Branch Bauble, £47 Green & Gold Berry Wreath, £45 Acorn Garland, £12 Mossy Hedgehog, £8
URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 45
AI S ON I N TE RI OR S
www.zoehubbard.com
0116 255 5745 WWW.DEWHIRSTKITCHENS.CO.UK OUR LEICESTERSHOWROOM IS LOCATED AT 98 GRANBY STREET, LEICESTER LE1 1DU
URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 47
LET IT
SNOW
Marks & Spencer
If like us you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, beat the odds and create your own stunning snow scene.
HOMES & GARDENS
Snowflake Decorations, from £5, M&S
White Pinecone Wreath, £15, M&S Tealight Christmas Tree, £35, Sainsbury’s
LED Wooden Pyramid Tree, £24, Dar Lighting
Asparagus Silver Spray, £7, John Lewis
Clear Spun Glass Baubles, £4, The Contemporary Home
Silver Tealight Holder, £4, Sophie Allport
Branch Bowl, £62, Kelly Hoppen
Pom Pom Throw, £50, Laura Ashley
Christmas Snow Flake Room Spray, £3, Primark
Silver Stag, £6.99, Talking Tables
URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 49
Broughtons
Traditional Lighting & Architectural Ironmongery
Harborough Lights Lighting Design Consultancy
Displaying the very Latest designs best in British and from Sompex European decorative of Germany lighting and the latest in LED technology. Thousands of options and bespoke manufacture offering an unlimited choice.
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Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm The Old Cinema Cropston Road Anstey Leicestershire LE7 7BP
0116 232 3175
www.broughtons.com
sales@broughtons.com
Open 9am until 5pm Tuesday to Saturday
13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP www.harboroughlights.co.uk | 01858 467716
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LP-UrbanFoxMagazine
Images: Amara
Spruce up your home this Christmas with these easy style updates.
Deck the
HOMES & GARDENS
HALLS Make an entrance
Create a warm welcome with a full on festive display in your hallway. This rustic design brings the outside in, with its homemade ivy wreath, decorated branches and woodland inspired pieces. Arrange your collection randomly, to avoid looking like you’ve tried too hard.
More is more
Shabby chic
Why have one wreath when you can have three, or four… Create a festive focal point with an eye-catching collection of wreaths. Experiment with different sizes and styles but do stick to a colour palette to keep it looking cohesive. We love this nature inspired display.
Transform a tired shelf or unloved cabinet with a festive wintery display. Create a backdrop using offcuts from your Christmas tree mixed with natural and frosted pine cones. Complete the look with sparkly fairy lights and wire baskets and glass jars filled with light reflecting baubles.
Take a seat
Not enough seats for those extra dinner guests? Don’t invest in new dining room chairs, simply jazz up what you have. A cluster of baubles on the back of an old wooden chair or a beautifully wrapped gift on a kitchen stool and your guests won’t even notice what they’re sat on.
Dressing down
Ditch the explosion of table decorations and opt for a paredback look. Think natural candlelight, festive greenery and snow white tableware. Simple doesn’t have to mean boring. Be creative and make bespoke place settings by dressing napkins with a sprig of fir and a vintage silver bauble.
URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 53
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
WHAT’S ON
The Nutcracker, 5 Dec, Cinema De Lux
DEC & JAN 17/18
The Nutcracker
Young Marx
The young Clara creeps downstairs on Christmas Eve to play with her favourite present - a Nutcracker doll. But the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer is waiting to sweep her off on a magical adventure. After defeating the Mouse King, the Nutcracker and Clara travel through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy treats them to a wonderful display of dances. Back home, Clara thinks she must have been dreaming - but doesn't she recognise Drosselmeyer's nephew?
Rory Kinnear (The Threepenny Opera, Penny Dreadful, Othello) is Marx and Oliver Chris (Twelfth Night, Green Wing) is Engels, in this new comedy written by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman; broadcast live from The Bridge Theatre, London. 1850, and Europe’s most feared terrorist is hiding in Dean Street, Soho. Broke, restless and horny, the thirty-two-yearold revolutionary is a frothing combination of intellectual brilliance, invective, satiric wit, and child-like emotional illiteracy. Creditors, spies, rival revolutionary factions and prospective seducers of his beautiful wife all circle like vultures. His writing blocked, his marriage dying, his friend Engels in despair at his wasted genius, his only hope is a job on the railway. But there’s still no one in the capital who can show you a better night on the piss than Karl Heinrich Marx.
Tue 5 Dec Cinema De Lux Tickets from £14 showcasecinemas.co.uk
Thu 7 & Tue 12 Dec Phoenix Arts Tickets from £14 phoenix.org.uk
Mediaeval Baebes, 9 Dec, Leicester Cathedral
Young Marx, 7 & 12 Dec, Phoenix Arts
Mediaeval Baebes Sat 9 Dec Leicester Cathedral Tickets £25 mediaevalbaebes.com
Traditionally a time for reflection and celebration, what better way to glorify the season than to join the Mediaeval Baebes for a remarkable evening of music, dance and theatre in one of the UK's most magnificent cathedrals. The Mediaeval Baebes will be performing Christmas carol classics from their top ten album Of Kings & Angels, along with Alleluia, the haunting and uplifting title theme to ITV's hit drama Victoria and other contemporary and traditional songs. Experience the ultimate Christmas experience, harness the true spirit of Christmas and emerge your senses into a timeless treat of unique musical beauty.
George's Marvellous Medicine Sat 9 Dec - Sat 20 Jan Curve Tickets from £10 curveonline.co.uk
Most grandmothers are lovely, kind, helpful old ladies. Not George’s Grandmother. George’s Grandmother likes to gobble up slugs and bugs, and is always telling George what to do. But one day, when his parents leave him alone with the grizzly old grunion, George takes his chance and sets about creating a brand new medicine to cure her of her cruelty. Little does he know that his perilous potion will be the start of a rather marvellous adventure! Following the success of Fantastic Mr Fox, The Twits and The Witches, Curve’s magnificent new co-production with Rose Theatre Kingston promises to be yet another hugely imaginative and entertaining stage adaptation, bursting with growing grannies, feathery farm animals and bags of frothbuggling family fun.
Oh, Whistle…
Tue 12 Dec The Guildhall, Leicester Tickets £9 visitleicester.info M R James is acknowledged as the master of the English Ghost Story. He first performed his supernatural tales to friends at Christmas in King's College, Cambridge. Now Nunkie Theatre Company have Shelagh Bidwell
Cézanne: Portraits of a Life, 23 & 28 Jan, Phoenix
brought two of these unforgettable spinechillers back to life. Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad – a tale of nocturnal horror on the Suffolk coast – is considered by many to be James's masterpiece. It is beautifully complemented here by The Ash Tree, a story of witchcraft and vengeance down the generations.
A Christmas Carol Sat 23 Dec The Guildhall, Leicester Tickets from £11.50 visitleicester.info
Enter the world of Charles Dickens in this ghostly tale for the festive season. Performing 26 different characters Gerald Dickens brings his great great Grandfather’s most famous book to vivid and exciting life. In an extraordinary theatrical tour de force Gerald has made audiences all over the world laugh, cry, cheer and stamp as they become completely involved in the much loved tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. Enjoy this Christmas tale in the beautiful atmospheric surrounding of the medieval Guildhall, with a real fire, mulled wine and mince pies for sale, the perfect way to get in the festive spirit! This is truly a not to be missed performance.
Jeeves & Wooster Mon 22 - Sat 27 Jan The Little Theatre Tickets £13.50 thelittletheatre.net
An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books. Join the aristocratic fool, Bertie Wooster, and his dutiful valet, Jeeves, along with fellow manservant, Seppings, in playing a dizzying array of roles in an evening of Perfect Nonsense. When a country house Oh, Whistle... 12 Dec, The Guildhall
weekend takes a turn for the worse, Bertie Wooster is unwittingly called on to play matchmaker, but also to steal a silver cow creamer from Totleigh Towers. Naturally, the ever dependable Jeeves is there to prevent Bertie from making a fool of himself. This bout of inspired silliness won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2014. Strobe may be used in this production.
Cézanne: Portraits of a Life Tue 23 & Sun 28 Jan Phoenix Arts Tickets from £10 phoenix.org.uk
From the National Portrait Gallery London, Musée d’Orsay Paris & National Gallery of Art Washington DC. Exhibition on Screen is thrilled to present one of the most talked-about exhibitions of the year. Dedicated to the portrait work of Paul Cézanne, the exhibition opens in Paris before traveling to London and Washington. One can’t appreciate 20th century art without understanding the significance and genius of Paul Cézanne. Featuring interviews with curators and experts from the National Portrait Gallery London, MoMA New York, National Gallery of Art Washington, and Musée d’Orsay Paris, and correspondence from the artist himself, the film takes audiences beyond the exhibition to the places Cézanne lived and worked and sheds light on an artist who is perhaps the least-known of all the impressionists – until now.
Reveal
what your unworn gems or unwanted heirlooms could generate at auction
Tennis design bracelet, forty-four brilliant cut diamonds Sold for ÂŁ3,050 including fees. 29th March 2017
If you have an item that you would like to have appraised for sale at auction, we would be delighted to provide you with a complimentary auction estimate To discuss your requirements, please contact us by telephone on 01858 410414 or email: sales@gildings.co.uk through facebook.com/gildings or via our website: www.gildings.co.uk
Telephone : 01858 410414 | Email: sales@gildings.co.uk | www.gildings.co.uk Gildings Auctioneers, The Mill, Great Bowden Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DE
film REVIEW
The Disaster Artist (15) 1h 43min Opens nationwide Fri 1 Dec 0116 242 2800 | phoenix.org
Multi-hyphenate James Franco directs and stars in this brilliantly funny new film, based on the book by American actor Greg Sestero about his time involved in the making of The Room - a notorious 2003 film known as “the Citizen Kane of bad movies” that has become a huge cult favourite and gleefully celebrated as the worst film ever made. Determined to be a star Sestero (Dave Franco) meets fellow actor - the decidedly odd Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) - and the two move to LA
book REVIEW
It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas!
o a glorious folly A fascinating insight int
to make it in Hollywood. Failing to crack the film biz, they decide to make their own film and begin work on “The Room”, but Greg struggles to deal with the increasingly peculiar Tommy. Both a laugh-out-loud comedy and a semi-tragic farce about the perils of filmmaking, James Franco is on top form as Wiseau - an enigmatic character who claims to be Greg’s age although he’s clearly at least 10 years older, and
claims to be from New Orleans despite having an East European accent - and his brother Dave Franco brings heart and poignancy to the role of Sestero, a man at first enthralled, then bemused and finally repulsed by Tommy. For those unfamiliar with The Room (and if so congratulations on somehow avoiding it) The Disaster Artist will act as a fascinating insight into a glorious folly. For those fully inducted in their love of it, James Franco’s film will be something to revel in, totally immersed in the bizarre world of Tommy Wisaeu.
The Christmas Chronicles
by Nigel Slater From the BBC1 presenter and bestselling author of Eat, The Kitchen Diaries and Toast comes a new book featuring everything you need for the winter solstice. The Christmas Chronicles is the story of Nigel Slater’s love of winter, the scent of fir and spruce, ghost stories read with a glass of sloe gin, and beeswax candles with shadows dancing on the ceiling. With recipes, decorations, fables and quick fireside suppers, Nigel guides you through the essential preparations for Christmas and the New Year, with everything you need to enjoy the winter months.
The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k
by Sarah Knight Are you stressed out, overbooked and underwhelmed by life? Fed up with pleasing everyone else before you please yourself? Then it’s time to stop giving a f**k. This irreverent and practical book, explains how to rid yourself of unwanted obligations, shame and guilt – and give your f**ks instead to people and things that make you happy. With a bonus section on how to save your sanity over the holiday season, the simple ‘Not Sorry Method’ for mental decluttering, will free you to spend your time, energy and money on the things that really matter.
Scandi Christmas
by Christiane Bellstedt Myers Christiane Bellstedt Myers has developed a beautiful collection of Christmas essentials using natural materials and a traditional colour scheme. The book covers a wide range of crafts including collage, embroidery, sewing and baking; taking inspiration from Scandinavian traditions to bring the magic of hygge to your holiday celebrations. From paper cone decorations and twig candle holders, to a pretty mitten garland and scented cookie wreath, why not get your family involved and create some special Christmas memories.
Weddings and Ceremonies RE TRE AT S
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One stop shop for wedding planning Leicestershire Registration Service is a trusted provider of civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies. We have the experience and pleasure of delivering over 2000 statutory wedding and civil partnership ceremonies every year. We believe that your wedding day should be one of the most exciting and memorable days of your life – and Leicestershire Registration Service can make that happen. We understand how stressful a wedding can be and we want your ceremony to be perfect. To make things run smoother we have developed our Celebrate in Leicestershire website containing all the support and advice you may need to make your day as special as you. www.celebrateinleicestershire.co.uk can be used by couples at any stage of their wedding planning: • Easy to understand guide to the legal formalities • Find local wedding suppliers or services
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FOR XMAS? Christmas is a magical time when all the family can get together… isn’t it? The day might start well, but give it a few hours and you can bet that everyone will be getting on each other’s nerves. It’s tempting to just run away, but could you actually do it, asks Kirsty France?
Three’s a crowd
When you don’t have children to deal with, you could be expected to be flexible about where you spend Christmas. After all, it’s not like you’ll have a tantrum if you’re out of your normal routine. Probably. But negotiations about which set of parents you spend Christmas Day with could baffle the UN and that’s before you’ve even thought about the extended family. The easy solution is just to book a trip away. You can go and see everyone beforehand then spend your Christmas break relaxing. You could book a cosy cottage in the UK and snuggle up in front of a log fire or even go long haul for a proper holiday. I had a fantastic Christmas in New Zealand with my husband, although getting sunburnt on Boxing Day was a bit odd…and painful!
Family time
Of course, there’s nothing to stop you running away from it all with the children too. You can fly off somewhere exotic if you like, but I love the idea of a few days away somewhere closer to home. I love visiting the Lake District for some winter walking, or Norfolk is beautiful and you can have a Christmas Day visit to the beach if you fancy it. The best thing about a Christmas away with the kids is that you can choose which traditions you want to keep, if any. You don’t have to watch the Queen’s Speech to keep your granny happy. Best of all, if you fancy spending the day in your pyjamas eating pizza, you can.
Everyone together
What if you have the opposite problem? Maybe you want to get everyone
together but no-one has the room to host. If you just want to get the extended family together for a few days there are loads of options for large groups. You don’t even have to travel far if you don’t want to. When I turned 40 I decided I wanted a house party, just not in my house. I found a great barn conversion in Derbyshire that had room for everyone to get together but still have their own space.
Staying put
Finally, maybe you’d love a break but your budget won’t stretch to a holiday, or perhaps you’d rather just sleep in your own bed. You could do the rounds of the family before Christmas but let them know that you’re spending the day with your other half and the kids. Make up an excuse if you need to! Then you can spend your holiday exactly as you want. Like most people, I’m great at being a tourist when I go away, but terrible at discovering what’s on my doorstep. I’m at home for Christmas this year but I feel a trip to the tourist information centre coming on. Whether you’re running away or staying put this Christmas, I hope it’s a great one! URBAN FOX DECEMBER 2017 65
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My makeup collection Last book read
MY WAY
Lottie Davies
“I want to offer a real experience, pushing the boundaries of salons as we know them”, says Aroha owner Lottie Davies. I was born in Leicester and grew up in Great Bowden, Market Harborough. Mine was a close knit family, with Mum, Dad and little brother (I say little but he’s 18 now and a foot taller than me) Huw. I’ve always been a girly girl and have early memories of painting Nanna’s nails, plaiting hair, and refusing to wear anything but pretty dresses! I attended Leicester High School for Girls, and then went onto Stamford School where I took my A-levels in Geography, Textiles, Politics & Government, and Home Economics. I had a place lined up to study Geography at university but it just didn’t feel right, so at the last minute, I signed up for a beauty course instead and haven’t looked back! I’d always wanted to travel, so with my Level 2 NVQ I went to New Zealand and got my first job at the Skin Delicious Day Spa. I loved it there and gained so much experience. When I came back to the UK, I studied at Burghley Academy for my Level 3 qualification as well as working in a salon and doing some mobile work.
I’d always wanted to have a place of my own, so when the opportunity arose in 2016, it felt like a natural progression. The name ‘Aroha’ I learnt when I was in New Zealand. It directly translates as ‘love’ but it means much more than that. It means to seek and draw out the best in people, to reject greed, ignorance and encourage generous actions. It was this that inspired both the name and concept of Aroha Beauty House. You can’t serve from an empty vessel, and so at Aroha we aim to restore and rejuvenate, offering a place of calm, tranquillity and escapism. We like to keep things close to nature, and this translates through our certified organic spa and beauty treatments and hydro-bath infusions. I want to offer a real experience, pushing the boundaries of salons as we know them. We might not play whale music or wear traditional tunics but we do have a hydrotherapy room and log burner! Taking on Gaby and then Rosie as my first employees were big steps, but the girls are amazing and I couldn’t be
‘In the Company of Women’ by Grace Bonney Advice to young self
You’re never too young to start a skincare routine Most inspirational woman
Charlotte Tilbury
Festive indulgence
Bubbles with Christmas Day brunch Under the tree
Narciso Rodriguez fragrance
without them. I love building our little team and creating a happy working environment. I think it reflects in the ambiance of a place. Finding a good work-life balance has been tricky. I’m still learning and making changes, but it’s tough to switch off when you love what you do! I love the variety and creativity; no two days are the same. There’s always a new challenge, or something to think about, and work towards and develop. What next? I’m really looking forward to the festive season here at Aroha and I’m also busy developing a very cosy guest treatment by the fire for January. Longer term, who knows, maybe Aroha Beauty House II. For more information about our treatments visit www.arohabeautyhouse.com or follow us on facebook.com/arohabeautyhouse/
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Visit our Showroom 33 London Road, Oadby, Leicestershire LE2 5DL For more information or to book a free design appointment call: 0116 272 0272 or visit www.intoto.co.uk #myintoto to share yours on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
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