Urban Fox - February 2017 Issue

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February 2017

WIN

£200 HOMES VOUCHER DESIGNER LINGERIE

Get up &

GO

3 COURSE LUNCH

Old

10 ways to energise your day

Lion HEART

HABITS... …don’t need to die hard

10 YEARS

YOUNGER The secret anti-ager

Nicole Kidman interview

Blast from the

PAST

In the navy

Trends that won’t go away

Blue we salute you

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For many of season us, our New resolutions (akalocal As the new looksYear’s hit the high street, those short-lived, unrealistic targets wenoinsist on boutiques and online stores; there’s better setting year) will haveand come and time toourselves celebrateeach all things fashion style gone - for it wasTherapy somewhere around the 9th than in ourme Retail edition. when I went back to work. But if your gym pass We bring you the must-have items from the is gathering dust and your ‘dry’ month ended up, new season collections, updates on key trends in well, wetter than expected, good news, February is Join the Dots and Pleats Please; plus spring’s 10 officially thebags new January! wipe the slateshare clean best clutch in ClutchSo Control.

I also and discover a more positive outlook for 2017 and my favourite tries and buys for SS14 in beyond, this month’s Out with the Old edition of Wish Listin(p15).

Urban Fox. As consumers we waste hundreds of pounds over our lifetime buying the wrong Tired of your winter RebootDirector your style pre-season products fordrab our hair, sowardrobe?

Jon Levy, Artistic atwith Tonia&pair Guyofcomes to ourneutrals, rescue upgrade your undies, or go head-to-toe in fun-loving yellow.

A favourite this year’s Golden with 4 Steps to Perfect Hair.

We also check out this season’s catwalkatmakeup trends, to Globes – step forward Natalie Reese Witherspoon and Viola Davis – it’s SS17 shade help you transform your newPortman, season look. du jour.

If fashion is your passion, don’t miss out on our interview with revolutionary designer Rhodes whomellow talks tothan us about design barriers and why thegone, IfZandra you’re feeling more yellow,breaking and yourdown Get Up & Go has…well…got up and government support today; the learn UK fashion And wondered check out ourshould 10 easyshow ways more to energise your how toindustry. kick those Oldever Habits with what it takes a personal stylist?eating Tina Lock reveals in this month’s Rebecca Wattstoorbecome jump-start a new healthy regime with aallFlexitarian Diet. My Way. Finally bag yourself of our exclusive reader offers courtesy ofout Lands’ End, One woman who hasone plenty of get up and go is Nicole Kidman.

Find about her latest film T.M. Lewin, Clarins and more.approaching There’s never been a better excuse shop, shop, shop!

Lion and why she’s fearlessly fifty.

Closer to home SarahtoMettrick explains why turning white pants grey really isn’t the end of the world, while Kirsty France shows us how to Until next time, keep all our balls in the air in Balancing Act.

On the home front we discover why old is the new…er…new. From paisley and damask to quilting and chintz, these are the home trends that just won’t go away. We also learn How to Hygge (pronounced Hoo-ga) – plus we take up arms (or rather spades) in support of the composting revolution in our Lazy Girl Guide.

FASHION & BEAUTY

So what are you waiting for? All the best resolutions start in February!

URBANFOX URBANFOX

DESIGN

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

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 KATIE TURNBULL Designer Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to katie@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.

Revolution

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W 8

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.

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.

her garments procured by buyers Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and Saks, Zandra has since become the enigmatic textile designer of her age. easy That isn’t to say that fashion was an industry to crack. Did being a woman have anything to do with it?

“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

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“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

34

pointing it out.”

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

Lion

15 8

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

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

“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.

HEART The stunning Aussie actres Kidman talks motherhoo s Nicole emotional connection d, her Lion, and explains whyto new film she is fearlessly approaching fifty.

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Image: Gene Nocon

Founded by Rhodes in 2003 the museum of is dedicated to showcasing the work fashion and textile designers from the 1950s onwards. Does she believe her museum has made ripples in the fashion

museum has made.”

fashion industry, her advice to up and coming British designers merges the entrepreneurial with the sage.

LIFE & WORK Having also expanded into designing sets and costumes for the San Diego “Work as hard as you can. Because on Opera, America has staked its claim no hard work gets wasted. And only the English designer. She boasts not unfortunately you have to work harder deeds to her flagship museum and her and harder to get there right at the penthouse home above it, but also the beginning.”

“I definitely think the Fashion and Textile transatlantic keys to the cities of Miami, to Museum has had an impact in regards us visible,” Beverly Hills and New Orleans.

Debuting years before the majority of making the textiles industry moreWhen SirSue Brierley first were old enough to pronounce ‘haute she deliberates. “The museum curator spoke withwon’t director this veteran designer ButDavis of Garth for me because to say she’s arrived. safeadoptive couture’, it’s Nicholas Serota recently opened one about who I have so easily. shouldWith and children be claimed from us play her in his I felt it. There was upcoming film that instantaneous our exhibitions, and he’s been amazingly the UK service this intrinsic Lion,tothere reaction which you the onehalf a century of was only understa complimentary about the difference

industry?

8

name which came to mind – Nicole Kidman.

And when that desire reached the ears of the 49-yearold Australian, she was a little lost for words... “It’s the first time I ever heard that,” she grins.

“Someone who doesn’t know me says, ‘I want you to play me, I want to entrust my life with you.’

I felt very flattered.”

nding there, within never have 17 APRIL FOXand URBANme the2014 Photogr with film, and I wanted to do relationship I have with them that I aph 51 on Broadwa just y. That was knew I had to do the plan,” she says. it. It’s who I am.”

“But then I put the plan to my girls As half of the filming and they said ‘nope’! was done in [laughs] They know Kidman’s homelan what they want! d, she took enormou joy in introducing s “When I did it last her biological children year, it was hard – Sunday, eight, –I wasn’t there for and Faith, five, with bed times and I wasn’t husband Keith Urban there for dinner.

– to the many It takes up so much wonders of the of your life, and this Land Down Under. is where a balance Fellow Aussie Davis’ “I love to be part of between work and adaptation of Saroo Australian film,” family is impossib Brierley’s memoir she says. “I love to work le.

You have to make A Long Way Home with Australian a choice and it will is an incredible and actors, Australia always be them. moving tale of faith, n crews, Australia They family and love, n come first.” locations... We shot as we see the five-year this in Hobart and old boy (played This year, the Hollywo it was amazing to

by Mumbai newcom od icon will look introduce my daughte er Sunny Pawar) separate to become the queen rs to there and hear of the small d from his Indian them say, ‘This is brother and mother screen as she takes our favourite place in on two televisio and who later using the world.’ That’s n Google Earth to shows: comedy-drama just gorgeous to hear. track down his original series Big Lion was an ode family and rediscov Little Lies, which to Australia, in the she produced with er his roots. spirit of this beautifu Reese Withersp l couple who adopt oon and describe The elder Saroo this boy in the glow s as is played magnific “very complex and ently intense and dark

by Slumdog Millionai and sexual”, and re’s Dev Patel, series two of Jane who captures perfectly Campion’s New Zealand-based drama longing for his homelan his character’s Top of The Lake, d in a story which relocates that – as Kidman to Australia. Kidman points acknowledges that to an intrinsic emotion out – relates all her recent characte in all of us. “It’s rs have been wildly for all mothers and different to each all children, not other, but therein just adoptive; it’s for lies all mothers who the benefit of being feel established as she unconditional love flits from role to for their children. role.

It’s about love,” she says. “I saw the film with my sister who It looks like being another memora has six children ble and she bawled her year for Kidman, eyes out and called not least because she’ll it ‘an experience’. be turning 50 in June. But rather She’s than my barometer. When my gauge, take a negative view of growing she said that, I older, thought, ‘OK, that’s the actress sees it as an opportu really good. That of such adoring nity for love. It’s a love letter makes me happy’!” career developm ent. “I’ve been doing to the people and the culture of Australia this since I was 14, so God, 35 years .”

Kidman, who returned working is quite While it’s not always to her roots as a horrifying number a redhead for the practical, Kidman to say out loud,” film, channels the admits she prefers she laughs. “But heartbreak and to have the girls it’s joy of Saroo’s adoptive also really gratifyin accompany her g and comforting on set. mother in a perform too because I now ance that has work for them. Their “But it has to have that deep already garnered lives, their routines well of emotion that her a Golden Globe their wants are the , only comes with and BAFTA nod. priority,” she explains life For the Moulin Rouge!

“I can’t pick up and . experiences and I can star, the casting call on those take was a particular memories that I appeals to me, because a job because it didn’t have when privilege thanks it’s what I want I was to her own real-life in my twenties. to do.”

Consequently, there role as mother to Isabella, are far more roles available 24, and Connor, 22 – the children to me than when Recalling her recent I was younger.” she adopted with stint in the DNA ex-husband Tom discovery play Photogr Cruise in the early aph 51 in the nineties. “This is She ponders this West End – her a hugely emotion for a few seconds, first time on stage al, instinctual role for in 17 before declaring years – as a “profoun : “Amazing – I am me. So perfect,” d, spontaneous, a she says earnestly. “And character actor! incredible experien That was my goal. it was very persona ce”, Kidman was I wasn’t educated l keen to tread the at drama school boards again, but with the goal of being, you her daughters had know, a movie star.” other ideas. “I loved

15

“I now have that deep well of emotion that only comes with life experiences”

CONTRIBUTORS: Jeremy Cahill, John Cawrey, Mark Goddard, Jake Harvey, Julie

Howard, Ali Jahan, Allison Jones, James Lonergan, Lino Poli, Phillip Sharpe Sheelagh Powell Jon Levy Julie Langton Guiding you on cosmetic looks, trends and application

48

Bringing you the latest in hair style, colour and product trends 11

helping you make the most out of your money

URBAN FOX FEBRUA RY 2017 35

URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 5

CONTRIBUTORS: Jake Harvey, Kirsty France, Zoe Hubbard, Sarah Mettrick, Rebecca Watts URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 5

February HEALTH & WELLBEING

43

21 Get up & go 10 ways to energise your day 23 Old habits…

…don’t need to die hard

WINING & DINING 25 The flexitarian diet

Woman can’t live on meat alone 29 In the mix

Brunch dishes to flip over

LIFE & WORK 33 A ge perfect?

Love you…flaws and all

8 FASHION & BEAUTY 8 I n the navy Blue we salute you

34 Lion heart

Nicole Kidman interview

47 How to hygge Grab a piece of the action

37 Balancing act

Keep those balls in the air

48 Chintz charming

Chintz but not as you know it

HOMES & GARDENS

53 T he lazy girl guide… …to composting

39 Downsizing

Sofas go compact & bijoux

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

43 Blast from the past

Trends that won’t go away

55 What’s on

Entertaining the whole family

11 Rebooted

Put a spring in your step

61 Reviews

February’s recommendations

15 Hello yellow

SS17 shade du jour

PEOPLE & PLACES

17 Bra-vo

Revamp your lingerie

63 In with the new

We love a restoration drama

19 10 years younger

The secret anti-ager

66 My way

Local spotlight on Lizzie Stanhope

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Tommy Hilfiger Fekla Dress, £125, House of Fraser

Alannah Dress, £99, Hobbs Ponte Popper Dress, £45, Warehouse

Navy IN THE

Max Mara Trousers, £145, House of Fraser

It's official. Navy is the new black. Team with flashes of white for the ultimate in corporate chic.

Cable Shirt Tails Sweater, £45, Oasis

Isabella Tote Bag, £395, L.K. Bennett Natalia Suede Courts, £195, L.K. Bennett

FASHION & BEAUTY

Woolcash Stripe Sweater, £150, Jaeger

Koke Tasselled Loafers, £79, Kurt Geiger

Maud Shoulder Bag, £99, Jigsaw

Spot Ponti Trench Coat, £120, Yumi

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Pinstripe Shirtdress, £190, Karen Millen

Hailey Star Print Tunic, £70, Phase Eight

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Rebooted

FASHION & BEAUTY

Put a spring in your step and swap those trusty black knee-lengths, for ankle boots in soft neutral tones. Wear with your favourite skinny jeans and an oversized knit for a stylish off-duty look.

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1 Chloé Tassel Ankle Boots, £800, Net-A-Porter 2 Isabel Marant Étoile Dicker Boots, £340, Matches 3 Dalal Leather-Trimmed Ankle Boots, £650, Jimmy Choo 4 Naples Ankle Boot, £104, Jones Bootmaker 5 Editor’s Pick: wear with a floral tea dress and a chic trench Block Heel Ankle Boots, £199, Karen Millen 6 Serafina Ankle Boots, £350, L.K. Bennett 7 Michael Kors Chain-Embellished Boots, £220, All Sole Footwear 8 Aiyana Fold Over Boot, £149, Mint Velvet 9 Stone Buckle Ankle Boot, £45, Wallis

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Bay Coat, £325.00, L.K. Bennett

Topshop Unique Distressed Cable-Knit Sweater, £165, Net-A-Porter

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URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 15

WIN!

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Courtesy of Browns Lingerie & Beachwear Boutique, we’re offering one Urban Fox reader the chance to win a designer lingerie set up to the value of £125.

Browns is a dedicated lingerie boutique, situated in the designer shopping district of Stoneygate. They offer a stunning range of luxury lingerie from brands such as Empreinte, Pleasure State, Marie Jo and Stella McCartney; as well as larger cup size lingerie from Fantasie, Freya, and Elomi. Don’t know your size, they provide a personal bra fitting service too!

New to Browns is the Active wear range by Seafolly. Created in multiway stretch material, it regulates temperature and holds you in, supporting you where you need it most. The range includes striking mix and match bralettes, leggings, hoodies, longer line tops and gym bags. Check out their fabulous Freya Active range too, with sports bras sizing up to a K cup!

Visit the boutique at 35 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2BE or view some of their most popular ranges online at www.brownslingerie.com

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Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Browns’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Tuesday 28 February 2017.

Terms & Conditions: The prize is for a bra and briefs set up to the value of £125. The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. This prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available.

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Update your bob for 2017

10 Years YOUNGER Want to know the secret to looking younger? The right hairstyle is a powerful anti-ager, knocking years off your look. Check out our tips, and swish your way to a good hair day, whatever your age.

Don’t wash your hair too often, and you’ll preserve the hair’s natural moisture. Use an intensive hydrating shampoo, some warm water and massage gently.

The condition of your hair is important, so apply a treatment mask once a week.

Use a product that will nourish and saturate the hair, as well as offer antidrying protection.

As we age, our hair's growth cycle shortens and strands don't reach their full potential. To make them look thicker, opt for a volumising mousse or root lifter.

Update your bob for 2017 with a youthful edge. Roughly part the hair in the middle and scrunch the hair keeping it loose and textured. This is can be more flattering than a smooth, blunt bob and will make your hair look thicker too.

Try not to over style your hair, as it can damage the hair cuticle and lead to breakages. If using heated styling tools then always use a heat protection spray first.

The food you eat can affect your hair so eat plenty of good fats, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. You could also consider supplements specially formulated to boost the strength and health of your hair.

Get a ‘better than botox’ fringe! It’s a great way to disguise ageing frown lines and whether you opt for full, blunt or sweeping, a fringe is an affordable way to age proof your look.

Monochromatic colour ages you, so next time you’re having your colour refreshed ask your colourist to weave through a few additional shades. Skin-brightening caramel and honey tones, are especially flattering around your face.

Some women can pull it off – Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, The Queen - but grey hair can add years to your face.

Instead cover up greys with a temporary tint, it washes out and is much gentler than permanent dyes.

Want to wear your hair up? A loose pony tail or chignon is more flattering than a high, unforgiving up do. Rough your hair up at the crown and spritz the roots with texturising spray to add hold and volume. Leave face-framing strands at the front.

If your hair is long, there’s nothing more youthful than casual waves. To achieve the look, curl the hair with large curling irons, then pull your fingers through the curls once cooled. Avoid ageing ringlets at all costs.

For an ageless lift go for an iconic pixie crop. Keep the sides short but go for texture and length through the top to give your hair versatility. This style works best on straight hair and for women with a small frame and features.

Finally to keep your colour vibrant, use a leave-in treatment that contains antioxidants and UV filters. UV light weakens the hair's outer layer, causing natural colour to fade and dye molecules to escape faster.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

go!

Boden

Get Up &

Has your get-up-and-go got up and gone? If you’re tired of feeling tired, good news, a few simple lifestyle changes might be all that it takes to put the spring back in your step.

Here are 10 easy ways to re-energise your day…

1

For the perfect power breakfast, switch your croissant and crunchy nut, for porridge made with jumbo oats and almond milk. This high-fibre, low GI combo will kick-start your metabolism, keep you fuller longer and balance your blood-sugar levels.

2

Drink water every hour as even minor dehydration can make you feel sluggish. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already partially dehydrated, so to avoid headaches, tiredness and grumpiness, simply raise your glass. Bottoms up!

3

Studies have shown that people who work with a green plant in their line of vision concentrate more and work faster. Plants absorb CO2 and other environmental pollutants that can trigger fatigue, leaving you feeling more positive and energised.

4

If your usual lunch is a whitebread sandwich and crisps, you're probably flagging by 3pm. Instead opt for a chicken stir-fry or a tuna and egg salad which will curb those hunger pangs through the afternoon, plus count towards your 5 a day.

5

Taking a 10-minute brisk walk at lunchtime will make you feel more energetic than inhaling a chocolate bar.

Getting more oxygen pumping around your body helps you feel more alert and will enable you to refocus on your goals for the rest of the day.

6

Although small amounts of caffeine act as a stimulant, if you overindulge you will feel drained and exhausted.

Switch to decaf after lunch or try Ginseng tea which helps the body heal itself, giving you more energy to deal with the challenges of the day.

7

If you do get the mid-afternoon munchies, choose an energy

boosting snack that includes both protein and carbohydrate. This will satisfy your immediate hunger but also release energy slowly. Try a few almonds with an apple, or peanut butter on oatcakes.

8

If you find it difficult to switch off at home, it might be because your head is still in the office. Before you leave work spend a few minutes focussing on what you have achieved, and listing tasks for the next day. You'll feel both satisfied and energised.

9

We all need to relax but flopping down in front of the TV or spending hours on Facebook doesn't count. It does nothing for you physically and it over-stimulates the brain. Instead listen to music, read a good book, or let go of the stresses of the day with some yoga.

10

It's the quality of your sleep, not just the quantity that’s important so invest in a night-time routine. Soak in a warm bath, read for 15 minutes - Urban Fox of course - and sip a milky drink.

The protein alpha-lactalbumin in milk improves your sleep, leaving you more alert the next day.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 21

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Old

HABITS… Did you make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, get fitter, So how do you turn those empty New Year’s resolutions into good long-term be healthier, only to find a month habits that deliver results? on you’re no further forward?

Nutrafit’s Rebecca Watts explains Behaviours what went wrong and how you can Ensure your resolution is a behavioural goal and not an outcome goal i.e. “I plan for success.

There are many reasons why resolutions fail; anything from bad timing and planning (New Year is the worst time when you’re still in festive mode and out of your normal routine) to unrealistic goals (if you struggled to go to the gym once a week last year, why set a target of 3 times a week this year), can lead us back to square one. The key to any change in lifestyle whether its losing weight, improving fitness, giving up smoking, drinking etc. is to develop good habits i.e. behaviours that we repeat regularly.

will go to the gym 3 times a week” is a behavioural goal, whereas “I will lose a stone” is an outcome goal. To turn any resolution into a habit it needs to be a behaviour, so if you have set yourself an outcome goal, simply think about the behaviours required to achieve it.

Achievable

Consider whether your chosen behaviours are realistic. Think about your lifestyle now and how far away

If we take on too much, changing behaviours into habits becomes unmanageable and we fail. from that behaviour you are currently.

The smaller the jump, the more likely you are to achieve it. Also can your behavioural goal be broken down to make it more achievable? It is better to go to the gym twice a week consistently,

rather than 4-5 times inconsistently.

Repetition

By repeating a behaviour over and over, it becomes a habit. It sounds simple but how often have you done really well on a diet for a few weeks and then fallen off the wagon? If we take on too much, changing behaviours into habits becomes unmanageable and we fail. Less is definitely more, so select a maximum of 3 behaviours and only take on more once these have been achieved.

Timing

The amount of time needed to turn a behaviour into a habit depends on the frequency, the person and how far away from the habit you currently are. Behaviours that are daily (e.g. 5 squats, 10 times a day) or a couple of times a week, may take as little as a month to become a habit, compared to committing to run 5km once a fortnight, which might take significantly longer.

Ultimately everyone is different, but even if you’re focussing on one new behaviour at a time, in 6 months you’ll be amazed at how many new habits you have adopted and how different you’ll look and feel. Old habits may die hard but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Happy Habit Forming!

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 23

Love is...

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The

WINING & DINING

FLEXITARIAN DIET

From Meat Free Mondays to the more challenging No Meat March, kick-start your new regime with these delicious vegetarian recipes from Waitrose.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 25

KALE, SQUASH & CHICKPEA TAGINE Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 red onions, cut into wedges 385g pack sliced butternut squash 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 250g bag kale 350g pouch Cooks’ Ingredients Tagine Stew Base 100ml hot vegetable stock Couscous and coriander leaves, to serve

1 2

reheat the oven to 220ËšC, P gas mark 7. Place the red onion and squash in a large roasting tin, drizzle with oil and sprinkle over the cumin seeds. Roast for 25 minutes until tender and golden. tir in the chickpeas S and kale. Mix together the tagine base and hot vegetable stock and pour over. Cover with foil and

return to the oven for 15 minutes until the kale has wilted and the tagine is piping hot.

3

ivide between shallow D bowls and serve with couscous and a sprinkling of coriander leaves. For a fruity twist, add chopped dried apricots at stage 2.

The sweetness works well with the spices.

LEEK & GARLIC MUSHROOM PASTA Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: Knob of butter 500g pack leeks, sliced 300g pasta - Amori, Macaroni or Rigati 250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 150g mascarpone 2 tbsp finely snipped chives 2 tbsp finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Images: Waitrose

1

eat half the butter in a large frying pan H and cook the leeks for 5 minutes until softened. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling water according to packet instructions.

2

nce soft tip the leeks into a large bowl.

O Add the remaining butter to the pan and cook the mushrooms and garlic for 5 minutes until golden.

3

Drain the pasta and return to the pan. Stir in the softened leeks, garlic mushrooms, mascarpone, chives and cheese.

4

Toss together well, then divide between bowls and serve with a good grinding of black pepper.

PERSIAN ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES WITH JEWELLED RICE Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 300g parsnips, cut into wedges 300g sweet potatoes, cut into wedges 1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 tbsp clear honey 300g basmati rice Large pinch of saffron 4 cardamom pods, cracked Knob of butter 4 tbsp pistachio kernels, roughly chopped 1 tbsp Cooks’ Ingredients Barberries Bunch of salad onions, sliced Zest and juice of 1 orange Coriander leaves, to serve

1

Preheat the oven to 200ËšC, gas mark 6. Toss the parsnips and sweet potatoes in the oil and roast for 15 minutes, then drizzle with the honey and roast for a further 5 minutes until browned and tender.

2

eanwhile, place the rice, M saffron and cardamom pods in a large pan and cover with 600ml cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

3

Heat the butter in a frying pan and cook the pistachios, barberries and salad onions for 2-3 minutes until the onions have softened. Stir in the orange zest and juice and warm through.

4

ently stir the fruit and nut mix G into the rice and transfer to a large serving dish. Arrange the roasted parsnips and sweet potatoes on top and scatter with fresh coriander leaves.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 27

WIN!

3 COURSE LUNCH OPEN AT 6PM for the Best Early Doors this side of The Seafaring News

at The Marquess of Exeter

Win a 3 course meal for 2 from the Marquess of Exeter’s set lunch menu.

The Marquess of Exeter, set in the picturesque Rutland village of Lyddington, has an outstanding reputation for its great food and welcoming ambiance. The Marquess boasts a laid-back restaurant serving up culinary delights in abundance; a welcoming bar area with inglenook fireplace; a cosy snug for casual drinking and dining; and well-appointed en-suite guest rooms should you feel like staying over!

With a changing seasonal a la carte menu, great value set lunches, Sunday roasts and popular regulars such as fish & chips and steak night a visit to the Marquess is a must!

For more information including special offers and events visit www.marquessexeter.co.uk or follow them on facebook @themarquessofexeterlyddington and twitter @MarquessExeter

TO ENTER No. 9 Station Street Kibworth Beauchamp Leicestershire LE8 0LN Telephone 0116 2796260 lighthousekibworth.co.uk Open for Dinner from 6pm Tuesday to Saturday

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Marquess of Exeter’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Tuesday 28 February 2017.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is nontransferable and no cash alternative is available. The prize may be taken Monday – Saturday subject to availability, and is for a 3 course lunch from the set menu, excluding drinks. The prize must be redeemed before 31st August 2017.

In the

MIX Get your pancake fix early with these yummy brunch recipes. Lemon and sugar look away now.

Ricotta & Poached Cherries Makes: 12

Apple & Cinnamon Makes: 12 Ingredients: 300g self-raising flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 medium free range eggs 500g natural yogurt 85g salted dairy butter, melted 2 apples, peeled, cored and grated 75g sultanas 1-2 tbsp sunflower oil 1-2 tbsp clear honey

Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

Make a well in the centre, then gradually beat in the eggs, followed by 300g of the yogurt and the melted butter. Stir in the grated apples and sultanas.

Brush a heavy-based frying pan with a little oil and drop large spoonfuls into the pan to make 6–7cm pancakes.

Cook for 1-2 minutes each side until golden and cooked through. Stack 3 pancakes on each plate and top each with a spoonful of yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients: 200g pack cherries 200ml freshly squeezed orange juice Juice and finely grated zest of 1 lemon 2 tbsp clear honey ½ vanilla pod, halved lengthways 250g tub ricotta 125ml semi-skimmed milk 2 large free range eggs, separated 100g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 1-2 tbsp sunflower oil Place the cherries, orange and lemon juice, honey and vanilla in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the cherries are tender and the liquid is syrupy.

Meanwhile, place the ricotta, lemon zest, milk and egg yolks in a bowl and beat to combine. Add the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt, and fold in to make a smooth batter. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they’re softly peaking, then fold into the mixture.

Brush a heavy-based frying pan with a little oil and drop large spoonfuls of batter into the pan to make 6-7cm sized pancakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes each side until golden and cooked through. Divide the pancakes between 4 plates, spoon over the poached cherries and serve.

Recipes and images: Waitrose

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 29

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LIFE & WORK

Ageing is a funny thing; it’s a blessing, a privilege, a luxury even; yet most of us fight it, begrudge it and generally feel hacked off about it, says forty-something Sarah Mettrick.

Admittedly this is mainly whilst staring in the mirror ridiculing every inch of our wrinkly, oestrogen depleted bodies and at first glance see our mothers frowning back at us. But whether you worry you’re going to take flight flapping your bingo wings, or witness your boobs bungee jumping each time you release them from your bra, or like me, feel you could offer your face as a template for a road map; all is not lost, we just need to re-think how we see beautiful!

Now I don’t think there is anything more sexy and attractive than confidence.

In fact I’ve been told we just need to remember the ‘three T’s’ (teeth, tits and tummy) to let that confidence ooze from our collagen thirsty pores. So smile and show off those pearly whites, stick out those bad boys with pride, and finally suck in your tummy. Voila! Who needs surgery?! If only it was that simple. I tried this only to display a forced grin showing wine stained teeth and had to stick out my chest so far to enhance the

size of my AA’s that I ended up looking like a distressed chicken.

The demands on women to be perfect in almost every aspect of their lives can be overwhelming and it’s time to unite and say “NO”! We simply try to be good at all things, all the time and it’s a sure way to trip ourselves up. If nine out of ten things go well, why do we focus on

“The demands on women to be perfect in almost every aspect of their lives can be overwhelming” the one thing that doesn’t go so well?

It’s not like we’re performing life-saving surgery and have extracted the wrong organ. We are talking turning white pants grey, only getting to Tuesday before we

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Age Perfect? hit the bottle again or walking around with arm-pit hair we can back-comb.

So why do we give ourselves such a hard time and does it really matter? Quite honestly jacket potatoes are very underrated when it comes to top nosh and why is it a problem if you need to don a hard hat when opening your cupboards?

We are busy, we multi-task to ridiculous levels. Our laid back male equivalents feel they have accomplished that skill when they break-wind and change the TV channel at the same time.

We look at high profile women and forget they’re usually famous for being good at one thing. Do you think Deborah Meaden wouldn't chair a meeting unless she’s fully plucked and pruned?

If Marilyn Monroe had kids do you think she would ban Nutella? And I’m sure Nigella doesn’t take five spinning classes each week.

We do so much so well, who cares about odd flaws, either on our faces or within our capabilities? They define who we are, make us quirky and individual. If you have a good heart, you’re pretty beautiful to me and at least we are all guaranteed to be perfect at one thing, and that is being human.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 33

Lion

HEART The stunning Aussie actress Nicole Kidman talks motherhood, her emotional connection to new film Lion, and explains why she is fearlessly approaching fifty.

LIFE & WORK

When Sue Brierley first spoke with director Garth Davis about who should play her in his upcoming film Lion, there was only one name which came to mind – Nicole Kidman. And when that desire reached the ears of the 49-yearold Australian, she was a little lost for words... “It’s the first time I ever heard that,” she grins. “Someone who doesn’t know me says, ‘I want you to play me, I want to entrust my life with you.’ I felt very flattered.”

Fellow Aussie Davis’ adaptation of Saroo Brierley’s memoir A Long Way Home is an incredible and moving tale of faith, family and love, as we see the five-yearold boy (played by Mumbai newcomer Sunny Pawar) separated from his Indian brother and mother and later using Google Earth to track down his original family and rediscover his roots.

The elder Saroo is played magnificently

by Slumdog Millionaire’s Dev Patel, who captures perfectly his character’s longing for his homeland in a story that – as Kidman points out – relates to an intrinsic emotion in all of us. “It’s for all mothers and all children, not just adoptive; it’s for all mothers who feel unconditional love for their children. It’s about love,” she says. “I saw the film with my sister who has six children and she bawled her eyes out and called it ‘an experience’. She’s my gauge, my barometer. When she said that, I thought, ‘OK, that’s really good. That makes me happy’!”

Kidman, who returned to her roots as a redhead for the film, channels the heartbreak and joy of Saroo’s adoptive mother in a performance that has already garnered her a Golden Globe and BAFTA nod. For the Moulin Rouge! star, the casting was a particular privilege thanks to her own real-life role as mother to Isabella, 24, and Connor, 22 – the children she adopted with ex-husband Tom Cruise in the early nineties. “This is a hugely emotional, instinctual role for me. So perfect,” she says earnestly. “And it was very personal

for me because I have adoptive children and I felt it. There was this intrinsic understanding there, within me and the relationship I have with them that I just knew I had to do it. It’s who I am.”

As half of the filming was done in Kidman’s homeland, she took enormous joy in introducing her biological children – Sunday, eight, and Faith, five, with husband Keith Urban – to the many wonders of the Land Down Under. “I love to be part of Australian film,” she says. “I love to work with Australian actors, Australian crews, Australian locations... We shot this in Hobart and it was amazing to introduce my daughters to there and hear them say, ‘This is our favourite place in the world.’ That’s just gorgeous to hear. Lion was an ode to Australia, in the spirit of this beautiful couple who adopt this boy in the glow

“I now have that deep well of emotion that only comes with life experiences” of such adoring love. It’s a love letter to the people and the culture of Australia.”

While it’s not always practical, Kidman admits she prefers to have the girls accompany her on set. “But it has to work for them. Their lives, their routines, their wants are the priority,” she explains.

“I can’t pick up and take a job because it appeals to me, because it’s what I want to do.”

Recalling her recent stint in the DNA discovery play Photograph 51 in the West End – her first time on stage in 17 years – as a “profound, spontaneous, incredible experience”, Kidman was keen to tread the boards again, but her daughters had other ideas. “I loved

that instantaneous reaction which you never have with film, and I wanted to do Photograph 51 on Broadway. That was the plan,” she says. “But then I put the plan to my girls and they said ‘nope’! [laughs] They know what they want!

“When I did it last year, it was hard – I wasn’t there for bed times and I wasn’t there for dinner. It takes up so much of your life, and this is where a balance between work and family is impossible.

You have to make a choice and it will always be them. They come first.”

This year, the Hollywood icon will look to become the queen of the small screen as she takes on two television shows: comedy-drama series Big Little Lies, which she produced with Reese Witherspoon and describes as “very complex and intense and dark and sexual”, and series two of Jane Campion’s New Zealand-based drama Top of The Lake, which relocates to Australia. Kidman acknowledges that all her recent characters have been wildly different to each other, but therein lies the benefit of being established as she flits from role to role.

It looks like being another memorable year for Kidman, not least because she’ll be turning 50 in June. But rather than take a negative view of growing older, the actress sees it as an opportunity for career development. “I’ve been doing this since I was 14, so God, 35 years working is quite a horrifying number to say out loud,” she laughs. “But it’s also really gratifying and comforting too because I now have that deep well of emotion that only comes with life experiences and I can call on those memories that I didn’t have when I was in my twenties. Consequently, there are far more roles available to me than when I was younger.”

She ponders this for a few seconds, before declaring: “Amazing – I am a character actor! That was my goal. I wasn’t educated at drama school with the goal of being, you know, a movie star.”

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 35

The

nursery

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Take a tour and see what the children are doing today!

Call Carla Brindley, Nursery Manager, to book your personal tour today.

01509 276820 www.thenurseryloughborough.co.uk

Garton Road, Loughborough

ACT

If you’ve resolved to spend more time with your family and less at work but are struggling to make it a reality, you’re not alone says working Mum, Kirsty France.

Here’s my top 5 tips to help you find a better balance:

Review your timetable

You might have left school (and your teenage hormones) behind, but your life still runs to a timetable of sorts. If you don’t feel as if you’re spending time with the family you need to work out where your free time is going. It can be painful to realise that your children are staring at the TV while you’re on Facebook. It certainly was for me. But if it gets you off the sofa and out to the park, a little pain could be a great thing.

Set your boundaries

Does your boss expect you to pick up work emails every night? Are you self-employed and working on the sofa in your onesie? Please tell me that’s not just me… The bottom line is, you need to decide where work time ends and yours begins. Then it’s time for the next step.

Have the difficult conversation

Once you’ve set your boundaries, you need to enforce them. If your boss expects you to respond to emails every night or get into the office at the crack of dawn, something’s gone wrong.

Maybe you need to talk to your clients.

A friend recently told me that a client had contacted her by email, Facebook message, text and WhatsApp all within the space of an hour when they didn’t get a response at 7pm on a Friday night!

Happily, she put her foot down and is insisting on email only from now on.

Make a plan

Once you’ve put work in its proper place, make a timetable. I know it might feel artificial but changing your habits always does. Block out the time you need to work and when everyone else is home.

When are you all together? What could you do with that time? Writing it down gives you a constant visual reminder of

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g n i c n a l Ba

the time you have available. Eventually spending it together will become second nature.

Quality over quantity

Maybe you’ve done all of the above but it still doesn’t leave you with much family time. Don’t beat yourself up. Just make the most of the time you have. Go to the park, read a story or just have a chat. My five year old had a brilliant time looking at the shiny things when his Dad took him to buy a new kitchen tap. Sometimes the simplest things work best.

“My five year old had a brilliant time looking at the shiny things when his Dad took him to buy a new kitchen tap.”

So there you have it. Whether you want more time with the children or just to pursue your passion for Lego modelling, start here. And let me know how you get on!

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 37

Showroom Open Monday - Saturday

HOMES & GARDENS

Downsizing In a tight spot? These stylish streamline sofas will tuck into the smallest of spaces.

1

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1 Karl Ingersson Sofa, £870, Bluesuntree 2 Wilmot Sofa, £995, Habitat 3 Tubby Sofa, £299, made.com 4 Timeo Sofa, £350, Maisons Du Monde 5 Madeline Sofa, £549, modern.co.uk 6 1958 Sofa, £895, Oliver Bonas 7 Oslo Sofa, £599, Pash 8 Camberwell Sofa, £624, Sofas & Stuff 9 Mimi Sofa, £549, Swoon Editions

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 39

!

N I W £200 VOUCHER

from Bluesuntree This month you could be the lucky winner of a £200 voucher for Bluesuntree - furniture and interiors specialists.

Bluesuntree source, design and retail, affordable, inspirational and well-crafted furniture, lighting, rugs and accessories. Everything for the design conscious consumer.

TO ENTER:

Visit the showroom at 5 Coal Cart Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 3BY or view their extensive range online at bluesuntree.co.uk

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Bluesuntree’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Tuesday 28 February 2017.

Keep in touch by subscribing to their newsletter or follow on social media facebook.com/bluesuntree and twitter.com/bluesuntree

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is nontransferable and no cash alternative is available. The voucher is valid for a period of 12 months from date of issue.

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Blast 1

2

3

FROM THE PAST If you thought all good things must come to an end, not so says Maison Interior’s Zoe Hubbard.

This month she explores the homes trends that just won’t go away!

When it comes to trends, home interiors is no exception, with designs, colours, patterns and fabrics all going full circle. But far from being predictable and passé, they return modernised and revitalised, offering something new to the consumer. Here’s just 4 of my favourites for 2017…

1 PATTERN POWER

Certain prints such as damask and paisley are continually recycled in the interiors industry, and this year is no exception. What is different about 2017’s incarnation is that the subtle tone-on-tone shades and delicate prints of recent years, have given way to bolder colours and oversized pattern formations. Whether you opt for an attention-grabbing wallcovering, dramatically decadent curtains, or a standout-piece of furniture, with this extraordinary makeover, more is Images: Maison Interiors

definitely more; so embrace it on a large scale.

2 TERRACOTTA ARMY

Unbelievably terracotta has marched up the ranks of interior trends for 2017. This natural stone, largely relegated to garden pots, is making a huge comeback, but as you’ve never seen it before. Classic and warm, it’s a perfect way to make an ordinary space Mediterranean-chic.

Expect to see shades of terracotta featuring in textiles - from beautiful velvets, to exquisite weaves – as well as wall and floor coverings. This time around those glazed terracotta slabs of the 90s, return as untreated, natural tiles, in exciting and contemporary shapes.

3 ARTS & CRAFTS

A favourite on the SS17 catwalk – Tory Burch, Stella McCartney, Chloé – heritage techniques such as pleating, weaving,

4 quilting and smocking bring a touch of class to home interiors. No, I’m not talking 1950s chintz quilts, but rather intricate patterns on wallpaper and upholstery fabrics; quilted velvet headboards with geometric designs; and elegantly pleated and smocked chair-backs. Interweaving these traditional techniques within your contemporary home furnishings, is the perfect way to seamlessly blend past and present.

4 GREEN ENVY

From sage green in the Victorian era, to avocado in the 70s, the colour green will feature strongly again this season.

Its natural tones remind us of nature and growth, promoting good energy and wellbeing…who doesn’t want some of that? From classic tea green walls and modern lime green splashbacks, to a sumptuous vintage emerald velvet sofa, these hues works perfectly throughout the home. Looking to make an impact? Darker shades of green will replace midnight blues and navy as the latest must-have in dark interiors. Experiment with a feature wall if you’re feeling hesitant.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 43

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

4

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

This year we’re embracing Hygge (Hoo-Gah), the Danish art of living well. To help us, we’ve introduced two brand new lines to our collection; Universo Positivo and Lyon Beton.

10% discount on all orders for Urban Fox readers! Use Code: HYGGEPASH

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How to

Hygge The Danish word ‘Hygge’ represents a culture of cosiness, joy and wellbeing and is often cited as the reason why Denmark is regularly voted one of the happiest countries in the world! Desperate for a piece of the action, we ask the LuxPad team at Amara just what we need to do.

Here’s their tips on how to hygge in the home…

Invest in candles

Candlelight transforms the clean, fresh style of classic Scandinavian interiors into a flickering escape from winter’s chill. A simple lit candle is seen as one of the most fundamental hygge moments to achieve. Danish brand Skandinavisk have even developed a Hygge fragrance with notes of brewed tea, baked strawberry cake, rose petals and wild mint for the ultimate hygge experience.

Add texture

When you think of cosy and warming interiors to create the perfect relaxing moment, the mind instantly goes to lusciously soft textures - think chunky knit cushions, faux fur throws and fluffy woollen rugs. Made from the softest materials – from merino wool to cashmere – textured accessories are a huge trend, with the layering of different tactile surfaces creating a styled look in any room.

The simple things

You don’t need to overhaul your interior to make it more ‘hyggeligt’ (hygge-like), Source: www.amara.com

tiny additions to the home can transform any moment. Listening to relaxing music, indulging in a bubble bath for long dips by candlelight or finally putting your favourite photographs on the wall are all instant mood lifters whenever you use/see them, so take the time to enjoy them.

Update your loungewear

Comfortable loungewear needn’t be an extravagance. From loose tops to harem trousers or onesies, the clothing options to get comfy in after a day at the office or over a weekend in are endless. Ranging from practical cotton to the softest of cashmere, loungewear can be as luxurious or relaxed as you want, making it an essential component of hygge.

Hygge with friends

Primarily a social endeavour, hygge is best enjoyed with friends. The long Scandinavian winter nights are interspersed with hyggeligt gatherings of friends and family by the fireside drinking gløgg (mulled wine) and eating wholesome food, so the best way to experience this idea for yourself is to

Amara

invite your nearest and dearest round and get cooking.

Take up a hobby

Taking up new hobbies to enjoy in the home allows you to switch off and refocus the mind. Turn off the TV and do something new that you can nurture during your hygge moments or pick up something you used to love to do but don’t have time for anymore. Knitting or sewing which have been gaining in popularity in recent years are relaxing and perfect to teach yourself.

Slow down

We are always rushing aren’t we? To truly hygge you need to slow down a bit, take each moment as it is without rushing onto the next. Take time to really enjoy the mug of coffee you’ve made, stay an extra ten minutes in the bath to ensure daily stresses have melted away and definitely savour that slice of cake – or you will regret it later.

Not just for winter

Whilst hygge is frequently associated with cosiness, it is a way of life which can be enjoyed all year round. Grab your friends and head to the local park for a picnic or a game of frisbee, or take some time to sit out in the sun with your favourite magazine and a cold drink to experience hygge in the warmer months.

Taking every day dining occasions into the garden is also a must for summer hygge moments.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 47

Chintz

CHARMING We’ve fallen head over heels for this old charm chintz re-imagined for the modern home by high street hero Marks & Spencer.

Images: Marks & Spencer

HOMES & GARDENS Ruby 5 Light Cluster, £129

Damask Rug, £169

Cynthia Cushion, £19.50

Sunflower Mirror, £59

Hayward Side Table, £249

Rosemary Pressed Glass Vase, £25

Eden Pressed Glass Vase, £15

Ruby Table Lamp, £39

Rydale Compact Sofa, £1199

Toma Candle Holder, £29.50 Daisy Round Cushion, £19.50

Ruffle Throw, £120

Stocking a wide range of Upholstered & Leather Sofas, Chairs, Suites, Living/Dining/Bedroom/Occasional Furniture and Beds www.thefurniturecentre.com • sales@thefurniturecentre.com • 01536 414 121 Pytchley Lodge Road, Pytchley Lodge Ind. Est. Kettering, Northants NN15 6JQ

Stylish living with distinct design

splashout Inspired. Bathrooms.

Bathroom Design and Installation for every lifestyle and budget At Splashout it is our pleasure to provide a complete bathroom design and installation service. We have built our reputation over nearly thirty years on innovative design, a wealth of knowledge of bathroom products and a team of extremely skilled, experienced bathroom fitters, some of whom have worked with us since our inception.

Splashout Fitted Bathrooms & Hot Tubs Ltd Brunel Way, Stephenson Industrial Estate, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3HF

T: 01530 811593 F: 01530 815359 E: info@splashout.co.uk W: www.splashout.co.uk

BATHROOM DESIGN & INSTALLATION | HOT TUBS | SAUNA & STEAM ROOMS

Beautiful spaces for work, rest and play

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Turn your green waste into tasty crops Buy a cut price compost bin Compost bins are available in 2 sizes:

220 litre: £10.98 | 330 litre: £11.48 You can also join our FREE Rot-aLot Home Composting Club* for tips and advice.

£10.98

Order today

visit: www.getcomposting.com reference call: 0844 571 4444 Quoting LWP14A

*Open to Leicester City and County residents only. †Applies to the same size and colour. Limited to 2 subsidised compost bins per household.

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Plus £5.99 delivery per order

from on ly

HOMES & GARDENS

The Lazy Girl Guide to…

With reports that just one year composting at home can save global warming gases equivalent to all the CO2 your kettle produces annually, we’ve decided to ditch the excuses and join the compost revolution. So pick up your wellies, and follow our lazy girl guide to composting #betterlatethannever

Joules

Getting started is as easy as 1,2,3…

1

Site your compost bin in a sunny site on bare soil. If you have to put your compost bin on concrete, tarmac or patio slabs ensure there's a layer of paper and twigs or existing compost on the bottom. Choose a place where you can easily add ingredients to the bin and get the compost out.

2

Have a container available such as a kitchen caddy or old container. Fill your kitchen caddy or container with everything from vegetable and fruit peelings to teabags, toilet roll tubes, cereal boxes and eggshells. Take care not to compost cooked food, meat or fish.

3

Empty your kitchen caddy along with your garden waste into your compost bin. A 50/50 mix of greens and browns is the perfect recipe for good compost. Even for households that are already composting, new research has found that almost half of the food waste in their rubbish bins could have been composted, so for a full list of green and browns visit www.recyclenow.com/reducewaste/composting/making-compost

4

It takes nine to twelve months for your compost to become ready for use, so now all you need to do is wait and let nature do the work.

Keep on adding greens and browns to top up your compost.

5

Once your compost has turned into a crumbly, dark material, resembling thick, moist soil and gives off an earthy, fresh aroma, it's ready to use.

6

Lift the bin slightly or open the hatch at the bottom and scoop out the fresh compost with a garden fork, spade or trowel.

7

Don't worry if your compost looks a little lumpy with twigs and bits of eggshell – this is perfectly normal. Use it to enrich borders and vegetable patches, plant up patio containers or feed the lawn.

Now that wasn’t difficult was it?!

For more information on the benefits of composting, getting started and making and using compost, visit www.recyclenow.com

THE SCIENCE BIT When waste is sent to landfill, air cannot get to the organic waste. As the waste breaks down it creates a harmful greenhouse gas, methane, which damages the Earth's atmosphere.

However, when this same waste is composted above ground at home, oxygen helps the waste to decompose aerobically which means hardly any methane is produced. That’s good news for the planet and what's more, after nine to twelve months, you get a free fertiliser for your garden.

It will have everything your plants need including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and it will help buffer soils that are very acidic or alkaline. Compost improves your soil's condition and your plants and flowers will love it!

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 53

MAR CH FINE AR T & ANTIQUES NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES The closing date for entires is 24th Februar y.

Please contact Mark Gilding 01858 410414 or email sales@gildings.co.uk for an appraisal.

ILLUSTR ATED Auguste Herbin, Maisons au quai ver t.

E S T. £20,000-30,000

T H E B E L M O N T H OT E L

3RD F E B

G AT E S G A R D E N C E N T R E

9T H F E B

SK E TC H L E Y G R A N G E H OT E L

16T H F E B

N E W TO W N L I N F O R D V I L L AG E H A L L

17T H F E B

T H E B E L M O N T H OT E L

3R D MAR

Leicester

10AM–3PM

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10AM–3PM

GILDINGS AUC TIONEERS

VALUATION ROADSHOW Bring your belongings to discover what they are worth

Hinckley

Newtown Linford

Leicester

10AM–3PM

10AM–3PM

10AM–3PM

To par ticipate please contact us prior to the event T: 01858 410414 sales@gildings.co.uk For more details, dates and venues visit: www.gildings.co.uk/roadshow/

There is always more to discover at Gildings Auctioneers See the early 2017 sale calendar at gildings.co.uk/diar y

MARKET HARBOROUGH SALEROOM THE MILL GREAT BOWDEN ROAD LE16 7DE T: 01858 410414 SALES@GILDINGS.CO.UK

 GILDINGS.CO.UK

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON

Philharmonia Orchestra, 15 Feb, De Montfort Hall

FEBRUARY 2017

Sleuth

Mon 6 – Sat 11 Feb The Little Theatre Tickets from £13 thelittletheatre.net Isolated in a countryside manor, Wyke – a reclusive, eccentric crime novelist – has invited a young man by the name of Tindle around for a drink. Fully aware that Tindle is romantically involved with Wyke’s wife, a plot is hatched between the two of them to ensure they both get exactly what they want. But as the evening creeps on and façades begin to slip, it soon becomes apparent that there are ulterior motives at work, and their playful game of cat and mouse becomes something else entirely.

Woolf Works Wed 8 & Sun 12 Feb Cinema De Lux

Tickets from £14 showcasecinemas.co.uk The pioneering literary work of Virginia Woolf is the inspiration for multiaward-winning choreographer Wayne McGregor's brilliant triptych for The Royal Ballet. McGregor combines themes from three of Woolf's landmark novels - Mrs Dalloway, Orlando and The Waves - with elements of her letters, essays and diaries. Acclaimed British composer Max Richter creates a specially commissioned score incorporating electronic and live music. Live via satellite on Wednesday 8 February 8 and encore on Sunday 12 February.

The Wedding Singer Fri Feb 10 – Sat 18 Feb Curve Theatre Tickets from £12.50 curveonline.co.uk

Saint Joan, 16 Feb, Phoenix

I, Claude Monet, 21 & 26 Feb, Phoenix

It’s 1985. Hair is huge, greed is good and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart (Jon Robyns) is New Jersey’s favourite wedding singer. When his own fiancée dumps him at the altar a seriously bummed out Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Can sweet natured Julia, (Cassie Compton) and her best friend Holly (Roxanne Pallett) lure Robbie out of the dumpster and back into the limelight? Or is he going to see her head off down the aisle with Wall Street bad boy Glenn (Ray Quinn)? Only Grandma Rosie (Ruth Madoc) seems to be able to see that Robbie and Julia are the couple that are meant to be. Don’t miss your chance to join the party of the year, packed with songs which capture all the fun and energy of the Adam Sandler smash hit film.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 55

Tristam Kenton

nationalists, she threatens the very fabric of the feudal society and the Catholic Church across Europe. Josie Rourke (Coriolanus, Les Liaisons Dangereuses) directs Gemma Arterton (Gemma Bovery, Nell Gwynn, Made in Dagenham) as Joan of Arc in this electrifying production.

William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play

The Shape of Things

Acclaimed stars of the West End stage, the Reduced Shakespeare Company, are back with another irreverent and breathtakingly hilarious celebration of our cultural heritage – as seen through the eyes of three Americans wearing trainers. In a better-late-than-never nod to the Bard’s 400th anniversary, the bad boys of abridgement present this ‘new’ play by the man himself, as discovered in a Leicester car park! The show, mercifully abridged by the RSC from its full hundred hour running time to a more palatable ninety minutes, embarks on its debut UK tour following world premiere seasons at the renowned Folger Shakespeare Library and the Edinburgh Fringe.

Fri 17 Feb Upstairs at the Western Tickets £10 upstairsatthewestern.com

Woolf Works, 8 & 12 Feb, Cinema De Lux

Philharmonia Orchestra Wed 15 Feb De Montfort Hall Tickets £5-£36 demontforthall.co.uk

Performed by superlative French pianist David Fray, Schumann’s evergreen Piano Concerto was premièred by the composer’s wife, Clara, on New Year’s Day 1846. A lifelong friend of Robert and Clara Schumann, Brahms wrote his Third Symphony during a summer spent holidaying on the Rhine. Playing through her two-piano version, Clara wrote to Brahms: 'All the movements seem to be of one piece, one beat of the heart.’

Conducted by Karl-Heinz Steffens, Chief Conductor and Music Director of the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie RheinlandPfalz.

Saint Joan

Thu 16 Feb Phoenix Arts Tickets from £13.50 phoenix.org.uk Gemma Arterton is Joan of Arc, broadcast live from the Donmar Warehouse. Bernard Shaw’s classic play follows the life and trial of a young country girl who declares a bloody mission to drive the English from France.

As one of the first Protestants and

When quiet, lifeless Adam meets fun art student Evelyn it seems she is everything he is missing. Through their quick paced romance his world is fully changed. Whether this is for better or worse is subjective, but then again isn’t everything subjective? Beautifully written

by American author and film director Neil LaBute in 2001, the Good Vibe Theatre Company has brought this eccentric creation to life. The Shape of Things suggests that not everything is black and white, right or wrong, and makes us question what the perfect partner really is. But does it end well for Adam?

I, Claude Monet Tue 21 & Sun 26 Feb Phoenix Arts Tickets £10 phoenix.org.uk

From award-winning director Phil Grabsky comes this fresh new look at arguably the world’s favourite artist – through his own words. Using letters and other private writings I, Claude Monet reveals new insight into the man who painted the picture that gave birth to impressionism.

Despite this, and perhaps because of it, Monet’s life is a gripping tale about a man who, behind his sun-dazzled canvases, suffered from feelings of depression, loneliness, even suicide. Shot on location in Paris, London, Normandy and Venice I, Claude Monet is a cinematic immersion into some of the most loved and iconic scenes in Western Art.

Thu 23 – Sat 25 Feb Curve Theatre Tickets from £12 curveonline.co.uk

Banff Film Festival Tue 28 Feb De Montfort Hall Tickets from £10.50 demontforthall.co.uk

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is back, starring the world’s top adventurers on exciting journeys in mind-blowing destinations, as selected from hundreds of films entered into the prestigious Banff Mountain Film Festival held every year in the Canadian Rockies.

Programme highlights include Four Mums & A Boat: when four middle-aged working British mums announced they wanted to row the Atlantic Ocean, their families thought they had lost their minds. The epic ocean expedition they were about to embark upon, would change their lives forever. And don’t miss Doing It Scared: Eighteen years after a terrible accident left him partially paralyzed, British climber Paul Pritchard returns to the Totem Pole in Tasmania to find out if he has recovered enough to finish the climb.

Banff Film Festival, 28 Feb, De Montfort Hall

Nevill Holt Opera 2017 PRESENTS

TOSCA

by Puccini

★★★★★

“Uniformly top notch” Opera Now Magazine

15th | 17th | 18th | 20th | 22nd June Nevill Holt Hall, Market Harborough, LE16 8EG Further information

www.nevillholtopera.co.uk Box Office 0115 846 7777 Winners of Best Festival

Leicester and Leicestershire

Tourism Awards 2016

A co-production with Northern Ireland Opera

“Kilworth House is a total delight, perhaps the best-kept secret in British Theatre.”

2017 SEASON

A dazzling comedy of musical mischief and an irresistible celebration of the joy and madness of working in theatre!

31ST MAY – 16TH JULY

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ glorious, tap-dancing comes to the stage in one of the greatest dance musicals of all time!

TICKETS £32 - £40 BOX OFFICE 01858 881 939 Opening hours: Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm OR BOOK ONLINE AT www.kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk

FREE TM

KILWORTH HOUSE HOTEL & THEATRE LUTTERWORTH ROAD NORTH KILWORTH LEICESTERSHIRE LE17 6JE

LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL PRESENT

THE UK PUN CHAMPIONSHIPS Punday 13 February

PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA BRAHMS: SYMPHONY NO.3 Wednesday 15 February

BRENDAN COLE ALL NIGHT LONG

Friday 24 February

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR Tuesday 28 February

THE FULL MONTY Monday 6 – Saturday 11 March

JACK SAVORETTI Sunday 19 March

0116 233 3111

//

demontforthall.co.uk

//

@demontforthall

//

demontforthall

film REVIEW

20TH CENTURY WOMEN (15)

times that define us. se who rasie us and the tho to er lett e lov a n: 20th Century Wome

1hr 58mins Opens nationwide Fri 17 Feb 0116 242 2800 | phoenix.org

California in the late 1970s, bohemian mum and boarding house proprietor Dorothea (Annette Bening) is at a loss on how to deal with her increasingly spiky teenage son Jamie (Lucas Zumann). Enlisting two other women, photographer tenant Abbie (Greta Gerwig) and Jamie’s best friend Julie (Elle Fanning), the three women with the occasional input from handyman William (Billy Crudup) - attempt to teach Jamie how to be a good man.

book REVIEW

For those looking to try something new.

It’s been a long time since Mike Mills’ last film (2010’s Beginners starring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer), but the wait has been worth it. This wonderful comedy-drama has the same bitter-sweet playfulness as his previous film and he’s assembled a superb ensemble cast to populate his gorgeously recreated 1970s America. Gerwig brings hidden depths to the seemingly fearless Abbie, Crudup exudes endearing hangdog charm, while

young stars Fanning and Zumann draw us into the frustrations of adolescence. But the film belongs to Bening in a career-best role; her Dorothea feels real, shaped by a life-time of joy, sorrow and social change.

Born during the Great Depression and now headed into Reaganomics, tested by her relationship with her son but still longing for her own freedom, Dorothea is lived-in and human. Although set in the past, 20th Century Women feels relevant and universal, a love letter to those who raise us and the times that define us.

Raw Cake

by The Hardihood The Hardihood was set up by long-time friends Leah Garwood-Gowers and Daisy Kristiansen to prove that eating healthy desserts does not mean compromising on taste or beauty. Raw Cake is a highly stylised guide to making beautiful, raw desserts that appeal to everyone. Fully illustrated and with one hundred recipes - from pistachio donuts to cookie dough ice cream, toffee cacao cheesecake to salted caramel crunch bars - and packed with food styling techniques, Raw Cake will help you to create sensational-looking healthy cakes and embrace what makes your body happy.

Modern Living: Scandinavian Style

by Claire Bingham Decorating an interior one that is simple, functional, cozy and calm, with no piece of furniture unloved or overlooked is a tall order. In Modern Living Scandinavian Style, Claire Bingham escapes to the Nordic nations with this inspiring and practical guide to creating feel-good interiors that are pared-back, yet characterful. Each chapter explores the design ideas and pieces that make up every room, revealing decorating secrets to recreate Nordic chic. Inspired by both modern and classic Scandinavian design, learn how to introduce a dash of Scandi into your home.

Healing Superfoods for Anti-Aging

by Karen Ansel We know that eating well can make us slimmer and healthier but it profoundly affects our health and longevity, too! Fast moving and filled with fun nuggets of easy-to-follow advice, Healing Superfoods for Anti-Aging serves up 96 recipes containing the most potent foods to help you look younger, increase energy, mental focus, and lower the risk of ailments such as heart disease, strokes, cancer, and diabetes. Weekly meal plans include special menus for anyone on gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian diets.

Life is in the details THE NEW V40 R-DESIGN With its distinctive 17" Diamond Cut Alloys, adaptive digital display, Thor’s Hammer headlights and more, the new Volvo V40 R-Design is crafted down to the last detail.

And when you experience all these details working in harmony, the car truly comes to life.

£199 per month*

On Personal Contract Hire

The V40 T2 R-Design.

Including maintenance. Initial rental is £2,388, 8,000 miles per annum, with a 24 month agreement and excess mileage charges apply.

FIND OUT MORE AT STURGESS VOLVO OR VISIT WWW.STURGESSVOLVO.COM

Sturgess Volvo

Sturgess Volvo Almond Road, Leicester, LE2 7LP www.sturgessvolvo.com 0116 366 0335

Official fuel consumption for the Volvo V40 T2 R-Design (manual) in MPG (l/100km): Urban 38.7 (7.3), Extra Urban 61.4 (4.6), Combined 50.4 (5.6).

CO2 emissions 127g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Important information: W E Sturgess & Sons Ltd trading as Sturgess Volvo is acting as introducer. Contract hire provided by Lex Autolease Limited trading as Volvo Car Leasing, SK3 0RB. 18s & over, subject to status. You will not own the vehicle and it must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Excess mileage charges 17.28p per mile. Subject to availability at participating dealers. Offer ends 31/03/17. Maintenance includes routine servicing, tyres, replacement parts and repairs due to fair wear and tear. Repairs or replacements from accidental/maliciousdamage and damage caused by driver misuse/abuse are excluded. The vehicle must be serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines and by an approved service dealer. Not available with other promotions.

PEOPLE & PLACES

In with the

NEW What’s old is new again as three hotels breathe new life into ghosts of architecture past.

KRUISHERENHOTEL

Maastricht, Netherlands Located in the city centre of Maastricht, roughly 200km southeast of Amsterdam, a renovated 15th century monastery of the ‘Crutched Friars’ houses the 60-room Kruisherenhotel Maastricht. Uninhabited since 1979, the Gothic exterior now plays host to a sleek, modernist interior appointed with artworks and furniture by big names such as Philip Starck and Le Corbusier, while the odd stained glass window adds an occasional dash of opalescence.

The interior is matched by beautiful monastery gardens – a haven in the midst of a vibrant city centre – creating a luxurious, contemporary design hotel, engrained with a deep respect for its storied past.

Source: www.designhotels.com

FACTORY HOTEL

KRUISHERENHOTEL

FACTORY HOTEL

Münster, Germany Housed in the old Bermania Brewery, the Factory Hotel reveals a surprising and successful combination of old and new.

The landmarked building sits overlooking Lake Aasee, surrounded by a lively mix of shops, restaurants, and clubs.

The modern wing, created by Andreas Deilmann, houses the hotel’s 144 rooms, marrying the old bones of concrete, wood, and felt with the contemporary cues of sleek furniture and statement lighting. Guests looking to work off the excesses of the hotel’s signature brew can enjoy personal training tips, or simply relax at the amazing and expansive 3,500-square-meter fitness centre with its swimming pool, spa, and roof terrace.

VERTIGO HOTEL

VERTIGO HOTEL

Dijon, France Built in the popular Parisian style of the late 1800s, the Hausmann-esque building was constructed on Place Darcy, one of Dijon’s most beautiful squares. In 1902, the new owner Louis Gorges put the hotel on the map attracting celebrated artists such as Joan Baez, Joe Cocker, and Jean Reno and after careful restoration in recent years, the Vertigo Hotel is ready to reclaim its mantle as Dijon’s premier address.

Staunchly proud of its roots, works from French designers grace the 42 rooms and guest areas, including ‘Nuage’ lighting by Hervé Langlais, and ‘Circles’ coffee tables

by Maria Jeglinska. The sleek retro bar pays homage to Burgundy’s most famous export, with a carefully curated wine list showcasing the region’s very best vintages.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2017 63

Weddings and Ceremonies 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.

Dates available throughout 2017

Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Leicestershire, LE12 8TX

BELVOIR BELVOIR BELVOIR H OME OF T HEIR G RACES

OMEOF OF T THEIR HEIR G RACES T HEHHOME D UKE & DGRACES UCHESS HE D D UKE &DDUCHESS UCHESS TTHE & R UTLAND OFUKE RUTLAND UTLAND OF R OF

THE EXCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE Corby, Northamptonshire.

NN17 3EW Corby, NorthamptoNshire www.deenepark.com

The Exclusive Wedding Venue NN17 3eW

telephone: 01780 450278 email: admin@deenepark.com www.deenepark.com

F OR YOUR PERFECT W EDDING OR YOUR OUR PERFECT ERFECT W WEDDING EDDING F OR …and memories which will last forever. …and memories which will last forever.

www.belvoircastle.com Enquiries: 01476 871031 Email: weddings@belvoircastle.com

Q0606

For more information or to arrange a viewing please call us on 01509 890119 /BeaumanorHall or visit www.beaumanorhall.co.uk

One stop shop for wedding planning Leicestershire Registration Service is a trusted statutory authority. We perform over 2,000 legally binding civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies every year.

We can hold ceremonies in 7 registration offices and over 70 approved venues across the county – ranging from manor houses to contemporary hotels and even a castle.

We understand how stressful a wedding can be and we want your ceremony (whether small or large) to be a memorable experience for all the right reasons.

To make things run smoother, our service will guide you every step of the way. www.celebrateinleicestershire.co.uk can be used by couples at any stage of their wedding planning; •

Find wedding suppliers or services

•

View registration office and approved venue ceremony rooms

•

Guidance on the legal formalities

Everything you need, in one place.

Brows e suppli local ers an venue d s

Visit www.celebrateinleicestershire.co.uk to take the stress out of planning.

Alternatively, to speak to a member of staff, call us on 0116 305 65 65.

Celebrate in style

360º virtu al tours of our re gistr office cer ation emony rooms

www.celebrateinleicestershire.co.uk /celebrateinleicestershire

New collection furniture in store soon

Favourite fashion store

Tribeca in the lanes in Brighton

MY WAY

Lizzie Stanhope “I take inspiration from almost anything. Nature, fashion, travels, people…I just keep my eyes open” says interior designer Lizzie Stanhope.

I’m a Leicestershire girl, bought up on a farm in the Langtons. I loved waking up early to go shepherding with my Dad. We’d ride on horseback, chattering our way around the fields. One of my favourite memories was going out after a heavy snowfall the night before, everything looked so beautiful, and I remember we couldn’t make out the horizon because there was no variation between the colours of the sky and the land. I loved my childhood, lots of adventure.

After school I headed to Brighton to study for a degree in Art and Design. I was drawn by the relaxed nature of the place, and being by the sea, I love the sea. I actually felt like I was on holiday a lot of the time!

I had always been fascinated by the aesthetics of the home, so after finishing my degree I went to London and was offered a role within a company designing and installing show-houses.

It was great fun, and really varied. I’d spend two weeks designing, sourcing, and filling the warehouse in East London, then off we’d go somewhere in the country, and spend the next week or two ‘moving in’.

I quickly realised that I loved to design and create spaces for people to fall in love with, so when the opportunity arose to buy my Mum’s interiors business in Oakham, I jumped at the chance and everything has evolved from there. My Mum is one of my greatest inspirations.

Design comes very naturally to her and she works so calmly. When we get the opportunity it’s a real joy to design together, and she often comes on work trips abroad with me, which is lovely.

I take inspiration for my designs from almost anything. Nature, fashion, travels, people…I just keep my eyes open. I never know what I might see. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some very exciting and diverse projects. Designing homewares and stores for N.Peal in London has been really interesting, and last year I also put an interiors installation into an art gallery in Knightsbridge.

Actually last year was really busy, with two bars and a bowling alley too.

I have three children, so to have a business that I feel so passionately for, which has worked around my family so well is pretty cool. My little girls love what I do and really enjoy getting involved.

Having my own business has afforded me a good work-life balance, although

Best for beauty

Lancôme

Favourite interior designer

Tricia Guild, founder of Designers Guild Most extravagant purchase

My bed

Guilty pleasure

Bloody Mary on a Sunday…although I never feel guilty Reading at the moment

A fine balance by Rohinton Mistry Happiness is…

A road trip with my girls Most inspirational woman

J.K. Rowling

we all know what it is to be stretched in all directions at times. In fact time is my greatest challenge and you just do your best to try to ensure everything gets the attention it deserves.

I’ve started this year running, with lots of really lovely local work, and incredible new products winging their way into our Oakham store. I have another installation coming up at Walton Fine Arts in London, and later in the year we’ll be running more charity design lectures and book signings. Our chosen charity this year is Trekstock, an organisation supporting young adults in their 20’s and 30’s living with or with the effects of cancer. The line up for our events is really good and I'll be making some exciting announcements in the coming months through my blog and social media.

Studios, 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom properties available from £90,000

wheatsheaf works

Move to a new home * with a 5% depositwheatsheaf works Take advantage of the Help to Buy Scheme at Wheatsheaf Works

Plus receive* • Stamp duty paid • £750 towards legal fees • £500 John Lewis Vouchers

• Luxury conversion of Victorian Grade II Listed shoe factory • Landscaped courtyard and private undercroft parking • Short drive to Leicester city centre • Close to the fashionable Queens Road Wheatsheaf Works, Wheatsheaf Way, Leicester LE2 6EQ Opening times: Thursday to Monday 10:30am - 5:30pm

www.urbanrhythm.co.uk 07850 770335 or 0116 274 5773 *Subject to status, Help to Buy terms and conditions apply, and available on selected properties. + Stamp duty paid based on owner occupier only. Legal fees paid based on using our panel solicitor.

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