Urban Fox - February 2020 Issue by Steve Lenaghan

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February 2020

WIN

Orla Kiely Linen Emma Bridgewater Earthenware Charlotte Tilbury Makeup

HOT

DESKING

On the Veg

MEAT FREE MEALS

DARK & DARING

THE MOODY HUES

Leather skirts work

CHOOSE HAPPINESS

It starts with you

Born to be Wilde Olivia Wilde interview

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 1

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 3

Hello

It’s all too easy to get stuck in a rut or play it safe; but if you’re frustrated waiting for something exciting to happen. Good news! The wait is over. From doing something unexpected, to stepping outside your comfort zone, this month’s Brave New You edition reaches the parts other magazines can’t reach.

COVER SHOT: Polarising Top, £59.95, Seasalt

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Pack a punch in the fashion stakes and Rev Up the Red. Not just for Christmas, ruby reds are vivid yet deceptively versatile. Team with neutrals for a dramatic day to night look. We also take a walk on the wild side with snakeskin - 4 ways. But for those that dread being swallowed whole…relax…this season’s take is more sleek, less shriek. Will you dare to wear? Confidence is at the very heart of this edition. So, whether you’re securing your dream job, embracing a new lifestyle, experimenting with food or standing up for what you believe in, we say feel the fear and do it anyway! A new adventure lies around every corner, so Choose Happiness and live your life to the full. On the home front we’re feeling the moody hues with dark and atmospheric interiors, and going all out with Pattern Power, the perfect antidote to any drab space. We also add a big statement to the smallest room in the house with our bold bathroom designs, before heading outside to discover how to make the most of the garden - all year round. One woman who’s no stranger to success is award winning Olivia Wilde. Not one to shy away from a tough role here she talks to us about her directorial debut, female characterisation and conservative stereotypes. Born to be Wilde, check out her latest cinematic turn as Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Kathy Scruggs in the biopic Richard Jewell.

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URBANFOX

We’d love to hear about your everyday feats of bravery. So, whether it’s a solo sailing trip (p53) or dazzling eyeshadow for your lids (p15), head over to Facebook and join the conversation.

MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk STEVE LENAGHAN Head of Sales & Marketing 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk

13 28-29

Neptune

DARK &

LISA ROTH Head of New Business Development 07843 851132 lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk

Daring

Make an impression . Swap light and bright with moody hues, for a dark and atmo spheric interior.

Merino Throw, £132, Tolly McRae

Nordal Planter, £101.67, Nordicdecoration.co m

GILLIAN GATT Sales Consultant 07468 469971 Gillian@theurban-fox.co.uk KATIE TURNBULL Designer katie@theurban-fox.co.uk

Highclere Cordless Table Lamp, £2,298, Alexande r Joseph

Eichholtz Kingston Floor Lamp, £350, Sweetpea & Willow

Atticus Chest, £599, Swoon

Torassa Chair, £2,495, Soho House

Karlsson Lush Velvet Alarm Clock, £29, Cult Furniture

Lancaster Console Table, £219.95, Melody Maison

Dahlia Linen Cushion, £35, Habitat

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.

Broste Copenhag en Wind Footstool, £540, Cuckooland

Muuto Pebble Rug, £985, Nest

URBAN FOX FEBRUA RY 2020 29

CONTRIBUTORS: Kirsty France and Rebecca Watts URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 5

February 44

HEALTH & WELLBEING

17 New Year New You The key to success

WINING & DINING 19 On the Veg Meat free meals 23 Not Just for Breakfast Break out of your shell

HOMES & GARDENS 25 Pattern Power Queen of retro 28 Dark & Daring The moody hues 31 W hat’s the Big Idea? Bold bathrooms 35 Lighten Up Natural light solutions 39 Let’s Go Outside Warm up your winter garden

19 FASHION & BEAUTY 8 Sleek Snakeskin Take a walk on the wild side

LIFE & WORK 41 Right Move Job swap: stay or go? 43 C hoose Happines It starts with you 44 Born to be Wilde Olivia Wilde interview

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 47 What’s On Entertaining the whole family 51 Book Shelf Mix it up

11 Rev Up the Red Pack a punch

PEOPLE & PLACES

13 Hot Desking Leather skirts work

53 Land Ahoy Sail away holidays

15 Bright Eyes SS20 makeup trends

54 My Way Local spotlight on Gemma Wood

WIN MAKEUP PALETTE

WIN SERVING PLATTER

by Charlotte Tilbury

by Emma Bridgewater

26 WIN BED LINEN by Orla Kiely

Discover timelessly elegant products that will transform your home.

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Celia Boots, £195, Whistles Darcey Belted Coat, £295, Whistles

Bryn Satin Midi Skirt, £160, Reiss

Coccinelle Florence Bag, £270, John Lewis

Millay Sequin Snake Print Sweatshirt, £159, Ted Baker

Taylor Velvet Clutch, £95, L.K. Bennett

Paige Hoxton Velvet Jeans, £72, John Lewis

Aurélie Bidermann Snake Ring, £100, Matches

Serena Sandals, £160, Reiss

FASHION & BEAUTY

Barton Bucket Bag, £175, Whistles Faux Leather Joggers, £69, Mint Velvet

Storm Seeker Jacket, £225, Sweaty Betty

Arellis Trainers, £119, Ted Baker

Sleek

SNAKESKIN Take a walk on the wild side with sophisticated snakeskin. A near-neutral, it goes with everything!

Meeoh Snakeskin Skirt, £179, Ted Baker

Hampstead Handbag, £795, Mulberry

Zip Biker Jacket, £279, Mint Velvet

Cavenham Ankle Boots, £160, Boden

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 9

20% off with code UF02

Baukjen.com *Terms and conditions apply. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. See website for details. Valid until 01/03/2020

Maje Parmin Trousers, £209, Selfridges Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick, £24, Giorgio Armani

Anabelle Red Frill Neck Jumper, £150, L.K Bennett

Maryling

REV UP

THE RED Pack a punch with the season’s rubiest reds.

Carmel Red Nail Lacquer, £32, Tom Ford

Lucinda Dress, £90, Boden

Vanetta Cotton Skirt, £89, Hobbs

Belted Bayswater Satchel, £850, Mulberry

Manuela Wrap Coat, £1,580, MaxMara

Jette Ankle boots, £275, L.K Bennett

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 11

FASHION & BEAUTY

Hot

DESKING The investment piece that deserves a place in your working wardrobe. Pair with fine knits and heeled boots for effortless office dressing.

1 Gestuz Aliah Midi Skirt, £300, Harvey Nichols 2 Thea Leather Skirt, £299, Hobbs 3 Editor’s pick: style with a tucked-in shirt and heels Grey Leather Midi Skirt, £189, Mint Velvet 4 Belted Leather Skirt, £299, Whistles 5 Kai Leather Pencil Skirt, £250, Reiss 6 Ganni Asymmetric Leather Skirt, £390, Matches 7 Leather Wrap Midi Skirt, £299, Whistles URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 13

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WIN!

PILLOW TALK PALETTE by Charlotte Tilbury You could be the lucky winner of this Charlotte Tilbury, Pillow Talk Instant Eye Palette, worth £60. From the shimmering rose gold, peachy-caramel and dreamy champagne pink eyeshadow shades of the Day and Desk looks, to the soft tawny brown, shimmering rosy pink and blushed berryrose of the Date and Dream looks, create a Pillow Talk gaze that takes you anywhere! A make-up artist working in the fashion and beauty industry for over 20 years, Charlotte

Tilbury has created an award-winning makeup and skin care brand. Shop the full Charlotte Tilbury UK makeup, skin care and beauty collection at charlottetilbury.com/uk

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Charlotte Tilbury’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Saturday 29 February 2020. 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 competition may be withdrawn at any time.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Bright

Eyes

The 3 breakout eyeshadow trends that will rule 2020 and they’re bolder and brighter than ever.

PRETTY IN PINK

A tricky colour to pull off, the easiest way to incorporate pink is into a smoky eye look. Apply a light shade of pink to the lid, extending up to the brow. Using a blending brush, follow through with a darker shade of pink on the crease. Finally use a darker brown or grey shade along the lashes. Nude by Nature Natural Illusion Eyeshadow Trio in Rose, £24, is a versatile collection of eyeshadows and with its double-ended brush, you can achieve the perfect professional eye.

GLITTER BUG

Choose a formula that is smooth and subtle, ideal for creating perfect flecks of glitter on your lids. For something more daring, add eye gloss to your upper lids, then apply a nude glitter underneath the eyes. Make eyes magical with Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, £24. With six shades of pearlescent, glitter eye shadows to choose from, you’ll be sure to make a style impact.

TRUE BLUE

Long considered the Marmite of the beauty world, blue eyeshadow is the hottest way to update your new season look. Adopt an anything goes approach with bright, dark shades or dip a toe with softer shimmery hues. We love Clarins Ombre Satin Eyeshadow, £20. It’s gel-cream texture is enriched with polymers and glides easily on the eyelid for a velvet softtouch finish.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 15

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New Year

NEW YOU? A new year, a new decade… a new you? From big challenges to small steps, Rebecca Watts from the TheStudios40 explains how change is key to success. For most of us change is not easy. We are creatures of habits, who generally like to stay in our comfort zones. Challenging ourselves can be difficult but when things get tough, remember the adage “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you”. If we want to be a stone lighter, fitter and stronger or mentally resilient, it will require a degree of challenge. But put yourself to the test and the rewards can be incredible. From increased motivation, better self-awareness, greater mental strength and improved confidence and self-respect, to feelings of happiness, contentment, and the ability to adapt and be more creative, the benefits are truly remarkable. So how can you challenge yourself? It can be physical, mental or both. Some people are adrenalin junkies who throw themselves into a major action, event or adventure - a marathon, a skydive, a big move – while others like the idea of doing something big and brave but never really get around to it or quit a couple of weeks in. Most of us, however, are more suited to taking it slower and making smaller changes. The pace isn’t really that important, the fact you are challenging yourself is.

Here some big and small steps you can take to challenge yourself in 2020:

Big Goals

Want a big challenge this year? Run a marathon, take part in a triathlon, quit smoking, lose 5 stone, change your life direction or learn a new sport. Taking on a big goal can be difficult but rewarding. You will probably need to break down your overall goal into smaller goals, with achievable but challenging time scales, in order to keep you focused and motivated along the way.

Daily Challenges

Smaller daily or weekly challenges are a great way to drip feed your dopamine which is key for our motivation, focus, pleasure and reward. This could be as simple as setting yourself 3 things to tick off your list each day at work, making someone smile, learning a new word, increasing 25 steps each day, doing or eating something new each week.

Self-Development

An incredible way to improve your overall health and life is through smaller behavioural changes. This approach works on the premise that if you don’t take on too much at once, you’re more

likely to stick to the changes you do make. Think of it as a journey of self-development, in which you challenge yourself to grow and develop over time, creating new habits and a healthier lifestyle along the way. This approach can work on all aspects of your life, not just health and fitness and is as simple as 1,2,3: Step 1: Choose some areas of your life to which you want to make improvements - nutrition, activity, lifestyle, mental health, career, your impact on the environment etc. Step 2: Make a list of behaviours and improvements that you can make for each of the areas you have selected. Step 3: Each month set yourself 1 challenge or habit to change for each of your chosen areas. Over the course of a year you will have developed 12 better habits for each area, allowing you to develop and grow, become healthier and happier, without overhauling your life.

Good Luck! URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 17

WIN!

SERVING PLATTER by Emma Bridgewater Pile on the artichokes; they’ll look resplendent served up on this Emma Bridgewater Vegetable Garden Artichoke Large Oval Platter. Measuring 45.6cm in diameter, and made from English earthenware, this platter is both microwave and dishwasher safe. The ‘Vegetable Garden’ collection includes a range of earthenware, melamine and kitchen linen products featuring glossy chillies, plump tomatoes, gleaming peppers and luscious lemons, that are ripe for the picking.

Well-loved and known for her eclectic and quintessentially British style, Emma Bridgewater collections will add a kitsch twist to any home. Discover a range of beautiful and unique yet practical pottery at www.emmabridgewater.co.uk

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Emma Bridgewater’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Saturday 29 February 2020. Terms & Conditions: The winner will be chosen 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 competition can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

WINING & DINING

On the

VEG

If Veganuary was too hard to swallow, Veggie-ary might be your recipe to success. Tickle your taste buds with these meat-free suppers from Waitrose.

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 19

ALL-IN-ONE VEGETARIAN LASAGNE Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 200g pack chilled Cooks’ Ingredients Soffritto 500g carton Italian passata with chopped basil 6 fresh lasagne sheets, halved lengthways 350g pack chilled Quorn mince 125g pack mozzarella, drained and torn Handful basil leaves

1 2

Preheat the grill to high. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan or shallow casserole dish over a medium-high heat. Fry the soffritto for 7 minutes, stirring regularly. Tip in the passata, then fill the carton with water and add to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in

the pasta strips and mince; simmer for another 5 minutes.

Scatter the torn mozzarella over the top and pop under the grill for 5 minutes. Grind over some black pepper and scatter over the basil to serve.

Cook’s tip: You could use a

defrosted Quorn mince instead of chilled in this recipe, if you wish.

BROCCOLI TABBOULEH WITH HALLOUMI Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus cooling Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 100g bulgur wheat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp orange juice ¼ tsp ground allspice 1 small red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped ½ small garlic clove, finely grated or crushed ½ cucumber, sliced Large handful mint leaves, shredded ½ x 25g pack flat leaf parsley, finely chopped 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 200g pack tenderstem broccoli spears, trimmed and sliced diagonally ½ x 250g pack halloumi cheese, cut into 2cm cubes

Put the bulgur wheat in a bowl. Pour over 100ml just-boiled water, then cover with a plate and leave for 10 minutes.

Mix together the olive oil, orange juice, allspice, chilli and garlic; season. Toss through the bulgur wheat, then set aside to cool, uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes. Stir through the cucumber, mint and parsley.

In a large frying pan, heat the sesame oil over a medium- high heat. Add the broccoli and fry for 4-5 minutes, then add 2 tbsp water and fry for a further 1 minute until tender. Tip into the bulgur wheat, then add the halloumi to the pan and fry, turning regularly, for 2-3 minutes. Tumble over the tabbouleh and serve.

Cook’s tip: For more fibre add chopped veg such as diced tomato, red pepper or finely sliced salad onion. Images and recipes: Waitrose

WINING & DINING

BUTTERNUT SQUASH & GOAT CHEESE SALAD Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 butternut squash, halved, deseeded and cut into 1cm slices 1 tbsp olive oil Pinch chilli flakes 40g pecans 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½ lemon, zest and juice 2 x 140g packs red chicory, leaves separated 2 tbsp dried cranberries 75g goat cheese

Preheat the oven to 220˚C, gas mark 7. Toss the squash slices with the 1 tbsp olive oil and spread out on a large baking tray. Sprinkle with the chilli flakes, season and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden in places. Put the pecans on a separate baking tray and add to the oven for the final 5 minutes of roasting.

For the dressing, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest and juice.

Arrange the roasted squash (it can be hot from the oven or cooled to room temperature) and sliced chicory leaves on individual plates or a large serving plate. Scatter over the cranberries and toasted pecans, dot over the goat cheese, then spoon over the dressing. Grind over some black pepper and serve immediately.

Cook’s tip: For extra sweetness, try

adding some finely sliced apple or pear in place of the cranberries. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 21

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Recipes & Images: Waitrose

WINING & DINING

Not just for

BREAKFAST Break out of your shell. Eggs are crackin’ for a quick midweek meal.

ITALIAN-STYLE BAKED EGGS Time: 35 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 2 tsp organic extra virgin olive oil 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tsp fennel seeds ¼ tsp chilli flakes 400g can chopped tomatoes 1 large basil sprig Pinch caster sugar ½ x 125g mozzarella, roughly torn 4 free-range eggs Ciabatta or crusty bread, to serve Method: Preheat the oven to 180˚C, gas mark 4. Heat the oil in a medium ovenproof frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the fennel seeds and chilli flakes; fry for 1 minute more. Stir in the tomatoes. Chop the basil stalk and any larger leaves

(keep the smaller leaves to garnish); add to the pan with a little seasoning and the caster sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir the torn mozzarella through the sauce, then with a spoon make 4 indents and crack an egg into each. Transfer to the oven for 10 minutes (or cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook over a medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes) until the whites are just set and the yolks still soft. Set aside, off the heat, for 1 minute. Grind over a little black pepper; scatter with the reserved basil leaves. Serve with ciabatta or crusty bread for scooping up the sauce.

TANDOORI SALMON & CAVOLO NERO KEDGEREE Time: 35 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 tbsp low fat Greek style yogurt, extra to serve 2 tsp tomato purée 15g (½ pack) Geeta’s Tandoori Spice Mix 1 unwaxed lemon, zest of all, juice of ½, ½ cut into wedges 240g pack lightly smoked salmon fillets 2 tsp sunflower oil 1 onion, roughly chopped 2 medium free-range eggs 300g cavolo nero, leaves roughly shredded 350g pack chilled pilau rice 2 tbsp mango chutney, extra to serve Method: Preheat the grill to medium. Line a medium baking dish with foil. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, tomato purée, tandoori mix and lemon juice. Add the salmon and coat well. Put the salmon skin-side down in the baking dish then spoon over the excess marinade. Grill for 10-15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked and the marinade starting to char. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wide, non-stick frying pan, then add the onion. Cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes until soft and turning golden. Put the eggs in a small pan of boiling water; cook for 6 minutes. Cool under cold water then peel. Stir the cavolo nero into the onion, season and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until wilted. Fold in the rice and lemon zest. Mix the chutney with 2 tbsp water and add to the pan; let the rice heat through, stirring often. Flake in the tandoori salmon (discard the skin), and top with the halved eggs. Serve with more chutney and yogurt, if liked, plus lemon wedges to squeeze over. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 23

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

HOMES & GARDENS

John Lewis

Pattern

Power Renowned for its retro-inspired prints and playful approach to design, Orla Kiely homeware is the perfect antidote for a drab kitchen space. 6

1 Linear Stem Stacking Espresso Mugs (Set of 4), £40, Jarrold 2 Oval Yellow Teapot, £49.95, Portmeirion 3 Elephant Cheese Board with Knives, £60, Amara 4 Multi-Stem Double Oven Glove, £25, John Lewis 5 Scribble Flower Saucepan, £64.99, Amazon 6 Climbing Rose Herb Pots, £39.95, Cuckooland 7 Bunny Egg Cups (Set of 2), £17.95, Amazon 8 Bird Snack Dishes (Set of 3), £20, BrandAlley 9 Dachshund Storage Tins, £24.95, Annabel James URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 25

! N I W

SCRIBBLE STEM BED LINEN by Orla Kiely Bring retro charm to your home with this Scribble Stem duvet cover and pillowcases by Orla Kiely. Made from 100% cotton, it features the Scribble Stem design in complementing shades of green. The perfect way to brighten your interior, this double duvet cover measures 200x200cm with a 200-thread count. Matching pillowcases, set of 2, measure 75x50cm. Enjoy this little bit of bedtime luxury.

acclaim for her kitsch and colourful designs. Drawing inspiration from nature and her Irish heritage, she has encapsulated these elements in her patterns, giving the fresh, vintage-inspired twist, for which she is famous.

Hailed as the ‘Queen of Prints’, Orla Kiely is a prolific textiles designer who has won global

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be chosen 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 competition can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Orla Kiely’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Saturday 29 February 2020.

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Neptune

DARK &

Daring

Make an impression. Swap light and bright with moody hues, for a dark and atmospheric interior.

Highclere Cordless Table Lamp, £2,298, Alexander Joseph

Eichholtz Kingston Floor Lamp, £350, Sweetpea & Willow

Nordal Planter, £101.67, Nordicdecoration.com

Merino Throw, £132, Tolly McRae

Atticus Chest, £599, Swoon

Torassa Chair, £2,495, Soho House

Karlsson Lush Velvet Alarm Clock, £29, Cult Furniture

Lancaster Console Table, £219.95, Melody Maison

Dahlia Linen Cushion, £35, Habitat

Broste Copenhagen Wind Footstool, £540, Cuckooland

Muuto Pebble Rug, £985, Nest

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 29

Showroom Open: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm The Old Cinema Cropston Road Anstey Leicestershire LE7 7BP

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sales@broughtons.com

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HOMES & GARDENS

Clarissa Hulse

TROPICAL PARADISE

What's the

This look is all about bringing the outdoors in, and creating a lush, rainforest in which you can lose yourself for a few hours. Think rain shower, bold greenery and pops of colour. A living wall filled with foliage, moss and fern will provide a natural focal point.

BIG IDEA? The smallest room in the house is the perfect place to make a big design statement. INDUSTRIAL LUXE

Materials including wood, copper and concrete continue to be the mainstay of the industrial look. Soften the hard edges by introducing rounded shapes and softer, more tactile materials, to create a more luxurious look and feel.

e Waters Baths of Ashbourn Garden Trading

PERIOD DRAMA

Original Style

Astro Lights

CABARET NIGHTS

Lights, camera, action. This style is all about creating added drama, so keep your design stark and dark. Add a flash of Hollywood glamour with these Cabaret wall lights. They look fabulous framing a wall or dressing table mirror.

Even if you live in a period property, you still have options when it comes to the interior design. For an ultra-modern yet sympathetic style, mix traditional with modern. This polished design is sleek, deep and spacious and would add a contemporary elegance to any bathroom.

FEMME FATALE

Make your bathroom blush with a playful pop of pink. For a bold makeover with minimal work, paint the walls in one shade, or create another level of interest with a two-tone or graduated colour way. Metallic accents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hardware, furniture, accessories - will add a touch of sophistication. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 33

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HOMES & GARDENS

LIGHTEN

With house buyers citing “natural light” as a key feature they look for when choosing a new home, we explore some imaginative ways to introduce more light into your property.

Although a neutral colour palette, glass mirrors and metallic accents, will help to bounce light around a dark room, nothing compares to natural sunlight. Here’s some ideas to lighten up your home.

FAN LIGHTS

Typically found in Victorian and other period properties, fanlights are a surefire way of bringing light into a dark entrance hall. Originally shaped like a fan (hence the name), rectangular frames have become more popular in recent years. Top (and also side) lights are a great way to add light while also creating a striking design feature to your front door.

GLASS BLOCKS

Consider replacing an exterior wall section with glass blocks. Popular during the 1920s Art Deco period, this look is making a comeback. The blocks allow light to penetrate without compromising privacy or energy efficiency. You can also use blocks internally as a dividing wall. For bedrooms, consider going hi-tech

with glass that changes from opaque to translucent at the flick of a switch.

SKY LIGHTS

Skylights are a unique and effective way to bring light into your home. They come in a variety of sizes and configurations and are often used in high-traffic spaces like kitchens, bathrooms and family rooms. Alternatively install a panel of glass which runs up one wall across the ceiling and down the other wall. This will open up the room and create a link with the outdoor space.

BI-FOLD DOORS

Replace traditional French doors with contemporary bi-fold doors, which fold back to create a seamless flow between your garden and living space. Bringing the outside in creates a feeling of space and can give the illusion of an extension. For maximum daylight choose doors with slim framing, designed not to obstruct the view.

GLAZED STAIRCASE

Glazed staircases are an ideal way to make a dark hallway brighter. Whether you opt for a rising, spiral or zig-zag

stairway, choosing open treads will give a greater sense of space and allow light to trickle down. Combining with a glazed ceiling or rooflight above will maximise natural light further or install a glass balustrade for added wow factor.

SUN PIPE

A sun pipe, tunnel or tube is the perfect solution for introducing natural light into those awkward spaces where you can’t install windows or rooflights. The reflective metal tube channels sunlight from a clear dome in the roof to where it’s needed. These work best on upper floors or single storey buildings, as the light diminishes as the pipe gets longer.

EXTENSION

If you're considering extending your home, a glazed addition is a good option, especially if you're extending into a space where the natural daylight is restricted. A glass extension makes the most of all available natural light, heating itself sufficiently and saving you from switching on the radiators. Use a high-performance glass, to limit the extremes of temperature within the room. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 35

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 37

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HOMES & GARDENS

Let's Go Outside 1

Grow seasonal flowers and herbs in containers on your porch, decking, or patio, close to your house. If your space looks vibrant, you’ll be more likely to spend time outdoors.

Move garden furniture to a more sheltered area, such as under the cover of a patio or against the wall of the house. This will keep you dryer and shelter you from the cold.

Choose weather resistant furniture. Materials such as powder-coated

Enjoy your garden all year round with these 11 warming tips and tricks.

steel, teak, and polyresin wicker are built to withstand the elements and last through the seasons.

Opt for furniture pieces that offer additional shelter. A swing with canopy or a covered daybed, offer the perfect spot for hiding away with a good book on a chilly winter afternoon.

Create a feeling of cosiness and warmth with cushions, throws, and blankets. Wool throws are durable, insulating and stylish. Snuggle up and indulge in a little star gazing.

Garden Trading

6 7

Introduce a heat source close to your seating area, to warm up your outdoor space and add ambience. Choose from a chiminea, firepit, patio heater, or more permanent outdoor fireplace.

Continue to cook outdoors. BBQs are not just for summer. Swap your shorts for thermals and chilled salads for chargrilled vegetables and you’re onto a winner. It’s an additional heat source too.

Illuminate your garden with more lighting. Whether you opt for safety friendly path markers, or enchanting fairy lights, lighting will inject atmosphere into a bleak, wintery space.

Provide shelter with a temporary or permanent structure. A pop-up gazebo will offer a little protection, while a garden room will enable you to take full advantage of the colder months. Great for parties!

Install a hot tub. It’s the perfect way to feel warm and relaxed as the temperatures drop. Just make sure you have a game plan for getting indoors when you're wet and it's -1°C.

Treat yourself to a decadent drink or satisfying snack. Chase those chills away with a hot chocolate, chai latte, toasted marshmallows or a steaming bowl of soup. Now that’s worth going outside for. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 39

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Right

MOVE It might have been the January Blues, but if you can’t get no…(job)… satisfaction, Kirsty France shares her tips to making the right career move in 2020. Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Was one of them finding a different job or even changing to a whole new career? I’ve been self-employed for the past four years and it’s a massive leap when you’re used to a steady job. If you’ve spent your days since the Christmas break wishing you were doing something else, here’s my guide to making the right change for you.

WHAT’S WRONG?

Before you make any changes it’s a good idea to take a long hard look at your current situation. If your job makes you unhappy it can be tempting to find a quick exit. The trouble is you might find yourself sitting in a new office with the same issues you had in the old one. Working out what you don’t like could also help you to make changes and stay where you are. Could you move teams or take on a new role? Flexible working isn’t just for parents. If your job allows you to spend a day working at home or to change your working hours, it could make all the difference.

NEW JOB

If you can’t make any meaningful changes to your current job, it’s probably

time to look for something else. Even if you’re looking for a quick route out of your current job, be selective. When you get interviews, remember that you’re interviewing them too. Even if they offer you a job, you’re allowed to turn it down. Ask about the things that make your current job unsuitable. They’re also bound to ask why you want to leave your current job. They want to know what you might say about them one day, so keep it positive.

NEW CAREER

When I made the jump into selfemployment, I also changed industries. My employers were great, but my decision was based on the fact that the profession itself had changed. Of course, you can start a new career without having to be your own boss. If you’ve got good transferable skills, you might be able to move into a new sector at a similar level. You can retrain, go back to university or finally do that thing you were going to try ‘one day’. The options are endless. For me, the most

important thing to remember is that you’re aiming for a life that makes you happy. Work out what that looks like before you do anything else.

"...the most important thing to remember is that you're aiming for a life that makes you happy." NEXT STEPS

As you may have realised, if you’re looking for a career change there is no one size fits all approach. The first step might be making a decision but the next one will depend on what you want to do. It could be as simple as working out the business case for your flexible working request and talking to your boss. Beyond that you’re probably going to need to do some research. It might be looking up that potential new employer or finding out where you can retrain. Maybe you could even start with a side business to dip your toe in.

Good luck with your next move! URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 41

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LIFE & WORK

CHOOSE

HAPPINESS

Everyone's path to happiness is different but if you’re placing happiness out of reach through self-doubt, negative associations and impossible expectations, now’s the time to make a positive change. We all know a moaner. You know, the grumbler at the school gates who rejects every helpful suggestion. She doesn’t really want help, just an audience. Step away. And we’ve all got a friend who resolutely looks on the bright side. Who never hesitates to seize an opportunity. Who will cheerfully offer and ask for help or a favour. I know who I’d rather be. So, I’m starting to wonder, what am I waiting for? Do you, like me, believe you’ll be happy when your partner appreciates you? When your quiet excellence is rewarded with a pay rise or a promotion? When you’ve lost that stubborn stone (or three)? Or when your children (and husband for that fact) learn to put their dirty clothes in the laundry basket? Well this year, I’ve resolved to count my blessings. Accept the things I cannot change. And find the courage to change the things I can. Why not join me?

My ‘Choose Happiness’ resolutions are:

Tell my nearest and dearest when I deserve gratitude. If that doesn’t work, I’ll buy my own flowers, treat myself to a night out, or just make myself a nice cup of tea. Basically, set a good example. And feel appreciated instead of resentful. I will make an assertive business case for a raise. If it isn’t accepted, I’ll brush off my CV. Meantime I’ll list all the things my job lets me do. Live in a house I love. Take the family on holiday. Buy a new lipstick when I feel like it. And pin it above my desk.

I will accept that, after eight years, the baby weight is staying. So, I’ll purge my wardrobe of clothes I bought when I thought I’d shift it. Along with anything that doesn’t make me feel great just the way I am. Goodbye daily humiliation. Goodbye muffin top jeans. Hello clothes that love me back.

I will be brave and unfollow the moaner. And use the time I would have spent reading her posts to comment on those from happier friends. Even if they’re having a hard time. Because being a good friend makes me happy too. I will be wise and not get frustrated over the small things. I won’t let my day be ruined by the person who cuts me up on the way to work, the £4 lukewarm cappuccino, the empty loo roll holder, or being the only one to walk the dog…again. Instead I will smile serenely and let go of impossible expectations.

There. I’m feeling happier already. And if I avoid you at the school gates you’ll know why!

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 43

BORN TO BE

Wilde Her latest big screen role has bought Olivia Wilde in for some criticism, but with her rock ‘n’ roll past and future designs on the director’s chair she’s certainly not one for backing down easily.

LIFE & WORK

Olivia Wilde’s latest cinematic turn as Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Kathy Scruggs in the Clint Eastwood-directed biopic Richard Jewell has thrust the New Yorkborn star into the fringes of the vast spotlight cast by Hollywood’s recent sea change over its depiction of female characters. The film centres around the Atlanta security guard Richard Jewell who was hailed as the hero of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics when he discovered a bomb on the site of the event. It was Scruggs who broke the story that would serve to destroy his reputation, before his ultimate vindication years later. “We are still struggling with allowing for female characters who aren’t entirely quote-unquote ‘likable’,” Wilde, 35, explains. “If there’s anything slightly questionable about a female character, we often use that in relation to condemn that character or to condemn the project for allowing for a woman to be impure in a way. It’s a misunderstanding of feminism to assume that all women have to be sexless.” Eastwood’s characterisation of one moment in the story, where Scruggs and the investigating FBI agent (played by Jon Hamm) are seen in a romantic as well as professional relationship, has also caused anger. Scruggs’ former editor, for example, has refuted completely the idea that she ever traded information for sex. For Wilde, the matter of who to cast as the villain of the piece has been muddied by wider depictions of women. “I resent this character being boiled down to one inferred scene,” Wilde says with characteristic boldness. “It feels unfair that Kathy has been minimised in this way.”

The daughter of investigative reporter and 60 Minutes-producer Leslie and journalist John Cockburn, Wilde was thrown into the world of political and social debate early on. “My parents taught me to fight for what I believe in,” she nods. “I was born in New York, but I grew up in the political, democratic and liberal environment of Georgetown in Washington. My mother and father raised me to have the courage of my convictions. When I was growing up, they often organised dinners in which politics and art were discussed. And it wasn't long before I gained the confidence to make my voice heard and that's stayed with me all my life.” Brushes with fame were not uncommon; Mick Jagger was a regular guest at the Cockburn house, and Wilde’s babysitter was none other than the late philosopher Christopher Hitchens – “he always saw me as a tyrant!” she laughs. In Wilde's own personal life today there is an indelible mark left by her upbringing. Married since 2014 to fellow actor, scriptwriter and Saturday Night Live alumni Jason Sudeikis, Wilde hopes her children (Otis, born in 2014, and Daisy, born in 2016) can enjoy the same “freedom” she and her sister were given. “We're committed not to educate them with the stereotypes of a conservative society,” she explains. “I want my daughter to be convinced that she has the same rights as any male child.” While Wilde found fame in a quintessentially rebellious way, starring in music videos for the likes of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Daft Punk and 30 Seconds to Mars, since then, her career has moved from small-screen success in Fox’s acclaimed medial drama House, to

big-budget action blockbusters such as 2010’s Tron: Legacy. The project closest to Wilde’s heart however is undoubtedly last year’s comedic coming-of-age Booksmart, her directorial debut.

I want my daughter to be convinced that she has the same rights as any male child. “It has always been a secret part of my plan,” Wilde says of the move to behind the camera. “I was eagerly pursuing this acting career, but also chatting with the directors I was working for. Once I got to the point where I felt like I could confidently lead a crew and tell a story, then I declared that I wanted to direct. I was met with a lot of support — I believe that if you have a lot of passion and good ideas, this industry is actually really supportive of those ideas.” Wilde is just one of a number of females in the industry making their first foray into the world of directing. Though the industry has come in for recent criticism over the Academy Awards’ Best Director shortlist once again featuring only male names, she is hopeful that the children are the future as far as equality is concerned. “There’s a shift happening because of the demand of the younger generation who see things differently,” she smiles. “For me, becoming a director was also a chance to say, ‘I want to be valued for my mind. I want my ideas to be more valuable than my physical appearance.’ I have to say it’s pretty f — ing satisfying!”

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 45

Kilworth is the West End in rural Leicestershire, an extraordinary experience.

26th May – 5th July 2020

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S MASTERPIECE – THE GREATEST MUSICAL OF THE 20TH CENTURY

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WHAT’S ON

Swan Lake, 29 Feb, De Montfort Hall

FEBRUARY 2020

Around the World in 80 Days Mon 3 - Sat 8 Feb The Little Theatre Tickets from £14.50 thelittletheatre.net

The mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. Join Fogg and his loyal valet, Passepartout, as they voyage from the misty alleys of Victorian London to the exotic subcontinent and the Wild West in a race against the clock. A cast of eight, playing over 125 characters, embark on this imaginative, high-spirited escapade including six trains, five boats, four flights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant. Bring your imagination on a journey around the world. An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

Plock!, 15-16 Feb, Curve

Plock!

Sat 15 - Sun 16 Feb Curve Theatre Tickets £12 curveonline.co.uk Camiel tries to copy the painting of his hero Jackson Pollock. But how can he make the right blot on the right spot? Should he drip, throw, pour or splash the paint? Does he need to work brushes or sticks or entire containers? He uses all of his body parts, but no matter how he turns, twists, jumps or rolls his painting does not resemble the original. Plock! is a visual circus-sound theatre that appeals to all the senses with buzzing cans, dancing paint, coloured sounds and an acrobatic painter. A performance for everyone who likes to colour outside the lines every now and then. Age recommendation 4+.

Cyrano De Bergerac, 20 Feb, Phoenix Arts

Cyrano De Bergerac Tue 20 Feb Phoenix Arts Tickets from £12 phoenix.org.uk

James McAvoy (X-Men, Atonement) returns to the stage in an inventive new adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, broadcast live to cinemas from the West End in London. Fierce with a pen and notorious in combat, Cyrano almost has it all - if only he could win the heart of his true love Roxane. There’s just one big problem: he has a nose as huge as his heart. Will a society engulfed by narcissism get the better of Cyrano - or can his mastery of language set Roxane’s world alight? This classic play will be brought to life with linguistic ingenuity to celebrate Cyrano’s powerful and resonant resistance against overwhelming odds. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 47

Agrippina, 29 Feb, Stamford Arts Theatre

in ancient Rome receives its first Met performances, with star mezzosoprano Joyce DiDonato as the controlling, power-hungry Agrippina. Sir David McVicar’s production ingeniously reframes the action of this black comedy about the abuse of power to “the present,” where it should loudly resonate. The all-star cast features mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey as Agrippina’s son and future emperor Nerone, soprano Brenda Rae as the seductive Poppea, countertenor Lestyn Davies as the ambitious officer Ottone, and bass Matthew Rose as the weary emperor Claudius. Live screening via satellite, runtime: 4hrs 10mins.

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps Sun 23 Feb The Y Theatre Tickets £18.75 leicesterymca.co.uk

Dom Joly is best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV and now the writer and broadcaster is undertaking his first UK tour since 2011, giving fans a rare opportunity to see him live. Dom will be talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotting and seeker of dangerous travel spots. From North Korea though the Congo and Syria to Chernobyl, he's visited some of the most unusual places on the planet. Joly famously attended school with Osama Bin Laden and armed with a trusty Powerpoint, fans can expect his holiday snaps to provide comedy and a sense of danger.

Leonardo: The Works Mon 24 Feb Cinema De Lux Tickets from £11.80 showcasecinemas.co.uk

Leonardo's peerless paintings and drawings will be the focus of Leonardo: The Works, as ‘Exhibition on Screen’ presents every single attributed painting, in Ultra HD quality, never seen before on the big screen. Key works include The Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Lady with an Ermine, Ginevra de' Benci, Madonna Litta, Virgin of the Rocks, and more. This film also looks afresh at Leonardo's life - his inventiveness, his sculptural skills,

his military foresight and his ability to navigate the treacherous politics of the day - through the prism of his art. Originally released on the 500th anniversary of his death in 2019, this is the definitive film about Leonardo: the first to truly tell the whole story.

Fisherman's Friends Mon 24 Feb De Montfort Hall Tickets from £26.50 demontforthall.co.uk

A decade ago they were persuaded to sign the million-pound record deal that saw their album Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends go gold as they became the first ever traditional folk act to land a UK top ten album. Since then they have released four more bestselling albums of shanties, sang at HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, played Glastonbury festival and been honoured with the Good Tradition Award at the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. What’s more, in an incredible twist of fate, Pete Hicks who appears in the on-screen Fisherman’s Friends has now joined the actual line up and will be out on tour with the boys.

Agrippina

Sat 29 Feb Stamford Arts Theatre Tickets from £18 stamfordartscentre.com Handel’s tale of intrigue and impropriety

Swan Lake

Sat 29 Feb De Montfort Hall Tickets from £11 demontforthall.co.uk The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky's haunting and unforgettable score. This compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tutu as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision, to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity. Formed in 1981, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia's leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth.

Leonardo: The Works, 24 Feb, Cinema De Lux

AUCTION ENTRIES INVITED

gildings auctioneers

FINE ART & ANTIQUES

Tuesday 7th April at 10.30am

Illustrated, A mid 19th century Egyptian revival suite of scarab jewellery Suitable entries of Jewellery, Ceramics & Glass, Asian Art, Works of Art, Fine Silver, Paintings and Furnishings are now invited. Please contact Mark Gilding on 01858 410414 or mark.gilding@gildings.co.uk or visit our website www.gildings.co.uk for information on our complimentary valuation service The closing date for entries in this sale is Friday 6th March

Telephone : 01858 410414 | Email: sales@gildings.co.uk | www.gildings.co.uk FEBRUARY 2020 49 Gildings Auctioneers, The Mill, Great Bowden Road, Market Harborough LE16URBAN 7DE FOX  GILDINGS.CO.UK

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Book

SHELF

Be brave. Do something different.

The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary

by Catherine Gray Ordinary. Average. Normal. The everyday is the wall-to-wall humdrum we seek to upgrade. More money. A bigger house. A better body. An upgraded career. The eternal quest for more. Catherine Gray was a master in eye-rolling the ordinary, and the art of everlasting reaching, until the demon of depression made her re-think everything. This soulful, hilarious and life-affirming book is a manifesto on how to outwit the hedonic treadmill and retrain our negatively biased brains.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

No Fuss Vegan

by Roz Purcell Roz Purcell is a firm believer that your body needs to be fuelled right - not only to get you through your day, or week - but to set you up for life. In No Fuss Vegan, Roz shows you how to introduce more plant-based recipes into your life. Whether you're a committed vegan or just looking to cut down on meat and dairy, Roz will inspire you to experiment with her tasty and nourishing plant-based meals, snacks and desserts.

How to Drink Without Drinking

by Fiona Beckett Whether you're on the wagon for good or just looking to take a couple of alcohol-free days a week, avoiding alcohol doesn't have to mean missing out on flavour or fun. Created by Fiona Beckett, one of the country's leading wine writers, you can be assured that from Strawberry Punch to Kaffir Lime Mojito, every recipe in this book has earned its place as a tasty and exciting alternative to alcohol.

Train Happy

by Tally Rye Personal Trainer and Broadcaster Tally Rye is on a mission to change the way we think about exercise, encouraging you to approach it with a mindset of self-care rather than the traditional self-punishment narrative. The plan is designed to slot into your life in a flexible way, providing resistance workouts, bodyweight workouts and weekly challenges to keep mixing it up which can all be done in the comfort of your own home.

The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide

by Jen Gale If you want to save the planet, but your to-do list is already pretty long and remembering your reusable coffee cup feels like a Herculean task, then this is the book for you. Covering every aspect of our lives from the stuff we buy and the food we eat, to how we travel, work, and celebrate. This book provides stacks of practical, down to earth ideas to slot into your daily life, alongside a gentle kick up the bum to put your newfound knowledge into action. URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 51

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PEOPLE & PLACES

Land

AHOY Take to sailing like a duck to water with these ocean-based escapes…

HIGH & DRY

If like me you love the idea of the wine, seafood and donning a Breton tee and boat shoes, but have never mastered your sea legs, then holiday on a boat that never leaves the marina. All the lifestyle but none of the effort. Bedsonboard.com allow you to stay on yachts for as little as a B&B. You’re just not allowed to sail into the sunset. Check out their ideas for weekend breaks and family-friendly staycations.

MOTLEY CREW

If you long to sail around the Greek islands but can’t persuade your other half or friends to get on board, small group or solos sailing trips are a great option. Sailing holiday companies such as getawaysailing.co.uk even offer age specific singles sailing trips, which means you will be sailing with like-minded people of a similar age. No sailing experience is necessary, and you can get involved or just lie back and top up that tan.

Fancy a holiday on the ocean waves but your landlubber credentials are keeping your feet firmly on the ground, take a leap into the unknown with a sailing holiday.

LEARN THE ROPES

Have you ever dreamed of learning to be an expert sailor or taking charge of your yacht? Now's your chance to live those open ocean fantasies with Sunsail.co.uk sailing schools. Develop and hone your sailing skills at one of their worldwide bases; whether close to home in their Port Solent base, in gentle sailing waters of the Mediterranean or in the sensational British Virgin Islands. All staff are RYA qualified and offer a fun, professional approach to learning.

Holiday at your own pace and explore various destinations, without having to worry about transfers, checking-in or your luggage. AYE AYE, SKIPPER

Wake up to a new beach view every day, spend your mornings kayaking across blue lagoons, afternoons

snorkelling around turquoise coral reefs and evenings sampling the best local cuisine. A perfect choice for families, couples and friends, skippered holidays allow you to be hands on, or let your skipper take the helm, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation. Take advantage of their unrivalled local knowledge and discover the best hidden gems.

NEW HORIZONS

Throw caution to the wind and charter a luxury yacht complete with full crew, for a bespoke experience. Holiday at your own pace and explore various destinations, without having to worry about transfers, checkingin or your luggage. Along with a great sense of freedom, you’ll also enjoy luxurious surroundings, excellent service and amazing food. If this is more your style, find a yacht charter broker, affiliated to the Worldwide Yachting Association (MYBA).

URBAN FOX FEBRUARY 2020 53

Fashion fav

All Saints

MY WAY

Best for beauty

Gemma Wood

“The events industry is great fun and I enjoy what I do” says Gemma Wood, Event Planner at Simply Good Times. I grew up in Knebworth, Hertfordshire on the doorstep of famed concert venue Knebworth Park. My mum and dad were regulars at the Knebworth Rock Concerts, so when they became parents and couldn’t get a babysitter because everyone was at the concert, the party was brought to us! Standing in our garden you could hear the concerts very loudly. Queen playing live on our doorstep in the 80s was a highlight of my childhood! I attended Knebworth Primary School and when I was 11, we moved to Cambridgeshire where I started at Longsands College. From college I took an apprenticeship in a Nursery and studied for my NVQ qualifications in childcare. I loved working at the nursery, but I’d also started a Saturday job at a local estate agent and soon realised how much money I could make. I left the nursery for a full-time job at the estate agent and within a short time was promoted to International Sales. I spent the next year flying weekly to Alicante to meet with clients and new developers and was later given the opportunity to open an international office in Marbella. At 19 years old I jumped at the chance. During the day I was selling multi-million-pound houses, and I spent my evenings in beautiful restaurants - it was a non-stop party! After a couple of years in Spain a guy I’d dated on and off since I was 16 and

one of my closest friends came to visit and asked if I fancied travelling around Australia with him, as he was taking a gap year before university. That guy was Tom – now my partner in life and business too! Following an amazing year travelling Australia we returned to England and settled in Brighton where Tom studied Event Management at University, and I got straight back into the world of property. I started work in Estate Management and quickly worked my way to a senior position. In my spare time I helped Tom with the student events he was running around various clubs and venues in Brighton, and it didn’t take us long to realise we worked well together. After our daughter Amelia was born in 2010, I went back to my job in property while Tom got to work setting up a new events business. It wasn’t an easy time living on one wage, however things picked up when in 2011 our new event planning company Simply Good Times launched. I initially helped with the business administration while continuing to work in property, but as we got busier, I left my job and joined the business full-time as an Event Planner. I run the private event side of the business organising birthdays, anniversaries, stag and hen parties, as well as helping on larger corporate events. The events industry is

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With my family and animals Advice to young self

Everything happens for a reason great fun, and I enjoy what I do. When our second child Max arrived in 2017 and with parents retiring, we decided to move closer to our family roots in Cambridgeshire and settled close to Uppingham. We still have the Brighton office as a base and we have a wonderful home office space, so we split our time between the locations. Over the years the business has expanded to cover more venues across the UK and going forward we are working to expand further and develop new and exciting event ideas for our clients. We already offer a wide range of events, venues and accommodation, so whether clients are looking for a sophisticated stag celebration in a country manor with outdoor activities, a stylish hen party in a swanky townhouse with pampering and catering, or a magnificent corporate entertaining event, we can create the perfect tailored-made package. For more information or to arrange an event visit simplygoodtimes.com or call 01273 573824.

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