Urban Fox - May 2016 Issue

URBANFOX Join the conversation

May 2016

WIN

Shopping Spree at Jacks Dinner for 2 at Crab & Cow

Movers and

SHAKERS

Chain DESIGN Chain Chain INSPIRATION

Country style kitchens

Bags of attitude

Where will you find yours?

Oops!

I DID IT AGAIN BLUES

Summertime

Dieting made easy

Hottest denim accessories

Changing direction Jodie Foster interview

Old Glebe Farm, Main Street, Glenfield

Guide Price ÂŁ500,000

Charming cottage style detached home with paddock Converted in 2013 as part of an exclusive gated development, a charming and spacious four double bedroom detached home with equestrian facilities. A former farmhouse in a private position at the edge of the popular village of Glenfield. Benefitting from stabling, 2.5 acres approx of paddock land as well as a selection of gardens, parking and outbuildings. Accommodation includes a traditional farmhouse breakfast kitchen, living room, dining room, four bedrooms, two ensuite and a family bathroom. The property offers a unique rural environment, in close proximity to a range of amenities.

T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

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The Oval, Oadby

Guide Price ÂŁ500,000

Four double bedroom family home on spacious corner plot Situated on one of Oadby’s most sought after tree lined roads, this four double bedroom detached family home is presented to the highest standard and is on the market with no upward chain. Benefitting from double glazed timber windows throughout, with spacious accommodation in the form of traditional reception hall, three large reception rooms, breakfast kitchen with utility room and WC and on the first floor, four bedrooms, with ensuite off master and a family bathroom. Outside there are gardens to the three sides with a large south facing lawn leading to double garage with gated off road parking.

Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or living area we create interiors that capture your imagination.

Through clever design, we can transform every element of your space into something functional and interesting. With access to the most innovative product and design ideas from Europe’s leading brands there is no limit to what we can create for you. By listening to you and understanding your needs, we can translate your ideas into interesting interiors.

For further details call 0116 262 4440 or email info@pluginteriors.com Visit our stunning showroom 20 South Churchgate, St Margarets Way Leicester, LEI 3AE

www.pluginteriors.com

Hello COVER SHOT:

LONG TALL SALLY Knitted Pocket Tunic, £48 & Lola Rosa Elena Necklace, £89

COVER SHOT:

WHITE STUFF Antiqua Stripe Jersey Tee, £37.50

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

It’s official. Mornings are less chilly, afternoons As the new season hitorthe high street, can’t decide betweenlooks balmy blustery, and local boutiques andour online there’sSo nobetween better we’re planning hols.stores; Hello Spring! time to celebrate all things fashion and style packing away our winter woollies for another year, than in our Retail Therapy edition. we’ve packed your Urban Fox with hundreds of We bringideas you the must-have items from the inspiring to make the most of the season. new season collections, updates on key trends in First inspiration from thespring’s SS16 10 Joinup thewe’re Dotstaking and Pleats Please; plus catwalks.

From Max to best clutch bags in Mara’s Clutchweekday Control. Imetallics also share Gucci’s green revolution, we’re wearing colour in my favourite tries and buys for SS14 in undoubtedly new ways this spring. And while faces Wish List (p15). stay bare, hair is definitely out-there, with micro-fringes and buzz cuts taking centre stage.

Aslittle consumers we waste pounds wrong A too extreme for thehundreds office? Tryofbefore youover buy our withlifetime our tipsbuying on howthe to Fake it 'til you products make it. for our hair, so Jon Levy, Artistic Director at Toni & Guy comes to our rescue with 4 Steps to Perfect Hair. We also check out this season’s catwalk makeup trends, to From faketransform to bake, check delicious home style Fish Supper recipes. At less than help you yourout newour season look.

500kcals per serving they can be on the menu every day of the week. But if you’re someone If fashion is your passion, don’t miss out on our interview with revolutionary designer that finds themselves on a perpetual diet with nothing –apart from an unused gym Zandra Rhodes who talks to us about breaking down design barriers and why the membership – to show for it, Rebecca Watts tells us how to break the cycle in Oops! I Did It government should show more support to the UK fashion industry. And ever wondered Again. what it takes to become a personal stylist? Tina Lock reveals all in this month’s My Way. What’s for the body is good for the soul.

If you’re searching forof a greater purpose, read Finally good bag yourself one of our exclusive reader offers courtesy Lands’ End, IT.M. AmLewin, H-a-p-p-y then take a break fromnever busy to do something that could change your life. So Clarins and more.

There’s been a better excuse to shop, shop, shop! whether it’s learning a new skill, reconnecting with friends, travelling alone or changing your Until next career, this time, month be inspired to #trysomethingnew. One woman who doesn’t shy away from a challenge is actress turned director Jodie Foster. Here she talks about her latest film Money Monster and being a woman in a male-dominated profession.

From Hollywood to Brentwood we go old-skool preppy with this season’s Stars & Stripes vibe. It’s totally awesome! And for all you Movers & Shakers we’re staying bang on trend with the latest artisan kitchens and homeware. Finally whether your house needs a complete overhaul or you simply need an idea for that empty corner, Zoe Hubbard shows us how to get creative in Design Inspiration.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Revolution

IGN your views on what’s inspiring you this May, so catch up with us on DES As ever we’d love to hear 16 FB/theurbanfoxmediagroup and join the conversation. approach to Famed for her wonderfully colourful Rhodes design, English queen of textiles Zandra discusses her involvement in the industry

W

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

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.

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

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

“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

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

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

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

8

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.”

11

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

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

Sunglasse £260, Marni “When travelling you see things, one just thing leads to another thing and it’s

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

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museum has made.”

Having also expanded into designing sets and costumes for the San Diego on Opera, America has staked its claim only the English designer. She boasts not deeds to her flagship museum and her Resin Necklace, £34, Boden home above it, but also the penthouse transatlantic keys to the cities of Miami, Beverly Hills and New Orleans.

industry?

“I definitely think the Fashion and Textile to Museum has had an impact in regards making the textiles industry more visible,” Sir she deliberates. “The museum curator of Nicholas Serota recently opened one our exhibitions, and he’s been amazingly the complimentary about the difference

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.Tomas Maier Sporty Skirt, £250, Matches Pencil

But this veteran designer won’t be claimed from us so easily. With half a century of service to the UK

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

“Work as hard as you can. Because no hard work gets wasted. And unfortunately you have to work harder and harder to get there right at the

FASHION & BEAUT Y

beginning.”

Debuting years before the majority of were old enough to pronounce ‘haute couture’, it’s safe to say she’s arrived.

8

us

Suede Bow Sandal, URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 17 £130, Karen Milen

Danika Green Lace Detail Shift Dress, £225, L.K. Bennett Yasya Minoc hkina

Stella McCartney Leona Silk Top, £340, Harvey Ruffled Nichols

41

Briley Green White Striped Coat, £375, L.K. Bennett

GREEN

13

withENVY

Ralph Lauren Ansford Jacket, £215, House Linen of Fraser

15

Salvatore Ferragam o Knit, £449.46, FarfetchStripe

Gucci

Sicily Top Handle Bag, £995, Dolce & Gabbana

CONTRIBUTORS: Jeremy Cahill, John Cawrey, Mark Goddard, Jake Harvey, Julie Textured Knitted Dress, £125, Karen Millen

Ditch the sober suits and be the envy season’s apple green of the office with this piece or play aroun workwear. Limit your look to one core d with accessories .

Howard, Ali Jahan, Allison Jones, James Lonergan, Lino Poli, Phillip Sharpe Sheelagh Powell Jon Levy Julie Langton Issey Miyake Draw String Trousers, £598, FarFetch

Mikaila Green Suede Flat, £185, L.K. Bennett

Guiding you on cosmetic looks, trends and application 17

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

Bottega Veneta Satchel, £1,600, Net-A-Po rter

helping you make the most out of your money

37 URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 5

CONTRIBUTORS: Kirsty France, Will Gilding, Jake Harvey, Zoe Hubbard, Liam Kerrigan, Mark Sandall, Rebecca Watts

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 5

May 8

HEALTH & WELLBEING 21 Oops! I did it again Dieting made easy

I am h-a-p-p-y 23

10 ways to happier living WINING & DINING 25 Fish supper

Not just for fridays

57

29 In season

Duck and cornish lobster

41 Design inspiration

Where will you find yours?

LIFE & WORK 31 Should I stay?

Careers: all change!

45 Movers and shakers Country style kitchens

33 Things can only get better

16 ways ageing is amazing 34 Changing direction

Jodie Foster interview

FASHION & BEAUTY 8 Green with envy Attention-grabbing workwear 11 Summertime blues

Hottest denim accessories 13 Shine on

Wearable weekday metallics

51 A touch of glass

Old meets new 55 T he right move?

When not to settle

HOMES & GARDENS

57 Art of the garden

Artist in residence

37 Stars and stripes

Totally awesome interiors

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

25

59 What’s on

Entertaining the whole family 63 Reviews

May’s recommendations

15 Chain chain chain

Bags of attitude

PEOPLE & PLACES

17 Just peachy

Get a new season glow

65 Flying solo

We’re travelling light

19 Fake it ‘til you make it

SS16 out-there hair

66 My way

Local spotlight on Tanith Wesson

WIN £100 VOUCHER for Jacks

14

WIN MEAL FOR 2 at Crab & Cow

28

Butterfly-Shaped Acetate Sunglasses, £260, Marni

Tomas Maier Sporty Pencil Skirt, £250, Matches

Yasya Minochkina

Briley Green White Striped Coat, £375, L.K. Bennett

Stella McCartney Leona Ruffled Silk Top, £340, Harvey Nichols

GREEN

withENVY Ditch the sober suits and be the envy of the office with this season’s apple green workwear. Limit your look to one core piece or play around with accessories.

Issey Miyake Draw String Trousers, £598, FarFetch

Mikaila Green Suede Flat, £185, L.K. Bennett

Sicily Top Hand £995, Dolce & G

FASHION & BEAUTY Resin Necklace, £34, Boden

Suede Bow Sandal, £130, Karen Milen

Danika Green Lace Detail Shift Dress, £225, L.K. Bennett

Salvatore Ferragamo Stripe Knit, £449.46, Farfetch

Ralph Lauren Ansford Linen Jacket, £215, House of Fraser

Gucci

dle Bag, Gabbana

Bottega Veneta Satchel, £1,600, Net-A-Porter

Textured Knitted Dress, £125, Karen Millen

FIND YOUR

#RELAXEDGLAMOUR

THIS SEASON

Find us online, in stores across the UK and in selected premium depar tment stores

www.mintvelvet.co.uk

Diesel Fuel for Life Denim, 75ml, £48, Debenhams

Monogram Denim Shawl, £335, Louis Vuitton

FASHION & BEAUTY

Ray-Ban Denim Wayfarer Sunglasses, £162, MyTheresa

Ti Sento Rose Gold & Silver Ring, £35, Victoria Highfield Jewellers Joshua Sanders Flatform Skate Shoes, £235, Harvey Nichols

Summertime

BLUES Love your jeans but wearing them in the heat fills you with dread? Don’t sweat it, we’ve found the best denim accessories to keep you inspired ‘til autumn. No zips, buttons or cuffs required.

Nails Inc Bermondsey Denim Nail Polish, £15, Selfridges

Denim Blue Button Bracelet, £55, Julles London

Denim Earrings by Onetenzeroseven, £5.50, Notonthehighstreet Denim Elyse Shoes, £625, Stella McCartney

See by Chloé Glyn Espadrilles, £145.26, Saks Fifth Avenue

Falabella Denim Star Mini Tote, £670, Stella McCartney

Michael Kors Sloan Frayed Denim Bag, £240, Net-A-Porter

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 11

RED Styling & Personal Service always available

Armani Maxmara Weekend

An independent boutique in Market Harborough selling a stylish collection of womenswear. Established for 15 years, we have sought out the most exceptional international women’s clothing brands.

Joseph Ribkoff Bitte Kai Rand Rino & Pelle Eva Tralala Robell Suzy D

NEW SUMMER COLLECTIONS NOW IN STORE PASSPORT CREA TAHARI

Capri

PENNY BLACK

Jocasi

CREENSTONE

Charli Alpha

SAVE THE QUEEN MAXMARA STUDIO ELISA CAVALETTI SANDWICH YAYA SECOND FEMALE GARDEUR SHOES BY UNISA, ALPE & VIDORETTA ESPADRILLES & MANY MORE FABULOUS BRANDS FROM AROUND EUROPE!

OPENING HOURS

Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 5pm Saturday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Sunday: Closed 16 Church Street Market Harborough LE16 7AA

4 Churchgate Mews, Loughborough

Tel: 01509 212177

www.jacksforwomen.co.uk T: 01858 431396

SHINE The season's catwalks featured hard to wear metallics in refreshing new ways. From shopping with the girls to a relaxed Sunday brunch, let us shine a light on your weekend wardrobe.

On

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3

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1 Izzie Square Case Gold Tone Watch, £365, Tory Burch

2 Phase Eight Maura Metallic Top, £75,

8

John Lewis

3 Monty Silver Mid-Heel Espadrille Wedges, £99, Kurt Geiger

4 Powder Shadow Stick in Scorched Gold, £18, Estēe Lauder

5 Linda Farrow Metallic Sunglasses, £753, Harvey Nichols

6 Michael Kors Lurex Mesh Jumper, £115, Cavells, Oakham

7 Etro Geometric Jacquard Cropped Trousers, £255, Matches

8 Jane Shilton Avery Flapover Bag,

9

£48.75, Cellini, Leicester

9 Thea Flat Shimmer Gold Ballet Max Mara

Pump, £135, L.K. Bennett

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 13

BROWNS Lingerie & Beachwear

WIN!

£100 VOUCHER

from Jacks for Women

Scan our code to go straight to website

Lingerie Swimwear Kaftans Beach Dresses Designer Brands

35 Francis St Stoneygate Leicester LE2 2BE T: 0116 2707188 www.BrownsLingerie.com / brownslingerie

@ Browns_Lingerie

/ brownslingerie

sole mate

Find your

at

LUXE SHOES

Update your spring / summer wardrobe courtesy of Jacks for Women, with a £100 store voucher to get you started!

Jacks for Women is an independent boutique in Market Harborough offering a stylish collection of womenswear.

Established for 16 years, they have uncovered the most exceptional international women’s clothing brands including Sandwich, Marella, Elisa Cavaletti, Ya Ya and more. New this season is a sought after shoe collection featuring Unisa, Alpe, Vidorreta Espadrilles and sparkly sandals by Ilse Jacobsen.

To view their latest collections pop into the boutique at 16 Church Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AA. For more information about Jacks for Women or to book a style consultation call 01858 431396 or go to www.jacksforwomen.co.uk

Find your Sole Mate...

Find your Sole Mate... at at TO ENTER 8 Church Gate, Loughborough LE11 1UD

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox. co.uk inserting ‘Jacks’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Tue 31 May 2016.

LUXE LUXE SHOESSHOES T: 01509 210606 E: info@luxe-shoes.co.uk

8 Church 1UD 8 Church Gate , Loughborough LE11 Gate 1UD Loughborough LE11Terms www.luxe-shoes.co.uk & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. .

T : 01509 T : 01509 210606 E : info @luxe -shoes co .210606 uk E : info @ luxe - shoes . co . uk The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. This . . . : W : www .luxe -shoes .co .uk W www luxe - shoes co uk prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The voucher is ,

Facebook.com/LuxeShoes1 . / twitter com LuxeShoesLbro facebook com LuxeShoes1 Twitter.com/LuxeShoesLbro

facebook .com /LuxeShoes1

.

/

for the sum of £100 and must be used by 31 July 2016. The voucher is valid

for/LuxeShoesLbro purchase of non-sale items only. The competition may be withdrawn at twitter .com any time without prior notice.

FASHION & BEAUTY

CHAIN CHAIN CHAIN Elegant but edgy SS16’s must-have chain strap has bags of attitude.

1 2 4

3 5 7

6 9 8

1 Miu Miu Circle Matelassé Bag, £620, Net-A-Porter 2 Blooms GG Printed Canvas Shoulder Bag, £600, Gucci 3 Valentino B-Rockstud Shoulder Bag, £1,905, Harvey Nichols 4 Editor’s Pick: for its lining created from recycled plastic bottles Quilted Denim Crossbody Bag, £ 715, Stella McCartney 5 Alexander McQueen Cage Floral-Print Bag, £1,295, Net-A-Porter 6 Kati Leather Crossbody Bag, £195, L.K. Bennett 7 Phillip Lim Alix Leather Clutch, £695, Net-A-Porter 8 Crosstown Crossbody Floral Bag, £275, Coach 9 Fleming Medium Bag, £430, Tory Burch

STONES HAIR AND BEAUTY

I Segreti

PRITI BODIES health and beauty

Speciality Waxing by a True Professional Priti Coles is possibly the UK’s top hair removal expert leaving you with beautiful healthy skin without redness, soreness, stinging or ingrowing hairs.

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2

Temperley

Cavalli Roberto

Just

Peachy

3

4 1 Pop of Passion Blush Balm, £20, Bare Minerals 2 Brightening Brick Powder, £34, Bobbi Brown 3 Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector, £18, Clarins 4 Pinch Your Cheek Blush, £14.50, Origins 5 Pure Colour Eyeshadow Trio, £30, Estēe Lauder

Bare-faced beauty is all about looking like you're letting your natural skin shine through.

Get your glow on with this season’s flattering formulas. We’re just peachy keen.

6 Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick, £26, YSL 7 Autograph Twist Up Cheeks, £9.50, M&S 8 Lip & Cheek Tint, £27.50, Tory Burch

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PICK OR’S EDIT s Blend ly, less ral t r o ff e tu g a na creatin y finish dew

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Photography: Sam Wilson, British Fashion Council

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 17

FakeIt 'Til You Make It

Style with Label.m Resurrection Dust for volume and texture

e her Kan Christop

Lanvin

Moschin o

ng der Wa Alexan

From micro fringes to shaved sides the biggest news for hair on SS16 catwalks was pretty out there. If you’re inspired by the look but too scared to bare, here’s how to fake it 'til you make it!

FASHION & BEAUTY

For a more polished look spritz with GHD Final Shine Spray

FAKE IT FAKE IT FRINGE BENEFITS

SCISSOR HAPPY Avoid grow-back fuzz by using ‘his’ styling clay. Sssh …we won’t tell

ra Max Ma

Guy L aroch e

Spotted on the Alexander Wang and Christopher Kane catwalks the micro-fringe – very close to the hairline – gave models an urban, anarchic look. Fake it with a cropped clip-in fringe or follow Lanvin’s lead and twist your hair up at the back, splaying the ends over the front of your forehead and pin in place.

Prada and Alexander Wang went scissor happy with a chopped-in style, a far cry from the generic long hair normally seen on the catwalk. For a more wearable version take inspiration from Moschino who opted for a less edgy jagged-bob look.

WE’RE BUZZING

FAKE IT

Models were rocking the Sinéad O’Connor vibe at Max Mara, Gucci and Etro. For a low key alternative to this season’s buzz cut, opt for an undercut - a small shaven strip at the back that only shows when you have your hair up – or vamp it up with a half-shaved head as seen at Laroche.

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 19

fostering &

adoption

FOSTERING

WE ALL NEED SOMEONE TO HOLD ONTO… “I remember being really scared going into foster care. I didn’t know if they’d like me or be nasty. But my foster carers are the nicest, kindest people in the world and I love my new big sister and brother and Scruffy their dog always lies on my feet when we’re watching telly.”

If you can change a child’s world, we’d love to hear from you.

Give us a call or come along to meet our team at St Martins House, 7 Peacock Lane, LE1 5PZ. No need to book, just drop in any time between 5pm - 7pm on Wednesday May 11th or Tuesday June 14th.

Or on Saturday 21st May you can meet us at St Martins House between 10am and 2pm.

0116 454 4500 or visit ww.leicester.gov.uk/fostering Find out more on

leicesterfostering

fostering.information@leicester.gov.uk

Oops!

n i a g a t i d i d I

Did you know that 50% of women are on a diet at any given time, with the average diet lasting only 1 month? Not exactly encouraging is it? So we asked Nutrafit’s Rebecca Watts for her tips on how to stay motivated and avoid repeating the cycle again and again and again!

Research shows that women go on an average of 16 diets in a lifetime with the main reasons for falling off the wagon cited as lack of willpower, boredom and a lapse after a night out. The first step to successful dieting is to set goals which will motivate you. Don’t just think about the aesthetics. Yes you might want the body of Elle MacPherson but is it realistic or even achievable alongside a full-time job, childcare, household chores etc. Instead focus on ‘health’ goals such as not being out of breath at the top of the stairs or reducing your knee pain by weighing a little less. It’s far easier to find inspiration for these goals than it is striving for the perfect body.

It’s far easier to find inspiration for health goals than it is striving for the perfect body.

Next find something to inspire you when the going gets tough. Here’s just a few to get you started:

A photograph

For some women looking at a picture of their ideal body – stuck to their fridge or on their phone – is a great motivator, for others it can be overwhelming. If the latter’s the case use a photo of yourself pre-weight gain instead. Alternatively opt for an image of something which inspires you e.g. the beach where you’ve booked to go away this summer.

A dress

If you have a favourite dress you use to wear but can no longer fit into, hang it up on the back of your bedroom door so you whenever you see it, it provides that extra boost of inspiration. Or buy a pair of skinny jeans in a smaller size to help keep you focussed.

A quote

With the popularity of the social media and the internet there’s no shortage of

Boden

motivational quotes out there. If you’ve seen a quote that motivates you and helps you maintain willpower then have it to hand - on your phone or as a screen saver - to be able to draw upon when your willpower wobbles.

A friend

Inspiration can also come from a person.

There may be someone in your life that is always positive, or someone that understands and supports what you are trying to achieve. These people are really important motivators, they can help keep you optimistic and focused when all you want to do is reach for the biscuit tin.

A place

When you feel your willpower waning, go to a place that makes you feel happy. The park, a museum, the theatre or even the gym, wherever works for you – although the kitchen can have its downside. Visiting your place regularly or at least when things are tough will help to keep you inspired.

Good luck!

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 21

Y P P A H

Everyone's path to happiness is different but based on the latest research there are 10 keys which open the door to happier living. Be inspired by these tips and tricks to eliminate the irritating and add more feel good to your day.

GIVING Our generosity is hard-wired to the reward mechanisms in our brains. When we give our time, energy and kindness to others it not only helps them, it's also great for our wellbeing too. So if you want to feel good, do good!

RELATING People with strong and broad social relationships are happier, healthier and live longer. Close relationships with family and friends provide love, meaning, support and increases our feelings of self-worth.

EXERCISING Our body and our mind are connected.

Being active makes us happier as well as being good for our physical health.

It instantly improves our mood and can even lift us out of a depression. You don't need to run a marathon - there are simple things we can all do to be more active each day.

AWARENESS Ever felt there must be more to life? Well good news, there is! And it's right here in front of us. We just need to stop and take notice. Learning to be more mindful can do wonders for our well-being in all areas of life - our walk to work, the way we eat or our relationships.

TRYING OUT Learning affects our well-being in lots of positive ways. It exposes us to new ideas and helps us stay curious and engaged. It also gives us a sense of accomplishment and helps boost our self-confidence and resilience.

DIRECTION Feeling good about the future is important for our happiness. We all need goals to motivate us and these need to be challenging enough to excite us, but also achievable. If we try to attempt the impossible this brings unnecessary stress.

RESILIENCE We often cannot choose what happens to us, but in principle we can choose our own attitude to what happens. In practice it's not always easy, but one of the most exciting findings from recent research is that resilience, like many other life skills, can be learned.

EMOTIONS Positive emotions - like joy, gratitude, contentment, inspiration, and pride - are not just great at the time. Recent studies show that regularly experiencing them creates an 'upward spiral', helping to build our resources.

ACCEPTANCE No-one's perfect. But so often we compare our insides to other people's outsides. Dwelling on what we're not rather than what we've got. Learning to accept ourselves, warts and all, and being kinder to ourselves when things go wrong, increases our enjoyment of life.

MEANING People who have meaning and purpose in their lives are happier, feel more in control and get more out of what they do.

They also experience less stress, anxiety and depression. But where do we find 'meaning and purpose'? It might be our faith, being a parent or doing a job that makes a difference.

Find more get-happy advice at actionforhappiness.org URBAN FOX MAY 2016 23

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WINING & DINING

Fish SUPPER Not just for Fridays, these delicious fish dishes from Waitrose are the perfect low-kcal no-hassle weeknight meal #trysomethingnew.

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 25

SIMPLE SALMON & WATERCRESS TART Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 50 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 320g ready-rolled all-butter shortcrust pastry 1 leek, finely sliced 2 medium free range eggs,

lightly beaten 150ml whole milk 30g Parmigiano Reggiano 30g watercress leaves (stalks discarded), finely chopped 170g pack Waitrose Lemon & Herb Poached Scottish Salmon Fillets, skin removed Green salad, to serve

1

ut a baking sheet in the oven and preheat to P 200˚C, gas mark 6. Line a 20cm loose-bottomed tart tin with pastry, prick the bottom with a fork, line with baking paper and baking beans and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and bake for 5 minutes more or until golden. Turn down the oven to 180˚C, gas mark 4.

2

eanwhile, steam the sliced leeks for 5 minutes M or until tender, then set aside. Mix the eggs with the milk and most of the Parmigiano Reggiano.

Stir in the watercress and season well with black pepper.

3

pread the steamed leeks over the base of S the tart, then pour over the egg mixture, flake the salmon over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake on the preheated sheet for 25-30 minutes until the filling is just set and the pastry is golden. Serve warm or chilled, in wedges, with green salad.

WATERCRESS & BUTTERMILK VICHYSSOISE WITH CRAB TOAST Preparation time: 10 mins + chilling Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 35g butter 1 large onion, diced 1 medium potato, peeled and diced

500ml vegetable stock 2 x 100g bags watercress 100ml buttermilk 60g Seafood & Eat It Cornish White Crab Freshly grated nutmeg, pinch Grated zest and juice 1 lemon 2 slices white sourdough bread, halved to make 4 pieces

1

o make the soup, melt 25g butter in a medium T saucepan and gently cook the onion for 2-3 minutes until softened but not browned. Add the potato and stir to coat with the buttery onion. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil then simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the potato is tender. Add the watercress (reserving 1-2 tbsp to garnish) and simmer for a further minute.

2

emove from the heat and leave the soup to R cool slightly then blend or whizz in a handblender to make a smooth purée. Stir in the buttermilk (reserving 1-2 tbsp to garnish the soup) then cool and chill until ready to serve.

3

eanwhile season the crabmeat with the nutmeg M and lemon zest plus lemon juice to taste. Lightly toast the 4 pieces of sourdough, spread with the remaining butter and top with the seasoned crab.

Pour the chilled soup into four bowls, add a swirl of buttermilk and the reserved watercress leaves.

Serve with the crab toast.

WINING & DINING

PAN-FRIED SEA BASS WITH SAFFRON-BRAISED PEAS & BROAD BEANS Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: Pinch saffron 2 tbsp olive oil 1 echalion shallot, sliced 1 clove garlic, finely sliced 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves 200ml dry white wine 200g peas, defrosted if frozen 200g broad beans, defrosted if frozen 4 boneless sea bass fillets, thawed if frozen Lemon wedges, to serve

1

oak the saffron in 300ml hot S water. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a deep frying pan, add the shallot and cook over a medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until starting to brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

2

tir in the thyme, pour in the S wine and season. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until reduced by half. Tip in the peas and beans and pour in the saffron water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 3 minutes, until the peas and beans are tender.

3

eat the remaining oil in a H non-stick frying pan. Season the fish and fry, skin side up, for 2-3 minutes. Turnover and cook for a further 2 minutes. Spoon the braised peas and beans and their liquor into 4 shallow serving bowls, and top each with a sea bass fillet. Serve with lemon wedges.

s ipe rec r l l A e und ls per c ka 500 erving s

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 27

WIN!

DINNER FOR 2 OPEN AT 6PM

at Crab & Cow

for the Best Early Doors this side of The Seafaring News

Courtesy of Crab & Cow one lucky reader will win a delicious 2-course dinner for 2 at their restaurant in Leire, Leicestershire.

Still in its first year, the former White Horse pub in the village of Leire has been transformed by a vibrant family team – Paul, Nathan and Cheryl Burrell – together with one of the former restaurant managers of Rick Stein’s famous seafood restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall, Nick Broderick. It now offers a classy, contemporary and relaxed environment where Head Chef Liam Kerrigan creates exquisite dishes using top quality key ingredients from the land and sea.

To make a reservation call 01455 208923 or visit crabandcow.co.uk to view the latest menus.

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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 ‘Crab & Cow’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Tue 31 May 2016.

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. Prize is for a 2-course meal for 2 at Crab & Cow. The prize must be taken before September 2016. Bookings are subject to availability. Prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be redeemed on Saturday evenings or Bank Holidays. Drinks are not included within the prize. The competition can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

WINING & DINING

in

Season

Celebrating British seasonal produce, be inspired

by Crab & Cow’s Head Chef Liam Kerrigan’s Duck and Cornish Lobster recipe. A delightful fusion of land and sea.

DUCK & CORNISH LOBSTER SCAMPI served with beetroot puree, fondant potatoes, heritage carrots, morel mushrooms, sprouting broccoli & duck jus

Serves: 2 Ingredients: 2 x duck breast 2 large waxy potatoes, peeled 100g unsalted butter Sprig thyme Bulb garlic 150g cooked lobster 100g dry breadcrumbs (panko) 100g flour 1 egg Sprouting broccoli Heritage baby carrots 100g beetroot, unpeeled 50ml balsamic vinegar 70g sugar 300g duck bones 250ml port 1 litre water 3 large shallots, peeled & diced 1 large carrot, diced 1 celery stick, diced 100g morel mushrooms 50ml balsamic vinegar

1

Make the duck stock using a pressure cooker. Add the bones, celery, large carrot, mushrooms and shallots to the pressure cooker, with a little oil and fry off until golden. Pour in port, plus 1 litre of water. Place lid on pressure cooker and cook for 30 mins. Strain duck stock and reserve until later.

2

To make the beetroot puree, place beetroot, balsamic vinegar and sugar in a pan. Add water until covered, then simmer until soft. Remove beetroots from the juice and peel. Using a blender blitz until smooth. Add a little of the cooking liquid to create the right consistency, season to taste. Keep warm.

3

Next prepare the fondant potatoes.

Use a cutter to cut round shapes from the peeled large potatoes. Place a little oil, unsalted butter, garlic and thyme in a heavy pan that can go into the oven. Add the potatoes and cook until coloured on both sides. Next add half the duck stock, cover the pan with greaseproof paper and put in the oven at 175˚C for 40 mins.

4

Cut the lobster into 2cm pieces, and coat with a combined mixture of the egg, flour and bread crumbs. Place in fridge until required.

5

To cook the duck breast score the skin using a sharp knife be careful not to cut into the flesh. Season skin, then place skin side down into a heavy metal handle pan (Tip: don’t add any oil to the pan and ensure pan is cold. This helps render fat and give crisp skin). Cook on a high heat skin side down. Once skin golden reduce heat and cook for further 2 mins before turning over and cooking for an additional 2 mins. Place in the oven for 6 mins at 175˚C.

6

In the meantime finish off the rest of the dish. Place the remaining duck stock on a high heat until reduced (nearly to a syrup) to create a jus. Next preheat a pan of oil to 180˚C, add the lobster and fry until golden. Add the broccoli and heritage carrots to a pan of boiling seasoned water and cook until just tender. Remove water and glaze in butter.

Finally remove duck from oven and rest for approx. 4 mins before cutting.

7

Plate up as preferred. Add a swoosh of beetroot puree, sliced duck, fondant potato, vegetables, duck jus and top with crispy lobster scampi.

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 29

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LIFE & WORK

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STAY

It’s said that the average person will change careers somewhere between five and seven times over the course of their working life. It may be an appealing urban myth, but these days the idea of a job for life is likely to fill most of us with dread. Kirsty France gives us the lowdown on when to stay and when to go.

If you’re thinking about changing careers, you should first consider whether you really want to. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that there’s comfort in familiarity. But if your current job is making you truly miserable, there are a few factors to consider.

Firstly, is it your industry that’s making you unhappy or your place in it? Many professions have changed beyond recognition in recent years with people finding that the job they enjoyed no longer exists. If either your priorities or your employers’ requirements have changed you may find a better fit elsewhere in the same sector.

Networking is key here. If you can talk to others in your industry with a similar role you can find out whether they’re affected too. Finding a new post which matches your current skills and experience is a lot easier than changing careers altogether.

The tricky part comes if you decide that a complete change is needed. You may have been in the same business for a long time, it could even have been your dream job once. If you have a goal, great. Move along, nothing to see here. If not, start with your skills. The

"Unless your goal is to live naked in the woods, foraging for nuts and berries, you’re going to need a roof over your head and money for food. "

Boden

things that made you great at your job can transfer somewhere else. Whether you’re good at negotiation, organisation or creation, it’s all transferable. Beyond that, start thinking about your personality, motivations and the types of work you might enjoy.

When you’ve found your dream career and are ready to run off into the sunset, boring practicality gets in the way. Unless your goal is to live naked in the woods, foraging for nuts and berries, you’re going to need a roof over your head and money for food. How much do you really need to earn? A lot of this depends on you and whether you have family who will be affected. The household bills won’t go away but do you need the gym membership (you never use) or the satellite TV (you never watch)? If you need to study or take a more junior role in order to retrain, things might be tight for a while and being realistic about the sort of pay cut you can stand to take now will stand you in good stead later.

In the end, there is no one size fits all solution. You can only find the right job for you.

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 31

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Fuel consumption and CO2 figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Vehicles shown are Fiat 500X Cross 1.4 MultiAir 140HP with NIL Advance Payment, plus New Fiat 500 Pop Dualogic 1.2 69HP with NIL Advance payment and Fiat 500L Trekking 1.4 95HP with NIL Advance payment. Fiat 500X and Fiat 500L Trekking feature optional paint at additional cost. Advance Payments are correct at time of going to press and subject to orders being placed by 30th June 2016. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.

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better Things can only get

We’re all getting older but 6 A s the years roll by, family time tends to becomes more important, and forget the aches and pains relationships and bonds – even with and focus on the gains! your irritating older brother – grow stronger.

1W hether a jacket, boots or dare we say

trousers, new leather can be very stiff.

Well-worn leather has a soft and supple feel and often looks even better than the day you bought it.

2 S elf-confidence varies between

women, but typically it grows with age. Amassing experience and knowledge makes us feel more respected, improving our self-esteem.

3 F irst love might be exciting but

remember all the drama? Mature love is all about trust, closeness and security. Now who wouldn’t want some of that!

7 A ccording to recent studies the Big O

becomes more frequent as we age.

Why? Not only do you know our likes and dislikes, but we feel more confident communicating our desires.

8W hether it’s your career, cooking or

backhand, the amount of time you’ve spent honing your skills over the years, must surely make you an expert in at least one area of your life?

9 S he offered you a shoulder to cry on

when your first boyfriend dumped you, laughed with you until your mascara ran and is godmother to your children.

Life-long friendships just get better!

4 S tudies show, women in their 50s

10 W hether it’s a property, business

5 H ere’s one less headache to worry

11 A s we gain integrity in our career,

demonstrate more empathy than their younger counterparts. Seemingly, the more experience we have, the more understanding we are. about. Women who suffer with debilitating headaches, may notice that once they reach 40, the severity and frequency will reduce.

opportunity, or share portfolio, sound investments are likely to improve with age. Get professional advice and avoid the get-rich-quick schemes. we’re able to relax more and achieve a better work/life balance, without the need to prove our worth to the boss, every minute, of every day!

12 P ersonal style typically improves

as we begin to appreciate what’s flattering and comfortable.

Remember, just because it’s ‘on trend’ doesn’t mean you have to wear it!

13 S tudies show that our levels of

happiness increase as we age, with rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among women all decreasing. Now that’s something to smile about!

14 C ontrary to popular belief, our

attention does not decrease with age, meaning you can focus on important things and resist distractions – office gossip, hot bloke in Accounts - that younger women may not be able to ignore.

15 E vidence shows that women 60+

have less sleep disturbances and daytime tiredness. So if you’re a mum in her 40s with young children, good news, only 20 years to go ‘til a good night sleep!

16 F inally we’ve been told that having

a husband who helps around the house, makes a woman’s stress levels decrease over the years. OK so we’re making this one up but you can’t blame a girl for trying!

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 33

Changing DIRECTION She’s proven her talent in front of the camera time and time again, but now Jodie Foster is making her mark behind it, directing new movie Money Monster.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“I will never been done with acting. It’s something I’ve done my whole life, since I was 3. I can’t imagine not doing it,” explains Hollywood A-lister Jodie Foster, as she discusses her jump from starring in movies to directing them. While The Silence of the Lambs star isn’t leaving her acting career for good, over the past few years she has been switching her focus to making movies, rather than starring in them. “I always felt comfortable making movies. I think my mind works that way, it always has,” she says. “I think I’m much more comfortable directing than I ever was acting. Acting doesn’t come naturally to me, it’s not what I was born to do. It’s something that I did and I have that skill but I don’t have the personality. It’s much easier for me to make decisions all day long and to see the big picture.”

Foster’s latest project, Money Monster, looks guaranteed to be a success.

Starring Hollywood heavyweights Julia Roberts and George Clooney, as well as Skins alumni Jack O’Connell, it tells the story of a financial expert TV star (Clooney) who gets kidnapped by a disgruntled viewer (O’Connell) and his producer (Roberts) desperately attempting to rescue him. It comes off the back of super successful The Big Short, which addressed the late 2000s financial crash, although Jodie is adamant that while she thought that movie was “wonderful”, there are no similarities between the two pictures. She did her homework before approaching the deeply loaded subject matter of American finances: “There was a lot to research and I can honestly say that I scratched the surface and I still don’t understand anything. It’s a very complicated system, it’s made that way in order to benefit the people who create the complication. It’s sort of a secret society in some ways that allows the

middle man to make as much money as possible.”

While the topic of financial crisis is more relevant than ever, Jodie explains that wasn’t actually her motivation for getting involved with this movie. “The thing that interests me the most is the characters,” she explains. “The backdrop is just a backdrop. In this case, this film says a lot about the modern relevant times we are in where media and finances are interwoven. The movie talks about failure and how men in particular have to figure out how to handle and manage that fear and that sense of failure. The three male characters, George Clooney, Jack O’Connell and Dominic West, all of them are making the largest decision in their lives because they are scared of losing and the reactions that come out about that.”

Just like the world of finance, the business of movie making is still male dominated, which is something even someone of Foster’s status has to deal with. “I’m incredibly lucky [to be doing this] and don’t understand 100% why I’m so lucky. It’s ridiculous how few female filmmakers there are in the mainstream arena. There is lot more in the indie world, a lot more in television and it’s starting to change a little in big features but certainly not fast enough.”

That said, she’s hugely appreciative of the gradual change she has witnessed in the industry to date. “I’m sure it’s probably true in any industry that was all male and suddenly you have the influence of women, different people, and people of colour. It made it a much more full experience and a much more real experience. Working in the 70s with a bunch of guys in a small town was like being in a boys’ camp. Now families can

travel to movie sets, something which they never did then. The times have changed and of course the industry has changed a lot as well.”

Despite her glittering past in cinema, and an unfaltering courage in her everyday affairs, Foster still admits to getting “anxious about everything”, adding that the fear you get before a performance is “a different kind of anxiety” to anything else she’s had to face.

“I think I’m much more comfortable directing than I ever was acting. Acting doesn’t come naturally to me, it’s not what I was born to do.”

“It’s so much harder because you have to prepare for it,” she explains, “You can do all the preparation that you want as an actor and ultimately someone is going to yell ‘action!’ and you just have to be present. It’s something you can be good or bad at, there is no fast and hard rule about this plan of action you can have, so I think sometimes it’s more anxious than directing. At least with directing, you can have a design – there’s an intellectual process…a real language to it.”

Of course, for anyone who has stayed at the top of the acting world for as long as she has, the pressure to build on past successes has dogged any future ‘Foster projects’ for over four decades. Now, however, it finally seems “the pressure’s off.”

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 35

2 3

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Stars Stripes

Go old-skool preppy with a blend of contemporary and retro designs, bold, bright colours and the all essential stars and stripes.

It’s totally awesome! bs Marc Jaco

4

6

5

1 Newgate Timepill Clock, £36, Bluesuntree, Leicester 2 Addinterior Lean Chair, £1,197.50, Houseology 3 Gant Cushions, from £35, Amara 4 Roberts Revival RD60 Dab Radio, £169.95, John Lewis 5 Lexington Flag Throw, £135, Houseology 6 Marc Jacobs Snapshot Camera Bag, £245, Net-A-Porter 7 AJ Louis Poulsen Lamp, £526, Made in Design 8 Kate Spade New York Mug, £20, John Lewis 9 Eames Esu Shelf by Vitra, £2,108, Heal’s

8

7

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URBAN FOX MAY 2016 37

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DESIGN N O I T A R I P S IN Whether your home needs a complete overhaul or you simply need an idea for that empty corner, getting started can be the hardest part says Zoe Hubbard, senior designer at Maison Interiors. This month she shows us how to get design inspiration from anywhere and everywhere.

Here’s some of my ideas to get your creative juices flowing …

CATWALK TO COUCH

Although many see fashion and interiors as two separate worlds, they are becoming more and more intermingled.

In most cases our homes are a reflection of our personality - as is the way we dress - so keeping a close eye on the catwalk is key when it comes to creating

a stylish home interior. Colours (orange and metallic) and patterns (geometric, floral) from the SS16 collections are already making their way into our homes.

For me Matthew Williamson is the perfect example of a designer who combines fashion and interior design through his fabrics and wallcoverings.

PIN THEM DOWN

It’s very easy to get wrapped up in the latest interiors blog, tear pages from magazines, or roam the shops looking at beautiful things, but if you’re going to make a decision, ultimately you need some direction. If you’re suffering from “inspiration overload” a mood board is an essential part of successfully tackling any interior project. It’s a great way to visually map how you want a room to look and feel. You can then easily edit out the elements that don’t work and build on those ideas that do.

Social platforms like Pinterest & Houzz enable you to ‘pin’ your ideas 24/7. It’s great fun too!

SETTING THE TREND People always ask me where I get my

Matthew Williamson

inspiration or what the next big trend will be. The truth is a lot of the time designers guess forward trends. This could be based on past form – coastal and monochrome schemes never go away – or what looks set to be popular on the high street or in interior magazines. The best designers however will set their own trends based on inspiration from travel, hotels, art exhibitions, anything really.

It’s far better to be your own trendsetter, as you’re less likely to get bored of something if you truly love it, rather than simply following the latest trend.

CALL IN REINFORCEMENTS

If you’ve tried the mood board method and still can’t turn your dream into a reality, then it might be time to call in a professional. An interior designer can help give you the “wow” factor you’ve been looking for. They’re trained to think differently, spatially and to see the overall picture. They can also help to save you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes, managing your budget, sourcing unique fabrics and furnishings, as well as removing the hassle factor of dealing with other contractors. What’s more, later if you’re looking to sell your home, a professionally designed interior can add buyer appeal, setting your home above the other competition.

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 41

INTERIOR DESIGN

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Billingsgate Oversized Clock, £249, Bluesuntree, Leicester

Neptune Harrogate Dining Chair, £220, John Lewis Ripple Canisters, £12 each, Bluesuntree, Leicester

Metal Bread Bin, £28, Garden Trading

Wobbler Cereal Bowls, £35 (set of 4), Loaf

Cob Weave Throw, £58, The British Blanket Co

Beeton Butcher’s Trolley, £429, Swoon Editions Croft Collection Wire Basket, £14, John Lewis

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URBAN FOX MAY 2016 45

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Tel: 0800 434 6343 Web: hrbs.co.uk Visit our branches and agencies across Leicestershire and Warwickshire The Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. The Society's registration number is 206043

Harborough Lights Lighting Design Consultancy

RETRO INDUSTRIAL LIGHTING NOW ON SHOW

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE IN STYLE

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

Thousands of options and bespoke manufacture offering an unlimited choice.

Open 9am until 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Appointments and home visits available.

13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP

www.harboroughlights.co.uk - 01858 467716

Quality & Elegance designed and created with Care and Passion

Come and visit us at our showroom and factory: 1A Cutters Close | Narborough | Leicester |LE19 2FZ Phone: 0116 2869320 | Email: sales@hemingwaydesign.net Website: www.hemingwaydesign.net

0116 2741050 ambiencehardwoodflooring.co.uk mail@ambiencehardwoodflooring.com Unit 5, Euston Street, Freemens Common, Leicester LE2 7ST Visit our Showroom: Mon - Fri 8am - 5:30pm, Sat 9am - 1pm

Nationwide Delivery

Solid Wood Engineered Wood Laminate Vinyl We also stock adhesives, oils, lacquers, cleaning products & floor profiles

CONSERVATORIES

Quick, make the JtlQSt of the sunshine!

On a glorious day, it's lovely to simply throw open the doors and let the sun in. It's even better when you know that, should it turn chilly out, those doors will help keep you warm inside.

EAS customers love fickle English weather.

Why don't you join them this summer?

Callus today on 0116

271 0120

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

www.easwindows.co.uk

Rene Lalique, ‘Bacchantes’ an opalescent glass vase, £15,000 - £20,000

Rene Lalique ‘Avalon’ an opalescent glass vase, £1,500 - £2,000

Whitefriars, ‘Bamboo’ textured glass vase, £60 - £80

Daum, ‘Autumn Landscape’ a cameo glass vase, £1,000 - £1,500

20th Century Decorative Arts Market Harborough Salerooms Tuesday 17th May

Including items of furniture, ceramics, glass and metalware from the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Post War design movements.

Viewing: Sat 14th May 9am–12noon, Mon 16th May 9am–4pm, Tue 17th May 9am–9:45am Contact: Will Gilding | 01858 410414 | will.gilding@gildings.co.uk

gildings auctioneers

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

GILDINGS.CO.UK

   

Glass A Touch of

In recent years the drive to have the newest, shiniest things in our homes has given way to a desire to fill our living space with unique pieces that have a story to tell. Inspired by the work of French master René Lalique, Will Gilding, 20th Century Design Specialist at Gildings Auctioneers explores the rise of decorative glass homeware and how to incorporate it within a contemporary setting.

In the latter years of the nineteenth century, a great talent was being nurtured in Paris. A young jewellery designer taking inspiration from nature and the female form, was experimenting with the use of glass and enamel combined with precious metals and stones to create breath-taking jewellery designs. He was to become a leading proponent of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, and his fascination with the different effects that could be achieved with glass led to the birth of one of the greatest glass artists of the 20th century …René Lalique.

Lalique

By 1907, already a well-established highend jewellery designer, Lalique entered

into a partnership with the perfumer Francois Coty to design and provide perfume bottles that would transform the marketing of perfume forever. This was the start of the Lalique glass works and from that moment, he dedicated his creative genius and passion to this medium.

Throughout the roaring 1920s Lalique’s designs epitomised the avant-garde Art Deco period. From striking vases and elegant tableware, to chandeliers for cruise ships his prolificacy was something to behold. What’s more every piece he designed exuded both style and grace.

Over the course of his career, Lalique became most renowned for mastering opalescence in glass, where the glass takes on a milky mother-of-pearl effect.

The milky-ness could then be heightened by coloured staining on the surface, or the glass itself could be injected with vivid and vibrant colours.

Alongside being a great artist Lalique was a savvy businessman, pricing his work to appeal to the masses as well as more exclusive pieces for those with

Lalique

deeper pockets. This has created a strong market for his pieces over the last 100 years, which shows no signs of stopping.

Even today a Lalique can cost from as little as £100, to a masterpiece worth well into the thousands. The mastery of Lalique is therefore not just in the designs, but in creating a product that although manufactured in large number, radiates quality and class on a very personal level.

If you have a love for decorative glass – or any antiques for that matter – but live in a modern home, it can be difficult to know how to incorporate it seamlessly into a contemporary interior design scheme. So here’s a few tips to get you started:

1 2 3 4 5

Never decorate all in one style, it’s dull and uninteresting.

Layer your home with different eras, Victoriana to swinging 60’s.

I ncorporate a range of price tags from a few pounds to investment pieces.

Avoid the museum look, go four fifths modern and one fifth antique. tart small building up to bigger S items as you become more confident.

To discover more about Rene Lalique and his legacy visit: lalique.com/en/world-of-lalique.

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 51

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

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Discover timelessly elegant products that will transform your home.

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HOMES & GARDENS

The

RIGHT MOVE? What we want from our home changes over time says Mark Sandall of Andrew Granger & Co. But the decision to stay or go can be an emotional one. This month Mark explains how to make the right move for you.

Is compact and bijoux still for you?

It’s often said that buying a home is the biggest single investment most people will ever make. However, people’s attitude to property varies hugely. Some move around frequently searching for the perfect property, whilst others stay put for the best part of a lifetime, making changes as they go.

Inevitably most people’s lifestyles evolve over time – which means that what they want from their home changes with them.

So, a young professional couple’s criteria when looking for a property will vary hugely from a family of four. However, those priorities are likely to change over time.

This means that people are often faced with a dilemma: do they move on or adapt where they live to fit their new lifestyle? It’s a personal decision, but there are some pros and cons to consider.

Staying put: how easy is it to make the changes you need? It may be simple to convert a home office to a nursery or a child’s bedroom to a guest room, but more dramatic changes such as converting an attic space or knocking down walls to create open plan spaces may be more trouble (and expense) than some people are prepared to put up with.

Furthermore, some items on a property wish list may simply be impossible: if you want a large family garden with space for Images: John Lewis

play equipment, a garden the size of a postage stamp is never going to fulfil that need. Sometimes your current property just can’t be made to fit your purpose.

Moving on: there’s no doubt that moving house involves a lot of preparation and some hard work, but the process is often simpler than people think. Be prepared to look long term and decide what’s most important to you. Perhaps the acid test is to ask – if you were to buy your home today, would it still be what you would choose? Does it have the layout that you want? Is it the right size and in the location that you desire?

Many people settle with what they have.

For older people in particular the thought of moving from a large, virtually empty house is difficult. But it’s not going to get easier in the future – and the capital a move can release could transform your lifestyle for the better. For a young family bursting at the seams, it makes sense to move to a house that is the right size now rather than waiting 10 years – when they won’t actually need the space any more.

Ultimately our homes become a part of our identity, so the longer we stay put, the more of a wrench moving becomes. However, it’s such an important part of your quality of life that I’d advise against compromising on what’s really important to you.

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 55

Ground Qube is a landscape and garden design studio based in Leicestershire.

Offering clients a complete landscaping service, Ground Qube can design, construct and maintain your outdoor space.

Ground Qube is a landscape and garden design studio based in Leicestershire.

Ground clients Qube isa acomplete landscape and garden designGround Qube can design, Offering landscaping service, studio based Leicestershire. construct and in maintain your outdoor space.

Offering clients a complete landscaping service, Ground Qube can design, construct and maintain your outdoor space.

M: 07969 180130 T: 01858 571047 E: info@gqgardens.com W: www.gqgardens.com A: Hemploe View, The Belt, South Kilworth, Leicestershire. LE17 6DX.

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The Chelsea Gardener

Haddonstone

Art of the

1

GARDEN

2

1

Less is More

Sculptures don’t need to be large to standout. A small statue or water feature can still draw attention to an out-of-the-way spot but without taking up too much space. This unique selfcirculating ‘Eclipse’ fountain is ideal for use on table tops, a patio or terrace.

2

Mix it Up

3

Beautifully Bronzed

4

Practically Perfect

5

Sophie Allport

Although your garden might be the perfect canvas for nature’s palette, a sculpture or simple structure can add much needed interest to your outside space.

Just as you would combine design styles inside your home, this applies to the garden too. Be inspired to mix contemporary and classic pots together for an individual look. If you can’t be swayed from terracotta, chose pieces that bring additional texture, such as this pressed terracotta planter.

3

Natural materials such as stone and clay work well in the garden but for that extra wow factor add a bit of bling with metallic sculptures, wind chimes and decorative lights. This stunning bronze Stag is made from heavy weight bronze and is perfectly weather-proof for outdoor use.

Art can be more than decorative, it can be functional too. This Zeno Goccia Outdoor Fireplace combines contemporary design with bold materials to create effortless style, while also keeping your outside area warm and toasty during those clear crisp evenings.

Do it Yourself

Dabble with a touch of DIY art. Take some standard terracotta plant pots and add a splash of colour – anything but green with exterior paint. Paint the whole pot or just a simple stripe.

Use them as intended with plants, or arrange a display of smaller empty pots on a hanging rack. Voilà instant art.

4 Internet Gardener

5 Farrow & Ball

UPPINGHAM THEATRE We have some wonderful events coming up this season with something for everyone...

Friday 6 May, 7.30pm

£15.00/£12.00 concessions

Central School of Ballet

Ballet Central 2016 features a sparkling programme of ballet, neoclassical, contemporary and narrative dance. The company’s young and dynamic dancers will showcase their talent with a diverse performance of newly commissioned works and celebrated revivals.

This family-friendly show is ideal for dance enthusiasts as well as those new to ballet.

Friday 10 June, 7.30pm

£10.50/£8.00 concessions

Jazz with Annette Gregory

Annette Gregory jazz vocalist and her band will be celebrating the music of Ella Fitzgerald, from her earlier career in 1930s and moving through the decades of 1950s -1960s and the various song book albums that brought Ella Fitzgerald the right to be called the ‘The first lady of song (Jazz)’ .

For more information or to receive our brochure, contact: Box Office 01572 820820 Website www.uppinghamtheatre.co.uk In person at Uppingham Sports and Books

COME RACING AT

House and Gardens open

Follow us on

Dingley

Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays from 1 May to 29 August and Wednesdays throughout September 2016 Gardens also open Tuesday to Friday from 3 May to 26 August 2016 Gardens and tea room open: 12pm House open: 2pm • Last entry: 4pm UNDER 16’s

FREE ENTRY! Enjoy a picnic with friends and family in an idyllic setting, whilst watching good racing l

Licensed betting l Children’s Funfair l Trade stands l Bar and refreshments l Close-up viewing

May Bank Holiday Sunday 1st May Saturday 14th May For entry fees and further information please visit our website or contact the Administrator Telephone 01780 450278 | Email admin@deenepark.com www.deenepark.com @deenepark.com

facebook.com/deenepark

First race starts at 2pm

Admission: £10 per person / Under 16’s free entry Race cards available for £3 D I N G L E Y, M A R K E T H A R B O R O U G H L E 1 6 8 PJ w w w. d i n g l e y r a c e s . c o. u k

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON

Of Mice And Men, 23 - 28 May, Curve

MAY 2016

Citizen Khan

Girls with Balls

A Ballerina’s Tale

Following four hugely successful series on BBC One, Adil Ray is bringing the much loved self-appointed community leader, Mr Khan to the stage. Mr Khan, created and performed by Adil Ray, is a larger than life character, with strong opinions and big dreams, facing the challenge of how to make ends meet yet keep his family happy. Things would be much easier if everyone just listened to him and followed his lead, and now he is hoping they finally will.

Football is a game of two sexes. It’s 2016, the wrecking ball is approaching and Ashley, Britney and Heather must face up to the destruction of their beloved football ground. As the demolition company moves in, the girls stage a lastditch protest to save their club and fight for what they believe in. Inspired by the FA’s 1921 ban on women’s football, Girls with Balls tackles football and feminism head on with a bold look at women, men and the beautiful game.

A UK première screening as part of Let's Dance International Frontiers.

Of the small number of Black women in classical ballet, Misty Copeland has pulled herself up the ladder at American Ballet Theater (ABT) from the studio company to the corps de ballet to soloist.

A Ballerina’s Tale is an intimate look at Misty’s prodigious rise, her potentially career ending injury, alongside challenges around race and body image in the elite ballet world.

Tue 3 May De Montfort Hall Tickets £25-£32.50 demontforthall.co.uk

Thu 5 May Curve Theatre Tickets £8 curveonline.co.uk

Thu 5 May Phoenix Arts Tickets £8 phoenix.org.uk

Broken Glass Mon 9 - Sat 14 May The Little Theatre Tickets £14.50 thelittletheatre.net

Girls with Balls, 5 May, Curve

As the horrors of Kristallnacht are spread throughout the watching world, Sylvia Gellburg a Jewess living in New York suddenly becomes partially paralysed from the waist down. Her husband calls in Dr Hyman to investigate his wife’s problems. The resulting conclusion that she is not ill but struggling with personal problems relating to her marriage and to her concept of Jewishness, leads to unravelling layers of complex issues URBAN FOX MAY 2016 59

farm workers, who go in search of new beginnings, in the hope of attaining their shared dream: of putting together enough money to buy a small piece of land and building a home. After a long and exhausting journey, the pair arrive at a farm in California where they seek work.

But they are no strangers to trouble and soon find themselves reeling from the fall out of an innocent misunderstanding which spirals out of control and leaves the two men, facing an earth-shattering climax.

The Spark Festival Mon 23 May – Sat 4 June Various locations Entrance fee may apply sparkfestival.co.uk The Royal Ballet: Frankenstein, 18 May, Cinema De Lux

within her relationship with her husband.

Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass is a powerful psychological study that explores the intricate balance within relationships and the consequences of not understanding them.

The Royal Ballet: Frankenstein Wed 18 May Cinema De Lux Tickets £14.50 showcasecinemas.co.uk

Royal Ballet Artist in Residence Liam Scarlett has chosen Mary Shelley’s gothic classic Frankenstein as the basis for his first full-length narrative ballet for the Covent Garden Main Stage. A story of betrayal, curiosity, life, death and, above all, love, it inspires Scarlett to explore the very depths of human nature and our need to find acceptance and a place in the world. For this exciting new ballet Scarlett returns to the music of Lowell Liebermann, from whom he has commissioned a brand new score.

The Spark Festival run by registered charity The Spark Arts for Children, is the largest children's arts festival in England & Wales, taking place every May & June in Leicester. The festival presents the very best theatre, dance, music, visual arts and digital media events for young people aged 0 - 13 years. Throughout the festival a series of free creative learning workshops are held at venues across the city as part of the City Play-ground. For a diary of events, venues and entrance fees or to download a brochure visit sparkfestival.co.uk

Our House

Wed 25 – Sat 28 May Upp the Arts, Uppingham

Of Mice And Men Mon 23 - Sat 28 May Curve Theatre Tickets £13-£26 curveonline.co.uk

Set in America during the Great Depression, this classic play tells the story of George and Lennie, two migrant Blake in Harmony, 28 May, The Little Theatre

Tickets £9.50 uppthearts.co.uk This superb new musical, based on the ska/pop group ‘Madness’ follows the story of Joe Casey who, on the night of his sixteenth birthday, takes Sarah, the girl of his dreams, out on their first date.

In an effort to impress her with bravado, he breaks into a building site overlooking his home on Casey Street, which is owned by Mister Pressman, a high-end property developer. The police turn up, at which point Joe’s life splits into two: the Good Joe, who stays to help, and Bad Joe, who flees. Watch as we witness the two stories unfold which will have you in tears of sorrow one minute and tears of laughter the next!

Blake in Harmony Sat 28 May The Little Theatre Tickets £17 thelittletheatre.net

For fans of Il Divo, Collabro and G4, don’t miss out on the original Brit-Awardwinning vocal group Blake, back on tour in the UK with a highly anticipated new show. Mixing pop, classical and musicals in one thrilling night, linked together with hilarious banter and beautiful video projections, this is entertainment at its finest. Joined on stage by award winning choirs, live instrumentalists and special guests, the night features powerful renditions of Fields of Gold, Bring Him Home, Time to Say Goodbye, Nessun Dorma, Chasing Cars and many more!

TRAVIS Monday 16 May

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER & DON BLACK’S CLASSIC MUSICAL TELL ME ON A SUNDAY STARRING JODIE PRENGER Wednesday 1 June

PASHA IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU Tuesday 7 June

RETURN OF THE GRUMPY OLD WOMEN FIFTY SHADES OF BEIGE Wednesday 8 June

MAD ABOUT THE MUSICALS STARRING GARETH GATES & MICHAEL COURTNEY Thursday 9 June

JAMIE RAVEN Saturday 18 June

Enjoy a full days racing and live music.

Ladies, as always, wear your finest as a competition will be held for the best dressed lady.

This year’s live music includes performances from Billy Ocean, Mica Paris, Re-Take That and a celebrity DJ.

General admission

ÂŁ29

FREE entry for under 18s

Plus celebr ity DJ

film REVIEW

le prestige picture s: A supremely enjoyab Florence Foster Jenkin

Florence Foster Jenkins (PG)

1hr 50mins Opens nationwide Fri 6th May 0116 242 2800 | phoenix.org

"People may say I can't sing, but no one can ever say I didn't sing." Telling the story of a New York heiress who was determined to be an opera star despite a severe lack of talent, Meryl Streep stars as the eponymous Florence Foster Jenkins - a woman who believed in herself even when everyone else knew she was terrible.

An arts benefactor who set up the The Verdi Club in Manhattan, Florence decides she wants to take centre stage, and after

book REVIEW

The latest releases offering inspiration for you and your home

a resounding success with her first solo show (her husband St. Clair Bayfield ensures an audience of sympathetic ‘real’ music fans) Florence sets her sights on an opera performance at no less than Carnegie Hall!

Directed by Stephen Frears (The Queen, Philomena), Florence Foster Jenkins is a supremely enjoyable prestige picture dappled with shades of melancholy

thanks to great performances from a cast that includes Streep, a superb Hugh Grant (Bayfield), Rebecca Ferguson, and Big Bang Theory’s Simon Helberg as self-conscious pianist Cosme McMoon.

Both a critique of hubris and a celebration of determination, Streep manages to make Florence a sympathetic character - frail due to illness and lovelorn over her unusual marriage - so although we may laugh at her singing we remain thoroughly on her side throughout.

Farrow & Ball How to Decorate

by Farrow & Ball, Joa Studholme & Charlotte Cosby

Set to become the bible of home decoration, Farrow & Ball How to Decorate provides a highly practical and inspirational guide to the successful use of paint and paper in any home, large or small, urban or country. Published on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the iconic brand, the book brings together the expertise of international colour consultant, Joa Studholme and the Farrow & Ball creative team to demystify the basics of transforming a home - from deciding which colours work best in a north-facing room to creating accents with paint and making the most of a feature wall.

The A-Z of Eating

by Felicity Cloake

This is a cookbook for people who are looking for inspiration rather than instruction.

Here Felicity Cloake offers an ingredient for each letter of the alphabet - twenty-six of her favourite things to eat, and recipes using them which will change the way that you think about these ingredients forever. From Roquefort and honey cheesecake with walnut and pear, to roast duck with miso caramel, this is a book to shake you out of your recipe rut. “Not only a collection of fabulous recipes but an inspiring guide to flavours and ingredients and how they work together” - Nigella Lawson.

Fashion Made Fair

by Ellen Köhrer and Magdalena Schaffrin

Sustainability is in fashion right now and designers are taking note. This book features up-and-coming designers and established brands from all over the world, chosen for their ability to manufacture wearable, highly covetable clothing while also contributing to better working conditions, protecting the environment, and applying innovative design techniques or materials. Filled with images of gorgeous clothing, this book looks at a revolution in the making, and points to a fashion future that benefits the people and the planet.

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 63

Life is in the details THE VOLVO V40 R-DESIGN With its distinctive 17" Diamond Cut Alloys, adaptive digital display, illuminated gearshift and more, the 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.

BOOK A TEST DRIVE TODAY AT WWW.VOLVOCARSLEICESTER.CO.UK Personal Contract Purchase Representative Example: V40 T2 R-Design with metallic paint 48 Monthly payments

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Mileage per annum Excess mileage charge

49 2.00% 8000 14.9p per mile

Available with 3 years complementary servicing when purchased on Volvo Advantage Personal Contract Purchase.

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Official fuel consumption for the Volvo V40 T2 R-Design (manual) in MPG (l/100km): Urban 38.7 (7.3), Extra Urban 62.8 (4.5), Combined 51.4 (5.5). CO₂ Emissions 127g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results.

Finance subject to status. Retail sales only. *Subject to availability at participating dealers only on model year 16 vehicles registered by 30/06/2016. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Part exchange the vehicle. (ii) Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle.

Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/Indemnity may be required. Volvo Car Credit RH1 1SR. The service offer is only applicable when purchasing on Volvo Advantage Personal Contract Purchase at participating dealers on vehicles ordered between 01/04/2016 and 30/06/2016. Services must be carried out at a Volvo Authorised Repairer. Retail offer only. Excludes fleet operators and business users. See volvocars.co.uk for full terms and conditions.

We are a credit broker (not a lender) – we can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers. We may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

Solo

FLYING

Are you taking a holiday this year?

If you haven’t because money is tight, fair enough. If it’s because you didn’t have anyone to go with, read on. Travelling alone can be a truly liberating experience says Kirsty France.

Images: Boden

Start small

Overnight stays

If you’ve never travelled by yourself before, the thought of a solo trip can be incredibly daunting. Start by getting on a train and going to a new city for the day. You can look around knowing that you can go back to the station and go home any time you like. I love being able to decide how long I want to spend somewhere but it can come as a shock when you’re used to travelling with others.

A solo hotel stay is a big step. I’ve travelled on business and the hotel staff don’t bat an eyelid, but turn up in jeans and they get confused. Just be polite and they’ll generally respond in kind. You can also make an unfamiliar hotel room feel more like home by packing some of your favourite things – I always take a couple of family photos and perfume to make the room smell lovely.

Eat by yourself

Stay safe

This sounds easy, but eating alone can be a strange experience. If you can eat an evening meal in a restaurant by yourself, you’re ready for anything – and remember, it isn’t cheating to take a book. I often take a notebook and pen with me too. It makes waiters think you might be a critic so they treat you really well!

It’s a sad reality that lone women can be a target and when you’re travelling alone you have a heightened awareness of that. Just take the same steps you would at home to keep yourself safe and find out about any areas to avoid before you travel. I’ve travelled solo to Buenos Aires and the authorities are very good at keeping tourists away from the scarier parts of town.

Don’t be lonely

I’m pretty shy but came to love talking to new people. Conversation starters don’t have to be complicated; a comment on the weather or asking about some delicious looking food can be enough.

If you meet someone from another country, ask them about their home.

If you’re rebuffed, just move on.

What will people think?

This can be a worry for lots of people.

If your family have legitimate concerns, listen and address them. If you think others will gossip you’ll need to decide whether that bothers you enough to change your plans. Personally, I’d rather have the great memories.

Be brave

The freedom that comes from setting your own itinerary is life changing. I’ve taken on challenges that scared me and loved them. Knowing that you can be adventurous and brave is something that will stay with you long after you return home.

Solo travel might not be for everyone, but if you’re in the slightest bit tempted, give it a go. You won’t regret it.

URBAN FOX MAY 2016 65

The Scottish Isles is my favourite place for some peace and quiet

Fav fashion store

Karen Millen

Best for beauty

Estēe Lauder double wear founda tion Home style

Country / Cath Kidston

MY WAY

Fun in the sun

Tanith Wesson

“Good people and a tight team can accomplish mighty things”, says Cherizena Coffee’s Tanith Wesson.

Born in Nottingham, I spent most of my childhood in a little village near Ashby de la Zouch. We didn’t have lots of money but we did have lots of love, fresh air and home baked bread.

I attended primary school at Newton Burgoland, followed by Ibstock and then Ashby Grammar School until I was 18.

After completing my A’levels (not all that successfully) I job hopped from mushroom picker, child minder, factory worker, secretary and finally found my niche in sales. I had a successful few years selling advertising for the Coalville & Ashby Echo, Loughborough Echo and then Hinckley Times. It was during this time I met my husband Richard. He proposed in Venice and we were married in 2001 at the beautiful Armathwaite Hall in the Lake District. Our wedding party was very small, just 16 people including us, closest family and a best friend each.

As well as starting a new journey as a married woman I also embarked on a new career path with nutrition company Herbalife. I subsequently stayed in network marketing for 10 years, through the birth and early years of our first daughter Harriet who was born in 2003. After job hopping a little more, Elizabeth was born in 2011. Unfortunately when Elizabeth was a year old, Richard was diagnosed with debilitating, painful and exhausting Ulcerative Colitis causing him to be need to give up work. The few years that followed were challenging for us all.

The Scottish Isles, so peaceful!

On my nightstand

The Secret Rooms …about Belvoir

Castle

On my iPod

Meghan Trainor & Lana Del Ray Best for relaxation

Red wine

But then 2 years ago a job Most inspirational woma n opportunity Katie Piper for a Business Development Manager came up at Belvoir Castle. I went for the interview to convince myself that I didn’t want to do the job but the Castle cast a spell on me! It’s a truly beautiful building steeped in history and full of the most beautiful works of art and antiques – not a bad place to spend your day! I also learnt during my time there that good people and a tight team can accomplish mighty things!

After a 2 year whirlwind at Belvoir Castle, Richard and I decided to buy an established business, Cherizena Coffee, supplying and producing coffee for homes and businesses across the UK. I had been a loyal customer of the company since 2008 - when I bought a coffee grinder and some beans from the Christmas market in Nottingham - so when the opportunity arose to invest in the business I couldn’t say no. Although starting a new venture has had its challenges, it’s also exciting and liberating and has meant that my husband can return to work without the pressure of normal employment, and I have the flexibility of working around the children. I truly believe that good things come to those who deserve it – even if it seems to take a long time!

For all things Porsche.

Breathtaking design, innovative engineering and a virtually limitless number of options to choose from. Contact us about the Porsche range including the new 718 Boxster, and our Porsche Approved Pre-Owned cars. Prepare to be inspired.

Call 01162 764 488 or visit www.porscheleicester.co.uk.

Porsche Centre Leicester Fletton Close Thurmaston Lane Leicester LE4 9LP info@porscheleicester.co.uk

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