Urban Fox - October 2020 Issue

URBANFOX Join the conversation

October 2020

WIN

Matt & Nat Bag Bellabeat Smart Bottle Neom Home Mist

Clean GREEN Household hacks

The Big O

Edge into organic

ETHICAL ESSENTIALS

LETTING GO

AMY ADAMS INTERVIEW

CONSCIOUS

BY DESIGN

Time Out A break from busy URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 1

KITCHENS | FLOORING | FURNITURE

Oadby House is a truly unique experience for customers looking for the very best quality products from the leading manufacturers in kitchens, flooring and furniture.

Michael John Flooring, Maison Interiors and Sherwin Hall Kitchens, have housed their expert teams under one roof, providing a holistic offering covering all areas of home furnishing.

In total, the represented businesses have over 100 years experience in serving the Leicestershire community. Oadby House is a new chapter and will ensure it’s never been easier for you to turn your house into a home.

CREATING BEAUTIFUL SPACES

OADBYHOUSE.COM T 0116 233 7775 E info@oadbyhouse.com 91 The Parade, Oadby, Leicestershire LE2 5BB URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 3

Hello

The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly changed our lives in unimaginable ways.

From office culture and family life, to mental health and financial strife, many of us continue to adapt to the ‘new normal’.

But it’s not been all bad. What about the small pleasures rediscovered in lockdown – family walks, early nights, no makeup, elasticated trousers… There’s much to be said for the minimalism of recent months. So, grab a cuppa, unwind and embrace a more Simple Life with this month’s edition of Urban Fox.

COVER SHOT:

Jenna Pointelle Stitch Jumper, £69.95, Joules

Interact with us

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Like us for regular features, competitions and more great stuff about Leicestershire

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Follow our boards for what’s influencing the creation of our magazine each month

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URBANFOX MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk

We start with a little mindful shopping - yes it’s a real thing - in Conscious

by Design. We’re ditching the Primarni throwaways in favour of a chic and sustainable capsule wardrobe. Think quality essentials in eco-friendly fabrics and rich autumnal hues. Tick.

And from dresses to stresses, if you’re feeling unmotivated and burned-out, take a Time Out and learn how to slow down and achieve more by doing less. Just a few simple changes will help you to reclaim your time and achieve balance.

If like me lockdown restricted everything but your ability to eat, now’s the time to get back on track. When it comes to losing weight, simplicity is key. So, forget the points, syns and complex calorie calculations, and check out our easy to follow rules in Losing Count. Get results without feeling like you’re constantly on a diet.

On the home front we Go Eco with ethical homewares, save the planet and your health, with nature inspired household hacks, and discover where the wild things are (and how you can help them) with our seasonal garden projects. And if you’re longing for an escape from it all, learn to lighten the load and make a break to remember with our guide to simple family staycations.

Finally we’d love to hear how you’re embracing the simple life. Share with us on Facebook and #JointheConversation.

8

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

20-21 Products & images:

11

White Co

HOMES & GARDE NS

Simple PURE &

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

Blanc Scented Candle, £35

Alibaba Small Round Basket, £45

Refresh your tired and weary sleep space.

Think timeless, white and bathing in light.

Albury Ceramic Small Vase, £20

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

Autumn Home Spray, £16

Ceramic Bottle Table Lamp, £195

Aldwych Cotton Scroll Bed, £1,850

Breakfast In Bed Tray, £65

13

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.

Clermont Cushion Cover, £35

For the Love of White, £30

Unisex Waffle Slippers, £25

URBAN FOX OCTOBE R 2020 21

37

19

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

October

HEALTH & WELLBEING

34

15 Losing Count Cutting calories made simple

WINING & DINING 16 The Big O Edge into organic

HOMES & GARDENS 19 Go Eco

Sustainable interiors 20 Pure & Simple

It’s all white

25

25 O ut of Sight Control the clutter 29 Clean Green Household hacks

LIFE & WORK 33 T ime Out

A break from busy

31 Wild Things

The birds and the bees

34 Letting Go Amy Adams interview

16

37 Space Savvy Desks Flexible working solutions

PEOPLE & PLACES

FASHION & BEAUTY

38 Simple Staycations

Homer holidays tips and tricks

8 Stay in Neutral

Classic colour combos 11 Conscious by Design

Ethical essentials 13 10 Minute Miracle

Quick makeup tricks

10 WIN MATT & NAT BAG

14 WIN BELLABEAT BOTTLE

22 WIN NEOM HOME MIST

The

Chunky Merino Wool Jumper

MADE IN LEICESTERSHIRE ENGLAND

We are Paul James - a luxury, Leicestershire-based knitwear manufacturer. We strive to deliver the purest knitwear experience, which is why we shun man-made fibres, instead using only 100% natural fibre yarns in the production of our knitwear.

Welcome to the world of timeless and sustainable fashion.

email us at hello@pauljamesknitwear.com to request a copy of our brochure

pauljamesknitwear.com

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 7

Natalie Oversized Jumper, £145

REISS Edie Wool Felt Fedora, £60

Magda Strappy Sandals, £135

Stay in NEUTRAL

Aster Cord Cropped Trousers, £165

Le 17 Septembre Tie Sweater, £420

Classic neutrals are in the driving seat for AW20. Score serious sartorial points with a sweater and slacks combo.

Reformation Montana Tapered Pants, £190

Miu Miu Embroidered Sneakers, £460

Little Liffner Tulip Tote, £520

NET-A-PORTER

FASHION & BEAUTY Pointelle Puff Sleeve Knit, £75

Adrianna Leather Trouser, £299

WHISTLES Dahlia Lace Up Boot, £199

Bibi Crossbody Bag, £129

MINT VELVET

Winnie Stud Bag, £149

Star Jumper, £69 Neutral Button Chino, £69

Allie White Animal Trainers, £89

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 9

MON - SAT 11 AM - 3PM

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N I W

RECYCLED BACKPACK

by Matt & Nat Ideal for work or play, you could be the winner of this sleek, utilitarian style Mumbai backpack from Matt & Nat’s Purity Collection.

With an easy, relaxed shape, the backpack is secured with a drawstring fastening that’s hidden under the flap over front. Inside the fully lined interior boasts a zipped pocket, a slip slot for your phone and a logo-embossed Dwell tag. The bag is completed with adjustable back straps and a grab handle to the top. With true innovation in design and a fully sustainable alternative, the bag linings

are made from recycled plastic bottles and the outer body is made from recycled resin taken from windshield glass.

To explore their full collection visit uk.mattandnat.com

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Matt & Nat’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 30 October 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.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Conscious

BY DESIGN

Eleanor Ecovero™ Blouse, £79

For a chic and sustainable capsule wardrobe we shopped the Baukjen collection. Think quality essentials, eco-friendly fabrics and rich autumnal hues.

Saffron Shirt Dress, £169

Niki Blazer, £199

Skye Dress, £139

Hailey Ecovero™ Dress, £119

Kara Leather Jacket, £449 Darcy Eco Cashmere Jumper, £199

Niki Trouser, £119

Skye Shirt, £99

Carmen Leather Skirt, £399

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 11

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FASHION & BEAUTY

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Miracle CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE SHEERTINT HYDRATOR, £30. A tinted hydrator that provides complexion perfection and protection all in one. Leaves skin with a fresh, natural finish all day.

1 busy mum, 10 short minutes, 8 beauty essentials. Achieve a flawless finish even when time’s not on your side.

Miracles do happen.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY WONDERGLOW SOFT-FOCUS PRIMER, 40ML, £39. Enhances the luminosity of your skin under makeup.

Apply a fine layer after moisturising, using your hands or a brush.

GIORGIO ARMANI NEO NUDE A-BLUSH, £32. Created in 5 shades, this liquid blush delivers a weightless, healthy cheek glow. Dot it onto the upper apples of the cheeks and blend.

MAC TECHNAKOHL LINER, £16. A soft and creamy formula, with an intense, rich, colour.

Blends on application and dries quickly to a long-wear, nonsmudge finish.

CLARINS OMBRE MINERALE EYE SHADOW, £20.

This mineral based shadow offers a soft wash of colour across the lid. Blend outwards to create a more natural look.

LANCÔME DÉFINICILS MASCARA, £24.50. Shapes and defines to create long, beautiful lashes. The patented brush coats each lash evenly from base to tip for perfect separation with no clumping.

CLARINS INTENSE NATURAL LIP PERFECTOR, £18.50. A melting gel balm with a 3D shimmer, for luscious, smooth, shiny lips and a natural-coloured, luminous smile.

YVES SAINT LAURENT TOUCHE ÉCLAT HIGH COVER CONCEALER, £27. A radiant, high coverage, long wear concealer, it immediately covers dark circles and uneven skin tone.

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 13

WIN!

SMART WATER BOTTLE by bellabeat You could be the lucky winner of this Spring smart water bottle by bellabeat.

Are you drinking enough water? No more wondering.

No more headaches caused by dehydration. Spring tracks your daily hydration and sends you regular reminders to help you establish a healthy hydration habit. It calculates the optimal amount of water for your body based on your activity level, age, height, weight, local weather and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

View your hydration data through the bellabeat app, all you need to do is shake your Spring to sync.

bellabeat is a tech driven wellness company for women.

Discover more about their products, membership and app at bellabeat.com

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Bellabeat’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 30 October 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.

Losing

COUNT

When it comes to losing weight, simplicity is the key. Discover how to cut calories without counting, with TheStudios40’s Rebecca Watts.

When it comes to losing weight, we can’t argue with the science of energy balance - calories in v calories out. Understanding the calories in different foods is great for awareness, but continued calorie counting can make us feel restricted and deprived and is rarely a strategy for long-term success. That’s why I’m a great believer in following simple rules and nutritional guidelines that get results, without feeling like you’re constantly on a diet.

THE RULES Nutrient intake

With each meal and snack have a good balance of macronutrients protein, good fats, carbohydrates.

Eating as natural as possible (organic if you can), will ensure the highest nutritional content, whilst avoiding processed, sugary foods that deplete nutrients. Eating a range of different foods will ensure you’re getting the minerals and vitamins (or micronutrients), your body needs too.

Portion size

You can still overeat on healthy foods, so portion size is crucial to weight management.

Macronutrient

Types

Portion Sizes

Protein

meat, fish, dairy, eggs, soya, nuts/seeds

1 palm sized portion at each meal

Good Fats

avocado, healthy oils and butters, olives, nuts, seeds and some dairy

2 thumb sized portions at each meal

Carbohydrates

vegetables, salad and some fruit, legumes, beans

1-2 handfuls of veggies at each meal

Starchy Carbohydrates

rice, potato, pasta

used to fuel activity*

*If you’re sitting all day you probably don’t need starchy carbohydrates. If you’re exercising add a handful or two of starchy carbs around exercise. If you’ve got an active job you may need to include 1-2 handfuls in each meal. We all have different needs and tolerance to starchy carbs so adjust for your own needs.

Think 80/20

If you apply simple nutrition rules for 80% of the time, it will help you achieve your goals while not giving that feeling of constant dieting.

The other 20% allows you to have occasional treats, and eat out without panicking. For optimum health and easier weight management, drink 2-3 litres of water per day, and ensure you’re getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep.

Make adjustments

If you’re following the first 3 rules and not losing weight, your calorie intake is

probably still higher than the calories you burn. Here are some things you can try: • increase your activity to boost calories out • reduce your starchy carb intake • cut portion sizes slightly • limit the number of snacks you’re eating • stick to the 80/20 rule Conversely if you’re losing too much weight, or too quickly, you’re probably not fuelling your lifestyle enough.

Ensure you’re not over-exercising and that you’re fuelling your activity appropriately. Consider increasing your starchy carb intake and portion sizes, plus adding snacks where necessary.

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 15

THE

Big O

Edge into eating organic with these delicious seasonal supper recipes from Waitrose.

SALMON WITH PEAS & BACON Ingredients: 2 slices British organic unsmoked dry cured bacon rashers 150g frozen organic garden peas 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 organic Little Gem lettuce, shredded 100ml organic vegetable stock 15g organic butter 2 x 175g fresh organic salmon fillets

Images and recipes: Waitrose

1

Preheat the oven to 220°C, gas mark 7. Thinly slice the bacon then place in a small pan and cook over a medium heat for 1 minute until soft.

2

Add the peas, mint, lettuce and seasoning. Pour in the stock and bring to simmering point then set aside.

3

Heat the butter in a non-stick frying pan and cook the fish on one side for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned.

4

Transfer to a small roasting tin, cooked side up, and surround with the pea mixture. Roast for 8–10 minutes until tender.

Serve immediately.

WINING & DINING

SLOW SPICED PORK Ingredients: 1800g British organic pork leg, diced 2 tbsp plain flour 3 tbsp sunflower oil 1 large onion, sliced 3 sticks celery, sliced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground mace 1 tsp mild curry powder 2 tbsp thyme leaves 100g soft dates, chopped 100g soft apricots, chopped Juice of 1 orange 500ml Louis Jadot Mâcon-Azé, or similar 25g walnut pieces Chopped parsley, to serve

1

2

Preheat the oven to 170°C, gas mark 3. Toss the pork in the seasoned flour to coat. Heat half the oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the pork on all sides until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in an ovenproof casserole dish.

Heat the remaining oil in the frying pan, add the sliced onion, celery and chopped garlic and cook gently for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add the spices and cook for a minute.

3

Add the thyme leaves, dates, apricots and orange juice and wine.

Season and bring to the boil.

4

Pour over the pork in the casserole dish and place in the oven for 1½–2 hours until the pork is tender.

5

To serve, dry fry the walnut pieces and scatter over the top with chopped parsley.

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 17

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Products & images: The White Company

PURE &

Simple Refresh your tired and weary sleep space.

Think timeless, white and bathing in light.

HOMES & GARDENS

Blanc Scented Candle, £35

Autumn Home Spray, £16

Alibaba Small Round Basket, £45

Albury Ceramic Small Vase, £20

Ceramic Bottle Table Lamp, £195

Aldwych Cotton Scroll Bed, £1,850 Breakfast In Bed Tray, £65

Clermont Cushion Cover, £35 For the Love of White, £30 Unisex Waffle Slippers, £25

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 21

Over 45,000 Products Available We Offer A Lighting Design Service Quality Checking On All Of Our Fittings

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HAPPINESS HOME MIST by NEOM Organics Create your own version of ‘Happiness’ with this NEOM Home Mist.

At NEOM, their mantra is ‘whatever your version of happiness, we believe it starts with a positive state of mind’. This room mist contains 100% natural expertly blended Happiness™ fragrance which intricately blends 7 essential oils of white neroli, woody and powdery mimosa and zingy lemon, and does a pretty good job to help you feel more positive. Contains up to 1200 spritzes / 100ml.

NEOM fragrances offer wellbeing benefits: to help you sleep better, stress less, boost your energy or lift your mood. For more information about NEOM visit neomorganics.com

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox. co.uk inserting ‘NEOM Organics’ in the subject bar.

Closing date for entries is Friday Thursday April 2020.

30 30 October 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.

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

Images: Neptune.com

HOMES & GARDENS

Out of SIGHT

Keep the clutter under control with a place for everything and everything in its place.

LIVING ROOM

This is a heavy traffic area and the balance between homely and minimalist can be challenging. Keep floor surfaces clear, books and magazines stored neatly, and toys tidied away once the kids are in bed. Give your fireplace a touch of sophistication with a striking log basket to minimise the debris.

KITCHEN

Storing kitchenware and food items can make your kitchen unsightly. Display glasses, crockery and more decorative items on open shelving and use drawers and cupboards to house packaged food stuff. Alternatively decant dry goods into glass containers, reminiscent of a delicatessen.

BOOT ROOM

Ensure your hallway or boot room is kept mud free and expertly organised, with a shoe storage solution. Whether you choose a simple streamlined rack or a luxury welly locker with individual labels, you’ll keep your floors clean and your footwear tidy until your next outing.

BEDROOM

Make your bedroom a haven of relaxation by tidying up at the end of the day. Hang up clothes, fold up throws and stack cushions that you’ve removed from the bed. A functional yet stylish storage box or ottoman is a great asset for clearing the decks.

BATHROOM

Make busy mornings easier and evening soaks more zen-like with an efficient bathroom layout. Add wall hooks for bathrobes, or to hold clothing while you’re getting ready.

A vanity unit will give you space to store toiletries, leaving shelves free for fluffy bath towels, and relaxing scented candles.

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 25

Lifestyle, Homeware, Vintage

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Opening hours Tuesday - Saturday 9:30 - 5:00

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sales@broughtons.com

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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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URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 27

Stylish living with

Splashout for every lifestyle and budget.

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Garden Trading

CLEAN

GREEN

1

Buy products containing natural ingredients. Method produces plant-based products that do the job, smell great and are pet friendly too. So, no worries, if Rover wants to eat off your sparkling floor.

2

Use products that are packaged in recycled plastics or alternatively decant cleaning products into glass bottles and buy refills that use less packaging.

3

Make your own products using environmentally safe and every day household items, including baking soda, white vinegar, lemon, olive oil, soap and water.

See ideas below.

4

To clean the inside of your oven, apply a thick paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for a couple of hours or overnight, before rubbing it off with a cloth.

5

Refresh your dishwasher by placing two cups of white vinegar in the top rack of an empty dishwasher. Let it run on a hot cycle to get rid of those unwanted smells and bacteria.

Save the planet and your health, with these nature inspired household hacks.

6

Brighten your toilet by pouring a cup of baking soda into the bowl. Leave it for an hour or so, before adding a cup of white vinegar. Allow to sit for a little longer, then flush.

11

7

Grab a traditional rattan beater and start thrashing those rugs.

Available to buy from Garden Trading, they’re effective, stylish and great exercise too.

12

8

Make hardwood floors gleam with a homemade cleaner comprising equal parts hot water and vinegar, with a dash of olive or lemon oil for extra shine. Mop as usual.

9

Reduce or eliminate paper towels, by switching to reusable towels. Store clean towels in a basket on your kitchen counter so they’re easily accessible, then wash after use.

10

For greasy jobs - such as cleaning the oven - keep pieces of old fabric, socks etc. that you’d normally disposed of. Use them to wipe up the grease, then throw out.

Keep the air inside your home clean, with an air purifier such as Blueair HEPASilent™. It contains polypropylene filters, a synthetic plastic that breaks down into carbon dioxide and water.

Create your own room mist by mixing ¾ cup of water, 2 tbsps pure vanilla extract, 10 drops of lavender oil and 5 drops of chamomile oil in a spray bottle.

Shake and spray.

13

Wash pillows with hot water and a mild natural, biodegradable laundry detergent. Hang out to dry or tumble dry on a low setting.

Fluff to reshape.

14

Reuse dryer sheets. Their soft texture is ideal for wiping dust from delicate surfaces such as TVs and computer monitors, without scratching them.

15

If you don't have the time - or inclination - to clean your own home, there are specialist ‘green’ services or ask your cleaner if they’ll use your preferred eco-friendly products.

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 29

Den Kit Co.

Wild

Things As the colder weather approaches, many birds, mammals and insects begin to rely on our gardens for food and shelter. Get your kids involved in some home based, nature inspired activities with one of these wildlife projects. Perfect for now and through the changing seasons.

Grow a range of trees, shrubs and climbers.

They’ll provide food and shelter for wildlife, plus roosting and breeding sites for birds.

Choose plants that provide pollen and nectar for as long as possible and avoid those with double-flowers, as most contain little or no pollen or nectar.

Bushes that bear fruit are a good source of food for birds and mammals during the autumn and part of the winter.

Create your own meadow with a mixture of grasses and wildflowers. Don't have room?

Simply allowing patches of lawn to grow longer will provide shelter for small mammals.

Make a nest for ladybirds by tying a bundle of bamboo – or even short lengths of drinking straws – and placing in the nook of a tree or a crack in a wall.

Don’t get rid of the dead wood, it’s good for beetles and other specialist beneficial insects, fungi and mosses.

Source: RHS & RSPB

Preserve old walls and sheds. The spaces beneath old roofing tiles and holes in bricks are used as nesting sites by mason bees, which are vital for pollinating fruit trees.

gardener, a large pot or even a dustbin lid will do. Don’t introduce fish to a pond primarily designed for wildlife as they’ll eat anything that moves.

Hang up a ‘bee hotel’ – yes it’s a real thing. These provide an array of suitable nesting places for solitary bees and are also popular with other insects such as ladybirds and lacewings.

Ensure your pond has different depths. Shallow areas for bathing and drinking birds, emerging dragonflies and for amphibians to lay eggs. Deeper areas help aquatic insects survive cold spells.

A bat box provides roosting sites for bats, a pile of leaves may be used by a hibernating hedgehog and a bird box provides somewhere for house sparrows to raise their broods.

Composting your garden waste helps plants and wildlife, as it speeds up the natural recycling of nutrients. Cut down on digging and let the worms and bugs keep the soil healthy.

Attract birds into your garden with supplemental feeding and a supply of clean, unfrozen water. It can be the difference between life and death in winter.

Don’t be a neat freak. A pile of leaves or twigs can provide food and habitat for many species.

Piles of stones and old pots also create shelter for hibernating reptiles and amphibians.

Hedgehogs like cat and dog food, dried fruit and cooked vegetables.

Milk and bread often given to hedgehogs can make them very ill.

Install a pond. If you’re an urban

Finally, wildlife rarely recognise physical boundaries, so try to view your own garden as part of a wider nature reserve of interlinked gardens and green space.

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 31

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Boden

Time OUT Stressed, unmotivated and burned-out? Slow down and learn how to achieve more by doing less.

DO ONE THING

Multi-tasking can mean that we make less progress, having to return to unfinished tasks. So, take a leaf out of ‘his’ book. You won’t find him doing more than one thing, and sometimes not even that! Keep your focus simple and choose one thing to do brilliantly, before moving onto the next task.

GO OFF GRID

It’s not just the kids that need tech limits, screen overload can affect us all. Make a conscious decision how long to browse each day and then when your time is up, ‘switch off’ both physically and metaphorically.

For an extended break, book a digital detox holiday. No phones allowed.

PUT A TICK IN THE BOX

Is yesterday’s ‘To Do’ list holding you back from achieving today? Simply add a few easy things which can be done quickly or even something you’ve almost completed. Ludicrous?

Yes. But try it, it feels so good! Tick.

TAKE A NANO-BREAK

A holiday would be fabulous but not always practical when work deadlines are looming. Instead learn how to

hit the pause button in your day.

Breathing exercises, a cup of herbal tea at your desk; whatever it takes to signal to your brain that it’s time to take a quick breather.

AVOID TIME STEALERS

Whether it’s answering unimportant emails, procrastinating, or giving our time to people that give nothing back – these are the things we do, that mean we’re unable to do something else more critical, enjoyable etc. This week make a list of things you’re not going to do and stick to it.

LET HAPPINESS IN

Let’s face it, it’s not your 800 Facebook ‘friends’ that make you happy but finding time for the people you love will. Find a balance, by making space in your life for those weekend breaks with the girls, leisurely family brunches and days out with the kids.

BE MINDFUL

If you start your day in a mad blur,

the rest of the day will follow suit.

Try setting your alarm half an hour earlier and use the time for an extended shower, unhurried breakfast, walk the dog or yoga exercises. You’ll feel more in control and in a better place to tackle the day ahead.

PLAN AHEAD

After a long day it’s normal to want to relax in front of the TV. But why not spend an hour preparing for the next day instead. Whether it’s prepping your lunch or ironing your work clothes, being prepared will destress you and help the next day go more smoothly.

BUCK THE TREND

Finally, if everyone else is super busy it doesn’t take long for us to let our lives fill up too. Instead buck the trend and seek out that colleague who has a life outside work, or the friend that shuns Facebook, and follow the beat of their drum. You’ll find it rubs off!

Letting

GO

Youthful insecurities, lingeringly complex characters, and hopeful directors: Amy Adams has long been dogged by all three – but in redrawing the lines that separate work and personal life, the star is finally excelling in both.

LIFE & WORK

With two Golden Globe wins and six Oscar nominations to her name, it’s hard to imagine the glamorous Amy Adams as anything less than a seasoned Hollywood pro. But while her on-screen pedigree remains worthy of the highest praise, away from the camera the star can often find the trappings of fame a little constrictive.

“I'm not very good in social situations and it takes me time to relax and enjoy myself when I'm with groups of people,” Adams, 45, reveals. “All this kind of draws me to complicated women who struggle with different aspects of their lives.”

The juxtaposition between her private feelings and cheery public persona is clear to see in Adams’ most critically praised performances – from The Master, to Nocturnal Animals and American Hustle.

“I'm drawn to women who are a mess,” she nods. “I sometimes feel like I'm a mess, too, that I don't have it together, and it's so interesting for me to play characters who find life a challenge and where things get out of hand. I grew up in a fairly insular environment and I think the apprehension and anxiety I sometimes have comes from not feeling completely sure of myself when I'm out in the world.”

That “insular” upbringing was a consequence of both Adams’ father’s military career – which was behind her birthplace being at the Caserma Ederle military complex in Vicenza, Italy – and the family’s religious leanings.

Raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, more commonly known as Mormonism, until her parents’ divorce in 1985, Adams found

a sense of solace at sharing the limelight among her six siblings.

“Growing up in a big family I was always happy to let other people have the attention,” she explains.

“I always liked the feeling of being in the background and unless I'm working that's still my natural state. I remember that when I was starting out, I loved doing musical theatre and felt so happy when I would get to sing and dance, I still had to overcome my anxiety about performing in front of people. But then it turned out to be one of the happiest times of my life. And I'm still at it!”

These days, Adams is enjoying life as one of Hollywood’s most soughtafter female stars. Her latest project, The Woman in the Window, sees her take centre stage among an all-star ensemble including Julianne Moore, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Gary Oldman – but Adams is careful to keep her work-life balance clearly defined.

“I was very driven and stressed out in my twenties and I needed to change my approach to my life and career,” she says. “Once I got past that and was able to take a healthier outlook on everything things began falling in place for me. I learned to separate what I felt about myself from my acting career and that has made me feel much happier and at ease with all aspects of my life.”

Being mindful of cutting out the alltoo-overwhelming noise of outside expectations has benefitted Adams away from the silver screen as well.

Married to actor and painter Darren Le Gallo since 2015, the couple had their first child, daughter Aviana, five years prior to their private California nuptials.

“Being a mother has given me a chance to ease up on myself and

free myself from my perfectionist kind of thinking!” she nods. “You can never be a perfect parent it's always going to be a process where you discover how you can be more patient or more attentive.

You can't think in those terms.”

Being a mother has given me a chance to ease up on myself and free myself from my perfectionist kind of thinking!

It’s impossible to begrudge Adams a single iota of her success, such is her down-to-earth charm and warmth – even if the choices she is facing at this stage in her life are those any working parent would surely dream of.

“You're chronically aware in this business that you might not have these same kinds of opportunities down the road and I want to take advantage of this time in my career when things are going very well for me,” she nods. “You want to be a responsible mother and not have any regrets when you're looking back on this time in your life. I know that I value my time differently. I know that when I'm at home, I'm able to feel so much love that I don't worry as much about things anymore.”

And being at the very top of the industry’s collective esteem for the past half-decade hasn’t hurt, either, of course.

“It's not easy!” she laughs. “I'm having such a beautiful time with my husband and our daughter that any project I choose has to be one that I truly feel compelled to do.”

URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 35

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LIFE & WORK

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Boden

Simple Staycation School holidays can be stressful. Learn to lighten the load and make it a break to remember with these simple tips and tricks from Kirsty France.

Over the past few months the idea of time away may have felt like a distant dream. If we managed a holiday it quickly turned into a major operation.

Finding entertainment for the kids is always a bit of a challenge but lockdown restrictions have made it even more stressful than usual. I’m definitely one for an easy life. Half term is nearly upon us and we can’t be sure what that might look like yet. If you’re taking some time off, here’s my top tips for a simple life…

Stress free meals

I know I’m not alone in being bored with cooking the same few meals on repeat but lacking the energy to trawl recipe books for new ideas. During the holidays, I’m letting myself off the hook.

Thankfully, my kids are happy with a few favourite meals so I’m following the path of least resistance by making sure the freezer is stocked and that their preferred sandwich fillings are in the fridge. Everyone in the family likes sticks of red pepper, cucumber and carrot so at least we have a fighting chance of getting our 5 a day. For the adults, I’m going to fill my cupboards with non-perishables and the fridge with vegetables then let staycation

inspiration strike. Maybe I’ll come up with something new to do with that can of mixed beans or perhaps it’ll just be veggie chilli again. The important thing is that everyone will be fed.

Keep activities simple

Keeping the kids entertained can sometimes be a struggle, not to mention prohibitively expensive.

I usually pick one or two paid outings. At the moment that means I’m keeping an eye on distancing measures to see what feels safe.

Otherwise, I keep things simple.

I have a list of local parks, indoor and outdoor games so we can get up in the morning and say, “It’s sunny, let’s go for a picnic”. Or, more realistically, “It’s chucking it down, get the board games out”.

This approach doesn’t just work for children. As an adult you can find quality time by rediscovering simple pleasures like a socially distanced countryside walk (plus pub lunch if you’re ready for that) or challenging your other half to a game of Trivial Pursuits. Please tell me I’m not the

only grown up who gets competitive over board games!

Pared back accommodation

Keeping the kids entertained can sometimes be a struggle, not to mention prohibitively expensive.

I usually pick one or two paid outings. At the moment that means I’m keeping an eye on distancing measures to see what feels safe.

Otherwise, I keep things simple. I have a list of local parks, indoor and outdoor games so we can get up in the morning and say, “It’s sunny, let’s go for a picnic”. Or, more realistically, “It’s chucking it down, get the board games out”. This approach doesn’t just work for children. As an adult you can find quality time by rediscovering simple pleasures like a socially distanced countryside walk (plus pub lunch if you’re ready for that) or challenging your other half to a game of Trivial Pursuits. Please tell me I’m not the only grown up who gets competitive over board games!

Enjoy your time off!

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URBAN FOX OCTOBER 2020 39

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