Urban Fox - September 2015 Issue

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September 2015

PEACHY

KEEN

WIN

Get a new-season glow

Black Toast Bed Set

from Emma Bridgewater

3

And baby

MAKES Blake Lively exclusive

& ME, MYSELF I Self-marriage: would you?

deco Heart

Gatsby inspired interiors

WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE

PARIS

And now we’re taking the kids

BERRY CRUSH Autumn’s sexiest shades

Bringing the right people and LD eks SO we 2 in

Knighton Drive, Stoneygate

Grenfell Road, Stoneygate

Upsizing to dream character home

Seeking larger Victorian home in Stoneygate

Downsizing in leafy suburb

Scholars Walk, Stoneygate

Brooks House, Oadby

Elm Tree Gardens, Stoneygate

Change of location and contemporary living

Work relocation - high specification apartment

First time buyer

LD eek SO 1 w in

Knighton Rise, Oadby

A selection of recently sold properties T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com

the right properties together.

LD eek SO 1 w in

LD eks SO we 3 in

Ridgway Road, Stoneygate

Knighton Church Road, South Knighton

Somerby Drive, Oadby

Move to ideal family detached

Relocation from London

First time buyer

Ruskington Drive, Wigston

Phoenix Square, City Centre

Burlington Road, Stoneygate

First time family home

2nd development purchase for investment

Same location, larger detached

A selection of recently sold properties

Hello COVER SHOT:

LONG TALL SALLY Knitted Pocket Tunic, £48 & Lola Rosa Elena Necklace, £89 LA REDOUTE Liberty Print Jacket, £129

COVER SHOT:

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URBANFOX URBANFOX MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor MARTINA LENAGHAN editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Editor STEVE LENAGHAN editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Head of Sales & Marketing STEVE614245 LENAGHAN 07738 Head of Sales & Marketing steve@theurban-fox.co.uk 07738 614245 LISA ROTH steve@theurban-fox.co.uk Head of New Business LISA ROTH Development Head of851132 New Business 07843 Development lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk 07843 851132 LAURA WILLIAMS lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk Designer PAUL BANKS laura@theurban-fox.co.uk Designer SHAUN TAYLOR paul@theurban-fox.co.uk Designer creative@theurban-fox.co.uk

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 to either Disclaimer: Although every effort is made editorial oraccuracy advertising content. in this publication, ensure the of material Copyright: All accept text, images and design for in this the editor can no responsibility the publication are subject Anyin either veracity of claims madeto bycopyright. contributors unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited. editorial or advertising content.

All artworkAll is accepted on the condition Copyright: text, images andstrict design in this that permission has been given to use it in this publication are subject to copyright.

Any publication. unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited.

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®

We’ve lovely looks summer break but it’s great As the had newaseason hit the high street, local to be back.

Spending time with friends and boutiques and online stores; there’s no better family inspired to dedicate time tohas celebrate allus things fashion this andissue style of Urban Fox to everything relationships, from than in our Retail Therapy edition. catwalk crushes to romantic brunches and the We bring the must-have items from the Birds andyou Bees. new season collections, updates on key trends in To getthe you in the mood, marriage Join Dots and PleatsAutumn’s Please; plus spring’s 10 of richclutch berrybags tonesinand sultry ochresI also is share best Clutch Control. swoon-worthy.

Purple and orange my favourite tries and buys for SS14prove in that Opposites Attract in a surprisingly wearable Wish List (p15). colour-clash. And underneath it all, there’s No More Matchy Matchy with our desirable As consumers waste hundreds pounds our lifetime buying the wrong lingerie mix-upswe you won’t want to of keep underover wraps. products for our hair, so Jon Levy, Artistic Director at Toni & Guy comes to our rescue If you’re growing out summer hair, discover why Bronde could be your new best friend. with 4 Steps to Perfect Hair. We also check out this season’s catwalk makeup trends, to While, those of us not in new the first flush of romance are Peachy Keen to fake that natural help you transform your season look. glow with the latest beauty launches.

If fashion is your passion, don’t miss out on our interview with revolutionary designer Just about every self-help philosophy begins with learning to love yourself but Zandra Rhodes who talks to us about breaking down design barriers and why the Me, Myself and I explores the growing trend for marrying yourself: proposal, vows, government should show more support to the UK fashion industry. And ever wondered gifts, the works. The Urban Fox jury is out, so let us know what you think. what it takes to become a personal stylist? Tina Lock reveals all in this month’s My Way. We could fill an entire issue with our love/hate relationship with food. Instead Rebecca Finally bag yourself one of our exclusive reader offers courtesy of Lands’ End, Watts has stepped in to share some tips to help you ditch disfunctional eating in T.M. Lewin, Clarins and more. There’s never been a better excuse to shop, shop, shop!

Breaking up is hard to do. If you’re already good with food, you could try matching Until menu next time, your with the latest craft beers, and not a bearded hipster in sight - unless that’s your “type”.

Whether you’re still looking for Mr Right or you’re back in the game after a break-up, our undercover Urban Fox hopes to make Dating For Grown-Ups less daunting. And we take a look at how Harmony in the Bedroom could be as simple as separate duvets.

Relationships can be even more complex with kids on board but they can be even more fun too. We’ll always have Paris explores the joy of a city break en famille. Or if you need to reclaim some grown-up space at home, try our ideas to Make a Retreat.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Revolution

As ever, we’d love to hear your views so catch-up with us on FB/ DESIGN theurbanfoxmediagroup and join the conversation.

16 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 fabulous London penthouse. Awarded 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.

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

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.

“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.”

34

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 to New York where Diana Vreeland 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 College of Art. “I do think that being in London at the time that I started, when everyone was But looking toward the UK, was helpful.

I don’t think that there’s such an equal that opportunity at present. I don’t think our current government spends enough on promoting fashion when compared to the French government, for example.

So therefore, unfortunately, you don’t necessarily reap the benefits.”

Rhodes shows no signs of slowing down. this The fashionista passed up her seat at of year’s London Fashion Week in favour advocating a women’s health awareness campaign in San Diego. Known for dividing her time between bases in

41

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

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

“When travelling you see things, one just thing leads to another thing and it’s fabulous.”

That isn’t to say that Zandra has forgone her design industry efforts closer to home. The London Fashion and Textile Museum holds testament to her commitment to British fashion.

13

811 15 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 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

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 penthouse home above it, but also the transatlantic keys to the cities of Miami, Beverly Hills and New Orleans.

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 beginning.”

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

us

8

URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 17

15

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

Howard, Ali Jahan, Allison Jones, James Lonergan, Lino Poli, Phillip Sharpe Sheelagh Powell Jon Levy Julie Langton Guiding you on cosmetic looks, trends and 8 application

Bringing you the latest in hair style, colour and product trends 21

helping you make the most out of your money

URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 5

CONTRIBUTORS: Mark Goddard, Jake Harvey, Emma Mitchell, Carli Onguc, Rebecca Watts URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 5

September 8

HEALTH & WELLBEING 23 M e, myself & I Self-marriage: would you?

Breaking up is hard to do 25

Ditch your diet dependency WINING & DINING 27 Not for girls?

Craft beer, no beard required

28

28 Breakfast in bed

Brunches to get you going

45 Harmony in the bedroom

His n hers furnishings

31 Spice up your life

Thai fakeaway recipes

Perfect pair 47

Romance and candlesticks

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FASHION & BEAUTY 8 Berry Crush Autumn’s sexiest shades 11 Opposites attract

When purple met orange 13 No more matchy matchy?

Mix up your smalls 15 Sugar & sass

Spicing up winter pastels 17 Darling you shouldn’t have

Jewellery to mark milestones 19

Brondes have more fun

33 Reviews

September recommendations 34 And baby makes 3

Blake Lively exclusive 37 What’s on

Activities for the whole family

HOMES & GARDENS 41 Heart deco

Gatsby inspired interiors

41

21 Peachy keen

Get a new-season glow

FACIAL + MORE

at The Retreat

Tips from the potting shed 57

A little gardening know-how LIFE & WORK 59 Love & pride

In the eyes of the law 61 Dating for grown ups

Searching for Mr Right 62 The birds and bees

Have you had the talk?

PEOPLE & PLACES 65 We’ll always have Paris

And now we’re taking the kids

Rocking the on-trend blend

20 WIN ELEMIS

Make a retreat 51

Reclaiming adult territory

66 My Way

Local spotlight on Karen Forbes

WIN 3 COURSE

MEAL FOR 2

at The Lighthouse

30 WIN BLACK TOAST BED SET

from Emma Bridgewater

42

Find your

#RELAXEDGLAMOUR THIS SEASON

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

www.mintvelvet.co.uk

Red Label

Kacie Kimono Twist Dress, £89, Phase Eight

Berry CRUSH Marni Printed Midi Dress, £1,280, Net-A-Porter

Bu9232 Leather Watch, £295, Burberry

Lexington Tote Bag, £145, Ralph Lauren

Fall head over heels with this season’s sexiest berry shades. Stay true in a toneon-tone ensemble or break it up with a pop of exotic ochre Marlow Belt, £39, Hobbs

You You Pumps, £425, Christian Louboutin

Red Valentino Ruffled Top, £270, Harvey Nichols

gliapietra Costello Ta

Signature Biker Jacket, £450, Karen Millen

Tamia Suede Sandal, £275, L.K.Bennett

Baguette Calfskin Belt, £315, Fendi

Millie Sunglasses, £320, Jimmy Choo

Delfine Leather Skirt, £395, L.K.Bennett

Tailored Emma Trouser, £85, Hobbs

Honoré 404 Tote Bag, £380, Lomgchamp

Perugia Cocoon Coat, £395, L.K.Bennett

Etxebarria

A 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.

NEW AUTUMN COLLECTIONS NOW IN STORE PASSPORT MAXMARA STUDIO SAVE THE QUEEN PENNY BLACK CREA TAHARI CREENSTONE ELISA CAVALETTI SANDWICH YAYA SECOND FEMALE GARDEUR SHOES BY UNISA & ALPE AND 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 www.jacksforwomen.co.uk T: 01858 431396

FASHION & BEAUTY

1

2

Opposites TTRACT A

This season’s improbable marriage of purple and orange promises fabulous fun while it lasts. Can’t commit to the full colour-blocking affair? Flirt with a clashing clutch and see where it takes you.

4 3

5

Balmain

6

7

1 Fireball Pure Colour Lipstick £21, Estee Lauder 2 Occasion Jacket, £149, Jacques Vert 9

PICK OR’S T I D E

3 Amelia Dress by Related, £205, Oxygen Boutique 4 Sportmax Code Edy Dress, £185, House of Fraser

pired t 0s ins This 6 l be a brigh il r w u t o ir y sk ion to addit ardrobe W A w

5 Bayswater Clutch Wallet, £495, Mulberry 6 Audra Silk Print Top, £155, L.K.Bennett 7 Hazel Mini Skirt, £165, L.K.Bennett 8 Laura Suede Sandal, £225, L.K.Bennett 8

9 African Violet Nail Polish, £27, Tom Ford

Be good to Treat yourself or someone special to our personal bra fitting experience.

Be good to yourself

4 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT. Tel: 01858 465592 orders@thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk www.thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk

Best Personal Touch INDEPENDENT LINGERIE SHOP IN THE UK

Clothes for the individual lady Accessories, Shoes, Handbags Lingerie, Dresses, and much more.

We offer individual style, in a friendly and professional environment

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OUR RANGES INCLUDE Ann Balon Bianca Condici Diktons Doris Streich Emreco Eugen Klein Faber Frank Lyman Frank Walder Godske Maria Bellentani Michaela Louisa Gollehaug Lebek Passioni NYDJ Jeans OscarB Anvrdie Sommermann Personal Choice Rabe Dynasty Habella Just White Capollini Van Dal Dents

25/08/2015 11:28

FASHION & BEAUTY

NO MORE

matchymatchy?

When Lily Allen recently posted an Instagram selfie in her scanties, Urban Fox HQ uttered a collective gasp. Not because she’d publicly dared to bare (yawn), but because her bra and pants didn’t match!

Fewer things make us feel as confident and sexy as a well-fitting bra and matching briefs.

But with reports claiming that less than 10% of British women wear matching lingerie on a daily basis, we look at how to mismatch in style.

Colour Block

Peekaboo

You want to wear your favourite bra but the matching pants are in the laundry, experiment with a little colour blocking. We heart this new season Freya Crush set from The Little Big Bra Shop, £36/£15, teamed with these pretty jewel tone ‘Fancies’, £14, from Freya.

Need support under a lacy camisole?

Give yourself a lift with a pop of colour.

This Naomi Gilding Camisole, £125,

by Stella McCartney worn with the contrasting yellow contour bra, £95, from the same range, make the perfect pair.

Show & Tell

If you love the briefs but the coordinating lace bra creates unsightly lumps and bumps, avoid any tell tell signs by partnering with a plain bra from a different set. These Freya Firecracker shorts from The Little Big Bra Shop, £14.50, worn with the Deco Vibe bra, £36, are a flawless (mis)match.

Back to Black

Play to your strengths – boobs or bum - by opting for a simple yet flattering black bra or pants. These ‘Smooth’ bra and briefs

by Stella McCartney, £42/£20, look great together, but are soooo much better when teamed with separates from the Julia Stargazing range, £60/£32.

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 13

l l a F intoumn Aut

at

16 Mill Street • Oakham • Rutland • LE15 6EA • www.cavells.co.uk

Stylish individual items

from Europe’s top designers on your doorstep American Vintage Charli Second Female Ya Ya Yerse Isle Jacobsen Annie Haak 360 Cashmere Maison Scotch 2nd Day Birger Becksondergaard Post Card from Brighton Ochre Twisted Muse Marie & Sixtine And many more...

We’d love to see you in the store, if you are travelling through Leicester, just pop in!

21 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2BE 0116 270 4379 | www.abiti-ladies.co.uk Abiti_HP_Landscape_Sept15.indd 1

21/08/2015 16:18

Sass Sugar &

These lady-like catwalk looks aren’t just for debutantes.

Pair a prim ‘n’ proper pastel twopiece with a more intense pop of tonal colour to work IRL.

Malia Knitted Crop Top, £135, L.K.Bennett

Prada

Orley

Burton Cardigan, £69, Hobbs

Hoops 100 Pump, £595, Jimmy Choo

Serpenti Forever Hobo Bag, £1,940, Bvlgari Geometric Leather Bow Belt, £200, Marni Louisa Skirt, £99, Hobbs

Drew Mini Cross-Body Bag, £960, Chloé Elodie Tapered Trouser, £155, L.K.Bennett Beauty Snake Print Court, £99, Kurt Geiger

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 15

PEARL & DESIGN SHOW Wednesday 30 Sept - Sunday 4 October

Join Cathy Stephens for an exclusive showcase of pearls from around the world including Akoya, Freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian.

Commission a beautiful new piece or ask Cathy to rework inherited or unloved jewellery into something precious you’ll want to wear time after time.

Discover more about these timeless, iridescent gemstones and the unique jewels Cathy crafts for her discerning clients.

Part Exchange your old gold for new treasure. Create a unique design or select any piece from our extensive range

19 Ratby Road, Groby, Leicester | 0116 2870041 Open Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm Open Sunday 10am - 4pm www.cathystephens.co.uk

The giving (and receiving) of jewellery at milestones in your relationship is a tangible expression of your love.

DARLING

you shouldn’t have!

Carli Onguc of Lanes Fine Jewellery offers advice for each occasion.

work well together and will ensure that your rings sit flush.

ENGAGEMENT

Diamond set wedding rings are currently popular but, if you’re anticipating an eternity ring, or want matching his and hers rings, perhaps choose something simpler. A plain polished or matt band of platinum or palladium makes a low key statement which is easy to wear, especially if it’s his first piece of jewellery, and can work well with more decorative rings.

You should both remember that budget is not a reflection of the special meaning behind your purchase. Depending on the size and quality of the diamond, a classic solitaire perfectly conveys your commitment, from as little as £500. Or consider a simple design in white gold or platinum which will never go out of fashion and will work with any outfit or occasion.

However much you spend, a reputable jeweller will explain, and offer independent certification of, a diamond’s carat weight, colour and clarity so you know exactly what you’re buying and can tell your insurer.

WEDDING

If you want to co-ordinate your wedding and engagement ring, your jeweller can advise you about precious metals which

Loving messages or the date of your nuptials engraved into your rings can make even the plainest bands extra special and could even help save your relationship by ensuring he never forgets your anniversary!

ANNIVERSARY

Like a classic solitaire, a timeless pair of diamond earrings are hard to get

Image: Lanes

The most nerve-wracking question before popping the big question is often “How much should I spend?” The traditional guide was twice your monthly salary but, with celebrities flashing huge rocks, the pressure can be on to ‘wow’ friends and family.

wrong. Probably not top of your list of things to buy for yourself, gold or platinum set studs make a fabulous gift you can wear day after day, from gym to office to date nights. So perhaps hint that he shouldn’t wait until your 60th anniversary.

ETERNITY

Traditionally, eternity rings arrive along with your first child. But, unless you’re prepared to delay until the baby weight is off - and for some of us that can take a quite while - opt for a half set rather than fully set ring, so it can be more easily resized later without compromising the security of the diamonds.

DIVORCE

If you’re shopping for an investment piece to reflect your new-found financial freedom, aim for a good quality white diamond with the largest carat weight you can afford. Otherwise, don’t be restrained by tradition when having past relationship rings remodelled or choosing a completely new piece to reflect your individual style and optimism for the future.

Whatever the occasion, if you can’t find exactly what you’d like, bespoke jewellery needn’t cost the earth. Ask a good jeweller to help you design a piece that means something very special to you.

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 17

FASHION & BEAUTY

BRONDES have more fun Move over ombre, every A-lister worth her salon knows this season’s hottest tresses are BRONDE. See how they’re styling it then follow our tips to have your own bronde moment.

LA Babe

Taylor Swift goes bronde all over with AW’s tousled MOB

It’s not blonde, it’s not brunette it’s somewhere in between. Less intense than ombre but more attention grabbing than highlights, bronde offers up an extremely wearable look.

Spend time with your colourist getting the colour right. For darker hair and skin tones, opt for golden multidimensional shades. Ash tones look great with paler complexions.

Bronde Queen

Jessica Biel’s honey toned up-do is red carpet ready

Rock Chick

Edgy and unruly, Cara D rocks the bronde trend like a pro

Whichever shade of bronde you choose, make sure the contrast isn’t too far from your roots or you’ll end up looking like you’ve had a dip-dye.

Protect your hair with a colour preserve shampoo and treatment. We love the Colour Lustre Brilliant Glaze collection by Shu Uemura.

Integrating subtle shimmers of a lighter shade through your darker base will enhance your features as well as the movement and texture of your hair.

If you partial to a spot of DIY, L’Oreal Paris has embraced the trend with their “I’m A Bronde” collection of at-home hair colours, £6.

Similar to the foilyage trend, bronde hair keeps your roots looking natural as they grow in, making it perfect for anyone who makes infrequent visits to the salon.

If you’re not ready to take the all-over bronde plunge, try face-framing highlights in warmer tones like gold, caramel and honey.

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 19

retreat urbanfox ad-quarter pg05.15.pdf

WIN!

ELEMIS FACIAL + MORE from The Retreat

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Indulge in a 5 star Elemis anti-ageing facial experience courtesy of The Retreat, Oadby. The Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial is clinically proven to reduce the number of wrinkles by up to 94% and improve skin firmness by up to 57% after just one treatment. This facial uses professional strength Elemis formulations for maximum treatment efficiency, leaving a firmer, uplifted, more youthful looking appearance.

Our lucky winner will also take home an Elemis Pro-Collagen Discovery Kit containing: Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 20g Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Silver Edition 15ml Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks (1 pair) Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Ultra-Rich 2ml PLUS they’ll get the chance to share the love and bring a friend for a complimentary Elemis Deep Tissue Back Massage using the Elemis ‘muscle ease’ oil formula of St. John’s Wort, Ginger & Lemon essence. Total prize value £126.

The Retreat is a Decléor Aroma Gold Award Winning Salon for 2013 and 2014, offering a range of luxurious treatments and rituals from eminent beauty houses including Elemis, Guinot and Decléor. For more details about The Retreat and the services available, visit www.theretreatbeautysalon.com or call 0116 271 7183.

TO ENTER Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘The Retreat’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 30 September 2015.

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 nontransferable and no cash alternative is available. Appointment date and time subject to availability. The competition may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

54 London Rd, Oadby, Leicester 0116 271 7183 theretreatbeautysalon.com

I Segreti

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Email: pritibodies1@gmail.com www.pritibodies.co.uk

20/05/

1

idal Juan V

Topshop Unique

2

3

Keen

Peachy

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

Fake that first flush of love with flattering new-season formulas: stroke blush high on your cheeks, dab colour onto the centre of your lips and sweep a sheer across your lids.

Swooning optional!

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

6

7

5

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

8

Photography: Sam Wilson, British Fashion Council

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 21

With

PRITI COLES CRANIOSACRAL THERAPIST

ETERNAL BALANCE

I Segreti

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24/08/2015 12:27

and I

Me, myself

Trailblazing Carrie Bradshaw did it in Sex in the City. Glee’s Sue Sylvester even officiated at her own ceremony. Now same-self marriage is a thing in real life. Urban Fox Eve Grey asks whether we should say I do to ourselves.

Long practised by African tribal societies, self-marriage has become a growing social movement which acknowledges that each of us is in a relationship with ourselves above all others. It also claims that global healing starts with self healing.

matter of the teenager, the mortgage, the editor waiting for copy etc I can’t go the full Eat Pray Love. Instead I’ve promised to love, honour and cherish myself in small ways every day ‘til death ... or ‘til the end of September anyway.

So I’m on the right track forever telling my teenager to be kinder to himself.

And to everyone he meets. So he’ll have a store of good karma to see him through life’s inevitable tough times. But teenagers have an unerring ability to call bullshit on “do as I say, not as I do”.

I just can’t get into mediation so I’m delighted to discover that 15-30 minutes of reading or listening to something you find uplifting can be just as effective. I’m gifting myself a guilt-free fix of Urban Fox or a TED talk at the start of every day.

So when I read that sologamy asks: if you were in a relationship with someone who treated you the way you treat yourself, would you stay in that relationship? it struck a chord. If a partner judged, criticized and doubted me the way I do myself, I’d be out of there faster than you can say conscious uncoupling.

Lunchtime Laughs

Of course all relationships have their ups and downs and there are certainly times when singledom seems an incredibly appealing option. But with the small

Morning Glory

Apparently taking 5-10 minutes for lolz can improve your ability to deal with the cruel tricks life plays. I’ve prescribed myself a daily dose of cat videos on YouTube.

Evening Workouts

There’s always an excuse for not going to the gym: the washing pile; a work deadline; household admin. But 10 minutes doing those things doesn’t make me smile like exercise does. And

an hour doesn’t make me like myself better the way exercise does. Plus, high on endorphins, I’m less likely to overindulge in one of my many vices, with all the attendant self-shaming that entails.

I’m prioritising a different sort of spin cycle.

Regret Rien

Some of the worst decisions I’ve made have been for the right reasons. OK maybe the evening of tequila slammers with an inappropriate *ahem* friend was probably a truly bad choice. But it was fun. As for those other decisions? All perfectly reasonable at the time, even if ultimately wrong. I won’t waste (much) more time regretting them.

Seriously, we should all be kinder to ourselves. And I defend the right of any woman (and it is mostly women) to propose to herself, write her one-sided vows and invite everyone she knows to celebrate her singular, in every sense, nuptials. But would I marry myself?

Probably not. Would you?

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

P U G N I K A E BR

is hard to do

Relationships can be difficult but, for many women, the one we have with food is our most complex because we can’t simply walk away. Nutrafit’s Rebecca Watts explores where it all goes wrong and how we can move on.

Don’t make food the enemy. It’s vital to our body as fuel and it tastes pretty good too. As soon as we start seeing food in a negative light, the bad thoughts creep in and our unhealthy relationship with food begins.

Make eating pleasurable. If you allow yourself something you enjoy, then enjoy it! Think about how your food got to your plate and appreciate it, savour it. There’s nothing worse than eating a scoop of your favourite ice cream and beating yourself up all the way through eating it.

Don’t punish yourself. If you have a little of something that is not so healthy that’s fine, just make sure that you have plenty of healthier foods to balance it out. The 80/20 rule is always a good balance for long term health and a positive attitude to food.

Don’t see yourself as dieting. Sometimes simply the idea of being on a diet makes you crave unhealthy foods. Instead think of yourself as enjoying a healthier lifestyle and if you do want to lose weight, cut back on unhealthier foods, reduce portion sizes a little and be more active.

Avoid deprivation diets. There’s a time and place for all foods. Nutrients such as carbohydrates, even in small quantities are needed in your diet. Moreover depriving yourself of certain foods means you’re more likely to fall off the wagon.

Instead work out which foods suit you and your lifestyle.

“As soon as we start seeing food in a negative light, the bad thoughts creep in”

Avoid comparing yourself to others. We all have different psychological make-up, bodies, lifestyles, tastes and nutritional needs, so don’t compare yourself with the next person. Yes they might be

able to eat their own body weight in chocolate and not put on a single lb but you can’t, so don’t do it.

Don’t become obsessive. We all know that the basics of maintaining a healthy weight is calories in versus calories out but obsessive calorie counting can have a negative effect. Instead spend a month learning the calories in different foods so you can create healthy meal plans and then stop.

Find a feel good alternative. If you turn to unhealthier foods or binge eat when you’re feeling tired, lonely, depressed or stressed then find something else - a massage, a long bubble bath, an afternoon with your best friend - that brings out the feel good feeling.

Keep a food diary. Build your own positive relationship with food that works for you and makes you feel good.

A food and emotions diary can often help you to understand what triggers turn you to certain foods and how to manage your relationship with food more effectively.

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 25

Quality Outside Catering & Wedding Caterers in Leicestershire & the Midlands

Please contact us for further information on how we can help you with your catering needs.

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WINING & DINING

girls?

Not for

The migration of craft beers from hipster haunts to high street stores and supermarkets has struck a chord with women. More and more of us are swapping wine for a drop of artisanal nectar with dinner. If you don’t yet know your porter from your pale ale, these perfect pairings could whet your appetite.

Chicken

If you’ve never heard of ‘beer can chicken’ then google it. It’s delicious! But if you prefer your beer in a glass, a lager or golden ale both work well with delicately herbed chicken. Check out Golden Champion (£1.99 for 500ml, 5% abv), brewed by Hall & Woodhouse in Dorset. The subtle elderflower aromas of this delicately floral brew are reminiscent of a summer’s evening, perfect for when the nights are drawing in.

Mexican

To tame the heat, choose a beer that balances out the spicy flavours in your Mexican dish.

Beers that emphasise malts over hops work well, as do light lagers and amber ales. Try Lowland Glen Amber (£1.95 for 330l, 4.5% abv), from Marks & Spencer. This amber ale is made with the Simcoe hop, giving it a fantastically fruity finish with lovely malty undertones, which stand up well to Mexican spices and curries too.

Seafood

Wine is a classic pairing for seafood due to its delicate flavours but it is still possible to match dishes such as prawns, crab and lobster with a light beer or traditional pilsner without overpowering the taste. We love Curious Brew (£1.79 for 330ml, 4.7% abv) made by leading wine maker Chapel Down and available at Waitrose. This premium lager is re-fermented with Champagne yeast for a full-flavoured but well balanced crisp refreshing finish.

Chocolate

Rounding off a dinner party with a chocolate torte or pudding, then replace your honeyed dessert wine for a creamy stout such as Double Chocolate (£1.99 for 500ml, 5.2% abv). Here chocolate malt and real dark chocolate are combined with Young’s award winning rich, full flavoured dark beer to craft a satisfyingly indulgent, but not overly sweet experience.

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 27

Breakfast IN BED How do you like your eggs in the morning? We like ours with a kiss. Rustle up some Mediterranean passion worth getting out of bed for with these red-hot weekend brunches from Waitrose.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves: 2 Kcal: 422 per serving Ingredients: 70g pancetta, cubed 250g pack essential spinach 25g butter 1 tbsp plain flour 150ml semi-skimmed milk ¼ tsp grated nutmeg 4 free range medium eggs 2 tbsp half fat crème fraîche Grated vegetarian cheddar, to serve (optional)

BAKED EGGS WITH CREAMY NUTMEG SPINACH

1

Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Quickly fry off the pancetta with a little olive oil and put to one side. Cook the spinach in boiling water for 1 minute, drain and refresh under cold water. Squeeze out all the water with your hands and chop finely.

2

Heat the butter in a small pan, add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in the milk a little at a time, then bring to the boil and stir until thick and smooth.

3

Stir the chopped pancetta and spinach into the sauce and add nutmeg and seasoning.

Spoon into the base of 2 large ramekins (250ml ramekins or larger) or shallow gratin dishes.

Make shallow wells in the spinach, then break 2 eggs into each.

Spoon over the crème fraîche and scatter with the grated cheddar if using.

4

Place in a roasting tin filled with hot water and bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes until the eggs are set. Serve with the raita in a wrap or bun.

WINING & DINING

PIPERADE WITH EGGS, TOMATOES, PEPPER & CHORIZO Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 2 Kcal: 286 per serving Ingredients: 1 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 red romano pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced ½ red chilli, deseeded and chopped 2 vine tomatoes, quartered and chopped 4 free range medium eggs, beaten 70g chorizo, diced (optional) Chopped flat leaf parsley, to garnish

1

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium frying pan and add the onion, garlic, pepper and chilli and cook for 8–10 minutes on a low heat until soft and golden.

2

Stir in the tomatoes (and chorizo, if using) and season. Cook over a high heat for 3–4 minutes until any moisture evaporates. Set aside and keep warm.

3

Heat 1 tsp of oil in a small non-stick pan and add the beaten eggs and seasoning. Stir over a low heat until curds form and it is soft and creamy and not quite set. Stir the egg into the pepper mixture, scatter with chopped parsley and serve.

WIN! 3 COURSE MEAL FOR 2

at The Lighthouse

Back to Basics COOKERY COURSES

Wednesday 14th October Thursday 15th October Friday 16th October Saturday 17th October Sunday 18th October All £130 per person per day BOOK 4 DAYS GET 1 FREE

Five different days of basic cookery, focusing on starters, mains, cakes and puddings. Book individual days, or a number of days, to provide you with a full set of basic cookery skills.

To book a course or find out more, please visit www.bridge67cookeryschool.co.uk or call 0116 279 6155

Courtesy of The Lighthouse restaurant in Kibworth we’re offering one reader and a guest a 3 course meal for 2, plus glass of prosecco on arrival.

Choosing from the mid-week supper menu, your dining experience will start with a selection of tapas style nibbles, followed by a delicious main course, served with salad or seasonal vegetables, before indulging in one of The Lighthouse’s gorgeous homemade desserts, accompanied by a fresh Italian coffee.

The Lighthouse is a fish and seafood restaurant offering a fresh and modern approach to dining. Their Bill of Fare includes firm favourites such as potted brown shrimps with sourdough toast and fish & chips with homemade mushy peas and tartar sauce. The meat and vegetarian dishes are scrumptious too!

For more information visit lighthousekibworth.co.uk or call 0116 2796260 to make a reservation.

TO ENTER Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘The Lighthouse’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 30 September 2015.

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. Reservations are for Tuesday to Thursday only and apply to the 3 course fixed price supper menu. Apart from those stated no other beverages are included. The prize must be taken on or before 30 November 2015. The competition may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

Christmas & New Year Quorn Grange Hotel provides a fantastic setting for your workplace, families & friends to come together over the festive period.

For enquiries or to make a reservation please contact the Quorn Grange Hotel events team on 01509 412167 or e-mail events@quorngrangehotel.co.uk

Wedding Fayres at Quorn Grange Hotel

We are Leicestershire’s premier wedding venue and our wedding fayres are arranged to help you to make your special day exceptional.

Sunday

18th October

11am-4pm Free AdmiSSiOn

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WINING & DINING

Spice life up your

Eating in is the new eating out, so turn up the heat with a midweek treat. Keep it simple and healthy with these quick but tongue tingling Thai fakeaway ideas.

PAD THAI NOODLES

Ingredients: 200g raw prawns 150g carrots, julienne Handful coriander leaves, chopped 400g straight-to-wok pad thai noodles 85g beansprouts 1 egg, beaten 1 lime, juiced 1 tbsp fish sauce 2tbsp tamarind paste 2 tsp sugar 1 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped Sunflower oil

Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes Serves: 2

Fry the prawns and carrots in a non-stick frying pan with a little oil for 1-2 mins until the prawns are just pink.

Add the noodles, beansprouts, egg, lime juice, fish sauce, tamarind paste and sugar.

Quickly toss together for 1 min until the egg is just cooked and everything is well mixed.

Remove from the heat, stir in most of the coriander leaves, then divide between 2 bowls. Sprinkle the remaining coriander and peanuts over the top, and serve.

TOM YUM GOONG Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 8 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 700ml chicken stock 1 lemongrass stalk, slightly crushed & cut into large pieces 5 thick slices galangal 8 baby tomatoes, halved and deseeded 3 coriander roots, crushed, plus leaves to garnish 3 lime leaves, torn 6 large prawns, shelled with tail on (optional) 3 tbsp fish sauce 6 small chillies, chopped 4 tbsp lime juice Bring the stock to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the lemongrass, galangal, tomatoes, coriander roots and lime leaves, then simmer for 2 minutes.

Add the prawns, fish sauce, chillies and lime juice, then return to the boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with either more lime juice or fish sauce. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 31

De Montfort Hall

Bringing the best live entertainment to Leicester

JIMMY CARR FUNNY BUSINESS Fri 11 Sep // £25

ONE VOICE FOR CARE: WITH CHILWELL MILITARY WIVES CHOIR

DAVID GEST’S (I’VE HAD) THE TIME OF MY LIFE TOUR!

A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF RUGBY WITH THE BARDI SYMPHONY OCHESTRA

Thu 1 Oct // £28 - £48 VIP £78

Sat 3 Oct // £11 - £18*

THRILLER LIVE!

GO WEST & NIK KERSHAW WITH SPECIAL GUEST T’PAU

Mon 12 - Sat 17 Oct // £19.50 - £32.50*

Sat 10 Oct // £10 - £25

Thu 22 Oct // £27.50 £29.50 £31.50*

SOUL LEGENDS

PSYCHIC SALLY

LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE

Fri 30 Oct // £23.50 £25.50*

Mon 2 Nov // £24

Tue 3 Nov // £28 - £35*

Box Office 0116 233 3111 // Web demontforthall.co.uk // Twitter @demontforthall £3 transaction fee payable per booking. *Concessions and/or group booking discount available.

film REVIEW

Ricki and the Flash (12A)

1hr 42mins Opens Fri 4 Sep at The Phoenix 0116 242 2800 | phoenix.org.uk

An aging rock star, Ricki (Meryl Streep) who years ago chose music over a family life, receives news that her daughter’s marriage has broken down. Deciding to return home and patch things up with her children and estranged husband (Kevin Kline), Ricki finds more unsettled scores than she bargained on and sets about trying to fix her broken family. Facing hostility from all sides, Ricki must face up to responsibility and perhaps give herself a chance at a future with fellow musician Greg (80s heartthrob Rick Springfield).

ts all the right notes Ricki and the Flash: Hi

Written by Diablo Cody (Juno) and directed by Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs), Ricki and the Flash has bags of talent behind the camera, and they get the best out of Streep who sings live and learnt to play guitar for the part. Exploring the fractured relationship between a mother who pursued her dream and the children she left behind, the film isn’t afraid to offer up some complex characters -

ces with superb performan

most intriguingly with Ricki herself who seems to be a free-wheeling liberal but sports an American flag tattoo and voted Republican. Although some scenes are similar to other recent American family dramas including a fancy restaurant showdown and a beauty salon bonding session, it’s the superb performances and stand-out musical performances that ensures this (pardon the pun) hits all the right notes.

book REVIEW

Love and a good book is all you need

Appleby Farm

by Cathy Brambley

Appleby Farm is a charming, funny and romantic story for anyone looking for a feel-good, light-hearted read, from the author of bestselling Ivy Lane. Freya Moorcroft has been happy working at the café round the corner from Ivy Lane allotments and her romance with her new boyfriend is going well, she thinks, but a part of her still misses her Cumbrian childhood home: Appleby Farm. Then a phone call out of the blue and a desperate plea for help change everything…The farm is in financial trouble, and it’s taking its toll on the aunt and uncle who raised Freya. Love makes the world go round, according to Freya. Not money. But will saving Appleby Farm and following her heart come at a price?

Why Women Talk and Men Walk

by Patricia Love and Steven Stosny

You know how it can get when a relationship turns sour. Women want to talk things through. Men want to walk away and ignore the problem. By explaining that it is the fundamental differences between men and women that can make relationships so hard, authors Patricia Love and Steven Stosny reveal that the key to a great relationship is rediscovering and maintaining the spark that brought you and your partner together. By following their ground-breaking techniques you will learn how to engage with your partner and reignite the feelings you had when you first met.

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 33

3

And baby makes

3

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

W

hen Blake Lively burst onto our screens as New York socialite Serena van der Woodsen in hit show Gossip Girl she became an overnight star and fashion icon. These days, Lively couldn’t be further from her Queen of the Upper East side alter ego: the mother, wife and entrepreneurial homemaker tells Urban Fox why she simply couldn’t be happier.

Blake Lively is a lady in love: with her husband, with her family, and with her life. And as one half of Hollywood’s golden couple with hot property Ryan Reynolds, it looks like she’s hit the jackpot with a relationship that was just meant to be.

“We like doing everything together,” Lively grins. “He loves helping me choose things for the house and he says he loves everything I cook for him – he’s such a good liar! We help each other when we’re preparing our characters for a new film too…” She pauses. “It’s great to be partners like that with someone you love.”

Reynolds’ and Lively’s romance is the kind of classic Hollywood stories you might see in one of their films. Indeed, meeting on set while filming The Green Lantern in 2010 the gorgeous couple instantly hit it off, but it would be another year before their relationship would blossom as Lively was still in a relationship with Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgley and Reynolds was married to another blonde bombshell, Scarlett Johansson.

Since getting together the stars have been very candid about their love for

“Becoming a mother is such a wonderful time and I’m so happy to be enjoying everything about my life right now. Family is the heart of everything for me.”

each other and admit their priorities changed a great deal once they embarked on a life together, especially after the birth of their daughter, James, in December 2014. “Being a mother is just the most rewarding and exhausting and amazing experience,” enthuses Lively.

“It’s beyond anything I expected and every day is filled with such happiness for me right now.”

The actress, 28, has taken to motherhood like a duck to water and her face glows when discussing her daughter. She recently posted on Instagram a very demure shot of her breastfeeding James while on set in Thailand, filming upcoming thriller All I See is You. In the movie, she plays a blind woman who after experimental surgery to renew her sight finds herself seeing her husband (played by Dawn of The Apes star Jason Clarke) in a new light. “It’s about how it affects their beautiful relationship and their marriage that was so healthy when she was co-dependent,” Lively says. “It plays with it. It’s a very character-driven story.”

This will be Lively’s first film since becoming a parent. She has often insisted that family is her priority and has no problem scaling back her career to realise her dreams of having a large brood one day. Reynolds, too, has spoken of how he finds himself wanting to spend more and more time with his daughter, and the three months or so of downtime between films that used to drive him crazy are now something he cherishes.

Even before she became a mother, Lively had begun to move away from acting to focus on other passions. She has always expressed a love for cooking and crafts and even attended a workshop at the famous Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. In 2014 she set up her website Preserve, an online

store offering a curated edit of clothing for women and children, as well as artisan treats. “I started my company because I wanted to be creatively fulfilled, and I wanted to do something where I could work without compromising my craft of acting,” Lively says.

As to the origins of this homeliness and culinary comfort, the Californian starlet’s relationship with her mother can take much of the credit. “She would make the best cakes and pies on earth!

But it wasn’t just her cooking that was important and made a big impression on me, it was how baking was her way of celebrating the day, especially on Thanksgiving or Christmas. That’s the kind of joy that I associate with baking and cooking in general.”

With all this homemaking and talk of baking, it’s important to remember that Lively is still an A-list Hollywood superstar, albeit a slightly more reluctant one these days. With Reynolds reprising his X-Men role in the upcoming Deadpool and Lively lining up for the next, as yet untitled, Woody Allen film it seems unlikely either of them will be stepping out of the limelight just yet. This doesn’t faze Lively, though, who insists: “My priorities are always the same. My personal life has always been my priority.”

Clearly the allure of fame and fortune is not something that can distract this young couple, whose South Carolina wedding was fairly homely and low key by celebrity standards. “I grew up in a big, loving family and even as a little girl I knew that starting my own family was the most important thing for me,” explains Lively. “Becoming a mother is such a wonderful time and I’m so happy to be enjoying everything about my life right now. Family is the heart of everything for me.”

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 35

Fine Art & Antiques Sale 15th September 2015 at 10am

Viewing Fri 11th Sept 10:00–16:00, Sat 12th Sept 9:00–13:00 Mon 14th Sept 9:00–19:00, Tue 15th Sept 9:00–9:45 Enquiries Mark Gilding, 01858 410414, sales@gildings.co.uk

William Frederick Witherington, Waiting for the Ferry Estimate £3,000–5,000 Provenance: Marquess of Tweeddale and thence by descent.

gildings auctioneers

MARKET HARBOROUGH SALEROOM The Mill GreAT Bowden roAd le16 7de

gildings.co.uk

T: 01858 410414 SALES@GiLdinGS.cO.UK

   

Charity Link

Golf Day 2015

Stapleford Park, Nr Melton Mowbray 1pm, Friday 25th September

Only £250 for a team of four, includes: • • • • • •

18 hole green fees 1.30pm tee off Various prizes Hot buffet Awards presentation Players promotional pack

To book or for more information please call Sue McEniff on 0116 222 2212 or email susan.mceniff@charity-link.org

Urban Fox advert.indd 1

Join us for a fabulous golfing experience and help local people and children who are experiencing poverty, hardship and crisis.

Each year Charity Link helps over 8,000 local vulnerable people and children by providing basic goods, such as beds, cookers, clothing and food.

If you would like to know more, please visit www.charity-link.org, tweet us @charitylink or say hello at facebook.com/charitylink

26/08/2015 11:29:04

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON

Much Ado About Nothing, 23 - 26 Sep, Curve

SEPTEMBER 2015

Hairspray

Wed 9 - Sat 19 Sep Curve Theatre Tickets £16.50-£38 curveonline.co.uk You can’t stop the beat of the smash hit musical comedy, Hairspray, as it returns to Curve in to launch a brand new UK Tour. It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to

fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way! Starring Tony Maudsley (ITV1’s Benidorm) Claire Sweeney (Educating Rita, Chicago), Peter Duncan (Blue Peter, Tumble) Brenda Edwards (Chicago, We Will Rock You, X Factor) and Ashley Gilmour. Hairspray is the irresistible feel-good show that is guaranteed to have you dancing the night away.

Happy & Glorious Wed 9 Sep Kilworth House Theatre Tickets £32 kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk

Join Kilworth House for a specially devised, joyous Proms performance to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest reigning monarch in history (6 February 1952 – present day).

During the afternoon the 33 piece British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will entertain you with music and songs closely associated with the life and reign of our Queen culminating in the traditional flag–waving finale and Land of Hope and Glory. Conducted by Fraser Goulding, with soloists Andrew Forbes Lane and Anna Clare Monk.

British Silent Film Festival Thu 10 – Sun 13 Sep Phoenix Arts Tickets from £40 phoenix.org.uk

Celebrating the art of silent film, this festival showcases pre-1930s world cinema, offering a unique opportunity to experience the best of

Literature at Lunchtime, 24 Sep, De Montfort Hall

British and international silent cinema. Formed in 1998, the Festival fulfils an important role, presenting a wealth of treasures from the silent period to audiences who would not otherwise have access to their own film heritage and to the profusion of international silent cinema.

The films are presented with live music from the world’s leading professional silent film accompanists in a variety of entertaining and accessible ways. Full festival passes and day passes are available.

Hairspray, 9 - 19 Sep, Curve

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 37

from Rutland’s top chefs, live music, children’s activities; plus food and drink stalls including cakes, breads, meats, cheeses and locally brewed beer (check out our Urban Fox guide to beer and food on page 27). Running from 10.00 til 18.00, go discover Rutland, a county of good taste.

Opera Australia: Aida Tue 15 Sep Cinema De Lux Tickets £12.50 showcasecinemas.co.uk

British Silent Film Festival, 10 – 13 Sep, Phoenix

Heritage Open Days Thu 10 – Sun 13 Sep Various Locations Free Entry visitleicester.info

Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and history by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. The long weekend offers a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture. Venues currently listed within our region include De Montfort Hall (back stage tours), Makers Yard and Jewry Wall Museum (bath house tours) and more. The full 2015 programme can be viewed online via visitleicester.info or at heritageopendays.org.uk with more venues being added in the run up to the festival weekend.

Rutland Food & Drink Festival Sat 12 Sep Rutland Water Free Entry discover-rutland.co.uk

Rutland’s annual Food & Drink Festival returns to its picturesque setting on the edge of Rutland Water near Empingham.

It promises to be another great family day out, comprising cooking demonstrations

In Aida, Verdi masterfully puts the intimate affairs of the heart against the grandeur of the universe: where kingdoms rise and fall and the sands of time grind onwards. There could be no grander setting for such an opera than Sydney Harbour itself. But amid all of the spectacle, the famous ‘Triumphal March’, battle scenes and ancient temples, there’s an emotional heart. Long after the fireworks have faded from the sky and Amneris sings her quiet, concluding prayer, you’ll see the true mastery of this opera: it is at once an historic epic and an utterly relatable human tragedy.

Much Ado About Nothing Wed 23 - Sat 26 Sep Curve Theatre Tickets £20-£24 curveonline.co.uk

Claudio loves Hero and Hero Claudio and nothing seems capable of keeping them apart. Claudio’s friend Benedick loves Beatrice and Beatrice Benedick, but (because neither will admit it) nothing seems capable of bringing them together.

Only the intrigues of a resentful prince force Benedick to prove his love for Beatrice – by killing his best friend. Driven along by a romance all the more charming for being in denial, Much Ado About Nothing is a miracle of comic and dramatic suspense and gives us, in the bantering Beatrice

and Benedick, two of Shakespeare’s wittiest, most endearing pair of lovers.

Literature at Lunchtime Thu 24 Sep De Montfort Hall Tickets £6 demontforthall.co.uk

Join DMH for their interesting and insightful lunchtime lectures exploring great writers, their lives and works. This month’s focus is Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea. This 1952 novella draws on the years Hemingway spent living in Key West in Florida and fishing in the Gulf Stream. Based on a true story about a Cuban fisherman and his battle with a great marlin, this is the book that restored Hemingway’s reputation, winning him the Pulitzer Prize and contributing to his Nobel Prize in 1954. Go and enjoy a life-affirming book.

Children of the Wolf Mon 28 Sep – Sat 3 Oct The Little Theatre Tickets £14.50 thelittletheatre.net

On their 21st birthdays, Robin and Linda, twins abandoned at birth, lure homemaker Helena to an empty old house on the pretext that she will be meeting her former lover. Here the twins taunt her with sinister re-enactments of her past until she is forced to confess her knowledge of the circumstances of their birth. Children of the Wolf is a dark, engrossing, psychological thriller exploring themes of social conscience, desire and consequence. Contains adult language and themes.

Opera Australia: Aida, 15 Sep, Cinema De Lux

Uppingham Theatre Bringing Rutland to Life with Arts and Entertainment Friday 11 September at 7.30pm

The Houndogs

The Houndogs are quite simply one of the most exciting rockabilly bands in the UK. The wild energy of their shows has to be seen to be believed and a fun-packed night is absolutely guaranteed. Book early to avoid disappointment!

.......................................................................................................................

Friday 18 September at 7.30pm

Barry Cryer Twitter Creepiness

In yet another farewell tour Baz returns!

Having been charged with persistent joking, Baz asks if another 20 shows (at least) can be taken into consideration before sentencing.

You are the Judge and Jury – Be merciful to the aged accused – He merely seeks to bring a ray of sunshine amid the dark clouds of life.

He’ll be enjoying himself – Do join him.

.......................................................................................................................

Friday 25 September at 7.30pm

Best of the Fest Part1 Welcome to Uppingham’s own tribute to the Edinburgh Festival – Part 1!

Our headline act is none other than Ed Gamble (a regular performer at the Edinburgh Fringe) with support from two excellent new stand-up comics, Tommy Rowson and Gareth Richards.

This is sure to be an excellent night of comedy for all. .................................................................................................................................................................................................

Box Office: 01572 820820 Online: www.uppinghamtheatre.co.uk Or Uppingham Sports & Books to buy tickets in person

IMPORTERS • INSTALLERS • RETAILERS • WHOLESALERS

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We’ve fallen head over heels for these luxe, art deco inspired interiors from M&S. Think Great Gatsby extravagance scaled down for modern spaces and let your love affair begin.

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3 Napolian Mantle Clock, £39.50 4 Naples Floor Lamp Gold, £149 5 Conran Witson Coffee Table, £299

Images: Marks and Spencer

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6 Deco Floral Cushion, £19.50 7 Distressed Sunburst Mirror, £199 8 Eltham Chair in Deco Velvet, £749

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For nearly thirty years, Emma Bridgewater has been designing and making colourful mismatched pottery to adorn your kitchen dresser but now you can direct your favourite patterns to the bedroom with their new range of 8 familiar bedding set designs, including 2 for children.

In this month’s Urban Fox you could be the lucky winner of a king size duvet cover and 2 standard pillowcases from the popular Black Toast range. Crafted from soft and breathable cotton in a luxuriously smooth sateen weave with a 220 thread count, it features a charming typographic print in monochrome across the face and a repeating heart pattern across the reverse of both the duvet cover and pillowcase.

A true modern classic, the Emma Bridgewater Black Toast collection is ideal for adding a touch of contemporary chic to your bedroom.

To view the full range of bedding designs plus pottery, glass, home fabrics and accessories, stationery, gift sets and more, visit emmabridgewater.co.uk

TO ENTER Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Emma Bridgewater’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 30 September 2015.

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 nontransferable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

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Harmony in the bedroom

HOMES & GARDENS

Unless you’re talking Farrow & Ball paint samples, you won’t find fifty shades type tips here. Might we recommend Cosmo. Meantime, at Urban Fox HQ we’ve been talking about how dedicated his n hers furnishings could make for better bedroom relations.

It started when one of our team went bed shopping with her partner.

Shopping for a bed that is, not in bed, though e-shopping before lights out is a common Urban Fox vice. But buying a new bed is a relatively large investment and one we make infrequently. And our intrepid shoppers hadn’t discussed their preferetnces before setting out.

So it wasn’t until the John Lewis sales assistant offered help that they discovered she wanted a practical divan with drawers while he wanted an old fashioned bedstead. He wanted a soft mattress. She wanted firm support.

Relations deteriorated. They began to argue about duvet-hogging. The sales assistant backed away before he complained that he likes to sleep in the

dark but she reads with the light on into the small hours. Sound familiar? Here are a few solutions we’ve tried ourselves which don’t involve solicitors.

Bed Faced with the storage v style dilemma you could either compromise with a divan or ottoman bed and separate decorative headboard or opt for the bedstead and invest in wheeled underbed storage to keep you both happy.

Mattress Some people swear by separate beds or even bedrooms. Zip-link mattresses provide the support that’s right for each of you, but in the same bed. Expect to pay up to 30% more than for a regular mattress, a small price considering you spend about a third of your life in bed.

Duvet If your inner thermostats are incompatible, a specialist duvet with individual tog ratings for each half could be the answer. Or, if one of you cocoons yourself in the duvet overnight leaving the other to freeze, two single duvets could be the secret to a good night’s sleep.

Bed side tables You want somewhere pretty to keep your cosmetics, scents, candles, magazines, books, jewellery, knick knacks ... he wants somewhere sleek to rest his Kindle. Keep the style or colour the same for a quirky but co-ordinated answer to your very different needs.

Reading Lights Separate bedside lamps with soft-tone bulbs or ones which can be directed away from your bedfellow mean you can read Urban Fox into the night without disturbing your partner’s slumber.

Sweet dreams

Images: Loaf

Mismatch furniture to suit him and her but stick to a common style, period or finish for a co-ordinated effect

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 45

Contemporary and Mid-Century Modern Furnishings, Lighting and Homewares www.bluesuntree.co.uk • sales@bluesuntree.co.uk • +44 (0) 116 267 0267

Pair Perfect

Whether you’re romancing a new flame or rekindling the spark in your marriage, nothing sets the scene like a candlelit dinner a deux. Choose a hot new candleholder to throw light on your amorous intentions.

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1 Menu Double Candleholder, £64, Houseology 2 Bobby Crystal Candlesticks, £260, William Yeoward 3 Iittala Nappula Candleholders, £49, Amara 4 Georg Jensen Cobra Candlestick, £99, John Lewis 5 Editor’s pick: a work of art Copper Candlestick Twist, £40, Oliver Bonas 6 Ash Wood Candle Holders, £32, Cow+Co 7 Editor’s pick: mix it up Cosmos Candlestick, £22 (each), Stuff of Dreams

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

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Make a

Retreat Since the kids came along has your space been mysteriously shrinking? Try these 5 simple ways to reclaim some grown-up territory.

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2

1 Living Room

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Is your fabulous sofa and mirrored furniture fantasy dashed by the reality of sticky fingers and garish toys? Could you reclaim the living room by creating a kids space (complete with monstrous TV and games console) in your under-used dining room?

2 Dining Room If your dream is to create a sense of occasion and entertain fellow foodies in a formal space, could you relocate more relaxed family dining (and accompanying kiddie clutter) to the kitchen or the room you optimistically call a study?

4 5

3 Study Sick of constantly shifting your paperwork from the dining table at mealtimes? If you can’t stretch to a garden room or sleek office pod, purpose built furniture can transform even the most unpromising space in an alcove, under the stairs or on the landing into a dedicated workspace. Or commandeer the conservatory.

Images: John Lewis

4 Conservatory A real family room when the kids were small, has it become a bit of a dumping ground? eBay/donate everything they no longer use then, stake your claim on a stylish, light-filled space to enjoy uninterrupted evenings for two, Wednesday wine with the girls and your turn to host the Mums’ book club.

5 Bathroom Does your relationship falter in the family bathroom? Splash-out and construct an en-suite from the cot-room.

Or compromise with sophisticated wallpaper, co-ordinating towels, chic accessories and beautiful baskets to conceal bath toys and laundry (woebetide anyone who doesn’t use them).

Fit a lock. Run a bath. And retreat!

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 51

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WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | FASCIAS

Lazy Sundays, even lovlier in autumn As the nights draw in and the mornings grow chilly, it’s lovely to indulge in late season sunshine whenever you can.

Or, to throw open the French doors and enjoy the fresh air from the sofa.

And after a bracing walk, to snuggle down with the Sunday papers, or just relax in a room with a view.

Wouldn’t it be lovely to get away from it all for the weekend without ever having to leave your own home?

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Garden Trees & Shrubs | Pots & Planters | Specimen Plants

Mon – Fri 08.30–17.30, Sat – Sun 09.00–17.00 colesplantcentre.co.uk Uppingham Road, Thurnby, Leicester LE7 9QB T: 0116 241 8394 E: info@colesplantcentre.co.uk

HOMES & GARDENS

Tips from the

POTTING SHED Choosing the right plants can be a daunting task says Mark Goddard of Coles Plant Centre.

Here he explains how to select the best combinations for your garden.

“Plant association” is a common term used by professional gardeners when selecting plant species for planting. Essentially it is when a combination of colours, textures, shapes and sizes of plants are positioned in the garden in such a way, as to show the plants off to their maximum potential. However everyone has different tastes so even when applying a plant association strategy, there is still an opportunity to mix-and-match any colour or type of plant you like.

One of the most customary and well-known plant associations is Conifers and Heathers. There’s a huge selection of conifers available to purchase, ranging in shape, size, foliage type, colour and texture.

Some of my favourites include:

Picea hoopsii a superb upright conifer of pyramidal habit with bright blue needles.

Thuja “sunkist” an upright but broader conifer with yellow fluffy foliage.

Juniperus “blue star” a ball shaped dwarf conifer with bright blue foliage. Alternatively if you’d prefer a spreading flat conifer, opt for the Juniperus “blue carpet” variety.

If you have a small area with several low growing bush conifers you can always add height interest by opting for varieties of narrow, upright conifers. The ultra-narrow Thuja “Skyrocket” with its all year round feathery blue foliage, grows to circa

3 metres tall in ten years with an ultimate height of 7-8 metres, so the sky’s the limit.

Meantime with our feet planted firmly on the ground, let’s explore the heather species which complement our “association” planting scheme. Similarly to conifers there are numerous colours and foliage types available.

Generally speaking the winter flowering heathers or “Erica” types, tend to have a needle forming habit. By comparison the summer flowering or “Callunas” types, typically sport a feathery foliage. Be aware however before choosing between winter and summer heathers that “Callunas” types strictly require Ericaceous compost (acid) whereas the “Erica” types although preferring an acid soil, will tolerate neutral soils.

If heathers are not style then Rhododendrons and Azaleas are another group of plants which work well together, especially if you have an acid soil and your garden is shaded.

Late spring the plants will burst into a glorious splash of colour.

You could also consider adding the occasional Pieris plant with its superb bright red bracts bursting with the new spring growth. Just be aware of late frosts!

Colourful stems of the Cornus (dogwoods) are an alternative

plant association. If you have a large area, consider grouping a thicket of the bright red “Westonbirt” alongside the yellow “Flaviramea” or even the black “Kesselringii” or “Mid Winter Fire” with its fantastic bright orange stems. A perfect lift for any winter garden. One final tip, towards the end of February prune back really hard as this will encourage several new brightly coloured stems in readiness for the following winter.

Rhododendrons

Azaleas

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Love & Pride

Same sex, same ceremony, same legal issues. From adopting a baby to inheriting a pension, Emma Mitchell, Partner at Emery Johnson Astills solicitors, tells us that the law is (almost) blind to your sexuality and has the following advice for all couples.

Every September, family law firms around the country brace themselves for the annual influx of post-holiday calls for divorce advice. But there are lots of other times when you and your family might be glad to know a solicitor who really understands your relationship.

Moving In While the government incentivises marriage, proposed changes to the law to protect couples who live together have still not come into effect. Until they

do, you can put your relationship onto a firmer legal footing with a Cohabitation Agreement. And, if you’re buying property together, don’t forget to update other legal documents, including your will, alongside conveyancing.

All My Worldly Goods Everyone hopes their marriage or civil partnership will have a happily ever after, but it’s not just celebrities or the super rich who should consider a pre- or post-nuptial agreement. Taking property and pensions into account, one in ten UK households already has over £1m in assets. So you may be better off than you think and, if your relationship breaks down, you’ll want to secure your fair share. Choosing collaborative law or a family mediator could help reduce costs, while keeping your separation out of court, but only if you remain on good speaking terms.

The Kids Are Alright If you’re considering adoption, donor conception or surrogacy, a

knowledgeable lawyer can guide you through the legal process of growing your family. And a Parental Responsibility agreement can support blended families in decisions around the upbringing of children. In extreme circumstances, an experienced Care solicitor can help your family survive an encounter with Social Services.

In Sickness And Health Very few of us want to think about it but the impact on a grieving partner of not having made a will could be devastating, so don’t put it off. And take advice if you have a pension which benefits a surviving partner because this is one area of the law where same sex spouses and civil partners are not yet treated equally.

Finally, even legal issues which aren’t directly about your relationship, from a driving offence to a school admission appeal, can put your marriage or civil partnership under strain. And in those cases, as far as the law is concerned, who you love is definitely irrelevant.

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 59

In a pickle?

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1. Wash and dry the fresh limes before steaming them over boiling water for 5-8 minutes until just tender. Allow to cool slightly then cut each lime into quarters. Add ½ tsp of salt and a large pinch of sugar before setting aside for at least one hour to cool.

Ingredients • 8 Limes • • • 2 green chillies, sliced • ½ tsp mustard seeds 2. Dry roast the fenugreek seeds and mustard • ½ tsp fenugreek seeds seeds, before grinding the toasted spices.

• 4 tbsp sesame oil 3. In a wok, heat the oil. Add the garlic and • 2 tsp red chilli powder • ¼ tsp turmeric powder green chillies and cook gently until all are • ½ tsp asafoetida HR• 3Urban Fox 150, 06-15.qxp_Layoutsoftened.

1 24/06/2015 10:49 Page 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar

4. Add the toasted spice powder along with the asafoetida, chilli powder and turmeric. stir well to coat with the spices. Taste and add salt, as required.

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LIFE & WORK

Dating s r Grown Up fo

Whether you’re still searching for Mr Right in your forties, or returning to dating post-divorce, putting yourself out there can be a daunting prospect.

Our undercover Urban Fox reports from the frontline.

The last time I dated anyone, a mobile phone really wasn’t, sexting was a spelling mistake and wax was for furniture. But that was a whole marriage ago. And things have changed. A lot.

For a start, “my mate fancies your mate” is no longer the pre-cursor to a bit of exploratory snogging, let alone a long term relationship. Instead, everyone’s swiping right, left and centre. But until I read that a certain Mr DiCaprio had joined Tinder, I wasn’t convinced that a secret algorithm was really a better way to find my ideal match.

Of course Tinder is unlikely to land me a date with Leonardo. Even if he happened to live nearby and share my Facebook interests, I’m no Gisele Bündchen. In that sense, Tinder is refreshingly like real life: you spot someone in the crowd you like the look of, make eye contact and, if they like the look of you, say hello and take it from there. I know. Scary.

Other dating websites claim to be more scientific. They’re certainly harder work, with exhaustive questionnaires and

profiles to complete. Sometimes the basis for a “match” can be mystifying but the messages that follow let me know if we’re on the same page.

“It’s a process of elimination like a mental game of Who Am I? Knocking down the attributes of unsuccessful dates in my head” I’m learning to sort meaningful relationship wheat from mindless er opportunity. ‘Just looking to have fun’ isn’t hard to decode and sometimes just what I need. But self-preservation rules. I would never to commit to dinner on a first date.

Life’s too short to suffer through to dessert when I can’t quite muster the brutal honesty required to leave after the starter because, news flash, sometimes the camera does lie (or someone did anyway).

However, if we hit it off over coffee, we can arrange second a date. Nirvana. Well, it’s the height of my dating achievement.

I know that if I want to meet someone adventurous or arty or spiritual, I have to do adventurous or arty or spiritual things myself. I’m discovering a whole new network of single friends that way.

I still love my old married mates it’s just sometimes I need to talk to someone in the same boat. Which is probably why I’m addicted to disastrous dating blogs and magazine articles.

But I’m not on a frantic quest to find the one. It’s just dating. I’m experimenting.

Practising. Having fun. Recovering my mojo and refining what I really want. It’s a process of elimination like a mental game of Who Am I? Knocking down the attributes of unsuccessful dates in my head can be quite cathartic.

Because I am not my relationship status.

I am the same me with or without a plus one.

And for the time being, I’m very happy to think that I’ll never have to share a bathroom again. Take that smug marrieds!

URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 61

0116 2591950 LEICESTER GRAMMAR JUNIOR SCHOOL

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Birds& Bees

Do you remember what you were taught about relationships in school?

Or having that talk with your parents?

It’s still a tricky subject as our novice mum discovers.

When my son was six, he told me he had a girlfriend but that it was a secret. What’s her name, I asked. Hannah* he whispered. Who’s it a secret from? Realising he was speaking to a half-wit, “Hannah!” he hissed.

A couple of years later, he asked me how babies are born. I started to explain in what I thought were age appropriate terms. Looking horrified he rammed his fingers into his ears and ran from the room yelling “We can have this conversation when I’m older!”

At twelve he confided he would one day marry his long term “girlfriend”. I gently explained that the coming years would be exciting and that, though I was sure he and Amy* would always remain good friends, they would probably want to date other people. Apparently this time, I just didn’t understand.

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Now a much older and wiser teen, he claims not to remember any of these conversations. I am also older though not much wiser but keen to keep our lines of communication open. So this month I asked him to watch Sex In Class with me, a Channel 4 documentary with the brilliant Belgian sexologist Goedele Liekens.

Turns out that while schools do a good job of explaining safe-sex, loving relationships are not often explored or discussed. We agreed that the proposal for a sex and relationship GCSE would be good for everyone.

If you haven’t had the talk yet, catch up on 4OD, and let Goedele show you the way. *Names have been changed

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URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2015 63

MADE IN SWEDEN. TUNED FOR THE BRITISH ECONOMY. THE VOLVO V40 R-DESIGN. With suspension, steering and brakes all tested and tuned to handle British roads, it’s a car designed to give you total control, and what’s more, we’ve even tuned the price.

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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 vehicles registered by 30th September 2015. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part

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We’ll Always Have

Last time you went to Paris might have been one long romantic date. But now you’ve got kids, do you really want to go back? Yes you do. Paris is different with kids.

Actually it’s fantastic. Here are just a few reasons why Eurostar

French strike action and immigration headlines aside, it’s just so easy to take the kids by rail all the way from Leicester via St Pancras International directly to Gare du Nord. There’s always something interesting out of the window and you can walk up and down the aisle if your toddler’s twenty third rendition of Let It Go is starting to wear on nearby passengers. Tip: let older kids visit the buffet with a few Euros - good practice at budgeting for Inter Railing later!

Eiffel Tower

It wouldn’t be a trip to Paris without.

Best for older children, especially those with an interest in engineering or a Meccano habit. Oh and competitive dads. Wear them out with a challenge to climb to the top while you take the lift. Go to the gardens in the evening to see the icon lit up like a bejewelled old lady. Visit the park below on a Sunday morning for retro carousel rides and a leisurely stroll before a brunch of crepes.

Tip: book tickets for the ascent in advance – if you don’t already know, kids hate queuing!

Pompidou Centre

Sneak in a bit of culture in fun surroundings. Urban Fox once followed Jarvis Cocker and kids round. Not stalking honest. But the main attraction for kids is outside. The building is fascinating and as for the Stravinsky Fountain ... well you try to keep a hot tweenie out of the water. Tip: while away an hour watching the street theatre nearby. Ice creams mandatory!

Bois de Boulogne

Like a tiny beautiful forest inside the city limits. Arrive by Metro or RER then hire bikes to get around everything from the zoo to the lake where you can row a boat, to the quaint fun fair and splash pad where kids can cool off. Tip: not one for after dark.

Cite des Sciences / Cite Des Enfants Educational? Tick. Hands on fun? Tick.

Something for all ages? Tick. Good for all weathers? Tick. You could spend all day here and there are playgrounds with various levels of adventure to let off steam too. Tip: brilliant if you’re all suffering from arts and culture overload.

Parc Asterix

OK so it’s not actually in Paris but there’s a shuttle bus every half hour from the Palais Royale Metro and, if you’re flying, direct from Charles de Gaul airport too.

It’s got everything kids from tots to teens love about theme parks and plenty to amuse adults too. And it’s not Disney!

Tip: best outside of French school holidays.

Then there are the Catacombs, Notre Dame, Montmartre, the Metro, le shopping (even a french department store can be fascinating for kids), the food … just don’t try to fit it all into one weekend.

Who says underwear can’t be comfortable and pretty!

Best read

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gre gory Film of all times

Gone with the Wind

MY WAY

Fab for fun in the sun

Thailand

Karen Forbes

Food heaven

Pasta

“Stick to your guns but be realistic about what you want from life” says Karen Forbes founder of The Little Big Bra Shop.

I was born and brought up in Corby in Northamptonshire. As a child I was a passionate dancer, performing in shows and competitions and by the time I was twelve, I was helping to teach a number of different disciplines including Disco, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Old Time and Latin American. I left school with 5 GCSEs and went on to study Leisure and Tourism at the CTC in Corby.

As part of my course I had to source a work placement and was lucky to secure a position at RCI in Kettering. I really enjoyed the environment and eventually decided to leave college and work for RCI on more a permanent basis. Working in travel gave me the travel bug and so after 5 years at RCI I took a hiatus to backpack around Asia and Australia.

After 12 months I returned home and moved to London to work for Emap as a Project Manager on titles including Mother & Baby, Slimming World and Yours. Then two years later when visiting friends from home, I met my husband Gary on a night out. Following a whirlwind romance I moved back to the midlands after just 6 months. I’d decided that commuting to London wasn’t for me so opted to temp for a while before being offered a role in the customer service team at local lingerie manufacture, Eveden. I fell in love with the products and jumped at the chance of promotion into the sales team where I became the Sales Communication and Training Manager. I quickly became the ‘go to person’ for product information and was also responsible for training new starts on fitting bras, as well as assisting the sales managers at meetings with key customers such as Selfridges, Harrods and John Lewis.

Favourite lingerie brand

Fantasie

High street hero

Simply Be

Best for beauty It really was my Bobbi Brown dream job, but Most inspirational woma the amount of n Dame Helen Mirren, sassy at 70! travelling required was taking its toll and I had started to think about what I could do next. So when Gary suggested I opened my own lingerie boutique, I decided to jump at the chance of going it alone and found premises on Adam & Eve Street in Market Harborough.

But I didn’t just want to sell lingerie; with over 80% of women wearing the wrong bra size, I also wanted to offer a bespoke service, fitting women of all ages, shapes and sizes in pretty, sexy and basic lingerie that was right for them. This has required ongoing research into what our customers want, like and need. Our hands on service was recognised last year when The Little Big Bra Shop won the ‘Best Personal Touch’ award at the Underlines Magazine Awards 2014. I couldn’t have been prouder!

It hasn’t always been easy, I opened the boutique at the height of the recession which brought its own challenges, but running my own business has definitely delivered the life-work balance that I had been missing. For readers looking to start their own business, I’d say stick to your guns and be realistic about what you want from life. Don’t overstretch yourself in terms of expansion and finances and most importantly surround yourself with people you can trust to manage the business effectively when you’re not there. After all you only live once!

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