t! magazine - Issue 11

BUDGET BEAUTY

DIY MAKEUP AND TIPS

www.tmagazine.co.uk

Reduce Reuse Recycle t! shows you how… and why QUIZ: ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

NEW RETRO

SPRING STYLE

THE SHIRES UK’S FIRST COUNTRY MUSIC DUO

#GE2015: GET POLITICAL YOU’RE NOT TOO YOUNG

what’s inside!

MAIN FEATURE

BEAUTY & HEALTH

The mark our consumerism is leaving on the environment is indelible

Makeup tips on a budget

12 TOO CONSUMED

18 DECLUTTER AND HELP CHARITY A win-win solution

20 RECYCLED ORCHESTRA

58 BEAUTY GURU 59 BEAUTY PICKS

Cheap alternatives to trendy new makeup products

60 SPRING TRENDS

Meet the small Paraguayan community making music out of rubbish

Our favourite catwalk makeup trends

PEOPLE

DIY nail art, bath bombs and makeup without the big spend

24 SUSTAINA-BLOGGERS

Two bloggers bent on making the world a better place

62 THRIFTY BEAUTY BAR 66 SPRING TRAINING

Get fighting fit with yoga, bodyweight training and spinning

68 EXAM DE-STRESSING

26 ANGELA HEWIT

t! tips on how to beat exam hall stress

28 AMAR LATIF

TOPICS & CULTURE

An insight into what life is like for an internationally renowned concert pianist Traveleyes founder explains the joys of travelling as a blind person

52 DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: KRESSE WESLING Elvis & Kresse is transforming fire hose into high-end accessories

FASHION

32 HOW TO WEAR IT 42 MAKING THE MOST OF MYSELF 44 CREATIVE PHOTO SHOOT

Inspired by the 70s

54 FASHION: THE OLD AND THE NEW

A look at how trends have cycled in and cycled out over the decades

56 STYLE SNAPS: BAGS

8 IN FOCUS

NEW: An in-depth look at a news story from the last three months

9 T! TALK

NEW: What’s in and what’s out in the eyes of our Meet the Team stars

30 UPDATE YOUR VOCABULARY

The latest words and phrases explained

70 BARGAIN RECIPES

Make a meal for four people with less than £10

74 ASK AN EXPERT

All your food intolerance questions answered

77 T! SPOTLIGHT ON… THE SHIRES

The UK’s first country band to break into the Albums Chart Top 10

Subscribe or get t! magazine online visit: www.tmagazine.co.uk t! magazine is a project of Tamezin Media Trust, registered UK charity 1144875 • www.tamezinmedia.org

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80 T! INTRODUCES… MAZ O’CONNOR Up-and-coming folk singer from Cumbria

88 CULTURE CORNER: POLITICS

It’s never too early to get political

90 ABOUT TOWN: NIFTY THRIFTY SHOPS

These aren’t your average charity shops.

92 THE WEEKEND: BERLIN

Get cultured with a weekend in Berlin

94 GAP YEAR: UGANDA An adventure in Buziga

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 NEWS BITES 10 QUIRKY QUOTES A fresh start…

76 MUSIC LISTINGS 82 MUSIC PICKS

Rae Morris, St Vincent and Hozier

83 EVENTS|

What not to miss!

84 BOOKS 85 DVDS 86 QUIZ

Should it stay or should it go?

from the editor

Cottonopolis, our Manchester readers will instantly recognise this sobriquet for their city. Cotton made Manchester and its surrounding towns great. And great was the cost of producing a thread of cotton, a garment, from spinning and dying to designing, cutting and sewing.

There in the cotton mills for the first time, beautiful fabrics were made accessible to ordinary people, a revolution which made today’s fashion industry possible.

There is now so much available that we’re in danger of not valuing these goods, and of falling into a “mindless consumerism and throwaway culture” where clothes are easily disposable. If you think you might be suffering from a current malaise of ”stuffocation” or “affluenza”, Shaquilla Alexander has some great alternative ideas in her Too Consumed article.

We meet Rosalind Jana, blogger, Oxford student and sustainable fashion enthusiast who proposes that second hand doesn’t mean second best, and how to view vintage clothes with nostalgia, as they tell someone else’s story…

Eileen

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meet the t!eam CAROLYN WICKWARE editor

Describe your normal day at t!

There really is no “normal” day here.

Some days, all I do is write. Other days, I’m on the phone or emailing other writers and press officers to organise interviews and press passes. The variety is exactly why I went into journalism.

How did you get involved in journalism?

In 2010, I volunteered at the charity, Headway. The communications director asked me to interview a man who suffered a brain injury after a bicycle crash for their newsletter.

I was so nervous but when it finished, I realised the importance of telling his story. Right away I knew writing about people was what I wanted to do.

As the theme of the issue is make do and mend, do you have any quick tips to share with t! readers?

Charity shops are a gold mine! They’re a great way to reinvent your wardrobe on a budget while donating to charity.

we have cookies at our editorial meetings, which is always a bonus!

KATE BROCKIE writer

What’s the best part about working with t! magazine?

It’s amazing to be part of such a diverse and creative team, and watching all of our initial ideas crystallize into a finished publication that we can really be proud of. Plus,

What has been your favourite feature so far? t! is jam-packed with editorial goodness so it’s hard to pick a favourite. The articles are so relevant and relatable, like the feature on Embracing Your Flaws in the Autumn 2014 issue. I love how honest the magazine is, and how it’s willing to tackle issues that most would just sweep under the carpet.

As the theme of the issue is make do and mend, do you have any quick tips to share with t! readers?

There aren’t any rights or wrongs, so just get creative and have fun with it!

t! magazine MANAGING EDITOR, Eileen Cole COMMISSIONING EDITOR, Carolyn Wickware FEATURES EDITOR, Ami Sedghi BEAUTY EDITOR, Pavneet Khurana TOPICS EDITOR, Nicola Murnaghan FASHION EDITOR, Rachel Thom ART DIRECTOR, Amelia Hoare SENIOR DESIGNER, Naila Ali FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER, Emy Lou Harris www.emylou.co.uk STYLIST, Asun Gaytan de Ayala STYLIST, Berta Martínez MAKE-UP ARTIST, Tammi Nguyen MAKE-UP ARTIST, Ellen Mak CONTRIBUTORS: Shaquilla Alexander Naila Ali Kate Brockie Eileen Cole Dr. Busi Da Silva Pavneet Khurana Ellen Mak Nicola Murnaghan Phillippa Owens Ami Sedghi Anne-Marie Walker Carolyn Wickware SPECIAL THANKS TO: Wyndeham Grange Ltd. Models: Ana, Bella, Eden, Isabel, Olivia and Sophia Monotype Imaging for their support Sally Gloyne, PUBLISHER Jan Rakowicz MARKETING DIRECTOR PUBLISHED BY: Tamezin Media Trust 2 Chelsea Embankment London SW3 4LG www.tmagazine.co.uk © t! magazine 2015 ISSN 2047-7643

t!magazine is a project of Tamezin Media Trust, registered UK charity 1144875 • www.tamezinmedia.org 4

PATRONS: Gillian Rose, PBS Distribution, USA; Chris Rogers, BBC News; Juan Señor, Innovation Media Consulting Group; Maria Polachowska, BBC Newsnight; Matt Pritchett, The Daily Telegraph

topics …stuff you should know, people you should meet

www.tmagazine.co.uk

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did you miss?

Greek elections

or the first time ever, left-wing party SYRIZA F won a Greek legislative election securing 149 of the 300 parliament seats on 25 January, just two seats short of an absolute majority. The party’s leader and new Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, has pledged to renegotiate the terms of Greece’s international bailout, promising to end “five years of humiliation and pain.”

Left-wing parties across Europe, including the UK’s Green Party, have celebrated Syriza’s win while other parties are concerned it may lead Greece out of the eurozone – a ‘Grexit’ – which will increase European economic instability. An elected Syriza member told the BBC’s Today program that his party’s win is a “poisoned chalice” because they now face huge pressure to deliver on their promises to Greek citizens.

Plane crashes into Taiwanese River

TransAsia Airways domestic flight in Taiwan crashed A into Taipai’s Keelung River on 4 February. Of the 58 people on board, only 15 survived. An “engine flameout” caused the incident just three minutes after take off. Flameouts usually occur when fuel is unable to reach the engine, resulting in failure. However, the plane was less than a year old and had been serviced a few days before. The dramatic dash-cam footage showing the plane banking sharply before clipping a bridge and a taxicab with its left wing, went viral.

The Taipei mayor, Ko Wen-je, praised the pilots, Liao Jiangzhong and Liu Zizhong, as heroes for steering the plane towards the river, doing all they could to avoid hitting high-rise buildings and a nearby residential area.

Brits take awards season by storm

The awards for film and music were dominated by young Brits once again this year with Eddie Redmayne winning the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything and Joanne Froggatt winning Best Supporting Actress in a TV or mini-series for her role as Anna in the hit drama Downton Abbey.

Benedict Cumberbatch was nominated for Best Actor as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game. British soul singer Sam Smith won four Grammy Awards in the US, for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop vocal album and Best New Artist. His four gongs represented the biggest triumph for a British pop star since Adele scooped six in 2012.

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News bites The destruction of the Ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud

Ancient Iraq is famous for many global “firsts”.

Mesopotamia gave us the first writing, the first city, the first written law code and the first empire. Nimrud was the capital of the world’s first empire during the first millennium BC. According to officials in Iraq, in early March, IS began demolishing and looting Nimrud before bulldozing its numerous shrines and statues dating back 3,000 years. IS, which controls large areas of Iraq and Syria, says shrines and statues are “false idols” that must be smashed. The Iraqi people are proud of their ancient heritage, its innovations and impact on the world. “They are erasing our history,” said an Iraqi archaeologist.

The head of the UN’s cultural agency condemned the “systematic” destruction in Iraq as a “war crime”.

Pakistan school shooting

n 16 December, seven Taliban terrorists attacked O the Army Public School in Peshawar, northwest Pakistan. There were 150 people killed, including 134 schoolboys and 10 teachers. It was Pakistan’s deadliestever terrorist attack. Most of the casualties took place in the auditorium where pupils were sitting exams and in another hall where students were learning first aid. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan group, who claimed responsibility, said the attack was partly in retaliation for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Malala Yousafzai and for an earlier military assault by Pakistani forces on the terrorist cell near the country’s western boarder. There was widespread condemnation of the school attack from world leaders and even from other terrorist groups.

Pakistan has since renamed 107 schools after the victims.

Scaling El Capitan in Yosemite

Two US climbers spent more than two weeks scaling El Capitan’s sheer rock face in Yosemite National Park before successfully reaching the summit on 15 January. Kevin Jorgeson and Tommy Caldwell are the first climbers to do this using only harnesses and ropes to prevent deadly falls. During their climb up the notoriously difficult Dawn Wall route, the pair slept in tents suspended from the mountain face. They both took rest days to wait for their skin to heal and used tape and even superglue to speed the process. They suffered bruising falls, when their grip slipped, and they would bounce off the mountain face. Only their safety ropes saved them from further harm. Jorgeson posted online: “I’m learning new levels of patience, perseverance and desire.’’ www.tmagazine.co.uk

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IN focus

Kayla Mueller

A message of hope

Everyone, If you are receiving this letter it means I am still detained but my cell mates (starting from 11/2/2014) have been released.

I have asked them to contact you + send you this letter.

It’s hard to know what to say.

Please know that I am in a safe location, completely unharmed + healthy (put on weight in fact); I have been treated w/ the utmost respect + kindness. I wanted to write you all a well thought out letter (but I didn’t know if my cell mates would be leaving in the coming days or the coming months restricting my time but primarily) I could only but write the letter a paragraph at a time, just the thought of you all sends me into a fit of tears.

If you could say I have ‘suffered’ at all throughout this whole experience it is only in knowing how much suffering I have put you all through; I will never ask you to forgive me as I do not deserve forgiveness.

I remember mom always telling me that all in all in the end the only one you really have is God. I have come to a place in experience where, in every sense of the word, I have surrendered myself to our creator b/c literally there was no else… + by God + by your prayers I have felt tenderly cradled in freefall.

I have been shown in darkness, light + have learned that even in prison, one can be free. I am grateful.

I have come to see that there is good in every situation, sometimes we just have to look for it. I pray each day that if nothing else, you have felt a certain closeness + surrender to God as well + have formed a bond of love + support amongst one another…

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© MATT HINSHAW/THE PRESCOTT DAILY COURIER

In early February, Kayla Mueller was killed in a Jordanian air strike against the Islamic extremist group ISIS while imprisoned as their hostage. Kayla was a 26-year-old aid worker from Arizona, USA who was stationed in Turkey, helping Syrian refugees. In August 2013, she crossed into Syria with a friend to work in an Aleppo hospital for a day. She was abducted on her way home. After Kayla’s death, her family released this letter, which she wrote to them while in captivity.

The text, including her short hand, is exactly as she wrote it. Kayla’s message of hope and strength is remarkably inspiring.

I miss you all as if it has been a decade of forced separation. I have had many a long hour to think, to think of all the things I will do w/ Lex, our first family camping trip, the first meeting @ the airport. I have had many hours to think how only in your absence have I finally @ 25 years old come to realize your place in my life.

The gift that is each one of you + the person I could + could not be if you were not a part of my life, my family, my support. I DO NOT want the negotiations for my release to be your duty, if there is any other option take it, even if it takes more time.

This should never have become your burden. I have asked these women to support you; please seek their advice. If you have not done so already, [REDACTED] can contact [REDACTED] who may have a certain level of experience with these people.

None of us could have known it would be this long but I know I am also fighting from my side in the ways I am able + I have a lot of fight left inside of me.

I am not breaking down + I will not give in no matter how long it takes.

I wrote a song some months ago that says, ‘The part of me that pains the most also gets me out of bed, w/out your hope there would be nothing left…’ aka- The thought of your pain is the source of my own, simultaneously the hope of our reunion is the source of my strength.

Please be patient, give your pain to God. I know you would want me to remain strong.

That is exactly what I am doing.

Do not fear for me, continue to pray as will I + by God’s will we will be together soon.

All my everything,

Kayla

what’s in, what’s out in ’70s

INSTAGRAM

BIG HERO 6

LOB HAIRCUT

Tracking the trends can seem like an impossible task. Here to help, our Meet the Team stars have made a list of their favourite new fads replacing the old, whether they’re movies, music, fashion or on social media.

‘90s

We’re swapping our crop tops and mom jeans for flares and flower power.

FACEBOOK

It’s all about keeping it short and sweet with a quick snapshot to catch attention.

As much as we loved it, it’s time to let it go.

Disney’s newest animation has arrived, and it’s pretty darn awesome.

FROZEN

BOB HAIRCUT

Finally! A trendy, A-list haircut that flatters every face-shape.

FILM

Analogue photography is making a comeback; there’s something in film that digital just can’t beat.

DIGITAL

MEDIUM.COM

TED talks all sound similar after a while. Check out the self-publishing platform Medium.com for a new dose of inspiration.

TED TALKS

#SHELFIE

BODYWEIGHT TRAINING

Place

#SELFIE The intellectual instagrammer’s answer to the self-portrait.

Who needs to spend money, when you can lunge into fitness from your living room?

GYM MEMBERSHIPS

Out 9

Making a fresh start Motivational words to help you start anew

“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.”

Taylor Swift

“You can turn your life around. You can go through hell and back. It is possible.

Never underestimate yourself.”

Demi Lovato

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

Martin Luther King Jr 10

“Try and fail but never fail to try.”

Jared Leto

“You just have to go after what you want and if it doesn’t want you back, then, so be it – it doesn’t deserve you anyways.”

Nicole Richie

PHOTOS © HELGA ESTEB / DFREE / EVERETT COLLECTION @ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM , MARK MATHOSIAN / TONY FISCHER @ FLICKR, CREATIVE COMMONS

“Improving your life doesn’t have to be about changing everything – it’s about making changes that count.”

Oprah Winfrey

“Whenever I feel bad, I use that feeling to motivate me to work harder. I use the negativity to fuel the transformation into a better me.”

Beyonce

“It’s never too late - never too late to start over, never too late to be happy” Jane Fonda

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Thomas A. Edison

“I try genuinely to just put my fingers in my ears and put one foot in front of the other.”

Eddie Redmayne

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Too Consumed: The imprint we’re leaving on the environment

Let’s face it, we’re a nation of shopaholics. We get our fix from hunting down deals. Our weakness? 3 for 2 offers, loyalty cards and Click and Collect. With so many ways to shop, be it online, over the phone, via App or in stores conveniently placed within a 0.1 mile radius, can anyone really blame us? writer Shaquilla Alexander

B

rands tell us we need it, so we’ve got to have it. Advertising is everywhere from billboards to train stations, teasing us with news of this week’s must-haves. We’re made to believe that the latest phone with slightly-improved-featuresto-its-predecessor, or this season’s tote bag boasting nearly the same look as last season’s is something we ought to have, and if we don’t we’re somehow missing out. More so, we’re given the impression that this hot commodity will improve our lives or make us happier. If it does it rarely lasts, and with that disappointment comes the need to fill the void with something new. Cue the introduction of a new ‘must-have’, and the cycle repeats again.

because it’s inexpensive, or worse, that what we are doing is harmless because we’re getting what we want almost instantly – and it’s the bargain buzz of this instant gratification which makes it hard for us to see the consequences for overconsumption. But with consumerism becoming an ominously fast-growing part of our culture, it might be time to see past the sales racks, and start to develop a 21st-century consumerist conscience.

Instant gratification makes it seem like there are no consequences for overconsumption, but that is not the case.

Maxed out Have you ever noticed how supermarkets and high street retailers churn out new stock at least once every week? With so much available for us to choose from it encourages the urge to buy more, and the fact that people are willing to spend means businesses are inclined to provide We might not have a serious case of ‘shop- more for us to want. It’s a vicious cycle. aholicism’, but the whole consumerist industry is centred around making the average consumer In order for brands to keep up with such feel good about these habits. We’re sold on demand, they can end up cutting corners to get the idea that what we’re buying is good value things done fast, including reducing the quality

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of the product and lowering ethical standards in the countries where the products are made. With regards to fashion, this comes in the form of competitively inexpensive clothing. “Fast fashion” attracts and encourages shoppers to spend because they believe it is worth it – but often, the only reason “fast fashion” is valued is for its price. These products are not made to last – they’re made to make consumers constantly need to replace them, therefore spending more money in the long run (think Primark). Just look at the amount of socks and tights we typically go through in a few months – let alone a lifetime!

s Pope Francis and Green party MP Caroline A Lucas rightly says, we have become a throwaway society. Things are wasted and disposed of just as quickly as they show up on our radars in the first place. Nearly 177 million tonnes of waste is generated in England per year. Over 9000 articles of clothing are thrown into landfill every five minutes, amounting to over a billion items each year. 7.2 million tonnes of food is wasted in the UK each year. This does not even include all of the pretty packaging that can attract us to products, or even the carrier bags the products are placed in.

They’re the first to go!

Out with the old: As new things are welcomed into our lives, what becomes of the older things we’ve bought and once thought were essential? In the best case scenario, they live out the rest of their days clogging up our closets and drawers. In the worst case, they end up in landfills.

Waste not only comes from the tail end of consumption but from the use of natural resources (such as plants, minerals and oil) to make the materials used in our favourite products. As a whole, 20% of the world population residing in developed countries is consuming over 80% of the earth’s natural resources. Hardly fair is it?

Tips to keep in mind next time you reach for your purse – or your rubbish bin!

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Alright, buy it:

Keep it:

Recycle or re-purpose it:

It’s OK to buy things you like – but a good rule of thumb when it comes to clothing is to buy classic pieces that don’t follow just one set trend.

One of the number one causes of the throwaway culture is our need to be up-to-date with the fast-changing fashions – but it’s easier than you think to look fabulous without splurging every season. Invest in a ‘capsule wardrobe’, a few classic tops and bottoms that will always be in. Think flattering jeans, slim-cut black trousers, a skirt, a white shirt and a classy coat – these form the nucleus of your wardrobe, and you can update them every now and again with accessories and the occasional shoes and other items. It might cost a little bit more to begin with, but it means that what you buy is better quality and you can keep the pieces for longer as valued additions to your wardrobe. Another thing you can do when you shop is to be wary of items with plenty of unnecessary packaging and to use your own canvas bags instead of taking the plastic bags offered.

If you do buy clothing based on the trends of the moment, or you already have clothes you think you might not be able to use this upcoming season, still hold on to them! Trends have a way of resurfacing regularly, and if you do get rid of some of those clothes now, then when it does come back around again, you’ll be spending again! Instead, try to store them separately from your most regularly used pieces. That way you feel as though your wardrobe is refreshed without having to dispose of anything or wasting money later down the line.

For clothes and shoes that are looking a bit the worse for wear, try repairing them. Shoe repair shops do actually exist – they’re the place to go if you need to replace ragged soles, broken boot zips or worn-down heels for around a tenner.

Dispose of pretty (pesky) packaging and unwanted plastic bags the right way by recycling them. Most boroughs offer a recycling programme so make good use of it. It might take a little bit more effort sorting out what goes where, but it is definitely worth it in the end. Even batteries can be recycled so that they don’t end up in landfills.

Mobile phone stores also offer services where old phones can be handed in and disposed of properly. What you choose to hold on to, but no longer want to use for its original purpose, can easily be given a new lease of life. Did you know that with a little handiwork, thin slogan tees can be re-used to make mini pillowcases?

The possibilities are endless!

Donate it: If you have things you definitely don’t want anymore, donate them rather than throwing them away! There are a number of charities that accept clothes, accessories, books, CDs, DVDs, and electronics. Items they are not able sell are recycled into mattress insulation or sold and re-used overseas.

WASTE IN ENGLAND

• 177 million tonnes of waste is •

generated in per year Over 9000 articles of clothing are thrown into landfill every five minutes • We throw over a billion items each year into landfill sites These aren’t the only consequences our compulsive consumption has on the environment. The waste we sent to landfills produce methane, a powerful and toxic greenhouse gas capable of affecting the climate if enough of it is put into the atmosphere.

What’s worse is that all of the materials ending up in landfills can take anywhere from a few weeks to hundreds of years to break down and return to the earth.

means being thriftier. I know what you’re thinking, and it’s likely what most think of when someone says the T-word. Thriftiness has been given a bad rap, when really it’s about being aware of the problem with our spending and being creative with our solutions.

It doesn’t have to be a choice between consuming poorly and being considered poor for not The alternative: thriftiness consuming. There is an in-between and it is called So what can be done about this alarming habit? being conscious. Let’s change the stigma around New legislation is being put into place thriftiness to mean being responsible both starting this year to cut down on for our own consumption and the the amount of waste produced as effect it has on the environment WASTE IN THE UK a result of our consumption, instead. Any one of us can cut • 7.2 million tonnes of food is thrown including charges on plastic down on the amount of stuff we away each year bags and forcing businesses buy and find better uses for the • It is estimated that an average family of four to cut back on unnecessary things we have. By changing wastes £1,500 per year throwing away food packaging. our mentality, we can change • Extending the sell-by date of fresh and the outcome. After all we packaged foods by just one day would eliminate But there is still plenty that are the consumers, and this 250,000 tons of wasted food every year in the we can do as individuals. This dangerous cycle can start and U.K. alone. That’s a staggering 50 million doesn’t mean never shopping stop with us. Every little helps! pounds of food that doesn’t actually (let’s be realistic, here). It just have to be thrown away

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Spring

Decluttering Decluttering – it may seem like a chore but it can actually be rather liberating and exciting. From clothes swapping with friends to selling your old books online, it’s a great chance to get rid of any old bits and bobs lying around and to (hopefully) make room for future goodies. writer Ami Sedghi

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1

Do something good You may have heard the old saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Well it might just be that the new pair of shoes you’ve never worn or that jumper you’ve grown out of is just the thing that someone else is after. Be honest with yourself - if you’ve not worn it in a year or find excuses not to, then get rid of it. If it’s suitable for someone else then think about grabbing a bag and putting some bits in for the charity shop.

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Make it fun Sometimes it helps to have a firm hand nearby to stiffen your resolve when decluttering. But sometimes, you may work better alone. If you do value advice on what to keep and what to chuck then think about getting a relative or a friend round to help – but make it fun. Stick some music on and make sure you’ve got some tasty snacks at hand for well-earned breaks.

If a group of your friends are thinking of decluttering too, then get them to pick some items and bring them round for a swap party. Who knows what you might end up with?

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3

Get into good habits Some people like to hoard a little and that’s okay. You don’t have to transform yourself into a minimalist to declutter successfully. Part of the challenge is addressing your behavior and getting into good habits. If you already have three grey long sleeved tops or two blue and white striped shirts, do you really need another? Are you going for the familiar because it’s a classic or because you’re afraid to try something new? Try to really think through your purchases, a good friend once said “only buy something if you really fall in love with it.”

If you can walk away and not think too much about it then you won’t really miss it.

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Get savvy If you have unwanted items in good condition, maybe you were given two of the same book at Christmas or you have a pair of shoes you forgot to return to the shop, then why not try to sell them online. Asos Marketplace and Ebay are good for clothes, Amazon Marketplace and Webuybooks.co.uk are worth a shot for textbooks and other reads you’re finished with. Have a look online, there are plenty of sites around. Just make sure you’re clear on any fees charged and understand the terms and conditions.

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5

But don’t chuck everything away!

IMAGES DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

It’s nice to keep mementos: notes, birthday cards, photographs, cinema ticket stubs. Don’t chuck things away just because you feel under pressure – if an item means something more to you then that’s okay. Remember you can come back to it in a week, a month, a year. Find a nice container or even a shoebox and just make sure to pop your keepsakes in there so they all stay together. Maybe put some pictures in frames or get a pinboard to stick tickets, festival wristbands and interesting pieces you’ve ripped out of magazines on.

It’ll make you smile and keep all your bits in one place.

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The Recycled Orchestra Waste pollution is a major problem worldwide, with one billion tonnes of rubbish dumped every year. One small community in Paraguay are taking action by turning their rubbish into musical instruments.

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hen Favio Chavez embarked on a charity trip to a slum in Cateura, Paraguay, 2005, little did he know how life-changing it would be. What started out as a mission to clean up one of South America’s biggest landfills soon turned into a heartwarming and inspirational story worthy of its own Hollywood script.

Upon arriving at the landfill, situated in the capital city of Asuncion, Chavez noticed that many children living around it did not attend school. Many spent their days roaming the site, while some drifted into a life of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Creating beautiful noise Troubled by this, Chavez, set up a music school on the landfill, offering free classes to children, in a bid to keep them off the streets. The classes proved to be such a success, that Chavez soon had more students than instruments. So what did he do? Without enough money to buy more, he turned to the landfill and began crafting his own instruments using materials from the tip.

And so the Recycled Orchestra of Catuera was born. A 30-strong group of boys and girls who all play instruments made entirely from rubbish. The eclectic array includes: a violin made from a roasting pan and a fork; flutes made from drainpipes, with bottle caps for

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writer Nicola Murnaghan

keys; guitars made from packing crates, a drum made from an old x-ray plate, and a cello made from an oil barrel, a hairbrush and a shoe heel.

Chavez and his friend tutor the children, and they each spend two hours a day practicing in their own time. Many of the children who had never seen an instrument before can now master the symphonies of Mozart and Beethoven.

Chavez, who is also the orchestra’s director, said: “People realize we shouldn’t throw away trash carelessly. Well, we shouldn’t throw away people either.”

He added: “These are children that were hidden, nobody knew they existed.

We have put them on a stage and now everybody looks at them and knows they exist.”

“The world sends us garbage, we send back music”

Ada, who hopes to become a famous violinist one day, said: “when I listen to the sound of a violin I feel butterflies in my stomach. It’s a feeling I don’t know how to explain.”

One man’s rubbish…

A typical day in Catuera, Paraguay, is a pretty grim scene. The city is a sea of rubbish, submerged in mountains of cardboard boxes, empty crates and bin liners overflowing with household waste.

As a result, pollution is a huge problem, and the country’s main water supply has become dangerously polluted.

The town is the main dumping ground in Asuncion and receives 1.5 million tonnes of waste a day. It’s also home to 2,500 families, many of whom rely on the dump for their livelihood. Residents spend hours each day hunting for reusable materials, which they sell on for a small sum.

But amid the waste, they are also seeking materials of much greater value: scrap metals, plastics, and various other items, which will be transformed into instruments and donated to the orchestra.

One of the students, 15-year-old Ada Maribel Rios Barbados, plays a violin made from an old paint tin.

Nash explained: “Our film shows how trash and recycled materials can be transformed into beautiful-sounding musical instruments, but more importantly, it brings witness to the transformation of precious human beings.”

She added: “We believe that every child should have the opportunity to expand their horizons and develop their musical talents, especially in such an environmentally-aware way”

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Rise to stardom

The orchestra’s rise to global stardom came in 2009, when film producer Alejandra Nash, decided to make a feature-length film about them. Her goal was to show the impact of extreme poverty, while highlighting the growing problem of global waste.

Landfill Harmonic follows the journey of Chavez and his students as they build the orchestra from the slum and travel around the world playing to audiences across Europe and America.

The film, which is yet to be released commercially, has already attracted a huge following on social media, thanks to a preview film on YouTube. The trailer instantly went viral and gained an amazing 3 million views around the world. Since then, the orchestra has received concert bookings worldwide, and thousands of people have donated instruments to the program.

“These are children that were hidden, nobody knew they existed.”

She adds: “I thought trash was useless.

But thanks to the orchestra I now realise that there are so many different things that can be done with the stuff.”

What’s next?

It’s been a pretty busy year for the orchestra: as if touring South America, Europe and the USA wasn’t enough, they also supported the heavy metal group Metallica on their South American tour and performed at the 2014 Hollywood Film Festival.

They’ve also raised more than $200,000 so far, through their performances and online donations. Most of this money will go towards improving the living conditions for families in the slum, and training the children to build their own instruments. The orchestra now hope to raise a further $1million to help build a permanent school on the landfill, and to fund a worldwide tour. Above all, they hope to inspire other countries, including Kenya, Mexico and Haiti, to set up similar projects.

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IN HER SHOES

ANGELA HEWITT As an award-winning solo pianist Angela Hewitt describes hours behind the piano and in front of audiences as a labour of love.

Head start to the piano Born to two musicians, Angela was given her first piano, a toy, for Christmas when she was two

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and immediately asked for daily lessons from her mother. Even from those very early years Angela’s gift for music was obvious, passing grade one piano at just four years old and winning her first piano scholarship aged five.

Her talent only skyrocketed and she says she can’t recall a moment where practice became a chore.

“I always loved it. Of course it wasn’t easy fitting in the hours of practice because I did so many other things.” As a six-year-old, Angela began a 10-year stint playing the violin and recorder. Her second love after piano, however, was classical ballet, which she practised seriously for 20 years from the age of three. “I cried when I had to give up ballet. I knew I was better at piano. It was always what I did with the most ease, which is important,” she says.

ANGELA HEWITT PHOTO © PETER HUNDERT

Most piano teachers will tell their students: Practice makes perfect. Most students will roll their eyes: There’s no such thing as perfect.

Angela Hewitt brings to the piano bench such natural-born talent that practice, for her, is more than learning a succession of notes. Up to eight hours a day, she memorises and finesses her huge repertoire, perfecting her interpretation of Bach, Shubert and Chopin to name a few.

“People think when I’ve got to my stage and I’m famous around the world, I don’t have to practise anymore but actually I’m still learning new pieces,” she says. Bringing them to perfection, she says, takes “hours and hours”.

After finishing high school two years early, Angela studied piano performance at the University of Ottawa, while competing in international competitions. “I did 20 of them easily. Then, when I was 26, I won the big prize, the one that meant I didn’t have to do any more competitions,” she says. It was the Toronto International Bach competition and it was only held once in 1985 on Bach’s 300th birthday. The win gave her concerts around the world and her first recording contract.

For a sedentary instrument, it’s surprising how physically taxing it is to play the piano. Angela has been practising her part in Olivier Messiaen’s Turangalîla-symphonie for an upcoming concert in Utrecht, Netherlands with the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo. She says it’s heavy playing for 75 minutes straight, so simple stretches and a trip to the osteopath are essential. “It is incredibly physical, more physical than people realise.”

says. “You have to have a passion for it.” A talented person might have a shot if they’ve got the right alchemy of introversion, extroversion, tenacity and fearlessness. Besides, pianists of her calibre she says are born, not made.

“You either have it or you don’t. Of course then you have to put in all the work.” Like learning a language, playing piano comes more naturally to the very young. “Seven is already late if you want to be a concert pianist,” she says. “Those early years are so important. You really have to start playing when you’re five.”

Career of a lifetime It was a remarkable experience Thirty years later, even while to see how people from different A late start to the music scene audiences at classical concerts is no reason to give up now. begin to wane, Angela is still at cultures responded to this Music is good training for many the top of her career. In 2006, she things in life, like memory. music, which is very universal. was awarded an OBE and the next “The main thing is to instill a year performed, from memory, all love of music in a child,” says five hours of Bach’s The Well-Tempered Once a concert is underway Angela Angela. “To make music in a group Clavier at 110 concerts. She chose the focuses, as best she can, on the music. with others is a great thing.” collection for its familiarity. “Every “I am very aware of the audience. piano student tries to play some of I hear all the noises out there because writer Carolyn Wickware The Well-Tempered Clavier when they’re I’m listening so acutely,” she says. starting,” she says. “It was a remarkable “The worst is if somebody in the front experience to see how people from row is fidgeting or following along different cultures responded to this with the score.” But when she hears music, which is very universal. You tension in the silence she says she might not be able to speak to them, knows the audience is concentrating. but you can play Bach for them.”

It’s a tough love The tour, which took place in major Angela isn’t handing out false hope to cities all over the world, meant days aspiring virtuosos. This is anything but spent travelling. “I do enjoy seeing a straightforward career path. “The the world and meeting the different places at the top are very few,” she people. It’s become my life,” she says.

“It’s very difficult because you’re alone most of the time. Not like a singer who has to take their pianist or a violinist who has a pianist also. A solo pianist is alone most of the time. I’m long used to that now.”

If the destination is particularly distant, Angela will give herself three days before the concert to overcome jetlag and prepare. “If I don’t have a piano I’m not happy, so I make sure I have a place to practise. I’m very careful about my diet. I don’t drink caffeine, I don’t eat wheat and I stay away from sugar. I try to stay in shape that way,” she says. www.tmagazine.co.uk

23

A LIFE LESS ORDINARY

AMAR LATIF “When you’re a kid you always think things will last forever,” says Amar Latif, who can boast entrepreneur, adventurer, TV director and actor on his varied CV At four, doctors told his parents he had inherited Retinitis Pigmentosa – an incurable eye condition: “My eyesight put in a brief appearance during my childhood but it didn’t intend to stop for long. I was just getting the hang of colours and the way things looked, when it just upped and left.”

By the age of 20 he had lost 95% of his vision. He admits it hit him hard: “there are no adequate words to describe the sense of loss and the fear of the unknown.” But determined to move on from any anger and bitterness he felt, Latif knew it was imperative to focus on a track offering “some kind of hope for the future.”

Despite his loss of sight, he was still passionate about travel. “I was blind, and yet I still wanted to see the world,” he says, explaining that he quickly

learnt that world travel for a blind person came with many restrictions. He describes, on the occasions he did travel, feeling as if he were “an item of excess baggage.”

“In this life, if you want something that doesn’t exist, you have two options,” says Latif. “You either do without, or you have to build it yourself.

So I had no real choice about it, my only option was to innovate.”

After leaving a seven-year career as a management accountant behind, Latif founded Traveleyes, an international tour operator designed to enable blind people to enjoy travelling worldwide, independent of having to be accompanied by family members.

And it’s not just for blind people, a clear objective Latif had in mind when developing the concept:

“I sought to develop an integrated system which would design and deliver a range of multi sensory holidays that both blind and sighted travellers would enjoy together.”

In return for describing the sights to blind travellers, the sighted can recieve a reduced price, which can be up to half price, on their travel.

Equal numbers of blind and sighted people are taken on each trip and any training sighted travellers need is provided by the agency.

“It’s a real win-win situation,” says Latif. “We explore the delightful Greek and Croatian islands on private yachts. We go skiing in the Alps. We meet and walk with lions on the wide plains of Africa. We savour fine wine and traditional cuisine on the magical hillsides of Tuscany. We dance salsa and soak up the sunshine on endless Cuban beaches.”

Ask him where the best places he has travelled to are and he’ll rattle off a list of exotic and exciting locations; Oman, Sorrento in Italy, Florida’s Everglades. Reaching the summit of Mount Concepcion, the 5,000 foot active volcano in Nicaragua, as part of a BBC/Discovery Channel documentary series Beyond Boundaries, is also one of his treasured experiences.

Independence is a big part of the travelling experience and one that Latif values strongly.

He describes his “escape from the restriction of blindness” as beginning when he enrolled as a student studying maths, statistics and finance at Strathclyde University in Glasgow. He opted to spend a year studying abroad in Canada –

the only person from his course to do so. It meant he’d have to make the journey alone and he recounts his family and friends’ worries.

“Somewhere out there, in that endless dark mist which now covered my world, lay Canada,” remembers Latif. “I had to tell all of my wellmeaning advisers to put away the protective box and the cotton wool padding, because there was no way that I was prepared to be wrapped up ‘safely’ for the rest of my life. Quite simply, the experience changed my life.”

The company, which has been operating for 10 years, has attracted customers from across the world. He cites his father as a major source of inspiration.

“If you want to know the greatest gift you can ever give to a person with a disability, I’ll tell you,” he says. “It’s independence.”

Now, the 40-year old hopes to expand Traveleyes and plans to launch another group travel company to run in parallel with the existing agency. Latif says he’s always up for a challenge and is passionate about grabbing life with both hands. His passion for exploring the world is clearly as strong as ever. And his optimism and drive is unrelenting: “If I hadn’t gone blind, almost none of the extraordinary experiences in my life so far would have happened.”

writer Ami Sedghi

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Update your vocabulary Are you hyperconnected*? If so, we’re guessing you own a phablet* and love posting all the latest emojis* on your Twitter feed - well, YOLO, after all…

3 Citizen science

work undertaken by members of the general public, often in collaboration with or under the direction of professional scientists Here are just a few of our favourites and scientific institutions’: e.g. The from the 1,000 new words, phrases Royal Society put together a playlist and abbreviations that were added to of different laughs and asked people the Oxford English Online dictionary last year.These new adjectives just show to determine whether they were real or fake, to help them learn how people how huge the impact of technology react to different stimuli. and popular culture have had on our daily lives.

Language is constantly evolving and changing. One of the main purposes of the OED is to observe how these new words, phrases and spellings are used in ‘real life’ and spot the trends.

How exactly does it work?

The online OED is updated every four months. A team of language researchers gather examples of the most commonly used words from a wide range of sources. They do this via a collection of online texts called Oxford English Corpus. When a word is used by a wide range of sources, it becomes a candidate for OED shortlist.

And finally, the word or phrase considered the most significant is crowned the OED word of the year.

So, here might be some of the words you were uttering or typing this year…

4 Emoji

(NOUN, plural same or emojis)

A small digital image or icon used to express an idea or emotion in electronic communication: emojis liven up your text messages with tiny expressive faces.

5 Flexitarian

(NOUN) Refers to a person who keeps a primarily, but not strictly vegetarian diet: Although Lisa mainly eats loads of vegetables, nuts and grains, she refers to herself as a “flexitarian” as she will occasionally eat fish and meat.

6 Humbledbrag

(NOUN) A supposedly modest or self-deprecating statement whose actual purpose is to draw attention to something of which one is proud.

1 The OED’s Word of the Year 2014: Vape

7* Hyperconnected

Inhaling and exhaling the vapour produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device: I’d rather people vaped indoors than smoked outside.

Characterized by the widespread or habitual use of devices that have Internet connectivity: in our hyperconnected world, employees expect to work from anywhere because of how instantly reachable we all are, with our smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

2 Binge-watching

8 Listicle

(VERB)

(verb [WITH OBJECT] informal) Watching

multiple episodes of (a television programme) in rapid succession, typically by means of DVDs or digital streaming: “Come over and bingewatch Games of Thrones with me?”

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(NOUN) Scientific

(ADJECTIVE)

(NOUN) An article on the Internet presented in the form of a numbered or bullet-pointed list: a recent BuzzFeed listicle called ‘21 Pictures That Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity’ has attracted more than 13 million views.

9* Phablet

(NOUN) A smartphone with a screen which is in between the size of a typical smartphone and a tablet computer.

10 Paleo diet

(NOUN) A diet based on the types of foods presumed to have been eaten by early humans, consisting mainly of meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit and excluding dairy or cereal products and processed food: I’ve recently started the Paleo diet because I want to eat more protein.

11 Slacktivism

(NOUN) Actions performed via the Internet in support of a political or social cause but regarded as requiring little time or involvement, e.g. signing an online petition or joining a campaign on a social media website.

12 Upcycling

The process of reusing waste materials to create a product of higher value or quality: I’ve upcycled the sleeves from my old sweater into a pair of slipper boots.

(VERB)

Some other ad d need no expla itions nation…

• Cool beans

• Five-second rule • Hawt • Jel • LolCats • Mahoosive • YOLO writer Nicola Murnaghan

trends …what’s in

(and what’s not)

Sustaina-bloggers If you’re in the mood for some vintage fashion or DIY accessories, look no further than bloggers Rosalind Jana and Molly Madifis for advice. Their projects and inspiration will have your wardrobe recycled in no time. interviewer Kate Brockie

Rosalind Jana www.clothescamerasand

coffee.blogspot.com

Since she started Clothes, Cameras & Coffee six years ago, Rosalind Jana has been proof that second hand doesn’t mean second best. The blogger, Oxford student and sustainable fashion enthusiast is most likely to be found with her nose in a book, or else amongst the racks of a charity shop.

What’s so great about second hand and vintage fashion?

First, you already have someone else’s story attached to that garment - whether it’s been passed down from a family member, or found in a charity shop. Who knew what parties that dress saw, or events that hat was worn to?

Second, particularly with vintage, items are really well made, and have much more longevity. They were made to last. Third, it’s often a budget-friendly way to shop, with the added excitement of never knowing what you’ll find next.

Fourth - so pretty! And so much choice.

Why is it important to make-doand-mend when possible?

If it’s possible to rescue an item, then you’re making sure you’re not just mindlessly consuming, and that you’re getting the most out of your wardrobe. We live in a very throwaway culture where clothes are often seen as disposable. But

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if something’s ripped, or needs a button replacing, or is just a bit too big, it doesn’t take much time to repair or alter it. If it’s still perfectly useable, then loving it for a little longer makes so much sense.

Where is your favourite location for scouting out second hand gems?

I don’t really have a single one, but charity shops in small market towns tend to yield up some rather exciting treasures. It depends on what’s been donated - sometimes I can leave with bags bulging, and other times empty handed - but the unpredictability is part of the fun.

Tell us about your most treasured pre-loved item!

Basically all the items that belonged to my paternal grandma.

She used to be an actress, and had some marvellous things left over from those days: cocktail dresses bought in New York thrift stores,

satin evening coats, big patchwork hats, endless brightly coloured belts. I feel so fortunate to have been given these items. They’re a connection to my own heritage, as well as a very different era. Plus, they all look fabulous!

Molly Madfis

www.almostmakesperfect.com

If you’re looking for something to get you into the make-doand-mend mentality, Molly Madfis’ blog ought to do the trick.

A scroll through the simple and unique projects of Almost Makes Perfect will leave you with enough DIY inspo to get even the most craft-wary fingers itching to get making.

Why do you prefer to make things yourself, instead of buying them new?

Whenever someone says “WAIT YOU MADE THAT?!” there’s a total sense of satisfaction that comes with it. It’s also always nice to see something expensive that I want and say to myself, hey I could just make that.

What do you aim to do through Almost Makes Perfect?

I want to show my readers that it’s easy and rewarding to DIY, and that crafts can actually be cool and modern. You probably won’t see me using macaroni in any of my projects.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?

I find inspiration everywhere, whether it’s browsing through shops or magazines – but

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the biggest source of inspiration is figuring out what I need for my apartment. Whether it’s a paper towel holder or a pet bowl stand, I love to make things that I actually want and will use most.

Can anybody DIY? Yes! I’m always trying to convey that message in my blog. When I started blogging, I was really bad at it. I still have better ideas than execution skills, but it’s all about practicing and getting the hang of it.

How can we get into crafting?

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Sometimes you’re going to make things that look terrible or are even just slightly wonky.

Feel good about the effort and you won’t get discouraged if things you make aren’t perfect. It’s supposed to be fun!

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TRENDS

AT-A-GLANCE EACH SEASON WE EAGERLY WAIT FOR NEW TRENDS TO BE SHOWCASED ON THE CATWALK. WHEN DESIGNERS ARE CONSTANTLY REINVENTING THE MUST-HAVE LOOK, IT MAY SEEM HARD TO KEEP UP, WHICH IS WHY WE’VE DONE HARD WORK FOR YOU ALREADY!

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STYLE

DENIM

WHITE

FLORAL

SPORTY

It’s not easy translating catwalk fashions into practical fashion advice. For day-to-day style, let our t! fashion gurus guide you through the 4 hottest trends as seen on the Spring runways. But don’t be afraid to add your own personal flair.

You’ll be up-to-date on the latest fashion for you know it!

www.tmagazine.co.uk

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NEXT

?????????????

Why not include colour in denim?

This is a great idea for spring and it is still denim…

LOOK AGAIN

Dungarees straight out of the 1970s are back on the racks. Pair it with white lace for a fashion combo.

For a dressier option try out a denim shift dress or a jumpsuit with a set of floral heels.

NEXT

trend; being able to carry it from winter to summer can help save for something else….

It means you have to be creative and give your denim a bit of an edge each season.

Try decorated denim…

MISS SELFRIDGE

JUMPSUIT, FOREVER21; DENIM DRESS, MANGO; BOOTS, BOOHOO.COM

t ! TREND Denim is the on going

ZARA

MANGO

LOOK AGAIN

STYLE

DENIM

PRIMARK

EAST

THE FABRIC OF THE SEASON Don’t leave home with out your staple denim jackets this spring. Be sure to pick the right fit for you!

CATWALK SPY…

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le is also a y t s t ir h s y a r T he ch amb nd why not wear the possibility a r a flowery dress…. shirt ove

ZARA

Marissa Webb (left) and House of Holland are the catwalk’s denim royalty. Unafraid of pairing denim with denim, Marissa Webb makes it work by matching skinny, matte jeans with a flowing, glossy trench coat. House of Holland throws in some vibrant flowers, adding a 70s vibe.

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ALLWHITE MANGO

F&F

Why not match trends and pair these 70s cut trousers with this white denim jacket?

ZARA

ZARA

MANGO

TOPSHOP

Choose shirts with lace trimming or throw a light crochet top over a dress or camisole.

CATWALK SPY…

Kenzo (left) and Rejina Pyo perfected the white look on this season’s runways. Kenzo’s energetic and youthful spring collection is more elegant than their usual style with geometrically cut dresses.

Rejina Pyo, meanwhile, is all about minimalism. Her dresses are 7 clean cut with structured layers. Make sure your pure white outfits have shape and texture to keep them exciting!

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1

2

3

4

5

t ! TREND Wear all white from top

White platform shoes and chunky jewellery will sharpen up your bright white look.

1 & 2 ACCESSORIZE; 3 H&M; 4 ZARA; 5 TOPSHOP; 6 NEW LOOK; 7 F&F; 8 MANGO

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8

FLARED TROUSERS & ROUND NECK TOP, MANGO

to toe. This enables you to get away with mixing different textures in the one colour to make the look more interesting. White continues to be a great trend this season and 6 it works for both formal and casual unlike black, so go Don’t forget to accessorise! for it without fear!

MANGO

Keep the trousers loose and straight-cut on bold patterns to catch this trend.

t ! TREND Flower patterns or florals

Boho beauty!

Add a touch of spring with a floral garland in your hair

H&M

TOPSHOP

NAVY FLORAL ROMPER, BANANA REPUBLIC; SHOES, FIORE

ACCESSORIZE

TOPSHOP

give you a chance to express your personality depending on how you wear them. It works a bit like volume, the bigger the flower, the louder it speaks!

If you are not a flower girl, feel free to have as little as you can and make it safe through your own choice of small pattern. And if you love it, say it with lots of flowers!

TOPSHOP

FLORAL FRENZY CATWALK SPY…

TOPSHOP

It doesn’t have to be all flowing boho when it comes to florals. There are plenty of other styles out there.

LIPSY

Holly Fulton (left) and House of Holland understand the power of flowers. Holly Fulton’s spring collection was filled with black and white floral print with a healthy dose of vibrantly cartoonish flowers to liven the mood. House of Holland went big and bold with their colourful flowers, once again from the 1970s stylebook.

The bottom line: Don’t be afraid to go head-to-toe floral.

TOPSHOP

H&M

Think flower power on your next shopping trip. Anything from 1970s paisley to something subtler will do!

There’s a floral hit for any occasion with standout dressy heels or casual converse.

4 3

1

1 & 2 DEBENHAMS 3 & 4 NEW LOOK 5 SHOEZONE

5

2 www.tmagazine.co.uk

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2

3

1

CATWALK SPY…

TOPSHOP

TOPSHOP

Find inspiration from basketball and you’ll be sure to get it spot on!

TOPSHOP

TOPSHOP

SUPERDRY

AX PARIS

DOROTHY PERKINS

SPORTS LUXE

Jasper Conran (left) and Kenzo both know how to put the run in runway.

Jasper Conran keeps his sportchic demure and classy by adding simple lines to the trim and pockets.

Kenzo, however, goes all out with her basketball netting inspired maxi dress. Keep in mind the skirt to suit your shape: Pencil skirts suit tall figures whereas skater skirts are perfect for petite silhouettes.

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4

Sporty shoes don’t have to stay in the gym. Add some glamour by choosing metallic-coloured trainers.

H&M

1 BHS 2 & 3 ZARA 4 NEW LOOK

t ! TREND This look is all about effortless

www.tmagazine.co.uk

H&M

Stay original and add some colour. Get away from the black and grey combos.

JOGGING BOTTOMS, WAREHOUSE; SLEEVELESS TOP AND GREY HOODIE, CALZEDONIA

SUPERDRY

style and shoes are the key. Choose shoes with a metallic finish or chunky treads to get the look. The clothes should fit loosely and comfortably. Go for breathable clothes made from basketball vest material. You can’t go wrong with a classically striped trim and hoodie.

This is one look where accessories aren’t a must but feel free to dress it up with a simple structured bag.

A bag is a must and it should be a sporty one!

It will finish the look nicely.

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How to wear it‌

BLUE JEANS

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PINK PASTEL TOP, SHOES AND NECKLACE, PRIMARK; JEANS, MANGO

Jeans are always in and we must have the right pair especially if we tend to live in them 24/7. Comfort is of the essence but shape needs to be taken into account so as to look great in them. Experiment with your jeans when wanting to dress up and down but be careful to neither wear them for a formal dinner neither ruin them while doing some DIY at home.

Ann is short and petite

1

2

Ann loves flares but wonders if she would look ok as she is not that tall. The answer is yes as long as you wear them with heels

Kate is pear shaped

1 ZARA; 2 WHITE STUFF; 3 MANGO; 4 TOPSHOP

Sarah is tall and slim

3

This chino style jeans are a great choice for Kate. It is a flattering style for her and she can wear them rolled up. www.tmagazine.co.uk

Sarah would suit the skinny crop jeans that she could wear with flats. Remember to wear a top of a different colour to your jeans as one colour top to bottom would elongate you even more.

Phoebe is sporty, broad shoulders

4

This is an emerging style that would do wonders for Phoebe’s fabulous sporty figure.

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MULTI-PATTERN T-SHIRT, SURKANA; 70s SKIRT, FRANK & SALVI; HANDBAG, PRIMARK; SANDALS, SCHUTZ

A chance to mix colour and pattern in an everything goes statement piece. As long as the cut of the clothes is authentic 70s, the look will be stunning.

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44

ICON T-SHIRT, RIVER ISLAND SKATER SKIRT, FOREVER 21 GLASSES, PRIMARK

ORANGE 70s DRESS, JOY THE STORE; WHITE POLO NECK TOP, TOPSHOP; SANDALS, PRIMARK

It is all about getting the colour right for the retro look.

This combined with the heavy eye make and a great hair style does the job.

TOP, JOY THE STORE; BLACK FLARED TROUSERS, CACHE C CACHE

For those who would rather have it the simple way, here is a way of following the trend in tune with your personality.

Looking so on trend and chic would be a hit in any formal event.

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A clever way to wear pattern when pattern is not your thing. Add a funky piece of jewellery to finish off the outfit.

FLORAL MAXI DRESS, FLAMENCO; NECKLACE, MODEL’S OWN; BOOTS, ALDO

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DRESS AND HAT, JOY THE STORE

GREEN DRESS & SHAWL/ JACKET, RUBY ROCKS; BRACELET, CHARITY SHOP

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Muted colours and simple cuts will capture the 70s look. Jazz up a trendy shift dress with a wide brimmed hat. Keep your colours earthy for springtime!

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Inject a bit of colour into your outfit at little expense.

Add a fun pair of tights and off you go.

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WHITE FLOWER 70s DRESS, JOY THE STORE; BOOTS, BOOHOO.COM

PINK PALM TREE SET, PRIMARK

BLUE DRESS WITH WHITE LACE, JOY THE STORE; SANDALS, PRIMARK

This is an all in one dress. It combines being classical with being classy. Will this be the sort of dress which will remind you of a memorable place and date, the sort that will live in your wardrobe for years?

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the old & the new Fashion is the ultimate form of reinvention, and not just in the way it can transform our look. Every trend, from oversized tops to crops and everything in between, is actually a nod to the past. Just take a look at the trends spotted on the runway this season. They have all originated from cultural movements spanning over the last fifty years. writer Shaquilla Alexander

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py H a t Felt Flop 4 1 £ F&F

THE OLD TRENDS

THE NEW TRENDS

Graphic Prints Colour Blocking Black & White

Black & White Colour Blocking Graphic Prints

HOLLY FULTON

The Pop Art movement was also popular and it influenced fashion greatly, inspiring designers to incorporate colour blocking into their designs.

Colour Neon Clutch Snakeskin & 8 blocking £1 Be y Simpl is used on everything from shoes to mini-skirts (which also originated in the 1960s). The contrast in colours is just as youthful now as it was all those years ago.

HOLLY FULTON

© VIC TO RIA

AN D ALBERT

MUSEU M, LO

NDON

The dresses came in a range of geometric styles for every occasion.They were not only stylish, but affordable and practical too! Women could adjust the length easily with scissors, mend it if nessessary with tape, or dispose of it responsibly.

Fast forward fifty years, just look at how these trends have been reimaged.

Black Colour Bloc Bead Neckl ked Seed and ace white is Evans £10 even bigger than ever!

HOLLY FULTON

© VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON

Another trend that was very popular in the late 1960s were disposible paper dresses.

© VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON

reduce, reuse, recycle

Spring 1965 vs. Spring 2015

If you went back to the swingin’ 1960s you’d see that it was all about colour and bold patterns.

Rocker style was rivalled by a more contemporary look known as Mod. The trend was started by male youth in the UK before spreading to womenswear, runways and magazines all over Europe and the United States. The “Mods”, as they were referred to, wore striking black and white prints with flashes of colour.

Spring 1975 vs. Spring 2015

Hippies (short for hipsters) and famous musicians wore flowers on their clothes and in their hair to support the ‘Flower Power’ movement, a protest against the Vietnam war.

Funky Florals

Denim

Forty years later, free spirited fashion is still popular.

Uniqueness in fashion is still sought out. The same inspirations that influenced 1970s style continue to influence ours. Just take a look at our go-to festival outfits: fringe vests, Suede Bag Topshop floral £85 patterned denim shorts, headbands around our heads that sit perfectly in our singleparted straight hair. All of the ‘70s staples are there, even if our floral patterns a tad more Fringed Vest Cardigan Apricot £17 modern now!

HONOR

© VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON

From the late 1960s into the 1970s, it become really important to have a unique style and create a look that stood out from what was seen on runways as “fashionable”.

Some believed that mass produced fashion was not authentic, instead deciding to look to the past for inspiration. Looks from American Indian attire were adopted including long flowing skirts, headbands and fringe.

Maxi Skirts

Floral & Fringe

Maxi Skirts

Denim

& the very old

Not only have clothing trends from the recent past made a comeback, but even shoes and accessories resemblence to pieces found on the high street. Just take a look at this iconic shoe from the 1920s: the Mary Jane.

Now look at these shoes on the high street for the season.

Notice anything?

Sunshine T-Bar Shoes Topshop £28

Spring 1985 vs. Spring 2015 Fashion became a status symbol more than ever in the 1980s. It was all about power dressing. Young people or yuppies (short for young urban professionals) wanting to be taken seriously in the professional world chose to dress smartly. Their look was preppy. Sportswear also influenced fashion, as did celebrity style.

The 1980s gave us rule breaking fashion and over-the-top proportions.

This has not gone amiss in today’s fashion either. Instead of puffy shoulder pads and larger-than-life hairstyles, today we are playing with proportions in a more subtle way. Think oversized jackets and cropped jeans, or high-waisted jeans and crop tops.

www.tmagazine.co.uk

Khaki

ROKSANDA

Wild Proportions Sportswear

Khaki

KENZO

KENZO

Rules from previous decades about shape were all broken. Designers experimented with proportions in their collections. The experiments brought us padded shoulders, higher waistlines and more geometry on the runway and on the high street.

Gracie T-Bar Shoes Topshop £32

Sportswear Wild Proportions

Mary Janes, or bar shoes as they were known over the years, originated in the early 1900s. They were made popular in the 1920s (and again in the 1960s) as evening shoes. The height of the heel and the strap across the instep made them perfect for dancing. They may not be dancing shoes anymore, but they are just as useful. Worn with or without heels, they are still a go-to accessory nearly one hundred years later!

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

Elvis & Kresse Designed to withstand heat and water, fire hose resists the very elements that break down materials naturally at landfill sites. Solution? High-end fashion accessories.

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Kresse Wesling MBE, one half of the luxury accessories brand Elvis & Kresse, is passionate about waste and making it beautiful. “We’re just so ridiculous. My grandmother’s generation didn’t produce any waste,” says Kresse. “They certainly didn’t produce by-products that were carted off somewhere to be landfill.” She laments all the environmental problems generations since have created for themselves, only to have to clean things up in an age of “insane consumerism”.

Start at the beginning Kresse and her partner Elvis have been doing more than their share of the clean up since 2005. That was the first year the pair began transforming decommissioned fire hose into luxury accessories. Until Kresse began reclaiming it, disused fire hose was shipped to landfills to sit, unchanged for decades. She describes it as a “no-hoper cause.”

The shock of waste and pollution first hit Kresse when she moved from the great open plains of Western Canada to the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. “I was just looking at such an agglomeration of people in such a small space with so much money and yet their untreated sewage just went into the sea,” she says. But when she moved to the UK in 2004, she was disheartened to see it wasn’t so great here either. She realised it doesn’t have to be this way.

“I’ve read the scientific evidence, I know how unlikely we are to be able to mitigate the climate issues we’ve already caused.

I could just buy some land in Northern Canada and run away, but I think we can fix it,” she says. “The only way we’re going to fix it is if we keep a hand in and don’t run away.”

Stepping forward Having stuck with it, by 2010 their products were so highly demanded that they were reclaiming all 10 tons hose Greater London Fire Brigade had thrown away that year, plus some extra imported from Holland.

Importing hose not only reduces landfill size on a larger scale, it also offers colour variations in their accessories. “The hose from the UK is primarily red although we did a collection last week and it was almost all yellow, which is more rare,” she says. “We don’t ever change the colours. We work with what we’ve got.”

This goes for the design process too. In order to get the most out of a batch of fire hose, self-taught designer Elvis respects the material ahead of the design. The patterns on the bags, for example, are 10cm strips because fire hoses are 10cm in diameter. Belts, meanwhile, are of a certain width because two belts can be cut from one width of hose. “It’s not decided arbitrarily,” says Kresse. “It’s purely about loving the material and making the most out of it.”

The material is so prioritized ahead of design that Kresse admits if she found a better use for the fire hose tomorrow, www.tmagazine.co.uk

she would pursue that instead. “I think that’s ok. Right now and for the past few years, the best possible use for it is making the goods that we make.”

A fashion adventure The pair decided there was no better industry to house luxury goods and fire hose under the same roof than fashion. “The good thing about business is that you can just go and do something as long and as you’re making money you don’t need to ask anyone’s permission,” she says. “I don’t have to justify what we do to anyone.”

Beyond running a meaningful business, it doesn’t matter to Kresse what market they go into as long as the end product can sell for the maximum value of the material. “We made reusable shopping bags for Sainsbury’s and they sold for £3.50 for charity. That’s not a luxury product but it was the maximum value of that material.” Getting the maximum value is especially important as half of the company’s profits are donated to the London Fire Brigade.

With bags that sell for upwards of £100 and belts for between £26 and £46, Elvis & Kresse products are not for those indulging in the throwaway fashion of H&M or Primark. Every piece is intended to last a lifetime, well beyond one season.

To get the designs right, the pair researched items big luxury brands produce season after season. “Louis Vuitton has made the same bag they were making 50 years ago. Why is that?

Because it’s still selling,” she says.

“We didn’t invent the belt, what we did was make it with fire hose.” The company’s west end and slider buckles have been prolific in the belt world for years. With fashions recycled every decade, Kresse says their company’s very classic approach is about right. “What you should do is just dress appropriately for yourself,” she says. “I love it when I see someone who is clearly very confident and looks great, but when you really look at what she’s wearing, she isn’t wearing anything from this season. She’s just a healthy, confident person, being herself.”

Visit elvisandkresse.com to browse the collection or find out more information. writer Carolyn Wickware 53

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Style snaps BANG ON! 5

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The perfect bag is every girl’s best friend.

Choose the best one to complement your style for the day. If you’re feeling a little old school, grab a satchel. For that 70s vibe, sling on a tasselled rucksack or a slouchy boho print bag. You can’t go wrong!

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9 1. Miss Selfridge • 2. Accessorize • 3.Accessorize • 4. Topshop • 5. Simply Be 6. Paperchase • 7. Accessorize • 8. Debenhams • 9. Accessorize • 10. Accessorize

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top form our tips on how to be at your best

Beauty Guru EllenMac

WHAT MAKE-UP PRODUCTS CAN WE MAKE OURSELVES TO SAVE MONEY?

This is a great, cheap way to fight off flaking dried lips.

Mix equal parts of: oney (or other liquid sweetener or vegetable glycerin) H Brown sugar Olive oil (other great oils would be jojoba, almond, or even coconut oil) Swirl it on your lips with a gentle rub and enjoy. You can store unused leftovers in a travel-sized container.

HOW CAN I FIX A BROKEN POWDER?

It's happened to most of us. Powder-based products do smash but it doesn't have to mean the end for them.

Tip the broken powder into a small bowl. Use the end of a brush to break it up into a fine powder and use the pointy end of an orange stick to scrape out all the bits still stuck in the container.

HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY MAKEUP BRUSHES TO MAKE THEM LAST LONGER?

It’s worth investing in good quality brushes. In the long run, you will have more value for money. Most brushes have a life span of up to 5 years but I’ve had mine for longer and they look like new. If you wash your brushes too often, or not often enough, that can wear them out.

The first step to keeping your brushes clean is picking up a daily brush cleaner and spraying it on your brushes after each use. When you use your brushes, bits of makeup, oil, dirt, and even bacteria can get trapped in the bristles.

Skipping this step can lead to clogged pores and pesky breakouts. I’d recommend washing your brushes at least once a week with baby shampoo: Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a squirt of shampoo, and gently swirl your brush tip in the water.

Focus on washing the actual bristles while avoiding the part of the brush close to the handle, as this can loosen the glue.

Use a cloth to wipe your brush clean and lay it flat on a cloth to dry.

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Then add a small amount of surgical spirit from Boots or Superdrug and mix it up using an orange stick or spoon to form a paste. It’s best to add a little bit of surgical spirit at a time and then adding more if necessary. It will take longer to set if you add too much.

Spoon it back into the empty pan and leave it. After a couple of hours, you can use a paper towel to press down and help shape it. Then leave it overnight to set completely.

MULTI-TASKING WITH ONE PRODUCT.

Cream blush is a great product for multi-tasking. Blend it on the apples of your cheeks and blot it on your lips for a soft, stained finish.

You can also use eyeliner as lip liner. Mac has a great selection, especially if you want to create a bold lip.

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Bobby Brown gel liner has become a cult product, but what a lot of people don’t know is that the same effect can be achieved at a fraction of the price.

Rimmel’s version has a really creamy, long lasting finish – with its own brush in the lid.

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BEAUTY

Rimmel Scandaleyes Gel Liner (£6.49) vs Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner (£18)

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Editor's Pick

I know I’ve featured this product previously but it really is a great combination of balm and colour.

Gorgeously smooth daily shades with the same, if not better, finish as Clinique’s Chubby Sticks – buy two Revlon’s for the price of 2 Chubby Sticks.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable (£7.99) vs Clinique Chubby Stick (£17)

4 If, like me, you’re a blow dry obsessive – this product will change your life. So easy to use, with just a flick of the wrist it leaves you with gorgeously smooth curls and waves, as well as lifting hair from the root for extra volume. No need to fork out on a pricy blow dry – get professional locks from the comfort of your own home.

See the tutorial here: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=i2VsHu1pppk Mark Hill Wonderball (£9.99) vs Professional Blowdry (circa £50 at your local salon)

writer Pavneet Khurana

When it comes to makeup, low price point doesn’t always mean low quality.

There are smart alternatives out there that will offer similar results without the hefty price tag. Take a look at our picks to see how you can look gorgeous without breaking the bank.

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Your make-up bag is not complete without a powder blush. There’s nothing better to add an instant splash of health to your cheeks.

A shade of pink from Bourjois is just the ticket, and if you’re feeling flush Nars is the luxe powder of choice. Both have light textures and really intense pigment – you will achieve a long lasting glow.

Bourjois Little Round Pot in Rose Brune (£7.99) vs Nars Blush in New Attitude (£23)

These two products are almost identical. Both designed to give a natural shimmer and glow to the face and body, whilst the high pigment in both means you can use each line as an eye shadow. Now the question is, save or splurge?

17 Instant Glow (£4.99) vs Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick (£32.50)

6 The best-selling mascara from YSL may well and truly be trumped by a sweet alternative from L’Oreal. Both wands battle it out to bring you luscious, powerful lashes – no need for falsies. Save some pennies and opt for L’Oreal’s high intensity shade of black.

L’Oreal Paris False Lash Flutter Mascara (£10.99) vs YSL False Lash Effect (£24.50)

www.tmagazine.co.uk

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Beaturteynds

The SS15 catwalks showcased some of the most bizarre beauty looks to date; from gothic geisha, to graphic grunge and gold plated brows. The world’s most talented make-up artists slave away behind the scenes to create innovative, eye-catching and somewhat daring looks.

We’ve picked out our favourite and most wearable of the season. Give them a try and send us your pictures #tbeauty

Mermaid Eyes

A great hue for summer

GET THE LOOK

Shades of sea blue made an appearance on the catwalks at Elie Saab, Armani and Isabel Marant so we know it’s one to covet.

Go as bold and brave as you like. Swathes of aqua over the lids and for depth, enter the waterline.

‘Tis the summer for Disney eyes.

Purple H aze

Choose your weapon; lavender, mauve, lilac?

GET THE LOOK

Purple is ultra-flattering and with so many tones to choose from you can find one to really suit your skin. Ditch your dark shadows and think of purple as the new smokey eye.

Blend in the socket for a graduated effect or go bold and wash the entire lid. Work this trend by wearing pastel shades and floral prints.

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Doll Eyes

Channel your inner baby doll with bolder,bigger lashes.

GET THE LOOK

You can achieve the wide doe-eyed, Twiggy inspired effect with L’Oreal Paris Miss Manga (£8.99) Apply multiple coats to reveal the lower lashes. Accentuate the trend by drawing in lower lashes with an eyeliner pen.

Keep the rest of your face neutral for a real 60’s finish.

Nude Nails

3D Lips

Au naturel nails are making a comeback this season

GET THE LOOK

Think matte manicure, sophisticated and simplistic.

This season, the pout gets more prominence.

Achieve this look by blending in lighter and darker tones with your favourite lip colour for depth and power. For a luscious evening look, choose a deep red lippie and rub a brighter shade along the plumpest part of the lips blending outwards for a just-bitten berry stained finish.

www.tmagazine.co.uk

GET THE LOOK

Give them a modern finish with a pointed tip and gold midi-rings.

Barry M Matt Nail Paint in Nude Vanilla (£3.99) is the perfect colour for this.

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So we’re all concerned about saving money, without breaking the bank. t! shows you how to make your own make up and your own cut price nail art without throwing your money away at the salons.

Average spend at the nail salon can vary from £20 to £30 every week. That’s a whopping £80 to £120 a month! Follow these thrifty ways and you can see your piggy bank overflowing with happiness – and £££’s of course!

Beauty on a budget writer Naila Ali

Another one of my secret weapons for getting the perfect stripes is sticky tape, yes, your normal average sellotape!

EARN YOUR STRIPES

STEP ONE

STEP ONE

Cut some strips off the tape, the strips will form the basis of your stripes.

STEP TWO

Stick the strips on to your nail. Make sure the base coat is dry before attempting this otherwise you will end up in one big sticky mess! You can place the strips diagonally, horizontal or any way you like.

STEP THREE

Apply any colour polish on top, don’t bother letting it dry and just whip off the strips and voila! You got yourself a straight design, which is impossible by freehand.

This look is free; all you need is nail polish of your choice and sticky tape!

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FASHIONABLY FRENCH

The classic French manicure is the timeless design that you can’t go wrong with. Follow the simple steps to get the look without the professional price tag.

For this you need a pack of paper hole reinforcement stickers, these you can get for a £1 and will last you for ages. Cut each sticker in half, and these make an amazing template for French tips.

STEP TWO

Place the half over the edge of your nail leaving a bit of a gap (depending how wide you want the tip to be) and paint with your chosen colour or go for the classic white.

STEP THREE

Peel the sticker off, wait for the nail to dry and apply the top coat to seal in the French tip.

You got yourself French tips that are cheap as chips!

LEOPARD PRINT

If you like bright nails, then this is a really good design for you. With the leopard print, the brighter the colour the better the design looks.

STEP ONE

Paint the base colour on to the nail and let it dry. Get an alternate colour, and dot on to the nail. This is the basis of your leopard print design.

STEP TWO

Once your spots are dry, you need to get your secret weapon ready, and that is your liquid eyeliner. This makes an amazing makeshift nail art pen that you can otherwise end up paying a lot for.

With the eyeliner, go around, roughly, the dots that you painted on and place some extra spots and lines in the gaps just to fill the design up.

STEP THREE

Let the eyeliner dry. Pop a clear topcoat over the whole nail; this gives the design a more professional look.

This look is achievable week on week without paying the full price as you would at a salon.

GET YOUR GLITTER ON

For this design, all you need is some clear nail polish and glitter; you can find an assortment of different coloured glitter from your craft store for £1. Or for a more frugal way, you can get any leftover tinsel from your Christmas decorations and cut them up in teeny tiny pieces and put them in a jar. That way you’ve got glitter for every occasion.

STEP ONE

Paint on your clear nail polish. This is your base coat. Make sure it’s a clear polish, as this will enable the glitter to shine through effectively.

STEP TWO

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE For perfect polka dot nails you don’t need to go dotty with your dosh.

All you need is a hair pin and two contrasting nail polishes.

STEP ONE

Apply a base coat and let it dry.

STEP TWO

Dab a blob of the second colour on to a piece of paper.

Let your base coat dry a little but still sticky, then all you do is dip your nail in the glitter. Brush off the excess glitter with a cotton bud and let it set.

STEP TWO

Once the glitter has set and the base coat has fully dried. Paint on the clear polish to lock in all the glittery goodness!

A good glittery nail polish that will give you as much coverage as this D.I.Y. one will set you back at least £5.

STEP THREE

Bend the hair pin back and dip the end into the polish. Carefully, dot all over your nails.

A cocktail stick can also help to achieve the perfect polka dots!

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HOMEMADE FACE MASK 2 soluble aspirins (dissolved in 5ml of water) 2 tsp. of honey 1 tsp. of glycerin 35g natural yoghurt

STEP ONE

Melt the aspirin solution and honey together in a microwave to make a liquid .

STEP TWO

Add the glycerin and give it a good stir. Throw in the yoghurt and mix again .

STEP THREE

Apply to your face, leave it on for 15 - 20 minutes, and then rinse off with fresh water.

OLIVE OIL HOT CLOTH TREATMENT

That bottle of olive oil that sits next to your hob doesn’t have to be just for cooking. Rich in antioxidants it can also make a great frugal and rejuvenating facemask.

STEP ONE

DELICIOUS BODY SCRUB 2 tbsp. of olive oil ½ tbsp. cinnamon ½ tbsp. of cocoa powder 1 cup of brown sugar ½ cup of white sugar

STEP ONE

Making this body scrub couldn’t be easier – simply add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and give it a good stir until well combined.

STEP TWO

Then pop the scrub into an empty, recycled glass jar.

STEP THREE

The addition of cinnamon and cocoa gives the scrub a sumptuous festive scent, while the sugar will gently buff away dry skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and soft.

If you’re making extra for a loved one, tie a ribbon and attach a homemade card with string for a rustic homemade feel.

Simply pour a drop of olive oil onto your hands – a little goes a long way – and gently pat it onto your face.

STEP TWO

Put a face cloth in a bowl of warm water, wring it out and place over your face. Leave for 15 minutes.

Then rinse off and enjoy supple skin.

LIP BALM

16g of almond oil 4g of beeswax Small jar or tin for storage Flavouring

STEP ONE

Simply melt the oil and wax together and add a splash of flavouring.

STEP TWO

Decant into your favourite tin or jar and leave to cool.

D.I.Y BATH BOMB RECIPE 1 1/2 cups bicarbonate of soda 1/2 cup citric acid powder Potpourri or herbal teabags An essential oil Moulds from craft shops Sweet almond oil Food colouring Rubber gloves Sieve

STEP 1

To make the base mix: sieve the bicarb soda and citric acid powder into a large dry mixing bowl.

This will make enough for four bath bombs.

STEP 2

To make one bath bomb, transfer 1/2 cup of the base mix into a medium bowl and stir in the contents of an herbal teabag or other dry ingredient such as potpourri. Set aside.

STEP 3

In a small bowl, combine 6 drops of essential oil of your choice, 1/2 teaspoon of sweet almond oil and 8 to 12 drops of food colouring - or until your desired colour is reached. Pour this mixture into the bowl containing the 1/2 cup of base mix and stir quickly with a teaspoon so things don't start fizzing! www.tmagazine.co.uk

STEP 4

Wearing rubber gloves, continue to combine the ingredients with your fingertips until it starts to clump together when compressed in your hand.

It's essential you do this with your fingertips, not a spoon, so the liquid is distributed evenly. The mix is now ready to go into a mould.

STEP 5

Wipe a little sweet almond oil inside the mould.

Fill the mould with the mixture, packing it in firmly. Make the other bath bombs with the remaining mixture, working with 1/2 cup at a time. Leave the bath bombs in their moulds to set for at least 24 hours (36 hours is even better).

After they have set, turn each mould over and bang it firmly once on a flat surface, then gently ease out the bath bombs

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Pretty in Plaits Fed up with the same old styles? Classic styles don’t have to be boring. Celebs have been donning the plait this year — so simple, so versatile, so flattering — fit for any occasion. writer Pavneet Khurana

The thought of plaiting your hair beyond the age of 9 may seem a bit odd, but guess what…cute plaits and braids are back in fashion and complement hair of all lengths and cuts. Try out some of our quick and easy techniques to add a splash of excitement to your style.

THE FRINGE FRENCH BRAID 1 Side part your hair and take a large section from the part to the back of your earlobe.

2 Grab about 1.5-2 inches of hair from the parting and start a normal 3 strand plait, weaving the sections together.

3 Work your way down gathering a little bit of hair from the left and right each time and pulling into the plait.

4 Remember to pull tight each time.

5 As you reach the ear secure it with a couple of grips if you’re wearing your hair down. If not, continue the plait back into a loose bun or a cute up-do.

Fringe twist 64

THE BRAIDY BUNCH

1 Again, side part your hair.

2 Take just over an inch of hair from the top of your fringe and section into three.

3 Plait normally, stretching right round the top of your head.

4 Secure the end with a grip.

5 Take a second chunk of hair braiding parallel to the other piece – overlap the ends of both and grip it in place.

6 Repeat this again with a third chunk of hair, wrapping the ends over the other two this time and securing at the back of your head.

French Braid

7 Move to the other side of your head and plait just one

section of hair, pulling it round to meet the ends of the other plaits, again securing with a grip.

THE BOHO BRAID

1 Part your hair as usual, although a middle part looks great with this style.

2 On each side, section off hair from the back of the ear to your parting.

3 Simply braid both sections so they meet at the back

of your head – you can braid as tight or as loose as you want for this style.

4 Secure both braids as they meet with grips. Simple!

Practical! Gorgeous!

Boho Chic www.tmagazine.co.uk

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Perfect ways to keep your hair off your face in the wind

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Spring Fitness A fresh you for a fresh season Spring peaks through the dreariness of winter just in time for exam stress to encroach on our sense of wellbeing. Fear not. It is possible to revise and exercise. writer Carolyn Wickware

With coursework and exams, there is never a perfect time to start new fitness habits.

Just take a quick 20-minute mental pause for a round of bodyweight training or a yoga flow. It will focus your mind and strengthen your body. For a longer break, hit the gym for a spin class and cycle the stress away.

Here’s the rundown on what to expect from each activity.

BODYWEIGHT TRAINING

Bodyweight training is a fantastic way to build lean muscle without spending any money on a gym membership or a stack of weights, which can be dangerous if used without training or supervision. With bodyweight training, you can strengthen your core and improve your flexibility from your own home.

Most young women shy away from any weight bearing exercise in fear of “bulking up” or looking “too masculine” but muscles in the style of Arnold Schwarzenegger shouldn’t be such a concern. Women simply aren’t anatomically primed to put 66

on muscles the same as men. The truth is, all weight-bearing exercise benefits joints, bones, tendons and ligaments, and boosts coordination and balance, as well as strengthening muscles, including the heart muscle. It’s a great way to beat osteoporosis, which affects 200 million women worldwide.

Start off simply with a few push-ups. If the usual style is too tough drop your knees on to the floor and push from there. Not only will this build up the chest, shoulders and triceps, but it’s also a great stabilizer of the torso and lower back.

For more exercises, check out YouTube channel Fitness Blender for free guided bodyweight workouts.

YOGA POSES YOU COULD TRY AT HOME

SPINNING

This solid hour of pure cardio is not for the faint of heart. Spin class is decidedly for people unafraid of burning legs and dripping sweat. A 45-minute class can burn around 700 calories, depending on how hard you push yourself. Classes vary in intensity depending on the instructor but spinning is a great lowimpact alternative, which burns calories reasonably quickly.

A usual class sees the instructor take participants on a “ride”. A spinner finds the resistance level on the bike that’s comfortable for them and increases that resistance to climb hills and decreases it to sail down the other side. The instructor might also include quick sprints or long endurance cycles.

Almost every gym has a spin class on their timetable, the price of which is usually included in the gym membership, but since classes vary widely based on the instructor, try out a few before committing — or giving up entirely.

Spinning is great for building lean muscle tone in the thighs and increasing cardio endurance. As a low-impact exercise, spin classes are also less likely to cause injury than running. However, stretching before and after the class is still strongly recommended. And don’t forget your water bottle!

Make sure you warm up by jogging for 5 minutes before you try these poses.

Downward Dog YOGA

Yoga has a reputation for being slow, boring, and only for the flexible. In reality, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. It’s impossible to get bored with 10 different styles to choose from. Some focus more on maintaining a fast pace over form, while styles like Bikram and Kundalini aim to energise the body and release toxins. Being flexible is definitely not a prerequisite. Quite the opposite in fact, it’s something you become through practice.

Yoga aims to make participants feel relaxed and light. Like bodyweight training, it also helps lower blood pressure, increase strength and bone density, and reduce anxiety.

Hatha yoga, the simplest form that bypasses the various traditions to focus on common poses, is the best for beginners. Some of the simple poses you might encounter in a Hatha yoga class include mountain pose, a standing position with relaxed shoulders and arms at your sides, and downward dog, a pose on all fours with outstretched arms directly under your shoulders and knees under hips.

When attending a hatha yoga class it’s important to wear something comfortable that will keep your muscles warm during the slower moments. You may have seen many yogis in form-fitting clothing. It’s absolutely not a necessity. If you’re more comfortable in loose yoga-wear, wear it. Fitness and form are infinitely more important than looks during a workout.

www.tmagazine.co.uk

For free full classes you can check your local gym or download the yoga studio app for £2.99

Cobra

Twist

Warrior

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The ever-popular ‘e’ word is once again on everyone’s minds: exams. Whether you’re preparing for GCSEs or A-levels, our tips will help you tame revision stress and put you on the path to exam success!

There’s nothing wrong with a little stress. It motivates us to work hard and achieve our best. But when the stress becomes overwhelming or uncontrollable it can interfere with exam performance. writer Nicola Murnaghan

1

ORGANISE AND PRIORITISE

A clear, well-structured plan is the key to successful revision. First, prioritise subjects you feel need the most attention. Jot down a list of subjects and modules you find most difficult, allocating more time to those areas. If you’re taking essaybased subjects, start revising for these first so you can practise your essay technique as much as possible.

Making your plan goal-oriented, rather than deadline-focused, will ease the pressure. Set yourself small, specific goals.

For example: “By the end of this session, I’ll have learned ten quotes from Othello.”

This will help you feel more confident about your progress.

2

FIND YOUR STUDY STYLE

When it comes to studying, different techniques work for different people.

It’s about finding the right one for you.

Writing your notes on brightly coloured paper and sticking information-filled post-it notes in prominent places around your house are great techniques for visual learners. For auditory learners: Try recording yourself reading your notes aloud and listening back.

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3

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

It does make perfect and after all, your brain loves it! The more familiar you are with information, the easier it will be to recall during the exam. Learning the same information repeatedly activates a part in the brain called the hippocampus, which is responsible for forming long-term memories.

Test your knowledge and exam technique on as many past papers as possible.

Marking schemes are also very helpful.

They tell you exactly what examiners are looking for and what’s going to get you top marks. Visit the AQA, OCR and Edexcel websites for past papers and marking guides.

Cramming is a big no-no and a recipe for stress. The information from a session of cramming is stored in our short-term memory. Experts recommend spreading small amounts of revision over a long time, as this makes information much easier to recall.

4

EAT SMART

A nutrient-rich diet will keep your energy levels up and your stress levels down.

Fill up on memory-boosting foods high in zinc and magnesium, like spinach, nuts, and fruit. Salmon and mackerel are packed with Omega-3 fats, which also enhance memory and concentration.

Vitamin B-rich foods, like eggs, white meat, and cheese, help to combat stress, while keeping energy levels high.

When we’re feeling stressed, the lure of sugar and caffeine can be all too tempting but don’t fall into the trap. While they provide a quick energy boost, this wears off rapidly, resulting in an energy slump.

Fill up instead on wholemeal bread, quinoa, brown rice and sweet potatoes.

These release energy gradually and fuel your brain for longer.

5

GET PLENTY OF ZzZzs

Not getting enough sleep reduces memory and concentration and can also trigger depression. Studies show sleep deprivation causes our body to produce more of the stress hormone, cortisol.

Settle down at night with a warming cup of cocoa and aim for eight to nine hours of sleep during the exam period.

6

CHOOSE YOUR STUDY SPACE WISELY

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KEEPING PERSPECTIVE

It might not seem like it now but in the grand scheme of things, exams are only a small part of your future. While exams are important, admissions tutors and employers are looking for more than exam marks on your application. They also want to see a good work ethic and an eager attitude. This will shine through on the work experience and extracurricular activities sections of your CV/UCAS form.

The more relaxed you feel in your study environment, the more focused and motivated you will feel to revise.

Some find it helpful to study in a quiet room, whereas others prefer a bit of background noise. You’ll be able to organise your thoughts easily if you have plenty of room to spread out your books and notes. Hide any potential distractions (yes, smartphone and iPad!) and if the temptation is too much, ask a family member to hide them for you.

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SHARE YOUR WORRIES

If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to confide in a friend, family member or a teacher. Sharing your worries can help alleviate stress. Gaining an outside perspective is also a good way to come up with solutions for tackling your pre-exam stress.

7

TAKE A BREAK

Of all the revision “rules”, this is undoubtedly the most important.

Experts recommend following a thirtyminute study session with a ten-minute break, as this helps the brain to process the information you’re studying.

8

HAVE FAITH IN YOURSELF

For many people, exam stress stems from a lack of confidence. Avoid comparing your abilities with your friends – as tempting as it may be.

You’ve worked hard all year and if you prepare well in advance, you have no reason to doubt yourself. Have faith in your abilities. www.tmagazine.co.uk

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OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND.

Stressing over what you should have done differently after the exam isn’t going to help. Focus instead on the things you did well in and start thinking about the next exam.

Besides, if you’re all done for the year, there are more important things to worry about – like where you’ll be going for your summer holiday!

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CheapEats…

Everyone knows the importance of healthy eating but sometimes buying ten ingredients for one meal just isn’t cost effective when a large frozen pizza can stretch over two meals. Lucky for you, there’s no need to break your budget for a nutritious meal. writer Naila Ali

We’ve priced out every ingredient listed here at every high-street supermarket to bring you recipes to feed four people (or yourself, four times) for less than £7. Perfect fare for a dinner party!

Tomato and basil spaghetti e: Cooking tim

Prep: 5 mins s Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 .62 Total Cost: £5

INGREDIENTS 400g spaghetti 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 onion finely chopped 1 garlic clove finely chopped 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes Grated Parmesan, to serve (optional) 10 Basil leaves, chopped 1 tbsp. Smoked Paprika

METHOD 1 Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the spaghetti following pack instructions.

4 Pour in the chopped tomatoes, bring to the boil and bubble for about 5 minutes until thickened, stirring every so often to stop it catching on the bottom.

2 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick frying pan and cook the onions for 3-4 minutes until just starting to brown.

5 Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce.

3 Then add the garlic and smoked paprika, and cook for 1 minute more.

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6 Add the chopped basil leaves and toss again.

Serve with Parmesan, if you like.

Easy stuffed peppers INGREDIENTS 4 red peppers 2 x 250g Tilda Mediterranean Tomato Pouches of cooked rice 2 tbsp. pesto Handful pitted black olives 200g goat’s cheese, sliced

Prep: 5 mins s Cook: 10 min 4 : es Serv .39 Total Cost: £4

3 While the peppers are cooking, mix the rice together with the pesto and olives and two-thirds of the cheese.

2 Sit the peppers on a plate, cut-side up, and cook in the microwave on High for 5-6 mins until they have wilted and softened.

4 Scoop the rice into the peppers, top with the remaining goat’s cheese and continue to cook for 8-10 mins.

Once cooked serve with a sprinkle of sliced olives.

e: Cooking tim

s Prep: 10 min ins m 45 s in m 40 Cook: 4 es Serv .65 Total Cost: £6

METHOD 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

In a bowl, whisk together the Cajun seasoning, vegetable oil, lime zest and juice.

2 Toss the chips, wings and Cajun mixture together in batches, so that everything is well coated.

3 Cover a large baking sheet with foil, and then arrange the chips around the outside and the wings in the middle.

4 Season and bake for 20 mins, then turn the chips and return to the oven for a further 20-25 mins until the chips and wings are golden.

Serve with green salad, or coleslaw and ketchup. www.tmagazine.co.uk

e: Cooking tim

METHOD 1 Use a small knife to cut the top out of the peppers, and then scoop out the seeds.

Spicy oven-baked Chicken & Chips INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning 2 tbsp. vegetable oil Zest and juice 1 lime 750g large potatoes cut into chips 1kg chicken wings

RECIPES

RECIPES

Caramel Ripple Cheesecake Cups INGREDIENTS 100g amaretti biscuits 400g soft cheese 50g golden caster sugar ¼ tsp. vanilla extract 6 tbsp. Carnation caramel sauce, beaten until smooth

e: Cooking tim

s, Prep: 10 min ill ch to 2 hour Serves: 4 .91 Total Cost: £5

METHOD 1 Crush the biscuits into large crumbs and divide between 4 ramekins or small glasses.

2 In a bowl, beat the cheese with the sugar and vanilla then add 4 tbsp. of the sauce and beat until mostly incorporated but still streaked slightly.

3 Carefully spoon over the biscuits and smooth the top.

4 Spoon the rest of the caramel over the top and use a teaspoon to swirl the top of the cheese layer with the caramel. Set in the fridge for at least 2 hours but up to 2 days before serving.

Serve with a garnish of crushed amaretti biscuits.

Classic Jackets with a twist

e: Cooking tim

INGREDIENTS Prep: 5 mins, to cook 1 hr, 20 mins 4 large baking potatoes Serves: 4 2 tsp. olive oil .24 Total Cost: £6 200ml soured cream 50g cheddar cheese, grated 4 spring onions, thinly sliced METHOD 1 Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Rub a little oil over each potato and put on the top shelf of the oven.

2 Bake for 20 mins, then turn down the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5 and bake for 45 mins-1 hr until the skin is crisp and the flesh soft.

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3 Thinly slice the spring onions and grate the cheese.

4 Cut a cross on top of the potato, squeeze the sides, add a dollop of soured cream and your favourite topping.

Food for thought…

Here’s our pick of 5 places to eat out for under a fiver.

Whether you’re a local or are just visiting the city, London is far from cheap. From transport to shopping, there are countless ways to spend your hard-earned cash.

But when it comes to filling your tummy, there are great budget-friendly options available.

2. Mr Falafel Units T4-T5, New Shepherd’s Bush Market, Uxbridge Rd, London W12 Mr Falafel has featured on TV and appeared in the press, but this little falafel joint still feels like an insider’s secret. Serving up only the finest homemade falafel wraps with a selection of sauces and fresh salads. Falafels from £3.95

3. Banh Mi Bay

writer Naila Ali

4-6 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8PN This Vietnamese cafe specialises in banh mi: Vietnamese/French fusion baguettes filled with meats, pickled carrot and mooli, fresh chilli, coriander, cucumber and a range of sauces, all for £4.35. Pho noodle soups are also a delicious addition on the menu.

4. Beigel Bake 159 Brick Lane, London E1

1. The Curve

Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS Nobody knows how to eat out on a budget like students do. Affiliated with Queen Mary’s University, The Curve serves students (and the public) affordable meals from its Deli Counter, Eatery and Café Bar. Sample dishes include a £4.50 hot chilli beef and peanut salad with lemongrass dressing, roasted cherry tomato and mushroom crepes with a cheddar glaze or fish of the day All served with seasonal veg and potatoes. www.tmagazine.co.uk

The original and best bagel bar, this London institution churns out sweet/savoury rolls 24 hours a day. A bagel is 25p and you can fill it with scrummy fillings, which costs around £1.50. Midnight fix or an afternoon munch, make this your frugal fuel stop.

5. Govinda’s

Radha-Krishna Temple, 10 Soho Street, London, W1D Religious or not, everyone is welcome to eat at Govinda’s, a simple veggie/vegan cafe attached to the ISKON Radha Krishna Temple. Although the dishes are a fusion of Indian and Italian cuisine, the menu works.

Try a Paneer Burger for £3.50, Spinach Pie for £4.25 or Lasagne of the Day for £4.95.

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Ask an

Expert *HEALTH

When is it food intolerance and when is it an allergy? Here our Dear Doc clarifies the medical issues to help you sort out any trouble you might be having.

Food intolerance is also referred to as non-IgE mediated food hypersensitivity or non-allergic food hypersensitivity. With food intolerance one finds it difficult to digest certain foods, and it is totally different to food allergy. The difference lies in the fact that food allergy will trigger the body’s immune system to respond to the food allergen with histamine release, while food intolerance will not trigger a response from the immune system. With food intolerance there is usually an association of gastrointestinal symptoms. Often large amounts of the intolerant food are needed for an effect to be seen and the symptoms may only emerge several hours after food ingestion and could persist for days. This is the opposite with food allergy, which will often result in symptoms with tiny amounts of the food allergen. Most people who have food intolerance report gastrointestinal symptoms such as: bloating, abdominal spasm and pain, irritable bowel, diarrhoea, flatulence, and some extra-intestinal symptoms such as: migraine, headaches, eczema, asthma, malaise.

Different possible causes Causes are divided into pharmacological, enzymatic or undefined. Pharmacological causes are chemicals in food and drinks, such as amines in cheese, caffeine in coffee/tea/chocolate, food additives such as artificial colouring, flavouring and preservatives.

Enzymatic causes are seen when the absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest foods leads to intolerance. E.g. lactose intolerance is due to a deficiency in the lactase enzyme; either it is totally missing or an insufficient amount is present for proper digestion to take place, such that if lactose remains in the digestive tract and is not absorbed into the blood stream, it causes abdominal spasms, bloating, diarrhoea and flatulence.

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Medical doctor Dr Da Silva is here to answer your questions

To diagnose food intolerance, your doctor would need to take a detailed medical history which should include dietary and lifestyle assessment, focusing on potential food intolerance.

• If there are significant symptoms, then clinical

investigations may be initiated, such as blood test, faecal test, hydrogen and/or methane breath tests, endoscopy and radiological imaging to exclude any organic disease.

• A skin prick test could be requested to rule out any skin allergy.

• If there is no organic disease or allergy causing

the symptoms, then one could be diagnosed with a functional gastrointestinal disorder e.g. IBS or functional dyspepsia.

• To diagnose specific food intolerance there are

a limited number of tests that are clinically useful.

The gold standard test for food intolerance is food exclusion to achieve symptom improvement followed by gradual food reintroduction and subsequent symptom induction to identify intolerance. Sometimes a reduction of the food is enough to bring about improvement rather than total exclusion of food from diet, but other times an exclusion diet avoiding several dietary components may be needed.

• For diagnosing lactose deficiency, the gold

standard is the breath test. The idea is that if lactose is fermenting in the digestive tract, it is broken down to hydrogen or methane by the gut microbes and these are absorbed into the blood stream and expired via the lungs. As humans do not produce hydrogen, any detected on a breath test confirms lactose fermentation in the gut due to deficient lactase enzyme.

It is good to see your physician if you have symptoms of food intolerance, but avoidance of the offending food and improvement of symptoms can usually point you in the right direction. The problem though, is that often people can be intolerant to several groups of food, thus making it harder for doctors to determine if the symptoms are due to food intolerance or a result of chronic illness.

© 2014 THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

© VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON

time out

…chill with the best music, movies, and events

C I S U M

TOP ALBUMS

SINGLE OF THE SEASON

THE GO! TEAM ‘The Scene Between’

This song is sure to put a spring in your step. The band, well known for their technicolour melody, does not disappoint this time around. It’s the perfect tune to accompany a stroll through the city. This track is the lead single off their upcoming album with the same name. Released: 25th March

ARTISTS TO LOOK OUT FOR

JAMES BAY Chaos and the Calm

TOBIAS JESSO JR.

ALL TIME LOW Future Hearts

STRIKING MATCHES

The 24-year-old’s first album but the singer-songwriter from Hertfordshire is already enticing listeners with his gentle vocals and acoustic guitar. His soulful countertenor is reminiscent of Sam Smith but with the autumnal ruggedness of Marcus Mumford. His folk rock songs, while heartfelt and heavy in the vein of James Taylor, are sometimes refreshingly upbeat.

Released: 23rd March

Quickly becoming the hot new singer-songwriter of Canada. Having set out for Hollywood in 2007, Tobias returned to Vancouver unsuccessful but his luck has finally turned. Lead singles, “How Could You Babe” and “Hollywood” have met with huge praise, only increasing the hype around his album Goon. It’s impossible not to hear Randy Newman’s influence in these piano driven tunes.

Released: 16th March

TOURING

The indie rock band from Liverpool is on tour promoting their third album, Glitterbug (released on 6th April).

Hitting the UK, the USA and Europe, The Wombats will play all the major venues across England and Scotland, from 8th – 19th April, including Brixton Academy, Barrowlands and Manchester Academy.

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Country duo, Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis are finally releasing their first album, Nothing But Silence, which has been in the works for years. Like The Civil Wars’ energetic little brother, Striking Matches has a guitar heavy alt-country sound and reviewers are saying their long-awaited debut is set to be more rollicking than romantic with bluesy guitar.

Released: 24th March

Reviewed by Carolyn Wickware

THE WOMBATS

This veteran pop-punk band has been around since the early 2000s but lead singer Alex Gaskarth has described their sixth album as a progression on their 2012 release. The album’s lead single ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ has been compared to Yellowcard in song writing and guitar playing. Album guest stars include Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus and Joel Madden from Good Charlotte. Released: 3rd April

MUSIC

t! spotlight…

The Shires are the first UK duo to successfully bring the heart and soul of American country music to fans under British grey skies.

writer Carolyn Wickware

www.tmagazine.co.uk

F

ate and a mutual friend brought together Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes to form the UK’s most promising country band, The Shires.

When Ben posted a despondent status on Facebook searching for a country singer to duet with, Crissie’s friend tagged her in a comment. She was immediately sold on the songs Ben sent her and after meeting up the next day to record their sound, The Shires were formed.

It was only five months after their first gig in Haynes where they played their whole six-song set twice to a few families with prams, that they became the UK’s first country act to sign with a music label in Nashville, Tennessee, the home of country music. Their first album, Brave, was released in March.

British Cowboys “People have been very excited about a UK country band making a bit of movement over here because it’s about time,” says Crissie, who attributes British lack of interest in the country genre to its disconnect with British way of life. It’s not all about cowboys, line dancing and trucks any more, she says. The only thing Crissie wishes she could bring to every song is the classic country twang. “I’d love to have that twang sound. It kind of finishes the song,” she says. But Ben doesn’t seem so keen: “We don’t try to sing in an accent.” Instead, The Shires are focusing on the honest storytelling that country songs can portray.

“We just write about what we know and what’s happening to us,” says Ben. “I’ve written many bad songs where

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I’ve tried to copy another song. The best ones are always the songs you just don’t think about.” Ben cites their song “Just Want to Love You” which he wrote in 20 minutes, as an example. “It’s not very clever at all but at the time it was how I felt.”

I love music and I love art and I love good ideas and it doesn’t feel to me like there’s a clear line between them.

The duo wanted to capture what it means to be British on their new album’s tenth track, “Made in England”. “We had just come back from America and everybody out there was so proud to be American and we just thought we don’t celebrate it enough,” says Crissie. In most song writing sessions, lyrics about fish and chips wouldn’t find any approval but Ben and Crissie refuse to sacrifice what’s true to them and to the music.

Being Brave Writing their latest album took five years, which out-dates The Shires’ nearly two years together. “We got signed in February 2014 but I had about 10 or 12 songs already. We did a couple of songwriting sessions in Nashville and got the rest.”

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Ben, from Hertfordshire, is the writer of the two, having written songs for the likes of K. T. Tunstell, Matt Cardle and Newton Faulkner. Crissie, meanwhile, became a singer by trade after attending the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, specialising in session singing.

“I think it’s a really good balance,” says Ben. “Crissie really inspires me to write songs because I can hear how she is going to sing them.” But more than their work dynamic, Ben and Crissie’s vocals also seem to fit in perfect harmony.

“We’re lucky in that respect because Crissie’s voice is middling where as mine is quite high. So naturally our voices just sit well together,” he says.

The Long Road to Nashville While both musicians report singing and dancing around their living rooms as children, music as a career wasn’t a choice either of them made. “It’s just one of those things. I just am a musician.

I never decided to be one,” explains Ben. Their path to country music, however, was much more meandering.

After university, Crissie says she lost her way. “I sang so many different styles I didn’t know where exactly I fitted in. It wasn’t until I left and found out more about country music that I realised this is the route I wanted to go down,” she says, having discovered traces of the genre in her musical history. “My Gran taught me all the old country and western songs by Charlie Pride and Patsy Cline. Westlife and Ronan Keating, who brought over all the great American country songs and made them into pop music here, were a big influence as well.”

For Ben, a passion for country hit him much later, only about four years ago. Just when he was ready to give up music altogether, Ben heard Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now”. “I heard that song and it just embodied everything I wanted to do musically and lyrically. It changed my life and my songwriting,” he explains.

Country music evolved out of American folk music’s story-song tradition formed in the 1930s Depression era.

Folk music from the States is more bluesy than traditional folk music in the UK and eventually gave rise to the rock and roll movement.

Hank Williams Sr. was the most crucial country musician, influencing Elvis, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash who led the way for contemporary country musicians.

Country music on the mainstream radio today usually falls under the country-pop genre, which is where Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and now The Shires all got their starts.

PHOTO © AMY WESTNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Hearing the right song at the just right time was only the first push in a chain reaction towards their inevitable explosion into country music. “I never believed in fate personally but everything that’s happened in our journey has just felt really fateful,” he says.

Ultimately, Ben and Crissie are hoping to become the Mumford and Sons of country music, popularising the style and pushing it onto mainstream playlists. “I hope it will be us who do that for country,” says Ben. “But if it isn’t us, I’m sure someone else will.”

· · · ·

Where does Country Music come from?

www.tmagazine.co.uk

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introduces...

Maz is shifting folk music back to its heritage with her haunting lyrics and the spine-chilling traditional songs time has forgotten.

Born into a musical family, Maz began singing unaccompanied folk songs when she was thirteen. It was a casual hobby until her brother’s band, Last Orders, invited her to sing with them.

She only began writing songs when she arrived at Cambridge University and discovered classic folk music: Bob Dylan, Nick Drake and Neil Young.

If you phoned in to vote for your favourite dancers on Strictly Come Dancing or your top pick to win The Voice, you helped launch the careers of folk singer-songwriters like Maz O’Connor.

The BBC Performing Arts Fund Fellowship offers guidance and performance opportunities to performers of every kind. “I was lucky to have that year of mentoring and residency. It made a huge difference,” says Maz. Jim Moray, her artistic mentor there, later produced her first album This Willowed Light, released in July 2014.

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The Sound of Maz O’Connor Her admiration for subtly political modern artists like Kareen Polwart and Maz’s own intense well of emotion, overflow into her songs.

“I’ve just written a song about people’s reaction to Charlie Hebdo. I see it as a pretty thoughtless defence of free speech. That annoyed me.”

Dark and dramatic themes attracted Maz to the folk scene in particular.

“Pop songs are quite ephemeral.” But folk music, she says, often has a history and narrative to connect with, which is why she also performs obscure traditional songs.

She’s embracing all aspects of folk culture, even adopting the shruti box as her preferred accompaniment. The Indian instrument, originally used in meditative music for its soothing

MUSIC drone, found its way into British folk music in the early 1990s. “I like writing with it because it creates a bed of sound and then you can sing over top,” she says. “It just makes a much looser melody than if you’re sticking to chords. With guitar and piano you have to fix a rhythm, which limits you from the beginning.”

The Crazy Music Business The folk scene Maz describes is like a tightly knit family: welcoming and supportive. But the whole music business is far more unforgiving.

“I think the folk scene isn’t a place for seeking attention; it’s for transmitting messages.”

“Anybody who wants to do it because they want everyone to look at them and think they’re great won’t last very long,” says Maz. “But if you think you have something to share then it’s the best thing. Everyone should do something they love.”

The Beatles’ long rise to fame, gigging in a Hamburg club every night for a year, plays on Maz’s mind. “When I was just starting out I wanted to skip to the big stuff but people were telling me to be careful what I wish for because if these things happen and I’m not ready, I won’t get a second chance,” she says. “If I’d played WOMAD festival even six months before I did, it wouldn’t have been good. Things happen when they’re supposed to happen.”

If she ever feels astray, Maz says she reads fan mail. “I’ve had a couple of parents write to me and say ‘My daughter likes your music and it’s nice because it’s not Katy Perry’. That’s important to me.

PHOTO © ELLY LUCAS

“I’m quite into women’s rights and offering an alternative narrative to the dominant picture. Young women need people who are making proper music to look up to, not just pop stars and women who are taking their clothes off,” she says.

writer Carolyn Wickware

www.tmagazine.co.uk

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PHOTO © ALEX LAKE

S ’ R O T I ED PICKS

RAE MORRIS Who? Lancashire singer-songwriter, was offered a music deal three years ago, aged 18. She balanced gigs with college and débuted at Reading and Leeds festivals on the BBC Introducing stage. She released her single, ‘Don’t Go’, in March 2012. In 2014, aside from her own UK tour, she worked with Clean Bandit on ‘Up Again’ and opened George Ezra’s European tour.

The sound: Mixing ballads with pop and electric, she has a unique sound that emulates indie-rock. With her enchanting voice and emotive lyrics, she expresses her raw emotions with her music and beautiful piano playing.

You’ll like her if you listen to…

Lorde, Lucy Rose, Elisa Doolittle, Coldplay, Gabrielle Aplin Where have you heard her before?

She has supported Tom Odell, Noah and the Whale, Bombay Bicycle Club, featuring on their album So Long, See You Tomorrow in 2014. She performed at Glastonbury, Reading, and Leeds in 2014 and supported Paulo Nutini and the iTunes Festival.

To find out more visit: raemorris.co.uk 82

Who? Starting in a choral rock band, Anne Clark (stage name St Vincent) formed her own band in 2006. The American musician plays multiple instruments including guitar, bass and piano. Her début album, Marry me, was released in 2007. She gained notable recognition at the end of 2014 when she was nominated for the Best Alternative Music Grammy.

She toured Europe and is renowned for her music featuring on two of the Twilight films – New Moon and Breaking Dawn, Part 2.

The sound: She uses a wide array of instruments and fits comfortably in both the pop and rock genres with her edgy sound.

You’ll like her if you listen to…

Feist, Cat Power, Laura Veirs, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys Where have you heard her before?

At the season finale of Saturday Night Live (May 2014) and support act for Black Keys, Jolie Holland, and Andrew Bird. Collaborated with Bon Iver for the song in Breaking Dawn, Part 2 and is currently on her ‘Digital Witness’ tour till July, including performing at Coachella festival in America.

Out Now: St Vincent was the Guardian’s Best Album of 2014. Also available are four other albums including Love this Giant.

To find out more visit: ilovestvincent.com

HOZIER Who? Irish singer-songwriter and guitarist.

Début album Hozier, released October 2014, peaked at No.1 in Ireland and No. 2 in the US. His single, ‘Take Me to Church’ was hugely popular, peaking in the top 4 in over nine countries. Nominated for Best International Male Solo Artist at the BRIT Awards (2014), his début album was nominated for the Choice Music Prize for Irish album (2014).

The sound: Often compared to British rockers Pink Floyd, Hozier’s sound is typically soul and blues, as well as indie-rock.

His singles offer soothing, rhythmic tones in a unique composition.

You’ll like him if you listen to…

Tom Odell, James Vincent McMorrow, The Script, Jake Bugg, Paloma Faith.

Where have you heard him before?

Performed ‘Take Me to Church’ on the final of The Voice USA, nominated for the Song of the Year Grammy Award alongside Meghan Trainer and Taylor Swift. This year he will tour the US, including Coachella and the Big Guava Music Festival. Music video for ‘Take Me to Church’ gained over 75 million views on Youtube and Ed Sheeran covered it on Radio 1’s Live Lounge.

Out Now: ‘From Eden’, and ‘Arsonist’s lullaby’.

‘Hozier’ won Album of the Year at the European Border Breakers Awards.

Visit: hozier.com

Reviewed by Phillippa Owens

Out now: Unguarded, released in January includes song ‘Grow’ which features Tom Odell. She has a selection of EP’s available; most recently: ‘Closer’, ‘Cold’, and ‘Do You Even Know?’

ST VINCENT

EVENT © FOX FOTOS

PHOTO: AARON IGLER/GREENHOUSE MEDIA

S

THE OTHER ART FAIR 2015

JASON RHOADES, FOUR ROADS

The Udderbelly Festival is back for yet another year of fun in the sun.

From dance and circus acts to music, magic and laugh-out-loud comedy, there truly is something for everyone.

Just look for the upside-down purple cow, and you’ll know you are in for a good time! Ticket prices vary based on event, but most tickets are under £15.

WHERE: Southbank Centre WHEN: 9 April - 19 July VISIT: udderbelly.co.uk

Expect to see some fresh “off-the-wall” artwork at this year’s most youthful art fair. The emerging artists featured have been carefully selected by a prestigious committee of experts who view them as being the ones to watch.

Mark this spot! Tickets are free for under-16s and £7.04 for students with a valid I.D. WHERE: Victoria House WHEN: 23-26 April VISIT: theotherartfair.com

Household items take on a new life in this exhibition celebrating the work of late artist Jason Rhoades.

The pieces show off his eclectic style in a way that is truly eye-catching.

You’ll never believe how he transforms plastic buckets and power tools into a masterpiece! No tickets required.

WHERE: Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead WHEN: 6 March - 31 May VISIT: balticmill.com

Reviewed by Shaquilla Alexander

© VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON

PHOTO: BETHANY CLARKE..© RHS MEDIA IMAGE COLLECTION

UDDERBELLY FESTIVAL 2015

LONDON PET SHOW

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

SHOES: PLEASURE AND PAIN

This fur-filled fair is aimed at both pet-owners and owners-to-be. Visitors can meet breeders and get advice on training for a variety of furry friends. Listen to Channel 4 vet Noel Fitzpatrick for tips on how to care for your pet. Keep an eye out for the popular events: live rabbit show jumping, doggy dancing and duck herding.

WHERE: ExCel London WHEN: 9 - 10 May 2015 VISIT: londonpetshow.co.uk

What would Spring be without flowers! This is one of our favourite events to go to here at t!, and if previous shows are anything to go by, this year’s show is bound to feature fabulous colours and whimsical designs. Look out for the show garden created by Prince Harry’s charity, Sentebale. Tickets starting from £30.

WHERE: Royal Hospital Chelsea WHEN: 19 - 23 May VISIT: www.rhs.org.uk

Plenty has changed over the years but it would seem that our extreme choices in footwear have stood the test of time. There over 200 pairs of painfully fascinating shoes ranging from tiny gold sandals from ancient Egypt to contemporary stilettos.

What’s most fascinating are the stories behind them. No tickets required.

WHERE: Victoria and Albert Museum WHEN: 13 June - 31 Jan 2016 VISIT: vam.ac.uk

www.tmagazine.co.uk

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S K O BO

QUEEN OF CRAFTS

by Jazz Domino Holly If you want to make do and mend you need a good crafting manual.

Luckily for us, Jazz Domino Holly, founder of the Shoreditch Sisters Women Institute, has written a guide to knitting, sewing, quilting, baking, preserving and kitchen gardening.

In it she instructs you on how to knit scarves and blankets, sew a crafting bag, make a patchwork quilt, bake cakes and biscuits, make jam and chutney, set up a herb garden and make your own face masks and lip gloss. She even has a section on make do and mend. What more could you need?

MAKE DO AND MEND

by Summersdale Publishers

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HOW TO LIVE ON £10 A WEEK:

35 Beautiful projects made from recycled materials

Take the tenner week challenge

by Linda Peterson

by Penny Golightly

While slightly bonkers, this rather ingenious book demonstrates how you can breathe new life into items that would otherwise be destined for the recycling bin. Linda Peterson uses ring pulls from drink cans to create belts, earrings, brooches and even a rather pretty crochet bag. She takes bicycle inner tubes and transforms them into tassel earrings, a big floral ring and a chunky cuff bracelet. Each of the 35 projects has clear step-bystep instructions with photographs to guide you through the process. And at the end of it, you can be sure you will have a truly unique piece of art.

MEND IT BETTER Creative patching, darning and stitching

by Kristin M Roach Don’t throw away that old skirt. Mend it better. Kristin Roach shows you how to transform a flaw into a feature.

Using appliqués, patches, brightly coloured accents and intricate lace details, she shows you how to repair, upgrade and preserve your clothes.

Kristin teaches you the main types of hand stitches, how to patch, how to fix seams and hems, how to darn and deal with zippers and fasteners…and a lot more. All these techniques are brought to life with lots of examples of her own work and those of other skilled craft bloggers. With Kristin’s advice, every fabric repair is transformed into a work of art.

Could you live on £10 a week? Penny Golightly knows you can and has evidence to prove it. Since 2009 she has been running the £10 a week challenge on www.pennygolightly. com. Over the years she has accumulated a veritable bank of money-saving tips based on her own experience and that of other thrifty site users. In this small book Penny shares practical advice on how to eat healthily, avoid waste, keep fit and have fun on a tight budget. She even includes useful resources. Sound good?

So what are you waiting for? Go on, take up the challenge.

RECRAFT How to turn second-hand stuff into beautiful things for your home, family and friends

by Sara Duchars and Sarah Marks Did you know you could make funky jewellery from a stash of old buttons? Or a practical satchel from an old tweed jacket? Or a decorative bowl from a wonky old record? Sara Duchars and Sarah Marks are full of ideas of how to repurpose everyday items from unwanted junk into soft toys, jewellery, aprons, bags, cushions, draft excluders…you name it. They have made a successful business out of these skills so they are brimming with ideas. With about 40 step-by-step projects, this book is packed with really simple, easy-to-make items for you, your family and friends.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Walker

Did you know that you can make your old shoes sparkle by rubbing them with a slice of raw potato, then polishing them with a cloth? Or that running a pencil lead up and down a stuck zip will liberate it? Or adding a teaspoon of pepper to your colour wash will keep colours bright and prevent runs? Combining traditional wisdom with the new and unusual, this little book is packed full of handy hints on mending, cleaning, upcycling, entertaining, decorating and gardening that will save you time, money and energy. A great book to help you make do and mend.

UPCYCLED JEWELRY, BAGS, BELTS AND MORE

© 2014 THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

DVDS

THE GIVER 12A

A perfect world where everyone is happy, no-one complains. Feelings and emotions are considered an evil for which there is a remedy: an injection taken every morning. Everyone receives their role in life on their 18th birthday. Jonas is chosen to be ‘Receiver of Memories’ and is trained by an old man: ‘the Giver’, who gives Jonas memories of the ‘real’ world that is hidden from the community. Jonas learns about true love, the meaning of family, the meaning of pain, war, and all the unhappy truths the world holds. When he realises that his community is false, he faces difficult choices.

THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2 12A Spiderman is back for yet another action-packed adventure, loosely based on the original Marvel comic books of the same name. A misunderstanding turns friends into enemies and the consequences could be disastrous for the people Spiderman swore to protect. Behind all the action and plot-twists, this is a story of love, friendship, and how circumstances can influence the kind of people we become.

Expect to see stellar performances from villains Jamie Foxx and Dane DeHaan. Those who enjoyed the Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone on-screen love story in the first film will certainly enjoy seeing them again in the sequel!

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL PG

THE HOBBIT TRILOGY 12

Based on a true story and book. Todd is a preacher and father of Colton, who becomes gravely ill. In the operating theatre Colton has a near death experience and claims to have visited Heaven. Todd and his wife Sonja have to make sense of what their son tells them about this experience. He recounts the details of his amazing journey with childlike innocence, speaking in a matter-of-fact way about things he learned, things that happened to his family before he was born and therefore couldn’t possibly know. Todd, Sonja and the whole family are challenged to understand what is going on… www.tmagazine.co.uk

Reviewed by Shaquilla Alexander

Three epic fantasy adventure films directed by Peter Jackson based on the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.

An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Desolation of Smaug (2013), and The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) are set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings”. The adventure begins with Bilbo Baggins, who finds himself joining a company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.

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SHOULD IT STAY OR Spring has rolled around again, meaning it’s time to address the overflowing drawers and lack of coat hangers. That’s right, it’s time for the annual wardrobe clear out. But if the very mention of the dreaded closet declutter makes you want to retreat under piles of laddered tights and old jeans, never fear! We’ve devised this simple guide to solve your sorting dilemmas.

writer Kate Brockie

Is it stained, torn or broken?

YES

Can it be fixed?

NO

YES

NO

NO Have you worn it recently?

Does it fit?

YES

YES

Will you wear it once it is in good repair?

YES

NO

NO YES Can it be altered to fit you?

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NO

Can you upcycle it into something you would wear?

NO YES

SHOULD IT GO? Toss It: Just because something’s

Can you reuse the materials?

NO YES

YES Is it underwear?

unwearable doesn’t mean it has to meet its fate in landfill. Prevent unnecessary waste by taking your rejects to a textile-recycling bank where they’ll be given a second lease of life.

Your old socks might end up being recycled as mattress filling!

Donate It: As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure; so if a garment just isn’t you anymore, pass it on to someone else who will love it. Once you’ve made sure they’re clean and in good condition, drop your unwanted clothes off at a local charity shop.

NO Rework It: Can you crop it? Dye it?

Embellish it? Revamp your old garb into new, unique garments. If that hideous sequin dress you wore to the year six disco, which has been sitting idly in your drawers ever since, would look better as a cushion, then what are you waiting for? Let’s get creative!

Hang It: Your favourite clothes have earned their place back on their hangers, but storing out of season clothes elsewhere is a great way to save space. Although we admire your optimism for keeping your beachwear close to hand, we can trust the British weather to ensure you won’t be needing it for a while. www.tmagazine.co.uk

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The Importance Being Political

Politics isn’t as complicated as it seems and with a general election around the corner there has never been a better time to dive into political awareness. writer Carolyn Wickware

Tuition

P

olitical awareness doesn’t arrive as a wrapped gift on your 18th birthday.

It’s worth getting started early. To quote Hillel the Elder, a Jewish scholar (famously paraphrased by both Mikhail Gorbachev and Emma Watson):

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And when I am for myself, what am ‘I’?

And if not now, when?”

Granted: Politics is a dauntingly “grownup” topic – even for some adults. There are plenty of reasons why many of us avoid the dreaded subject. First, just getting started on understanding the issues can be a monumental task. It’s as if politicians are speaking a different language from the rest of us.

Some people would also say political views are private. Besides, words like “devolution”, “austerity” and “systemic discrimination” hardly add fuel to a conversation.

The final reason, and most common among teenagers, is to say you’re “too young”.

Age doesn’t matter! There are many issues at the front of political discussion concerning teenagers. Here are just three: 88

University fees have made headlines ever since swathes of students protested against politicians trebling the cost of tuition after the last general election. Since then, the debate hasn’t subsided and Nick Clegg hasn’t stopped apologising.

On tuition fees, the Lib Dem party says this time around, they won’t make promises they can’t keep.

Labour, however, may pledge to cut fees from £9,000 to £6,000, while the Conservative party is staying silent on whether or not they will allow fees to rise.

To rise or not to rise…

Internships

London has been described as the unpaid internship capital of Europe with roughly 100,000 of such placements available in 2010. Labour says thousands of capable young people are “locked out” of professions because they can’t afford to work for free, so the party is promising to ban unpaid internships lasting longer than four weeks. A vast majority of MPs voted in favour of this ban when Conservative MP Alec Shelbrooke presented it to the House of Commons earlier this year. The Lib Dems, however, say specific legislation against unpaid internships wouldn’t help.

“Thousands of capable young people are “locked out” of professions because they can’t afford to work for free”

Jobs

Local government reports are saying that 2.46 million 16-to-24-year-olds in England and Wales are either underemployed (want to work more hours), or unemployed.

Labour says they will guarantee a real, paid, starter job to every 18 to 24 year old who has been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for more than a year. The Conservatives offer some tough love as they promise to withdraw housing benefits and jobseeker’s allowance from young people who unreasonably refuse work, making it harder to live on benefits. Lib Dems have no clear remedial plan for youth unemployment.

Even if some or all of these issues don’t affect you now, they probably will before the next general election in 2020. This is partly why the Labour Party, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party want to lower the voting age to 16-years-old.

But just like any political notion, the argument has two sides.

www.tmagazine.co.uk

Too Young to Vote?

CULTU CORNREE R

The question of whether the UK’s voting age should be lowered has been a hot topic for over a decade. In 2004, following a 12-month review of voting and candidacy ages, the Electoral Commission recommended that the voting age remain at 18-years-old. Both the Labour and Conservative parties followed the Commission’s lead by ruling out a change.

However, politicians are rethinking that decision after seeing the huge voter turnout from under-18s in Scotland’s independence referendum. The BBC reported that 84% of 16 and 17 year olds voted last September. While the under-18 vote is set to stay in Scotland, young people in the rest of the country might have to wait until after 7 May.

What do you think?

Here’s a break down of the debate for and against lowering the voting age, so you can decide yourself.

Lower the voting age to 16

Let’s keep the voting at 18

• 16-year-olds can legally leave home, leave school, work full-time, pay tax, get married, join the army and drive, so why not vote?

• 16 year olds have no life or work experience on which to base any political decision.

• Lowering the voting age will help young people engage better with politics and society.

• It would force politicians to listen to young people and consider issues that affect them every day, like tuition fees, bullying, transport, local activities and educational support.

• Most 16-17 year olds are not politically engaged enough to make an educated and considered political judgment.

• While some issues affect children more, everyone over 18 was young once and therefore understands these issues.

• It would show young people that society values them and their opinions, encouraging them to be responsible for their actions.

• Lowering the right to vote would result in a ‘dumbing down’ of politics, unless education on voting systems and political issues is made compulsory in secondary schools.

• It would increase voter turnout at elections, which has fallen over the last 50 years.

• Young people are statistically least likely to vote, so lowering the voting age would make voter turnouts even lower still.

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ELEMENTAL FURNITURE

Elemental, an East London furniture shop, specialises in sympathetically restoring antiques and vintage furniture, and is full of retro goodies from all times and places. By following sympathetic restoration, the shop’s aim is to express the history of the piece whilst adding a contemporary twist to creatively transform and recycle forgotten products. From marching drum sets to ceramic teapots to vintage chandeliers, Elemental provides timeless furnishings to revamp your room. With two large floors to browse and explore, you are bound to find a cutting edge masterpiece to your taste. The before and after photographs online show the process of revamping and could offer ideas and inspiration for your own home projects. Elemental has a fantastic reputation and if you’re curious, take a look at their online blog or go to see for yourself the artistic methods of recycling old furniture. www.elemental.uk.com 30 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6JE

THE OLD SCHOOL CLUB

The Old School Club is the perfect place to polish ‘make do & mending’ skills. They offer courses and workshops on a huge range of all things crafty, including upcycling old furniture and reworking unwanted clothes. Getting involved is a fantastic way to enhance your creativity, have your own quiet area to focus on designs, and to share your skills with others. The classes range from making statement necklaces to upholstery to dressmaking.

The Old School Club can inspire your artistic flair and you can work towards creating handmade personalised gifts. The DIY projects are extremely popular with all ages, in particular for mothers, youngsters and families. If you’re feeling in need of an artistic boost then I encourage you to visit The Old School Club not only as a creative inspiration but as a social hub for like-minded individuals. www.theoldschoolclub.co.uk Battersea Business Centre, 99-109 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5QL

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CUA LTBU ORUET CO TO RN WEN R

MARY’S LIVING AND GIVING SHOPS

This is not your usual chain of charity shops. The Mary’s Living & Giving Shops scattered throughout London offer a luxury alternative to other high street regulars. Instead of £5 dresses, you’ll find designer labels with reduced price tags, works of art and home accessories all donated from nearby residents. Each charity boutique, designed by local artisans, is community run by volunteers, giving every shop a unique vibe.

Your money from a Living & Giving purchase goes straight to Save the Children, a charity that helps children in 120 countries worldwide. Queen of Shops, Mary Portas devised the Living & Giving charity concept in 2009, knowing that 75% of women have 14 items of clothing that have never seen the light of day. Shopping here is a fantastic way to help the world’s most vulnerable children and freshen up your wardrobe at the same time! www.maryportas.com/ livingandgiving

CAFÉ VINTAGE

Vintage boutique meets bijou eatery. Café Vintage combines good coffee, delicious cakes and second hand shopping - what more could you want? The quirky store gives you the chance to join your love of fashion and food, as well as having a selection of vintage jewellery and toys to browse. It is the perfect place to enjoy lunch and they offer a variety of options including pasta, BLT sandwiches and soups. You can appreciate the lovely window displays, concentrate on work on your laptop or read the newspapers/magazines left out for your enjoyment. If you’re looking for unusual items of clothing, the café is also a paradise for indie fashion lovers. There is a selection of scarves and shoes as well as clothing which can range from wartime era to 80’s and 90’s styles. Retro-influences extend not only to the clothes but also the array of cakes and food! www.cafevintage.co.uk 88 Mountgrove Road London N5 2LT

writer Philippa Owens www.tmagazine.co.uk

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Y A W A GET IDE GU

The Weekend: Despite its heartbreaking history during WW2 and the Cold War, Berlin has now transformed into a modern, vibrant, and youthful travel destination. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history, food or just having a good time, a trip to the other city that never sleeps is a definite must!

It only takes a couple of hours to travel there by plane from London.

The time difference is an hour - so no jet-lagged feeling when you get there and nothing stopping you from heading straight out to sightsee!

Getting around the city is made simple thanks to the easily accessible underground train system also known as the U-Bahn. writer Shaquilla Alexander

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The Architecture

Berlin

Berlin boasts an incredible mixture of cutting-edge modern buildings and historical landmarks juxtaposed to create a lovely blend of old and new.

This couldn’t be more true than in the city centre Mitte. While you are there, be sure to visit the TV Tower, a modern tower that offers a wonderful view from over 200 metres above the city. If historical landmarks are more your thing you don’t have to walk very far to see the Marienkirche also known as St. Mary’s Church. The church, constructed in the early 14th century, survived extensive damage during World War II and was later restored to preserve its original artwork. Artwork from nearby destroyed churches is also preserved here.

The Food

Feeling hungry? There is truly something for everyone, with options ranging from local street food stands to internationally known fast-food restaurants scattered all over the city. If you are willing to give local food a try, have some currywurst or schnitzel. Meat of every kind is featured prominently on most menus, but vegetarians need not worry as there are other tasty choices on offer including falafel.

“Take some time to wander around on foot…”

A Day In Berlin The Culture and Lifestyle Amazing street art around nearly every corner will remind you just how youthful and lively a place this is. You can see people walking dogs and riding bikes in the morning sunlight. But the real lights shine at night! Berlin comes alive at night, with streets lit up and buzzing from parties. Events going on literally all night long. If you are visiting over the next couple of months, you’ll be able to see two of its largest festivals: the Lange Nacht der Museen in May, where museums are open late into the night, and Fête de la Musique (Music Festival) in June.

The History Its war history also means that the city is littered with fascinating references to its past. Take some time to wander around on foot and before you know it you will be greeted by bits of the Berlin Wall scattered around the city. Head towards Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and you will see what is now known as the East Side Gallery. The 1.3km section of wall showcases 105 paintings from the 1990s that once used to only be visible from the East Side of the Berlin Wall.

Start the day off right at Chipps for a big Berlin breakfast. From fried eggs and sausage to waffles with blueberries and whipped cream, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Take the U-Bahn and visit the sites, including Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building which are all within walking distance from the Potsdamer Platz train station. On the way towards the station lies the Memorial to those who died during the Holocaust. Not only is it moving, but its impressive construction shows modern architecture at its finest.

Go on, do some shopping while you are out! Visit the Alexa shopping centre near Alexanderplatz for plenty of familiar stores and local gems.

When you need a break from shopping, pass by the Berlin Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo offers the largest range of species in the world so there is never a shortage of things to see!

After a couple of hours, why not end the day enjoying some food and a film at the massive DelphiFilmpalast cinema? Don’t worry, just like most places in the city, they’re also open late!

www.tmagazine.co.uk

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GOINEGAR GAP Y

ADVENTURES IN UGANDA... ...Buziga Sometimes we're very lucky to be taken out of our comfort zone. To experience new life and new culture in a different country. But I think travelling alone doesn't give you this.

When you have the opportunity, as in a gap year, it's great to be able not just to visit, but to live and to work in a different country and to make new friends along the way. writer Carla Sayer

Reality check...

I went to Kampala, the capital city of Uganda for three weeks with a group of other girls from different parts of the UK. We were a very young, girly, enthusiastic team made up of different beliefs, backgrounds, and trajectories in life. We didn’t have much experience between us but that didn’t faze us. We came together to work in a small primary school on the outskirts of Kampala called ‘Buziga Hill’. Far from home.

It was during the time of the Olympics in London but we were miles away from the glitz and the glamour; running around with the children, taking revision classes as our visit coincided with some important exams, and trying to make learning fun for students who are usually crammed into overcrowded rooms and used to hours upon hours of ‘chalk and talk’ teaching.

94

“The best

attitude to have is an open heart and an open mind. Be honest with yourself about what you are capable of doing.”

At school, the children really were great, they were so thrilled to have foreign teachers, and enjoyed the variety of activities we planned for them. In English, where I was placed, we held a competition, we read poetry and sang to encourage them to use English and improve their pronunciation. When we weren’t giving lessons in the school we visited some of the poorest pupils to see how they lived and meet their families, as well as offer some small items for children such as stationery, toys, and clothes. I was upset to see the poor conditions people lived in, it’s very different from what we’re used to. What remains with me, though, is not the poverty, but the energy, hospitality, and kindness of the people we met in and around Buziga Hill.

FACTS Population: 34 million

Planning...

However much you imagine or plan a project, things will always surprise you – for better or for worse. A perfect lesson plan in the UK doesn’t mean a perfect lesson in Kampala!

It could often be challenging getting classes going or motivating students to speak at all. The few resources, mixed classes, heat, and foreign surroundings were difficult. As a group we bonded exceptionally well and we were not cliquey which was fantastic.

Three years on, I’m still in touch with some of the girls, including a Kenyan and a Ugandan girl I met in Kampala.

Working as a team made challenges surmountable. The best attitude to have is an open heart and an open mind. Be honest with yourself about what you are capable of doing.

We were busy and far from home, but we did manage to keep track of the London 2012 Olympics through local press, and the country went wild as Stephen Kiprotich won gold in the Men’s Marathon, against the mighty Kenyans.

No regrets, just go for it!

It was easily one of the best things I did that year, and I wouldn’t mind doing it all over again. You probably have preconceptions about life in Africa, and I invite you to go and volunteer to find out more about the real countries, and the real people. Don’t judge things before you’ve tried them! The brilliant thing about a gap year is it gives you time to experiment and try out new things away from the familiar everyday life, building professional skills and offering a radically different perspective on life. My only advice would be: go for it and be prepared to make loads of new friends along the way!

Neighbouring Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan Education: Most major schools were formerly built and run by Church organisations, including the Church of Uganda and the Catholic Church on land owned as such. Of late (circa 2013), many privately run and privately built for-profit schools have been established (source: wiki) Languages: English (official national language), Luganda, Swahili and many minor tribal languages Climate: The climate is tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August). Average daily temperatures rarely exceed 29 Celsius (84 F) (travel website) Biggest natural landmark: Lake Victoria Development issues: Water and sanitation – with 24 million not having access to proper sanitation facilities, and 9 million without safe drinking water (source Wateraid) Gained independence from the UK: 1962.

Human Development index: 164th 2012 Olympics claim to fame: 50th (BBC news) With a Gold Medal for the Men’s Marathon won by Stephen Kiprotich.

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HOW TO MAKE A

CORSAGE MATERIALS • Thread • Needle (size 5-7) • Fabric (preferably silk and lace) • Beads/buttons • Scissors • Dressing pins • Overlocking machine (optional)

1

Cut a strip of stiff silk and lace (or the material of your choice) that is 4cm wide by 70cm. If you have an overlocker, overlock the entire edge.

2 3 4

Stitch the two strips of fabric together loosely around the edge.

5 6

Sew the beads or a unique button onto the centre of the corsage.

Pleat the strip of fabric at one edge and use a pin to secure it.

Thread the needle and remove the pin from the edge of the pleat.

Secure/tack the pleats by sewing the pleats together.

Sew the corsage pin or safety pin onto the back of the corsage.

writer Ada Anoje

The place to find shops, services, and links you may like to visit.

www.hannaonline.org

@hannawebsite

The internet is such a vast place, yet many voices remain unheard. In Summer 2014, Hanna launched: a new site aimed at female teens and young women, providing a platform for them to be seen and heard.

Whatever you’re interested in, we want to hear about it; our aim is to challenge and change the one-way dialogue that’s currently flowing between mainstream publications and its readers.

Email editor@hannaonline.org with your ideas and we’ll make it happen.

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TAMEZIN MEDIA TRUST inspiring young women!

Our core philosophy is to engage with notions of making positive changes in the community through focusing on what young women are looking for: thinking about careers, developing their skills and pursuing personal interests.

our projects now: half-term workshops on journalism • producing a quarterly magazine, t! magazine • workshops in schools • internships The charity fulfils a vital role in providing young women and girls with opportunities to gain employable skills, knowledge, resilience, and confidence. Through our activities they flourish personally, contribute and make positive changes in their communities.

UK registered charity no: 1144875

To register interest in any of our projects, and sponsorship opportunities,

visit: www.tamezinmedia.org

Real life articles on what teens really care about Leave the junk behind! trends • topics top form • time-out

FREE DOWNLOAD: www.tmagazine.co.uk t!magazine is a project of Tamezin Media Trust, registered UK charity 1144875 • www.tamezinmedia.org