Trend Jun / Jul 2020

AFTERNOON TEA DELICIOUSLY EASY RECIPES TO TRY AT HOME

A good yarn

Why everyone’s taking up knitting

MAINLY STAYING IN?

Our suggestions for having a great time STARTING A BLOG Advice from blog queen Natbees

Making the most of the new normal

ADVERTISEMENTS | 3

varicose veins at the Aberdeen Clinic

“I am overjoyed with the results. All the unsightly veins have gone and I no longer feel self-conscious wearing shorts.”

P

atient experiences like this are now common after modern minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins but were unheard of just a few years ago when treatment was limited to surgery and support stockings Between 1 in 3 to 1 in 4 adults in the UK have varicose veins. They are more common with certain conditions and almost half of all pregnant women will develop varicose veins.

Varicose veins can cause your legs to ache and interfere with the things that you enjoy doing like running and exercise in general.

For many the appearance of varicose veins or spider veins can also look unsightly and make you feel self-conscious about baring your legs during the summer months.

Mr. Stuart Suttie, Consultant at the Aberdeen Clinic says ‘Varicose veins are amongst the commonest reasons patients come to see me. We are able to treat varicose veins with minimally invasive techniques such

as radiofrequency ablation and ultrasound guided injection of foam. These techniques have revolutionised the recovery from varicose vein treatment.’

Despite the fact that so many people have varicose veins they receive little in the way of medical attention due to many NHS organisations now only treating the 10% of cases which would be regarded as medically significant i.e. skin changes and signs of chronic venous insufficiency.

The multi-disciplinary team at the Aberdeen Clinic is expert at helping patients select the optimal treatment for their varicose veins.

After a one stop assessment your Consultant will discuss the results of your scan and tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.

You can then benefit from a walk-in-walk-out treatment delivered by your specialist consultant at the Aberdeen Clinic. As a result varicose vein problems can be a thing of the past after a simple cost effective out-patient procedure.

Tel: 0333 0143 488 theaberdeenclinic.co.uk

Dear Guests, We have missed you all during this unprecedented time and look forward to welcoming you back when we can. We know you will have lots of family celebrations and get togethers to plan and we look forward to assisting you.

Our staff at the hotel, restaurant and spa will be ready to greet you whether it be for a relaxing massage, afternoon tea on the patio or a longawaited night away from your own home.

In the meantime, stay safe and we will hopefully see you soon.

Stewart Spence and the Marcliffe Team

The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, North Deeside Road, Pitfodels, Aberdeen AB15 9YA T: 01224 861000 E: enquiries@marcliffe.com W. www.marcliffe.com

The new healthcare reality @ROC The Covid19 Pandemic may have changed the way health will be managed in UK for ever. Patients, employers &and employees, and healthcare facilities all have different concerns at present, and a surge in future demand for all else but Covid screening and treatments is predicted.

The health team @ROC is here to support you in any concerns you may have. Indeed, our further development to commence 1st July shall look at catering for your future diagnostic and secondary treatment health needs.

Considering Covid 19 Testing?

From regulations to recommendations, news on COVID-19 testing comes at a constant rate. More so, with a variety of tests available across UK,

what should you make out of it?

stays a Covid19 free environment.

Our medical team keeps itself abreast of all developments.

Contact us for our latest information brochures.

• PPE is in place for all • We have enhanced screening protocols for anyone attending the clinic being a patient or a courier.

• We have enhanced clinical cleaning protocols

Can I see a doctor for a non-Covid 19 health concern?

ROC Clinic provides consultations in line with government recommendations. Face to face consultations, tests and scans are available, in most cases on the same day.

How Safe is to attend ROC Clinic All our staff are part of a weekly Covid 19 screening process, and we put all our effort in ensuring our clinic Westhill Business Park, Peregrine Road, Westhill AB32 6JL rocprivateclinic.com

Covid19 @ROC Dedicated Contact & Enquiry Line Email: covid19@rochealthservices.com Tel: 02037 946929 General Appointments & Enquiry Line.

We provide consultations in line with government recommendations.

Email: aberdeen@rochealthservices.com Tel: 01224 515254

6 | CONTENTS

FASHION

Splendid Isolation: at home with our models 26 Coastal colours: bright and breezy looks 34 Men: The most wearable summer styles 36

10 58

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FOOD & DRINK

Afternoon Tea? Recipes from our favourite places 38 Ask the Chef: Craig Wilson spices things up 43

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

Fantasy travel: so where would you go? 64 Get blogging with Travel blogger Anastasia Fountouli 67 And the winner is. . . were you one of the lucky ones? 73

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

10 Gym kit: What to buy to get back in shape 20 Sun-kissed skin: the best of Self-tan & SPF products 70 Meet Graeme Kinghorn, charity trustee for MHA

KIDS, ART, & CULTURE

08 Make the most of being stuck at home 58 A good yarn: getting started with knitting & crochet 60 Outside, now! Outdoor play ideas to keep them happy

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HOMES & GARDENS

46 Home office: workspaces worth having 52 Kirsty McLean on gardening with kids

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ADVERTISEMENTS WELCOME | 7

ISSUE N0. 76 | JUN/JUL 20

FROM THE

EDITOR Hello again, This is not a normal issue of Trend, but then the past couple of months have been anything but normal. There’s been a slight lifting of restrictions and hopefully things will ease as infection rates go down and more shops and facilities open up. Social distancing and other restrictions means we’ve had to be innovative. As well as features like Fantasy Travel and in home photoshoots from some of our models, this issue will be mainly digital as this allows us to update things as the situation changes.

We’d like to give a special mention to those stores, restaurants and cafes that helped distribute our last issue. Mains of Drum Garden Centre, M&S Westhill, ORKA Artisan Café, Blether, Eden Flowers, The Dutch Mill, Chattan Quality Meats, JK Fine Foods, The Corner Tree Café, Fountainhall Wines, The Jewel in the Crown, and Hammerton Store. Thank you all so much.

Two things have come out of this situation that offer continued hope that the people and businesses in our corner of the world will triumph over this adversity and the inevitable economic downturn that looks set to follow.

The first of these is our adaptability. The way people faced the impact that the lockdown had on their work, their families, their livelihoods and their communities and very quickly adapted to new ways of working, new ways of communicating and new ways of doing business was awe-inspiring. It might have been messy, it might have been less polished, it might have been accomplished to a backdrop of screaming children pulling each other’s hair while video-chatting with Granny and cats that thought their butts improved Zoom meetings with the CEO, but it worked.

The second of these, and perhaps the more important, was the huge outflowing of kindness and concern that people showed for their neighbours and those who needed some extra help and support. Simple things that helped lift the spirits and bring people together. It might just have been a chat over the phone, doing a bit of shopping or lending a hand in some other way, but it made us more of a community. We may be in isolation, but we’re not alone.

PUBLISHED BY TREND PRODUCTIONS LTD PO Box 11858, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire AB39 9AN +44 (0)1224 596223 info@trendmagazine.co.uk trendmagazine.co.uk

DIRECTOR Gill Buyers gill@trendmagazine.co.uk EDITOR Alison Daniels alison@trendmagazine.co.uk ADVERTISING Clare Findlay clare@trendmagazine.co.uk DESIGN Lisa Thompson lisa@trendmagazine.co.uk ACCOUNTS Jill Walker jwalker@trendmagazine.co.uk PRINT Stephens & George Print Group

Contributors Newsline Media, Kirsty McLean, Shanay Taylor, Rachael Buyers, Kirsty Buyers

On the Cover A huge thank you goes out to our photographers and models who made the fashion pages possible by doing FaceTime shoots, we hope you like the results.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Donna Murray | donnamurrayphotography.com Susan Renee | susanrenee.co.uk Charlotte Kinsella | charlottekinsella.com COVER IMAGE

Sophie Dryden

Stay safe, MODELS

Everyone at Trend

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Prices are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change. Trend cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions by contributors in the magazine may not represent the views of the publisher.

Trend Productions Ltd takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers in this publication. T&Cs apply to all competitions & offers.

Katie Taylor, Jessica Gomez-Banderas, Stephanie Wood & Rebecca Favero all Premiere Productions Keara Blackhall, Sophie Dryden, Solveiga Baltusyte & Eleanor Fyfe.

8 | STAYING IN

e s u re a e c h e w b Just n’t go any a you c mean you ’t n s e o d ea v a h can’t me. . . ti d o o g Shut out the world.

Treat yourself to a long bubble bath with some scented candles.

Organise a fancy dress party for the kids and their friends on Zoom.

Go on a virtual citybreak.

Use Streetview to have a look round a city you’ve never visited, wander a museum, cook a local delicacy for dinner, and try the local wine.

Barcelona, anyone?

Water balloon fight.

Outside.

Make birthday cards for friends and relatives with birthdays coming up soon. Sentiment trumps artistic talent.

Sing along to the DVD of Mamma Mia, or the musical of your choice.

Cocktails? Orchid will deliver, check orchidaberdeen.com for the menu and delivery zone.

Join a live wine tasting, or organise an online one with friends.

Grab the popcorn and have a cheesy movie night. Bad Rom Coms, 80’s teen classics or anything Richard Curtis has a hand in works well.

See a show on YouTube.

Have a picnic lunch in the garden or inside.

Blanket fort. Yes, even if you’re a grown up.

Create your own family board game.

Make your own short film.

You’ll need everything from a script to costumes before filming. Hold a world premier with a red crepe paper carpet and invite the grandparents watch.

Paint your toenails in a rainbow of colours or let your children or other half do your makeup.

Dress for dinner.

10 | HEALTH

l part a t i v a ise is Exerc ing well both y. ll p of kee and physica lly menta

Š Shutterstock: Evgeny Atamanenko

HEALTH | 11

Even when the gym’s off limits, there are plenty of ways to work out effectively at home. Social media gives us direct access to so some of the world’s top trainers, whether you prefer yoga or something more strenuous. Investing in a few bits of kit can help take your workouts to the next level. Here’s our pick of the best home gym kit...

Yoga mat If you have hard floors, this is an essential for bodyweight work, as well as stretching, Pilates and Yoga.

Look for one with a durable, cushioned and non-slip surface. It also prevents us sweating over our carpets and shaggy rugs – double bonus!

Skipping rope Skipping confers the same cardio benefits as running but in less time which is why it’s top of our home gym essential list. Skipping challenges your balance and coordination and goes easier on your joints than a distance run does. A basic rope will set you back roughly £8 for a fun cardio workout. You won’t even realise how hard you’ve been working!

Resistance bands Resistance bands are really cheap, generally ranging from £3 – 12 per band or for a set of bands. They are ideal for yoga and at-home HIIT workouts but also to take to the gym when lockdown is over.

Resistance bands exert force on your muscles when stretched and can increase mobility and flexibility.

You can use them to help you improve your form in yoga asanas or assist in stretching that little bit further.

Suspension trainer Suspension trainers are straps with padded handles that can be attached to something sturdy. It allows you to use your body weight in a huge variety of angles and exercises. You can perform a full body resistance workout in a limited space, and

it will fit in a drawer when you’re done. The TRX training system is the best known, but there are competitor brands from about £15 upwards to around £150. Make sure before you purchase your suspension trainer that you have a sturdy anchor point for the ropes, e.g. a door, tree branch or ceiling beam that can take the weight.

Hand weights Dumbbells are of the most popular and arguably the most versatile of free weight purchases. They’re cheap, and they’re usually adjustable so you can change the weight as you build strength. Dumbbells are a fantastic piece of kit to have if you’re looking to build muscle and tone up. There are hundreds of exercises you can do with a pair of dumbbells, including clean and press, bicep curls, chest presses, squats, deadlifts, renegade rows, tricep kickbacks - the list is endless!

Rowing Machine So far, our choices have been small bits of kit that can easily be stowed away, but if space is not an issue, then consider buying a rowing machine.

Rowing is a great way to improve your core and your upper body strength while engaging in low-impact, highintensity cardio - It's truly a fantastic calorie-burning exercise! Decent rowing machines cost around £900, but basic models are available for around £100, or they do pop up regularly on Gumtree or local sales sites if you can collect in a sociallydistanced way. If you have the space and want a full body workout that promises to torch calories this would be the perfect purchase!

W

e caught up with Brenda Cardno at The Treat Company in Inverallochy. Brenda explained, ‘Like all salons, we’ve been closed since March. We’re really looking forward to welcoming our clients, old and new, back to the beauty salon once we’re allowed to do so. We’ve already started our preparations, installing manicure screens and other social distancing measures.

‘We’ve been posting tutorials to help people out and running a few giveaways to show our appreciation of NHS and other frontline workers. I’m particularly grateful to the NHS for looking after my husband when he was hospitalised with COVID-19. Thanks to their great care, he’s home and has recovered.

‘We just want to say stay safe and hopefully we’ll see you soon’.

Love from team Treat Company

7 Cairndenity Place, Inverallochy nr. Fraserburgh AB43 8TD Tel: 01346 583365 TreatCompanyFamily

CLICK & COLLECT YOUR HAIR PRODUCTS AT SO... ON UNION STREET

Orders to be placed via email to stock@lintonandmac.com by 5pm on Wednesday to be collected Friday/Saturday

14 | ANDREW SCOTT DENTAL

Roshan joins the team at Andrew Scott Dental Care

A

ndrew Scott Dental Care looks forward to being open once practices are allowed to provide routine dental care again, so that they can deal with any issues people have had during this period of closure and to continue the treatments started before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Since closing on the 24th March the team have been busy preparing for the reopening of the practice by introducing a new team member, creating new protocols to protect clients and staff from Covid-19 and investing in air sterilisers.

design, orthodontics and facial aesthetic injections such as fillers and muscle relaxing injections.

The team are excited to welcome Roshan Fernandez to join the team.

Roshan is a highly regarded dentist who was previously a partner of Queens Road Dental Practice. Roshan is able to offer a wide range of treatments from routine check-ups to cosmetic dentistry including smile

The new protocols will involve clients being temperature checked on arrival, provided with a face mask to wear when they are not in the dental chair, and the dentist using 2 surgeries to allow for increased disinfection between patients. The protocols are shown on the website along with a

Academy Street Dance Studio are currently E-Training students until face to face classes resume.

It is essential we maintain but also develop our dancers technique, flexibility and passion for dance during this time.

12 Academy Street, AB11 6DZ Tel: 01224 211017 E: info@academystreet-dance.co.uk Academystreetdancestudio academystreet_dance

Our motivated teaching team feel highly valued and very connected to our wonderful resilient students.

short video which will allow patients to see what to expect when they visit the practice following lockdown.

At Andrew Scott Dental Care they have invested in new air filtration systems by Radic8 which filter the air and pass it over a UV light which kills viruses, these new units compliment the existing air filtration system which filters viruses and other particles from the air. These systems were used in Wuhan hospitals where they were treating patients with Covid-19.

They also have an online booking system to allow patients to make arrangements for when they are open again.

15A Victoria Street, AB10 1XB Tel: 01224 806700 E-mail: info@andrewscottdental.co.uk andrewscottdental.co.uk

• HAIR • MAKEUP • BEAUTY

70 Great Western Road Aberdeen AB10 6PY T. 01224 573727

salon70-aberdeen.co.uk

T. 07752 383868 email: carlajanedillon@gmail.com carlajanemakeupartistry

Our clinic might be closed for now, but you can still get all your favourites online!

10% off all ZO Skin Health and Obagi or 15% off any three products

Promoting nutrition & lifestyle as the foundation for health, holistic homeopathy & hypnotherapy - offering a natural approach to your health.

Remote consultations available.

tions Online Skin and Rejuvenation Consulta ils deta for ok ebo Fac and m See Instagra innocentaesthetics.co.uk 01224 325354

• Stress • Anxiety • Teenage health • Female health

• Insomnia • Bowel issues • Strengthen

natural immunity

Tel: 0777 367 5014 jennifer@promoting-health.co.uk promoting-health.co.uk

Head over to our website and subscribe up to our new weekly email newsletter.

trendmagazine.co.uk

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE WASH YOUR HANDS WE ARE ALL IN IT TOGETHER

WOMENSWEAR FOOTWEAR HANDBAGS ACCESSORIES

SUMMER COLLECTIONS AVAILABLE NOW! FREE UK DELIVERY

19-25 Thistle Street, Aberdeen AB10 1UY something-for-me.co.uk

Better by design design & manufacture of bespoke jewellery Tel: 0788 9503337 Email: sandy@sandymenziesjewellery.co.uk

sandymenziesjewellery.co.uk

18 | ADVERTISEMENTS

Making a difference with Sublative Scar Rejuvenation Scarring often leaves its mark on self-confidence as well as the body, but Fit & Skin Studio’s Sublative Scar Rejuvenation treatment uses radio frequency energy to achieve real improvements even on old scars. The process reduces the appearance of scarring as the healing process is accelerated. The results have to be seen to be believed.

A

lise had always been selfconscious of a burn scar she sustained 16 years ago. Following an extensive skin consultation, Alise had a course of 4 Sublative treatments. Each session lasts an hour and treatments were four weeks apart.

before

after

During treatment, it’s common to experience a warm, prickly sensation and a pink or red ‘sunburn’ appearance afterwards. Fit & Skin Studio therapists apply anaesthetic ointments and cooling methods to help reduce any discomfort during the treatment and also make recommendations for aftercare to achieve maximum results.

Even after the first of her treatments, Alise noticed the visibility of the scar reducing.

By the end of her fourth treatment and Alise was given time to heal, the scar had reduced by a total of 70%.

Sublative skin rejuvenation is also used to improve the appearance of mild to moderate wrinkles, red and brown spots, large pores, acne and textural irregularities to help clients achieve younger, healthier looking skin.

For the best results, Fit & Skin recommends a course of at least three 3 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart. The total number of required treatments depends on the skin’s condition; however, results continue over 3-5 months after the final treatment and can be topped up annually.

Prices

Acne, wrinkles

Face & neck

Eyes

1 course

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3 courses

£759

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Scars from £50 based on initial skin consultation 440 Union Street, Aberdeen AB10 1TR Tel: 01224 959800 fitandskin studio

£379

FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £50

Ladies Boutique

Collections from: Tommy Hilfiger, GANT, J. Lindeberg, Ted Baker, Purotatto, French Connection, Great Plains Accessories from: Soul Analyse, Tilley & Grace 14 Netherkirkgate Aberdeen AB10 1AU Tel: 01224 640793 loloandco.co.uk Facebook “f ” Logo

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20 | BEAUTY

Sun Kiss

We’ll all be spending time in the sun this

summer, whether we’re working from home, gardening, playing with the kids or making the best of our back garden staycations.

WHILE WE NEED SUNLIGHT TO MAINTAIN OUR VITAMIN D LEVELS, WE ALSO NEED TO PROTECT OUR SKIN IN THE HEAT. WE’VE ROUNDED UP THE BEST IN HOME-TANNING AND SPF PROTECTION PRODUCTS THAT WILL LEAVE YOUR SKIN GLOWING…

© Shutterstock: Svitlana Sokolova

SARAH CHAPMAN’S SKINESIS SKIN INSURANCE SPF 50+ Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Skin Insurance SPF 50+ is the latest addition to her Skinesis range and one of our favourites this season. If you’re looking for the perfect high protection SPF for wearing underneath your makeup, then this is the product for you. The SPF has a beautiful fleshy tone rather than the chalky white tints you normally associate with high SPF. The perfect combination of radiance and luminosity will have your skin looking beautiful and protected for your days spent in the sun this summer. (£59, sarahchapman.com)

ICONIC LONDON’S PREP-SET-GLOW ULTRA-FINE SPRAY Iconic London’s prep-set-glow ultra-fine spray is the perfect way to achieve a beautiful shimmer. The formula is designed to hydrate, freshen and illuminate the skin. If you’re looking for that all over glow, this offers good value as a little spray goes a long way. (£22, iconiclondoninc.com)

BEAUTY | 21

sed Skin VITA LIBERATA ANTI-AGEING SELF-TANNING SERUM Vita Liberata Anti-Ageing Self-Tanning Serum is great for all skin types, so you can achieve a radiant complexion whilst adding a natural tint to your skin. The fastabsorbing formula works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and creases, so the skin looks more vibrant and youthful. Combine it with your daily moisturiser to give your skin the extra boost that it needs, or use it alone as a primer to achieve a bronzed finish. (£29.95, lookfantastic.com) KIEHLS’ BUTTERSTICK LIP TREATMENT Lips need sun protection too. Kiehls’ Butterstick Lip Treatment offers SPF 30 protection derived from a luscious formula of coconut oil, lemon butter and a combination of sunscreens. It will last up to 12 hours and leave you with softer, silkier and nourished lips. (£19.50, Kiehls.co.uk)

MIMITIKA’S SPF 20 SUNSCREEN BODY SPRAY Lastly, Mimitika’s SPF 20 Sunscreen Body Spray offers non- sticky protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Enriched with vitamin E, the lotion will help to keep your skin looking vitalised and radiant. Stay shielded from the sun and help create a natural and healthy-looking tan from your first layer of coverage.

(21.50, lookfantastic.com)

Amazing 10% off full size ZO® SKIN HEALTH products with free delivery during lock-down As you may have seen on our recent social media posts NY Skin Clinic stock the ZO® Skin Health range.

ZO® Skin Health was started by Dr Zein Obaji who is a world-renowned skincare expert. He was the first to conceive new skin as science and used this alongside being a certified dermatologist and award-winning inventor to come up with a range dedicated to maintaining skin health.

The ZO® Skin Health range is prescribed to suit you personally. Any one starting the ZO® journey are recommended to begin with the fundamental 5. The fundamental 5 products are designed to wash, scrub, control oil, stimulate and protect. Starting with these five easy steps leaves you with healthier, younger looking skin.

1. Wash: Offects® Exfoliating Cleanser This cleanser and exfoliant combination targets oil, dirt and bacteria in the skin leaving it deeply cleansed, without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

2. Scrub: Offects® Exfoliating Polish This exfoliant instantly polishes skin to restore a smoother texture and deliver healthy glowing skin.

3. Oil-Control: Complexion Renewal Pads™ A dual-chemical exfoliation removes dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores and help decrease a potential acne breakout.

4. Balance: Ossential® Daily Power Defense™ Formulated with retinol, enzymes and antioxidants, this skin restorer helps to stabilise skin by repairing damaged cells and protecting skin against future damage.

5.

Protect: Oclipse® Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 A broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF that uses a multiple-defense sun protection system to provide fullspectrum defence against UV rays in addition to shielding skin from the ageing effects of HEV light (highenergy visible light).

CONTACT info@nyskinclinic.co.uk for more details or book in for your ZO® Skin Health Assessment on facetime at a time convenient to you.

We may be t her not e bu we’ t re s till

ADVERTISEMENTS | 23

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ne f or f

ree

deli

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now

219-223 George Street, Aberdeen www.finnies.com

24 | PAPILLON

Let the lawn bloom too We have all experienced that feeling of joy when, after a long winter, we spot the first snowdrop or a cluster of deep purple crocuses.

These harbingers of spring send our minds in to overdrive; dreaming of our own lush garden, with buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies.

Designs & Landscaping Ltd can offer low growing ‘no mow’ alternatives to a traditional lawn. You may prefer the taller wildflower meadows, these only need to be cut once or twice a year. Free yourself from grass cutting and enjoy an everchanging landscape with a beautiful alternative.

Rich flower power doesn’t have to mean hard work.

Nor does it have to be confined to your borders. Let the flowers spill into your lawn - you’ll reduce the need for mowing, watering and fertilising. Papillon

Tel: 01224 791569 papillonlandscape.co.uk

follow us on Facebook to keep informed of opening dates and times 18 Chapel Street, Aberdeen AB10 1SP

Exclusive scent for Pryde Gallery Exclusive scent developed for PRYDE Gallery in conjunction with Feather and Grey. A unique fragrance of White Patchouli, Oud Wood and Lemon Grass.

Candles , Diffuser and Room Spray RRP: £35.00 each.

Special offer to Trend Readers: £30.00 each.

To order please email: j.pryde25@outlook.com 86 Great Western Road, AB10 6QF Tel: 01224 379150 JohnPryde johnpryde25 prydegallery.co.uk

COUNTRY WAYS | 25

new hair enhancement range

W

e are very excited to finally announce the launch of our brand new hair enhancement range. At Florescence we are dedicated to providing the best for our clients and this new range of luxury human hair enhancement toppers are available in a range of colours which are completely customisable to suit each client needs.

They are 5.5x6 monofilament base, 120 density and 16 inches long.

Very natural and realistic looking scalp. These can be fitting using the 4 clips or can be fitted as a system for a more permanent solution.

Soon available to purchase on our website.

24/26 Claremont Street Aberdeen AB10 6QS Tel: 01224 593852 florescenceaberdeen @florescence_aberdeen florescenceaberdeen.co.uk

P

erfect for the changeable North East weather, the Holebrook of Sweden windproof pullovers at Country Ways are perfect for golfers, dog walkers and lovers of the great outdoors! The stylish ladies Mimmi jacket features a windproof lining & quilted details at the front and back. The men’s classic windproof jumper in moss features a sporty coloured border on the collar – a look that will never go out of style. All available at countryways.com with 20% OFF using offer code TrendSummer until end July.

Model: Sophie Dryden Photographer: Donna Murray

Model: Eleanor Fyfe Photographer: Susan Renee

Model: Jessica Gomez-Banderas Photographer: Charlotte Kinsella

Model: Solveiga Baltusyte Photographer: Donna Murray

Model: Keara Blackhall Photographer: Donna Murray

30 | IN-BRIEF

Model: Stephanie Wood Photographer: Susan Renee

Model: Rebecca Favero Photographer: Donna Murray

Model: Katie Taylor Photographer: Charlotte Kinsella

© Joe Browns

Coastal Colours

© Pure Collection © @hamishmunro © Fat Face

© Debenhams © Hobbs

© Debenhams © Dorothy Perkins © Hobbs

Fashion has taken a back seat over the past couple of months. We were expecting to see a lot of sugar-sweet pastels and puffed organza sleeves in the shops. Think Disney Princesses meets Doris Day. Instead, the height of fashion has become the kind of grungy joggers, cosy socks, t-shirts and hoodies that no Disney Princess would be seen dead in.

Quite rightly, style has been sacrificed for comfort, but even when restrictions are lifted and we can start to see friends again, we’re not going to feel like floating around in a cloud of organza. Instead, here’s our pick of coastal colours that put some easy style back in your wardrobe…

36 | MENS EDIT

Š Burton

One of the more unexpected benefits that lockdown has offered is that we have been spared the temptation to blindly follow the catwalk trends that should have been shaping the stylish male wardrobe this summer.

MENS EDIT | 37

A more achievable version might be slouching about in cargo shorts, a t-shirt and a short sleeved shirt in a plain dark combination based around navy, khaki or grey.

Alternatively, go for the brightly patterned shirt and pair it with a toning t-shirt but wear long trousers because you’re a grown up.

You could go for double denim, another key trend this summer.

Lastly, if you want your suiting to be bang up to date, pinstripes are on trend. No longer the province of bankers, businessmen and bookies, the new pinstripe has a more contemporary and summery feel and a easier cut that’s more forgiving if you’ve put on a few pounds lately.

© Debenhams

© Joe Browns

Steer away from any thoughts of Justin Timberlake’s denim suit and cowboy hat faux pas, or taking Jeremy Clarkson as your fashion muse. A more relaxed take on double denim featured on the catwalks at Loewe, Versace and Louis Vuitton, all of whom aim for a younger, edgier urban clientele. It’s more Shoreditch than Chelsea. Again, this trend is all about matching, so whether you go for a denim shirt or a fitted jeans jacket, it should match your jeans. Break it up with a toning or contrasting t-shirt, perhaps taking your inspiration from some of the wilder patterns available. A dark indigo or black can be easier to pull off than eighties inspired acid-washed or bleached looks.

© Marks & Spencer

I

n truth, there are few chaps with the requisite rock hard abs and unshakable confidence that would allow the wearing of this year’s key summer trend of matching flamboyantly patterned tailored shorts and shirts. This look comes in everything from velvets to silks, but always in light and vibrant shades. In some cases, the shirt is worn open, over a t-shirt, while other designers went for long sleeved shirts that are buttoned to the neck. This ensemble is generally finished with long white socks and white trainers, creating a look that, unless you are young and slim, will severely test the bladder control of your nearest and dearest.

© Debenhams

Lockdown your summer style

We asked a few of our favourite cafes to share their most delicious recipes suitable for an Afternoon Tea, complete with a cocktail or two. A few delicate little cucumber sandwiches and a fancy cake stand and you’re all set…

© Shutterstock/Saminee

If you don’t fancy tackling the recipes yourself, then you can place an order for delivery with any of our choices. You’ll find the details about times and delivery zones under each recipe…

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teacake’s rhubarb & blueberry friands

ORKA’s Scones

Bob Miller, the award-winning chef at Teacake in Chapleton, is equally renowned for this charming café’s cakes and coffee as the weekend bistro menu. Here’s his recipe for Rhubarb and Blueberry Friands, fabulous light little cakes from Australia and New Zealand.

ORKA on St. Swithin Street offer a range of lunches, afternoon teas, weekend treats and cakes for delivery. There’s always something fresh on the menu at this artisan café and coffee shop. Check in orkacafe to see what’s on the menu or try making their gorgeous scones at home. Spoil yourself by making both the blueberry scones and the lemon drizzle version.

• • • • • • • • • •

6 egg whites 155g unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons milk 1 vanilla pod 180g ground almonds 240g icing sugar 75g self raising flour 200g diced rhubarb 100g blueberries 25g flaked almonds

Pre-heat your oven to 180oC (160oC for a fan oven) and lightly grease a silicone mould tray. You can use a baking tray or a loaf tin lined with grease proof paper instead. Melt the butter. Add the milk and the vanilla seeds, scraped from the pod, which has been split lengthwise. Place the egg whites in a medium or mixer bowl and whip to soft peaks. Fold in the melted butter, milk and vanilla mixture, then the ground almonds, sift in the icing sugar and the flour and stir until combined. Try to keep the air in the mixture. Pour the mixture into your mould, tray or tin. Top each cake with the rhubarb and blueberries. Bake for ten minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle with the almonds. Bake a further 25 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean. Cool, turn out and dust with extra icing sugar.

Teakcake is delivering coffee, cake and afternoon teas on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11-3pm. There’s a small delivery charge beyond the Chapelton and Newtonhill areas. Teacake’s bistro menu is available for delivery or contactless collection on Saturdays from 5-8.30pm and 4-8pm on Sundays. Check out the latest menu featuring local produce and including veggie and vegan options and order via teacakebistro@gmail.com or teacake.chapelton

• • • • •

225g self-raising flour 50g butter or margarine 25g caster sugar 1 medium egg beaten with enough milk to make 150ml liquid Pinch of salt

Preheat your oven to 220oC and grease a baking tray.

Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, rub in butter or margarine until it’s like breadcrumbs, and then stir in sugar. Add egg and milk mixture, reserving a little for brushing tops of scones. Bring it all together to form a dough.

Handle as little as possible.

Knead lightly on a floured surface and roll out to 2cm thickness and use a cutter to cut into rounds.

Re-roll the trimmings and cut out more rounds.

Place scones on greased tray, brush the tops with the remaining egg and milk mixture and bake for about 10/12 minutes until golden brown.

Cool on a wire tray.

For blueberry scones: add 30g of blueberries after rubbing in butter and roll out and cut into eight triangles instead of using a round cutter.

For lemon drizzle scones: add the zest of a small lemon after rubbing in butter. When the scones have cooled, pierce tops of scones and spread with thin glacé icing made by mixing icing sugar with fresh lemon juice.

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Foodstory’s Sweet Potato Pancakes

Orchid’s Always Dreaming cocktail

Foodstory is a well-established favourite on Thistle Street, with a fine reputation for interesting veggie and vegan food, a great little food shop upstairs and some rather good cinnamon buns. They are currently delivering lunch and dinner dishes, as well as veg boxes, organic products breads and spices. You’ll find the full list at their online shop at foodstorycafe.co.uk. They’ve shared their gluten-free vegan sweet potato pancake recipe. The almond milk means it’s not suitable for people with nut allergies. It’s a good one for making with kids since it’s really quick. The recipe should serve six people. Enjoy them with a little butter, vegan spread or cream and some jam as part of your afternoon tea, or use them as the base of a fruitily indulgent breakfast.

And to drink? How about a cocktail from Orchid?

• • • • • • • • • • • •

425ml plain gluten-free flour 1 1/2 tbsp gluten-free baking powder 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp ginger 1/4 tsp cardamom 100ml sweet potato puree 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted) 1 tbsp rice malt extract 1 tsp vanilla extract 400ml almond milk a pinch of salt

Combine the plain flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and ginger into a large mixing bowl and mix together. Once mixed add the sweet potato puree, rice malt extract (agave or maple syrup will also work) and vanilla extract to the mix. Add gradually the almond milk until the mixture forms a thick, syrup-like texture. Add a pinch of salt to the mix to flavour.

Heat a large frying pan with the coconut oil and melt in a pan (olive oil or butter will also work). Once hot add large spoonfuls of the mix to make pancakes that are 2-3 inches in diameter. Cook for a few minutes before turning over. Serve immediately.

For a breakfast version, try them with home-made granola and fresh fruit or berries.

Always Dreaming is a rework of a cocktail originally made by one of Orchid’s mixologists back in 2017. Inspiration came from a classic julep cocktail, a favourite in the American South. The introduction of tea and peach makes this perfect for afternoon tea, and it’s especially good outdoors.

Orchid use their own Glasshouse Whisky for this. It’s described as tangy, crisp apple, with Sugar Puffs and a hint of banana. If you don’t have Glasshouse available, then a light blended whisky is more pleasing than anything heavily peated.

• • • • •

40ml Glasshouse Whisky 25ml Peach tea 20ml Apple juice 10ml lemon juice Dash of Spanish Bitters

Shake with crushed ice and serve in a tall glass with a twist of lemon.

Since visiting the bar is off-limits, Orchid offer a delivery menu for selected cocktails from Thursday to Saturday, within a ten mile radius of Orchid’s Langstane Place base. You can check out the menu here orchidaberdeen.com. They’ll also deliver beer, ice or hand sanitiser!

We would like to say a huge thanks to... facebook.com/orkacafe

jkfinefoods.co.uk

facebook.com/pg/blethercults

edenflowers.biz

chattanqualitymeats.co.uk

thejewelaberdeen.com

hammertonstore.co.uk

dutchmill.co.uk

mainsofdrum.co.uk

cornertreecafe.co.uk

fountainhallwines.co.uk

marksandspencer.com

...who have very kindly made it possible for our readers to get a copy of our magazine through their own business collection, takeaway and deliveries.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO OPENING THE DOORS AS SOON AS WE CAN! THANK YOU FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT

#MIGHTYMCGINTYS

ASK THE CHEF | 43

L

ockdown has given us the time to be more experimental with our cooking. It has also made us think about food waste, ensuring that we use up everything we buy, making the the most out of our budgets and weekly shopping trips.

Now’s the time to build your kitchen confidence and expand your techniques. Buy a slow cooker and transform cheaper cuts of meat or try dehydrating fruit slices. Once you’ve cooked dinner and turned the oven off, just put the slices on a tray, sprinkle with a little sugar and in the morning, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious snack.

Use your downtime to get the kitchen properly cleaned and organised. Fill and label old jars with ingredients and spices that lurk at the back of cupboards. Keep little plastic food tubs and containers

favourite dishes, for example if you normally use beef mince for a dish, try using chicken, pork, lamb or even meat-free mince.

Eat on the Green’s Craig Wilson ENCOURAGES YOU TO EXPERIMENT and reuse them to pop leftovers in the freezer or for meal prepping, so you always have something delicious on hand.

Freshen up your repertoire by replacing the key ingredient of your

Buy pots of fresh herbs and keep them going in your window sills.

Fresh herbs can transform your dishes, especially when used with dried spices. Herbs and spices can elevate your cooking from bland and boring to a meal to be savoured.

Each time you shop, buy one ingredient that you’ve never used before. It doesn’t need to be expensive and might revolutionise your menu creativity! Research recipes for these new ingredients online, but remember to taste repeatedly before you serve.

Always adapt recipes to your own taste and preference!

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Throughout the coronavirus outbreak we have continued to follow the most up to date guidance issued by the government and NHS. At the time of writing, it isn’t possible to provide any confirmed details regarding any upcoming events however we can’t wait to get back underway! Keep your eye on our website and social media channels for announcements regarding the return of our holiday camps and weekly sessions. These may be altered versions of what we normally provide but rest assured we will return as soon as it’s safe to do so!

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Pink Orchid Milk Punch Ingredients Vodka Chambord Vanilla Lime

Milk Braemble Sugar Pineapple

P

ink Orchid has been on our menu for 10 years and has become a modern classic cocktail within Aberdeen. We have transformed this cocktail to be travel friendly with the addition of clarified milk and pineapple. Still sweet and silky on the palate leaves you wanting more (available as a bottle serve or single.

Making sure you are on the Right Road, Right Driveway, Right Patio and Right Path • Driveways • Roads • Paving • Kerbing • Tarmac

• Lock Block • Patios • Resinbound • Drainage • Groundworks

Buttercup Brae, Hillhead Kincardine O’ Neil Aberdeenshire AB34 5AU Tel: 013398 84119 Email: admin@drc.scot deeside road construction

www.drc.scot

Method of making a milk punch, add everything other than lime and milk to your holding vessel. Leave to macerate over 6 hours. Add room temperature milk and lime to the rest of the ingredients. We will then filter all ingredients through a sieve then a very fine straining bag, this technique then gives us a translucent cocktail which has a milky texture.

orchidaberdeen.com

46

| INTERIORS

Š Dab Den

One good thing to have come out of the current health crisis, is that many more people have discovered that it’s perfectly possible to work productively from home.

Going into the office is so 2019!

© Central Living

© Cambridge Imprint

‘Think about natural light first. It creates a pleasant

© Myface

‘Alternatively, you may have a box-room or spare bedroom that can be used, or a dining room that only gets used at Christmas.

Even a corner of a quiet room can work as long as it feels like a separate space. You don’t necessarily need a lot of space with most things being online these days, so other than your laptop or computer and a decent Wi-Fi connection, you might only need a desk, some storage so you can avoid clutter, the odd piece of art and a really comfortable chair’.

© Paperchase

‘As someone who works from home herself, I know it’s best to have a designated work space. If possible, this should be separate from day to day family life. When you go into your own space, it helps you focus, and get on with what needs to be done, but also so at the end of the day you can close the door and shut off.

Obviously I’m an advocate of the garden office, which gives you an inspiring work space of your own.

© The Contemporary Home

environment that you enjoy going into, and being in.

We often design our home office garden rooms with floor to ceiling fixed windows for a view out over the garden, then place the desk perpendicular to the window. This avoids glare and means you’re not starting at a blank wall.

© Animi Causa

© Hudson Home

© Block Design

© Swoon Editions

If you’re able to work from home, or if you’re thinking of setting up your own new business, then getting a working setup that works for you is vital. We asked Kat Byers from Dabden, the Aberdeenshire designer and builders of home offices, garden rooms and homes, for her advice.

In response to the currant epidemic, and the realisation that working from home is to be the new 'normal' for many, Dab den have designed a new garden office. People need to create a designated, professional space that separates home and work life. The New Dab Hub is built off site and delivered complete, with a 1 day installation time. At 2.4m x 3.0m the new design Hub is a spacious 1-2 person room, with the option of many add ons, such as surround sound system, or integrated large screen for video conference calls. Priced at a very competitive ÂŁ9K + vat T: 01330 833861 | info@dabden.com | dabden.com

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More time to spend on the garden?

Via video calling we are able to remotely provide: • Initial consultation • Full Design Service (Conceptual, Outline & Detailed Designs) • Planting plans • Plants supply at wholesale prices Tel: 01224 739184 email: kirsty@gardendesignscotland.com gardendesignscotland.com

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For further information contact our admissions office on admissions@st-margaret.uk ST-MARGARET.ABERDEEN.SCH.UK

© Shutterstock/Juta 52 | KIDS

KIDS | 53

Gardening can be such a wonderful way for your children to experience the satisfaction of caring for something over time and to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Being closer to nature has the potential to make us all understand our world better.

Here are some projects to do with your children and the good news is you don’t always need a garden to do them in!

Grow your Cress from seed If you have some party cups, plastic cups, yogurt pots, or seed trays, these will all do for growing from seed. You can sow cress seeds on the surface of a damp compost or if you don’t have potting compost then you can put some wet kitchen roll at the bottom and then damp cotton wool on top of that. Evenly

spread the seeds on top of the cotton wool and press them down gently. Put the pots in a warm place that gets some sunlight like a windowsill, keep them damp and watch the cress grow. Should take around 7 days.

Do something imaginative like creating a garden on a plate All you need is a plate for the base, which you can line with foil if you want to use it again. On your walk, you can pick up bits of wood, twigs, plants and little stones, bits of moss or lichen

and some earth, then you can let your imagination run wild creating a magical garden! Maybe even include a pond, out of half a yogurt pot or a jar lid too?

Bug Hotel This doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply cut the middle section out of a plastic bottle and fill it with various sizes of twigs, bark and cones, wrap string around it and hang it about 1.5m off the ground in sunlight or light shade. If you want to

accommodate bees too, add in bamboo canes chopped into the same lengths to provide different sizes of holes and group these together within the bundle.

Plant potatoes These are ideally planted around March - May but give it a go!.

You can plant in the ground but if you simply want to have a bit of fun with this, use a container with drainage holes or even a long life shopping bag and cut some drainage holes in the bottom and sit it somewhere sheltered with good light, outside. Put a layer of peat-free multi-purpose compost at the base and then add your seed potatoes (eyes pointing up) and

completely cover with approx. 75mm of compost, and waterin. When you see the stems at about 23cm high draw the soil up to the stems and as the stems grow, repeat the process. This helps to protect the developing potatoes from light that can turn potato tubers green. Green potatoes are poisonous. Keep well-watered. They will take approx. 70-120 days until harvest and will need to be kept frost free.

54 | ADVERTISEMENTS

make a pond

teepee

Use a peat-free multi-purpose compost to fill up a 7.5cm pot to 1cm below the rim. Poke a hole in the centre of each pot and put one seed in each pot, fill up with about 1.5cm of compost and water-in.

Keep somewhere warm that gets plenty of sunlight or if you have some small plastic bottles hanging around, cut the bottoms off and use the top part as a cloche.

Collect branches and long twigs or if you have long, garden canes this would be ideal for starting off the structure. Make a tripod and tie in the top, then gradually add in layers, tying them in as you go. If you really want to get serious, you could try this with living willow.

Š Shutterstock/Vitalinka

sun flowers

This is so easy! You will need a bowl, planter or washing up basin. Put some gravel to cover the bottom of it (approximately 70mm deep).

Surround the bowl with bigger stones or bricks so that the level of the top is level with the bricks/ stones so wildlife can get in and more importantly back out of it. Put a branch or bit of wood in or build up the stones at one end in the bowl to meet the level outside the bowl, just to make sure they can. If you can be patient and let the bowl fill up with rainwater or take from a water butt, this is best. Then simply plant up with some Aquatic pond plants and wait to see who arrives!

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56 | THINK PR

Lockdown doesn’t have to mean marketing shutdown…

D

uring these times it’s hard to know what’s right or wrong to do for your business and there are so many mixed opinions online that it’s hard not to get side-tracked.

However, in reality this is the time to be proactive and productive. It’s a time to get those jobs done that always made their way further down the priority list.

At think we understand the importance of keeping your message alive and how crucial it is that your customers don’t forget about your brand, despite the challenging times. We’ve been busy with a number of client projects, from continuing with social media

plans and quarterly newsletter development to website overhauls, brochures and everything in-between.

Here are some tips to ensure your brand remains visible:

address their needs and concerns. Alter your message to the current situation. For example, we’ve experienced incredible social media engagement when our clients share their support for key workers.

SETTING THE TONE: You set the tone for how customers receive your brand. Remember that these are difficult times and your customers are all experiencing this differently, so think about creating messaging which is informative and can be related to.

NEWS IS NEWS: Have you found yourself reading more online news than before? If you have company news to share, make sure you do! Publications are looking for positive stories to present to readers who may now have more time available to take in information and engage more proactively.

STAY RELEVANT: Many people are panicking right now, so look for ways to put your audience first and

Keep up-to-date and follow us on social: think_aberdeen ThinkPR (Scotland) Ltd

S ERVI C ED A PA RTM E N TS A B ERD E E N

S

kene House has been ‘always more accommodating’ for over 40 years. We have seen many changes over those four decades and have adapted to suit the needs of our guests and clients by being flexible and service-minded, always aiming to ‘go the extra mile’.

This attitude has served us in good stead and, in addition to a high level of repeat guests and excellent feedback from our corporate clients and agents, we have also been fortunate that our standards and service regularly achieve high ratings on Booking.com, Expedia and Tripadvisor.

At the moment, while we are adhering to the government’s advice, we are currently hosting only key workers on the front line and essential workers in Oil and Gas. Never has our style of accommodation been so appropriate to current requirements. Self-contained, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, with kitchens and 1- or 2- bathrooms allow us to continue to offer solutions to those in need of a ‘safe haven’.

We have a number of apartments available at all three city centre sites on an

‘accommodation only’ basis for front line and essential workers for stays of 5 nights or more. This allows us to deliver a fully contactless option that protects our guests, staff who are still at work, and future guests.

Our Reservations Team are handling all enquiries so please contact them on +44 1224 659392 to discuss your requirements or email: reservations@skene-house. co.uk.

Keep well and #staysafe from all of us at Skene House.

58 | CREATIVE

Knitting R & crochet

a dyed in the wool revival Images: © Jenny Rose Photography / jenjaar.com

ight now, knitting and crochet are having a bit of a moment.

People are picking up their needles and getting hooked on making some amazing creations.

We asked Janice Anderson who owns Baa! in Stonehaven for advice on getting started.

their own hands, while the elderly enjoy sharing their skills and keeping busy, whether it’s knitting for new babies or for charity. It’s not just for women and girls either. Men were almost certainly the first to knit and fishermen often knitted at sea.

Knitting and crochet have never been more popular, not least because there’s a huge range of materials, great online resources for beginners and the more experienced, and it’s a wonderful way of just switching off from life and being in the moment.

Knitting and crochet also offer mindfulness and health benefits.

The methodical repeating motions provide a sense of focus and calm to those suffering from depression or anxiety, while following a pattern is said to help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Some knit for the sense of achievement of finishing a garment or mastering a complicated pattern, others find it relaxing. Youngsters get a thrill from learning something new and making something with

Yarn has changed immensely. It’s available in every fibre imaginable - cotton, bamboo, hemp, linen, even nettle or banana! You can buy wool from a specific breed of sheep and often the provenance of

CREATIVE | 59

the animal is known too. There’s a tremendous range of colours available. At Baa, we focus on natural fibres and blends. If you’re starting crochet, then the Dutch brand Scheepies offers an incredible colour palette and good value. I love niche and indie wool producers like Jamieson's of Shetland and local independent wool dyers Hennypennymakes and Colliston Yarns. They have very different styles, but both are quite beautiful.

Knitting sometimes suffers from the idea that patterns are outdated – all those 1970s mustard yellow belted jumpers worn by chaps with pipes, pointing off somewhere in the distance. Design has moved on a long way, particularly with online resources like Etsy, Pinterest, Instagram and Ravelry.com. Ravelry

is free to join. You'll find some tremendous digital downloads for all types of knitting and crochet, including some which are free.

Ravelry gave designers all over the world the opportunity to sell their designs independently. There are also some brilliant books for beginners or the more advanced wanting to learn a new technique.

We stock a good selection in our online shop and we can also put together individually tailored kits for customers. We’re even looking at ways of running our popular weekend workshops and individual tuition online, so there are plenty of options even if you’ve never picked up a crochet hook or a pair of needles in your life.

Crochet has taken a little longer to become fashionable, but it can be

a little less daunting for beginners.

You’ll find lots of designs for cute animals, rock-stars and even Star Wars characters. It’s not all doilies these days! Crochet in the main has only one loop of yarn on the hook at a time. If you make a mistake, it’s not that scary compared to a dropped stitch when knitting, so it’s a great craft to try.

Whether you choose to try knitting or crochet, you don’t need much to get started. Just a ball of wool, a crochet hook or a pair of knitting needles. We can advise on where to find alternative tutorials, or to provide personalised help by e-mail.

For more resources on getting started with knitting or crochet, visit baawool.co.uk

©Shutterstock/MN Studio 60 | KIDS

KIDS | 61

01 02

03

04

06 05

07 09 08

Now that the kids won't be going back to school before August, invest in some garden toys to keep them busy and out from under your feet. Look for ideas that encourage cooperative play, imagination and messy fun. A BBQ or a fire pit means outdoor cooking and you’ll need somewhere comfy to lie back with a glass of wine and supervise 01 © Dobbies / 02 © Danato / 03 © Holmsater Ltd / 04 © George Home / 05 © Boutique Camping 06 © Poundland / 07 © George Home / 08 © Steiff / 09 © Very

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TRAVEL | 65

Answers on a postcard, please

We asked th re

e of

Aberdeen’s

leading busi

ness

women to g

ive us the

lowdown on th

eir favourite

travel destin a

tions…

JULIE CLARK-SPENCE, BALFOUR AND MANSON Assuming that it was safe to do so, if you could go anywhere right now, where would you choose and why?

I would go and visit my parents who live in Morayshire and take a lovely long walk along Findhorn beach.

Where’s your favourite place to visit in Europe?

Port de Soller in Majorca- it is our favourite place and we usually go every summer (sadly not this year!)

And in the UK? For a city break I love Glasgow, you can’t beat it! It’s always vibrant and there’s so much going on. I love the quietness of the Highlands too, which is perfect when you just need to get away for a long weekend or a few days somewhere in nature.

Describe your ideal adventurous holiday...

I’d really love to drive Route 66 across the USA! It’s such an iconic road trip.

Where would you most like to revisit?

Definitely Rome- there is so much to see and I still haven’t made it to see the Sistine Chapel. Every time we have got there it’s about to close!

Most memorable travel experience?

Walking along a beach in Indonesia with a fire fly guiding our way- it was just magical!

66 | TRAVEL

DOMINIQUE DAWSON, FINNIES THE JEWELLER Where’s your favourite place to visit in Europe?

In January every year, we attend a jewellery fair in Italy. We stay in Venice. The city is cold but sunny and not overrun with tourists. It’s so quiet then and you feel like you have the place to yourself. The city never becomes boring, you always find new streets to explore, and the city has something magical about it.

Describe your ideal adventurous holiday I’ve always fancied doing the Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu

And in the UK? Just about anywhere in Scotland. I think so many of us take our holidays abroad, or travel the world on business that we often forget we live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Most memorable travel experience?

I think I’d go for Koh Tai in Thailand.

I completed my diving course, which including a dive with a whale shark. We finished the day with freshly caught fish cooked on the barbecue, and drank mojitos while watching the sun go down over the sea.

Where would you most like to revisit?

Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.

There was so much to take in.

I don’t think we realised just how large the site is. It’s over 400 acres and was started in the 12th Century.

VEE THOM, VT WEALTH ADVISORS Where’s your favourite place to visit in Europe?

I love Sentido Lykia Resort in Olu Deniz in Turkey. It’s got everything. There are nine restaurants to choose from, 19 pools to relax by, and a spa.

And in the UK? Portknockie is one of my favourite day trips, partly for family reasons. There are some wonderful walks around the harbour and coastline. If you get lucky, you can spot a dolphin or two.

Describe your ideal adventurous holiday...

Sitting at the side of a swimming pool,

somewhere hot, with a large cold cocktail in my hand. I’m not the adventurous, sightseeing type of girl. I just want to wind down when I’m on holiday.

Where would you most like to revisit?

I’d really love to go on a cruise of the Greek Islands again. It had a real Mamma Mia feel!

Most memorable travel experience?

I enjoyed a trip to LA that included a tour of Beverly Hills followed by lunch at the Beverly Wiltshire Hotel where Pretty Woman was filmed. It’s one of my all-time favourite films.

Anastasia Fountouli

Queen Bee of travel bloggers

Ever fancied becoming a travel blogger? We asked Anastasia Fountouli who writes the travel and lifestyle blog natbees.com for some advice on getting started‌ I moved to Aberdeen in 2013 after spending four years living in England. I came to the city to start my PhD studies.

Initially, I thought I’d stay in Scotland for the duration of my studies and then move back home, then I met my boyfriend and now I am an adopted Aberdonian!

How did you get started in travel blogging?

What makes a good blogger?

In 2007, I took a few months off to travel around Europe and the UK. I was smitten with the experience and decided to blog about it to keep my family and friends in the loop. Blogging was a new concept at the time and only people who knew my blog’s URL were able to read my stories.

With no social media or other apps distracting me, I was updating the blog regularly with my adventures including short posts and images I took with my old camera. By today’s standards this was pretty much like Instagramming.

Persistence, patience and adaptability. The social media and blogging community constantly evolves so you need to keep up with the trends and update your blog regularly. People think it is easy as they confuse it with social media posting but blogging is something completely different.

As a blogger you need to write articles regularly, be good at image capturing and editing, videography, be proactive on social media and understand customer’s journey to work with brands. It’s time-consuming and it takes years to build a loyal audience and understand the business behind it, that’s why it’s really important you blog about something you love.

What would your advice be to others who'd like to start a blog but don't really know where to start?

Just do it! Think of a catchy name and start writing about the things that interest you and you love. Soon enough you will attract people who are interested in your content and start building an audience.

How do you find your niche and build your audience?

I think I was lucky because I started at a time that there was no competition and building an audience was much easier than it is now. There

were no social media, so all my focus was on my blog and my blog posts were not lost in a sea of content as it happens now. I found my niche when I moved to Aberdeen. I remember searching online for other Aberdeen bloggers to e-meet them before moving to the city and there were only 3! So, as soon as I moved, I knew I was within good chances to have my blog read if I’d write more about Aberdeen and my experiences as a student abroad. That’s when I established my Instagram account too (@natbeestravels) and started posting about the pretty buildings of Aberdeen.

When you are busy recording your reactions to a new place, researching it and writing about it for your audience, do you ever feel you miss out on experiencing a place?

Yes, constantly! When I am being invited to review a hotel or write about an experience, I am

constantly switched on as I don’t want to miss out on a chance to capture something interesting with my camera. My main goal is to create strong visuals and take notes of the feelings I am experiencing to write an article that will make my readers feel like they were there with me. I also need to produce videos for my Instagram Stories and other social media so sometimes I feel I re-live the experience to a greater extend when I am writing about the experience than when I am on location.

If you could go anywhere, where would you choose and why?

Australia for its sandy beaches, sunshine and outdoors focused lifestyle.

If you could go back in time, where would you like to explore and when?

If there was a time machine I’d love to go to

ancient Olympia in Greece and watch the first Olympic Games. I’d also like to see the Acropolis being built, speak to street philosophers in the Agora and take part in one of Plato’s symposiums. On another back-in-time trip, I’d travel to Santorini 100 years ago and buy a house in a prime location as right now one must work two lifetimes to get the tiniest of properties in this beautiful island!

Where is your favourite area in Aberdeen?

No doubt, that is Old Aberdeen! With its beautiful cobbled streets and historic buildings, what’s not to love? It’s one of my most favourite places to visit all year round but especially in autumn.

It’s stunning!

flipping through the pages of a photo album.

It brings me nostalgia and happiness at the same time.

Where would you recommend to travel to in Scotland for a staycation later this year?

Scotland has some of the most stunning beaches and a very interesting coastline that many would be jealous of. I’d book myself a weekend getaway in St Andrews followed by a week travelling around the Outer Hebrides, I’ve heard Vatersay Bay is a dream!

What do you always have with you when you travel?

My camera and various lenses! I am obsessed with photography and videography and I love

Check out Anastasia’s blog at natbees.com

70 | THE LAST WORD

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GRAEME KINGHORN IS A TRUSTEE OF THE CHARITY MENTAL HEALTH ABERDEEN. WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ORGANISATION’S WORK AND THE DIFFERENCE IT HAS BEEN MAKING TO PEOPLE’S LIVES …

M

y involvement with Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) came about by a chance discussion. My mum had a significant history of low mood and anxiety issues. Since I had seen the effect of this on her life, I was very willing to becoming an advocate for mental wellbeing.

I’m a Finance Director who uses my business and life experience to support MHA, as it strives to deliver an extremely valuable service to the people of Aberdeen City and Shire.

I’ve now been a Trustee of the charity for the past ten years. The entire Board is composed of volunteers with different skills and a common aim of guiding the direction of the charity, supporting the small, but outstanding, executive team. Aside from that, I enjoy walking, spending time with family and friends, the odd glass of wine and music. I’ve even been known to sing in a local rock choir!

MHA is one of the oldest mental health charities in the UK. This year is our 70th anniversary, yet we’re still one of Aberdeen’s best kept secrets. We’re working very hard to raise MHA’s profile and the awareness of mental health issues across the city and shire.

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The majority of our work is individual counselling sessions. Our incredibly dedicated team of 90 counsellors, of whom 60 are volunteers, delivered almost 20,000 sessions last year. The demand for counselling grows all the time. We have counsellors in several primary and secondary schools in Aberdeen and have targeted projects in designated regeneration areas such as Torry and Calsayseat. MHA also signposts clients towards to other agencies that may provide more specific help, and provides training such as the Scottish Mental Health First Aid course which offers basic general information about mental health problems, fostering greater understanding and confidence when approaching someone in distress whether in the workplace or outside.

People in all walks of life can suffer from mental health problems.

Previously, it was something that was simply not spoken about and families often felt it had to be hidden. Over the past few years, businesses have become far more aware of stress and depression and how those impact on staff. This, coupled with some celebrities, authors, singers, politicians and business leaders talking about their own struggles with mental wellbeing, helps to make it more acceptable for people to admit to feeling under pressure. That said, there’s still a long way to go. One recent study suggested about 60% of people would not want their employer to know that they had a mental health issue, and about 40% stated they did not want anyone to know that their mental wellbeing was not what it should or could be.

Longer term mental ill health rarely comes alone. It can cause quite severe physical issues for the sufferer, ranging from

People in all walks of life can suffer from mental health problems cardiovascular illness to problems with digestion, increased vulnerability to viral illness and increased ill health for pre-existing, underlying physical ill-health such as asthma and allergy related issues. Some people suffering from immense stress self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, which, again, tends to add additional problems.

We’ve noticed that people who need our services are often more desperate now than previously.

Work or financial related stress, relationship issues and suicidal ideation are increasingly common.

Often external factors undermine mental wellbeing. The aftermath of the 2016 oil price crisis, for example, meant that the number of male clients equalled the number of women for the first time in MHA’s history. When the charity started, only about 10% of clients were male. Many experts are forecasting that COVID-19 and the strain this will put on the economy, both locally and nationally, will see a rise in the number of mental health problems people experience, so more people are likely to need our help.

If you feel that you, or someone around you is experiencing poor mental health, perhaps because of lockdown, relationship or work issues, then it’s best to have a chat and ask how they are feeling and coping. Be gently persistent.

You may be told to mind your own business but say that you are available for a chat when and if they like and you should ask the same question a few days later if they are still withdrawn. If you have concerns, MHA are operating a phone helpline during lockdown, so call 01224 573892 for more advice.

As MHA is 70 this year, we have a target of attracting 70 new ‘Friends of MHA’, volunteers who are prepared to promote and support the charity for any events that we may hold and become part of our community. We also had a number of big fundraising events in place for this year which will not now go ahead as planned so if Trend readers, whether as individuals, groups or businesses, would like to fundraise on behalf of MHA, we would be delighted to discuss their ideas with them.

You can find out more about Mental Health Aberdeen at mha.org.uk or by calling 01224 590510. If you’d like to discuss how you or your business could help raise funds for MHA, then please email Graeme at g.kinghorn@mhaberdeen.org.uk

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WINNERS | 73

JUDI MARTIN

And the winner is...

We had plenty of great prizes on offer in our last issue and some very happy winners.

Send a picture of you holding a copy of Trend against the backdrop of your favourite holiday destination along with your name and details of your trip. We’ll publish our readers’ most inspired pictures from domestic or overseas travels and the most ‘trendy’ contribution will receive a Hotel Chocolat ‘Sleekster’ box of chocolates.

Email your picture to: trendylocations@trendmagazine.co.uk

Ann Ewing will be getting fit with a year’s free membership at Athletic Edge Gym on Springfield Road when it reopens. Gemma Anderson and Sheila Thomson each won a pair of tickets to HMT. Julie Murray won our champagne afternoon tea at the Malmaison in Dundee and a pair of tickets to see the Mary Quant Show at the V&A. Jacqui Chalmers, Marcia Gibb, Gillian Pirie, Brenda Troup, Maureen Buchan and Kirsty McGinigal all won a bottle of delicious Crabbie’s Scottish Rugby Gin. We’ll be working on ways to replace theatre and exhibition tickets with shows that will take place later on in the year and figuring out how to get gin to our winners in a suitably safe and socially distanced fashion. Bear with us, please!

THIS IS LIFE WITH STY LE THIS IS CALA 74 | ADVERTISEMENTS

estyle photography

revious CALA showhome

A previous CALA showhome

D E V E LO P M E N T S AC R O S S N O R T H O F S C OT L A N D CALA .CO.UK JUNE_JULY20 Images shown are taken from previous CALA showhomes and features fittings, décor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not included as standard in a CALA home. Images are used to suggest possible finishes that can be achieved in your home at an additional cost. Please ask a CALA representative for further details.

5 stars awarded for customers’ willingness to ‘Recommend to a Friend’ in findings of the survey undertaken by the Home Builders Federation 2017/18.

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A previous CALA showhom

From spacious family homes to contemporary apartments, CALA brings aspirational living to the most sought-after locations. With distinctive design and quality at the heart of everything we do, whatever and wherever you have in mind, your dream home is waiting to be discovered.

219-223 George Street Aberdeen AB25 1HY Tel: 01224 636632 www.finnies.com

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