Affinity Magazine July 2017

july2017Cover .qxp_Layout 1 copy 03/07/2017 06:21 Page 1

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

FREE www.affinitymag.co.uk

July 2017

JULY 2017 ISSUE 74

The Highlights of Halkidiki at Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort

Make Mine a Cocktail Time for a Masterclass

Going Underground With the Manipulator of Magic - Derren Brown

Light Up Add style to your outdoor spacee

Cover Up Beach fashion you'll love

Beauty Updates

The best new beauty buys

enchanted elegance.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2017 17:14 Page 1

Affinity

Enchanted Elegance 6th Annual Charity Ball

In aid of Cancer Research UK

Saturday 7th October 2017 7.00pm – 1.00am at The Sharnbrook Hotel, Park Lane, Sharnbrook, MK44 1LX

£55 per person For tickets and sponsorship enquiries contact: Jane Fry – 01234 962106 07507 602401 jane@affinitymag.co.uk

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 1

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 2

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 3

Telephone: 01234 843000

What does your kitchen mean to you?

Also open on Sundays 10am - 4pm Telephone: 01480 398017/8

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 4

Welcome...

I’m loving...

2

How is it already July? I can’t believe how quickly time is flying by and summertime is well and truly here. With summertime comes holidays, which inevitably means a little adding to your wardrobe, we have given you a little help (page,27) with some of our summer fashion staples.

1

3

4

5

Glastonbury may well and truly be over, but that doesn’t mean festival season is finished, in fact its only just started with Blissfields, Wireless, The Secret Garden Party, and many more to come. And just because your camping, it doesn’t mean you can’t still pamper yourself – Turn to page 22 and we’ll tell you how.

Elemis has landed at 5th Avenue Hair and Beauty Spa in Bedford and to celebrate we are giving our readers the chance to WIN a 90 minute Elemis Biotec Specialist Facial Treatment, turn to page 18 to find out how to enter.

We all love to travel, and resetting your watch is easy, but resetting your brain is a challenge, which can cause many travelers to suffer from jet lag, Our Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns shares her top tips to combat against jet lag (page14).

1.Kate Spade Camel Pendant, £59, katespade.co.uk 2. Ted Baker Alayaa Oriental Blossom Travel Bag, £129, tedbaker.com 3. Personalised Prosecco Notebook, £6.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk 4. Kate Spade Pinata Passport Holder, £88, katespade.co.uk 5 .POM POM Power Bank, £15.95, prezzybox.com

We have a handful of tickets left for our Annual Charity Ball on Saturday 7th October in aid of Cancer Research UK – Please get in touch if you’d like to join us.

Until Next Month!

Jane x

Cover Victoria's Secret

Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Advertising: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 962106 - 07507 602401 Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk www.affinitymag.co.uk

facebook.com/AffinityMag

@affinitymagz

linkedin.com/pub/jane-zita-fry

All adverts are printed in good faith. Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.Printed in the UK by Regal Litho 01908 270400.

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 5

m

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 08:40 Page 6

CONTENTS

49

27

12 16 21 22 28 31 36 38 44 53 58 61 66 72

Time to Tone Beauty Updates Hot Picks Camping Pampering Cover Up Summer Feet Foodie News Gourmet Dining Love Cocktails?

Light Up Grease Lightning Summer Smells Footsteps of Heroes Your Stars

56

39

67

21

30

42

31

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 7

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 8

9 Ways to Give your Brain a Workout!

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 9

We spend hours at the gym or running and hiking to train our body and endurance. But what about our brain? If you feel like your attention span is shortening you can stretch and strengthen it with simple everyday changes.

Get more sleep Not sleeping properly can not only affect our energy levels and looks but also our brain functions. Getting enough Zzz’s can help support learning, memory as well as regulate our mood or even appetite and libido. When looking at the brain of someone who is sleepdeprived, scientists have found reduced metabolism and blood flow in multiple brain regions.

Be social Making friends and socialising has a great impact on our emotional wellbeing as well as brain functions. How? When speaking to people and building relationships, you have to pay attention to what they say and then use your memory to recall information to be able to hold a conversation.

Pick up a foreign language Did you know that learning foreign language can actually make your brain bigger? It can also boost your creativity and ability to focus.

But most importantly, learning another language gives you ‘a cognitive reserve’ that helps to protect against the changes that can occur during ageing. Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist and author of Natural Solutions for Dementia and Alzheimer’s explains, "Speaking a second language throughout your life could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. Studies show that people who speak two languages may develop dementia more than four years later than those who speak only one language!

Language learning leads to more neural connections. More neural stability and more resilience to neural damage.”

Using music “Research suggests that playing a musical instrument when you are older can give you a 36% lowered risk of developing dementia and cognitive damage,” Marilyn says. Can’t play an instrument? Don’t worry, singing can help you remember words easily too. “Think how easily you can remember the words of songs that you sang years ago – and yet how much harder it often is to remember a poem or piece of prose that isn’t set to music.

Word sequences are far more

memorable when they are sung rather than spoken”

Start knitting Apparently knitting is set to be the new baking. It isn’t just something elderly women do and it has recently become popular with celebrities. Apart from helping you to relax it can also boost your mental health as it stimulates almost all of your brain. When knitting, you need to stay focused, plan what you’re doing in advance and also use visual information and synchronise it with your movements.

Teach your body a new skill There is a range of techniques to keep your brain alert that doesn’t have to be paperbased cognitive tasks. Dr Glenville says “Walking in a new park or taking up line dancing fire up new neural pathways that keep your brain in touch. Needing to remember the steps in a dance is also a wonderful workout for your brain – learning the flow and rhythm of the music stimulates cognitive activity, while learning and performing the steps is great for both your memory and your physical fitness. Active learning is the perfect complement for doing jigsaws, Sudoku and crosswords.”

Set yourself little challenges Dr Glenville suggests the following simple games to give your brain a workout: “Counting backwards from 100 in 2s, 3s or 4s is a good one, and you can make it harder by doing something else at the same time, such as tapping your foot. Or try the ‘tip-of-thetongue’ game – think of a theme, such as ‘food’, and name as many items relevant to the theme as you can in one minute.” Most people can do 30. Can you double it?

Write things down Studies have shown that the act of writing something down forces your brain to recall it in a way that typing on your computer or phone does not.

Laugh Who doesn’t love laughing? It not only lifts your mood but it’s also a great calorie burner.

However, researchers have also discovered that laughing can also minimise the damage that stress hormone, cortisol can cause (it damages certain neurons in our brain and affects learning ability as well as memory).

On top of that, laughter produces wave frequencies similar to true stare of meditation

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 10

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 11

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 12

Soar Away from Jet Lag with our Top Tips

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 13

Resetting your watch when travelling is easy, but resetting your brain is a challenge, which can cause many travellers to suffer from jet lag.

New research suggests that shifting your meal times can also shift your body's internal clock, meaning that recovering from jet lag can be less of a struggle. The study found that eating later can delay blood sugar level cycles, called ‘rhythms’ by more than five hours, which can leave people with a different amount of energy for that time of day than usual. Our Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns shares more top tips to combat against jet lag…

1. Adapt your meals to the new time at your destination When you arrive, try to have your meals at your regular times – but adjusted to the new time zone. Aim to get lots of protein at breakfast time, as it can help to wake you up and have more carbohydrates in the evening, as they can encourage relaxation and sleep.

2. Skip very salty foods Salty foods – added to the effects of the flying – can cause fluid retention, giving you uncomfortable heavy legs for several days.

3. If you don’t snooze, you lose On a long flight, having a good sleep at the right time can make a big difference. Try to sleep at a time that will be night at your destination. Bring with you anything that can support your sleep on the flight, such as earplugs, an eye mask and a neck pillow; and ask for extra blankets or pillows if you need them.

You can also try taking a supplement, such KalmAssure Magnesium Capsules by Nature’s Plus (£11.75, www.naturesplus.co.uk), magnesium is known as ‘nature’s tranquilliser’ and can have a calming relaxing effect on the body.

4. Cut cravings with chromium Take a chromium supplement before, during and after your travel. The stress of travelling and the change of sleeping patterns can disrupt your blood sugar levels, causing cravings for lots of sugary foods or carbohydrates, which can then lead to bloating and sluggishness. Chromium helps to regulate blood sugar levels and can help prevent this happening. Try Quest Vitamins Chromium Picolinate (from £6.97, www.qnutrapharma.com), taking one tablet with your breakfast (at the new breakfast time!).

For even more support with keeping cravings at

bay on your holiday make sure to bring Slissie (from £24.99, www.slissie.co.uk), which is the first of its kind as it delivers curb-craving flavourings that instantly help you resist the temptation of sugary, calorific snacks.

5. Keep hydrated It’s easier to get dehydrated on a plane, and dehydration can worsen jet lag, so make sure you’re drinking enough water during and after the flight. Up to 1 litre every 4 hours on board the plane can be beneficial, which is best sipped at regular intervals. Continue drinking around 2 litres a day after you land.

6. Avoid alcohol Jet lag symptoms can last up to a day for each time zone crossed (e.g. five days for five hours’ time difference!) until the body readjusts its circadian rhythm. On the day of travel, avoid alcohol and too much caffeine, which will just disrupt your natural sleep patterns.

7. Move over jet lag with meditation Meditating can assist in calming you down, help you relax into sleep, and may directly reduce the effects of jet lag.

8. Kick start your holiday with a downward dog Exercise can help with the release of cortisol, one of the hormones that gives us energy. This can even help adjust your circadian rhythm – your 24-hour body clock – as cortisol should be higher in the morning.

9. When you arrive, avoid sleeping during the daytime If you feel really tired when you arrive but it’s still daytime, have a nap but limit it to one hour then aim to go to bed at the normal time for your new destination.

10. Take a travel probiotic Not directly related to jet lag, but probiotics can help keep you well while you’re travelling, so I class it as a ‘travel essential’! It’s thought that by having the right amounts and combinations of healthy bacteria in our gut it can decrease our body’s response to stress, in turn helping us sleep. So, when we do get to sleep it can help us feel more rested after travelling. Probiotics may also help to prevent stomach upsets by supporting the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Try ProVen Acidophilus & Bifidus for Travellers (£7.95, www.provenprobiotics.co.uk), which doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge.

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 08:23 Page 14

Supernatural Smell

Fragrance brand Thierry Mugler has launched its new fragrance, Aura Mugler.

The fragrance, which is inspired by feminine instincts and the supernatural, has key notes of oriental tiger liana, rhubarb leaf, orange blossom, bourbon vanilla and wolfwood. Available online and in selected stores. Priced at £49 (30ml), £70 (50ml) and £88.50 (90ml).

Prime Time

Smashbox have just launched their Breakthrough Primerizer.

Priced at £30, this all-in-one power primer is infused with skin-restoring niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid. The feather-light formula absorbs instantly, sets in seconds and smooths, plumps and conditions skin for all day make-up application. Available online and at Boots stores.

Rebalance & Replenish

This month ELEMIS are launching its Peptide4 Night Recovery Cream-Oil (£49) Inspired by the body’s inner clock, this cream-oil helps to support the skin’s natural processes and synchronisation. Blended with Night Scented Stock oil, which is exceptionally rich in omega-3, perilla seed oil, vitamin E and anti-oxidants, skin feels rebalanced and appears restored and replenished. It also helps limit trans-epidermal water loss for maximum hydration.

Add to your Orgasm

NARS adds to their Orgasm Collection has for this summer.The latest additions include Orgasm Liquid Blush (£23), a buildable sheer pink blush with golden shimmer, infused with monoi and tamanu oils for added moisture and resilience; Orgasm Lipstick (£21), a cult-classic pink colour with a translucent touch and satin finish; and Limited Edition Orgasm Blush (£23), a blendable peachy-pink powder with limited-edition deco.

BEAUTY UPDATES

Everything you need to Contour

Urban Decay’s new Naked Skin Shapeshifter (£39.50) is more than just a contour kit, this three-in-one complexion palette provides everything you need to contour, colourcorrect and highlight. One side contains powders (three for contouring and one pearl shade for highlighting), and the other holds creams (two for contouring, two for colourcorrecting and one pearl shade for highlighting). The powders are finely milled for an ultra-silky feel and a clean finish. It comes in two colourways that span the complexion spectrum – Light Medium Shift for light to medium skin tones and Medium Dark Shift for medium to dark skin tones.

Available online at www.urbandecay.co.uk

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:40 Page 15

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 08:30 Page 16

Elemis Has Landed Last month saw Kerry Cash from 5th Avenue Hair and Beauty Spa host a fabulous evening at The Embankment in Bedford.

The evening was attended by family and friends of 5th Avenue including Dorothy Purdue (Owner of Champneys), who was many years ago Kerry’s boss).

Not only was the evening about enjoying some great company, and delicious food it was also about sharing the amazing news with their clients and friends that they were now adding Elemis to their products and treatment list. And wow did they spoil us.

Elemis goodie bags, Elemis products to try (I do so love Elemis) and a little demo of the Elemis Biotec Specialist Facial that is now available in the salon. (I can’t wait to try this).

The pioneering BIOTEC machine works to literally switch your face back on, increasing its natural cellular energy.

Combining gentle massage, Elemis products and some high-tech machinery. This new Biotech facial gives you clinically proven results, no matter what your skin type or concern, and allows you to choose the facial that is best suited to your skins needs and includes:

Line Eraser – This targets wrinkles and energises the skin towards optimum performance with microcurrent pulses and red and blue light therapy. A powerfully rejuvenating clinically proven facial treatment that effectively irons out wrinkles and fills out lines.

Firm-A-Lift - Rediscover the architecture of your face with this ground-breaking blend of massage and sculpting galvanic technology. Skin visibly strengthened for a contoured complexion that is remarkably lifted.

Anti Pigment Brightener - This illuminating treatment dynamically tackles the appearance of uneven skin tone, discolouration and age spots. A unique complex of brightening activities, ultrasonic peel and light therapy reveal a youthful and translucent complexion.

Skin Resurfacer - This revolutionary clinically proven facial addresses skin tone, blemishes and fine lines to transform the texture of the skin. The ultrasonic peel, massages and light therapy deliver a complexion that has never been smoother.

Radiance Renew - This cellular-boosting treatment targets sluggish complexions. The ultrasonic peel stimulates the removal of impurities and dead skin cells, while the galvanic rejuvenating current restores moisture for instantly clearer and visibly brighter skin.

Blemish Control - A deep cleansing facial that detoxifies and repairs damaged tissue. Ultrasonic vibration, massage, steam and galvanic currents thoroughly decongest and exfoliate. Powerful anti-oxidants soothe, while light therapy helps clear the complexion.

Sensitive Skin Soother - This anti-redness treatment soothes sensitive skin. An oxygen infusion encourages cellular restoration, while red light therapy and calming anti-oxidents improve the skin's ability to repair itself.

The result is calm and soothed skin.

All Elemis Biotec Specialist Facials are priced at £62 for 60 minutes and £82 for 90 minutes.

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 17

WIN! WIN! WIN! We are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a 90 minute Elemis Biotec Specialist Facial (worth £82), all you have to do is tell us “ How many different types of facials can you choose from when having this treatment?” and send your answers to jane@affinitymag.co.uk GOOD-LUCK! Don’t forget 5th Avenue is open 6 days a week including Sunday and late night until 9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and until 8pm on a Friday. www.5thavenuespa.co.uk

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 18

Midlife Madness Pleasures (and pains) of the Open Road When the sun does finally shine it is a real pleasure to drop the top of the convertible and head out onto the open road. Well it certainly sounds good. In reality though I find my hair blows all over the place, well to be honest into my eyes mostly which obviously presents a bit of a hazard, and anything else in the car that I hadn’t had the forethought to secure also presents a hazard as it flutters about, evading my grasp. Even when the sun is shining it feels chilly so I end up putting on my heated seat which feels too extravagant really. So often when the suns is shining I make the decision to keep my top on, as it were - I am talking car top clearly!

check anything with me it is to re-enforce his belief that it is indeed the opposite way to what I think - I mean I am always willing but that doesn’t make up for the lengthy detours we often end up taking.

There are lots of pleasures associated with driving, but to my mind there are a few challenges too. Not too long ago I had the experience of driving along, well actually ‘passengering’ along, the open roads of New Zealand. A dream for any motorist really, no traffic jams, wonderful scenery and we were upgraded to a very lovely ‘motor’ so it was a very comfortable ride. But it was deserted!! I’m never really that comfortable when it is just us and miles and miles of open road and us!. I blame too many films like ‘Wolf Creek’ and ‘Jeepers Creepers’! Thankfully most of the journey was in daylight, but then there were other issues such as not many services that was for sure, and guaranteed if you serviced a call of nature in the wild that would be when another car would appear!

I also enjoy chatting, and I am a serious chatterer - I could talk at national competition level - if only there was one.

And on a long scenic journey it is easy to talk about the scenery but let’s be honest you can only do that for so long so I saw it as a golden opportunity to bring up things from the past that I hadn’t got the chance to chat about, plans for the future, general chit chat and then onto really deep stuff - is time linear or circular, what is energy, why aren’t unicorns real, how come he still doesn’t know what I’m thinking - but then if he did I wouldn’t need to talk!! Oops quick back track!! When I am alone I talk too I hope that doesn’t alarm you, I find it a great way to chat through dilemmas I might be facing, or practice challenging conversations I may need to have or even just generally order my thoughts, somehow doing it out loud feels more effective.

On the plus side quite apart from the built in ‘sat nav’ there weren’t many ‘road’ choices, which for someone who can get lost finding the en suite in a hotel room, was a bit of a relief. Although of course it was my partner who was driving and navigating - he knows better than to suggest I undertake that particular task- in fact if he does

Leaving aside the geography I have two main car pleasures - singing loudly at the top of my voice is number 1. Almost any tune will do but especially the tunes of my youth - power ballads from the years of platforms and lycra do it for me! I know the very best time to do this is when you are alone in the car - but hey, you have to work with what you have.

Since the last holiday, long suffering hubby has said we should avoid long drives!! Guess he just finds the long drives tough as he gets older - all that concentration, despite my efforts to distract him!

26

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 19

Beach Bag, £89, Whistles

Monsoon Grapefruit & Vetivert Diffuser, £17, Monsoon.co.uk

AFFINITY HOT PICKS

Log Burner, £20, www.george.com

Guitar Lunch Box, £14.99, www.prezzybox.com

Cowshed Travel Calendar, £65, www.cowshed.com

Clube Bossa Moore Bikini, £147, www.almasanta.com

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

Hotel Chocolat Raspberry & Cacao Teaolat, £2.50, Hotel Chocolat

Ted Baker Bluum Pink Blossom Necklace, £69.30, www.jewellery4.co.uk

Jo Malone London Iris & Lady Moore Candle, £46, www.jomalone.co.uk

Pineapple Quote Cushion, £29.95, www.casaloladesigns.etsy.com

Emma Bridgewater French Bulldog Mug, £19.95, www.emmabridgewater.co.uk

Skullcandy Knockout Headphones, £89.99, www.argos.co.uk

PinotPinot Sparkling Wine, £2.50, Sainsbury's

Hotel Chocolat Summer Sleekster, £22.50, Hotel Chocolat

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 20

Don’t let Camping Stop you Pampering Festival season is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still look fresh and pampered whilst watching your favourite artists. We bring you our festival line up of beauty essentials that’ll have you feeling bright and fresh.

Nanogen Root Boost Hair Thickening Spray

Gold Collagen Hydrogel Mask

Each of these Hydrogel Sheet Masks help to even out skin tone, increase hydration, and promote a healthier complexion.

They will be your essential skin saviours post-festival to undo all the effects of your weekend of festival partying.

£19.99, www.gold-collagen.com

This thickening spray has added sun protection which works to minimize harmful damage and colour fading on natural or colour treated hair.

The "Solar Shield" complex protects hair from UV damage, whilst ingredients of flower extract and keratin ensure hair is thick and healthy.

£12.95, www.boots.com

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 21

Christophe Robin Purifying Hair finish Lotion with Sage Vinegar

This hair lotion will keep greasy hair at bay, keeping your roots clean in-between washes whilst smelling fresh and vibrant even without a shower.

Just spritz it onto your roots to refresh the hair without the chalky effect that dry shampoo leaves.

What’s more, this multi-tasking miracle spray doubles up as a toner and soothes insect bites, so there’s more room in your bag for gorgeous outfit choices.

£36, www.lookfantastic.co.uk

Electric P*-4 Preparation Spray

This multi-functional spray with added UV protection is designed to leave hair enhanced and prepared for endless styling. Its weightless formula is perfect for transforming the condition of hair so it feels significantly smoother and glossier immediately after application. Not only does it revive hair when flat, but it also acts as a nourishing leave-in conditioner making it the perfect on-the-go product for any hairstyle.

£17.50, www.electric-hair.com

Cantu Define and Shine Custard

These ultra moisturizing ingredients of pure shea butter work to reduce hair bulk by elongating curls whilst delivering beautiful shine and hold. Perfect treatment for long lasting styles through all-weekend festival partying. Secret tip: Add glitter for a dazzling finish.

£5.48, www.boots.com

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 22

Learning to

Silence Your Inner Critic

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 23

We all might respond differently to criticism from others. Some of us can find it constructive but we have probably all experienced times when it has been hurtful.

But unless you are in a situation where someone is criticising you every day, in which case you probably need to change that situation, then the criticism of others is likely to cause less harm than that which is dished out daily by our inner critic. The voice we hear in our head that often provides a kind of commentary to our lives.

Clearly this is something that is worse for some than others but I imagine almost everyone reading this will have had times when silencing their inner critic has been quite a challenge.

Of course in some ways it is essential, that inner critic can be a reality check and in some ways can keep us safe. But like a lot of essentially helpful things, if it goes unchecked it can cause damage, lowering our confidence and self-esteem, preventing us from doing new things or putting ourselves outside of our comfort zone, and in all sorts of ways making us feel less happy. In fact sometimes it can get us into a terrible downward spiral. Say you are not getting on with something that you know you should - there goes the inner voice giving you a hard time and be honest - does it make you actually get on with it! Usually not! More likely you will just slide down in a negative spiral that makes it even harder to do whatever it is you need to do.

But don’t panic there are things you can do to silence it, so follow the tips below next time that inner voice starts giving you a hard time.

Listen I know it sounds silly in many ways, but to ‘fight back’ and silence that voice you first need to actually take notice of what it is saying.

Often our response is to try and ignore it but actually that can be incredibly hard to do as it keeps chattering on in the background. So take a moment to identify what it is actually saying and then you can launch your counter arguments. Some people find it even helps to write some of the ‘accusations’ down and then deal with them.

State some truths Clearly what you reply with will depend on what is being said. It might be ‘so what’ if you are going to try something new and the voice is saying ‘you’ll never manage it’. Or it might be times when whatever it is saying hasn’t been true. The inner critic voice often talks in absolutes so if it says things like ‘you always

mess things up’ or ‘you can never make good decisions’. Try to make a list of the times when this hasn’t been the case. Back it up with other universal truths, you are of value, people love you, what you think and feel matters, your opinion counts, and so on.

Insist on Kindness What amazes me about our inner critic is that we allow a part of us to treat us and speak to us in a way we would never speak to others.

So if that voice is saying ‘wow you made a right mess of that’ imagine what you would say to a friend in that situation. Nine times out of ten you would be kind even if critical. It seems we have a wealth of compassion when dealing with others but can be short of it when it’s our own internal critic. So be sure to treat yourselves the way you would treat others.

When you ask yourself if you would say the sorts of things your inner critic is saying to you and the answer is ‘no’ then quite simply you need to stop listening.

Get busy The problem with our inner critic is that it can convince us NOT to do things so a sure fire way to shut that voice up is to get on a do ‘it’ whatever ‘it’ might be. But even in more general terms getting busy, productive and creative will usually turn down the volume of that inner critic if not silencing it completely.

When you do get busy it does need to be with something that will occupy your mind so that in effect you squeeze out the voice or something directly related to what it is saying.

If it is saying you are hopeless with people than go and meet up with some mates, if it is saying that you won’t get a job you are going for then throw yourself into some reading or research so that you are just too busy thinking about other things to give it room at all.

So next time that inner critic starts to give you a hard time, stealing your motivation or confidence then simply follow the steps above to silence that voice so that you can get on living the life you are meant to live.

Your inner critic is getting in the way of all those great things, which you deserve and are meant to accomplish. Drown out that negative voice with a louder, more powerful voice. A voice that believes in you and defends you, encourages you and loves you.

Trina Hall

For more information or help to silence that critic visit www.attunededcuation.com or www.attunedsuccess.co.uk or contact Sheila on 07921193479 or info@attunededucation.com

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 24

FASHION

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 25

Hush

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 26

Cover Up

Kaftan’s are now an essential fashion accessory for any sunny destination

White Kaftan, £22, Accessorize

Butterfly by Matthew Williamson, £34, Debenhams

Turquoise Cover Up, £35, White Stuff

Tribal Kaftan, £18, F&F

Janet Reger Kaftan, £38, Debenhams

Apricot

Kaftan, £38, Debenhams

Tassel Print Kaftan, £16, Matalan

Crochet `Beach Cover Up, £22.99, New Look

Crochet Frill Kaftan, £22, Very

Ladder Trim Kaftan, £19.99, New Look

White Kaftan, £45, White Stuff

Rainbow Kaftan, £35, Accessorize

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 27

Striped Beach Bag, £18, Dorothy Perkins

Stripe Beach Bag, £19.99, Bon Prix

Bags of Room

Aztec Beach Bag, £25, Very

These bags will hold everything you need for the beach and more

Striped Beach Bag, £30, Debenhams

Parrot Bag, £45, Monsoon

Floozie by Frost French Beach Bag, £25, Debenhams

Cath Kidston

Tassel Bag, £49.95, White Stuff

Raffia Beach Bag, £28, Next Tropical Garden Beachbag, £25, Cath Kidston

Straw Beach Bag, £22.99, Accessorize

Pom Pom Beach Bag, £25, Very

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:41 Page 28

Ear Ear

Tassels, pom pom’s and feathers are all the trend for your summer earrings

Multicoloured Earrings, £9.99, Zara

Beaded Earrings, £7, Next

Tassel Earrings, £8, Next

Pom Pom Tassel Earrings, £15, Marks & Spencer Havana Hoop Earrings, £12.50, Marks & Spencer

Feather Earrings, £12, Accessorize

Pink Fringe Earrings, £12.99, Zara

Tassel Earrings, £8, Accessorize

Blue Tassel Earrings, £12.99 , Zara

Feather Hoop Earrings, £8, Accessorize

Yellow Pom Pom Earrings, £5.99, New Look

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:42 Page 29

Summer Feet These summer sandals, are all so gorgeous and comfy , we can’t decide what ones we want

Eyelet Sandal, £14, Matalan

Beaded Sandals, £19.99, Matalan

Pom Pom Sandal, £28, Simply Be

Speckle Sandal, £42, Office

Pink Sandals,

Mustard Sandals, £24.99, TK Maxx

Sandals, £22.99, Faith

Red Sandal, £12, F&F Immie Sandal, £55, Dune

Blue Sandals, £65, Dune

Tan Sandal, £25, Very

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:42 Page 30

Hats Off Top off your holiday look with one of these stylish sun hats

Barbour Sun Hat, £32.95

Beach Comber Hat, £41, Figleaves Black Straw Hat, £15, Very

Straw Hat, £15, Simply Be

Fedora Hat, £7.99, Blue Inc

Floozie by Frost French Hat, £18, Debenhams

Stripe Hat, £7.99, British Heart Foundation

M&Co

White Hat, £25, White Stuff

Floppy Brim Hat, £22, Accessorize Janet Reger Hat, £22, Debenhams

Pom Pom Hat, £18, Accessorize

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:42 Page 31

Veda Therapeutics Carolyn wood Herbal Medicine - Ayuverda Naturopathy - Therapeutic Massage - Ear Acupuncture

Herbalist (Dip Herb) Naturopath (Dip ND) MAMH, MANP, ITEC

As a herbalist and naturopath I can help you with

• Immunity • Skin Conditions • Digestive Complaints • Hormonal imbalances • Heart health & Circulation • Energy & Wellbeing • Insomnia • Depression • Other chronic health conditions • Acute coughs &

07944 886502 www.vedatherapeutics.co.uk

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:42 Page 32

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:42 Page 33

FOOD & DRINK

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:42 Page 34

Time for a Rose Garden

Sopwell House in St Albans haven’t just stopped to smell the roses - they have mixed them into a summer cocktail and devised a bloomin’ marvellous Rose Garden Cocktail, served in its very own mini watering can.

Head Barman, Terry Woods, has combined boozy botanical blends, sure to have you potty on petals in no time. The cocktail is created from Hendricks Gin, Homemade Rose Syrup, Lemon Juice and muddled Cucumber topped with Soda Water. Once the ingredients have been shaken, they are double strained into a mini watering can along with crushed ice. The cocktail is completed with a delicate rose petal garnish.

The Rose Garden Cocktail is available throughout the summer months at £10.95 per dainty watering can.

BLOOM with Strawberries Launched last month, BLOOM Strawberry Cup (£18) is a limited edition, rich and luxurious ruby red spirit drink, available from Asda and 31Dover.com produced in exceptionally small batches and created by Joanne Moore, one of the first female master distillers in the world, combining fresh strawberries with the floral gin, giving a strawberry coloured liquor which can be drunk with lemonade, ginger ale or as an ingredient in cocktails.

Try it in a BLOOM Strawberry Cup - Add ice and 4 strawberries quartered into a jug or pitcher. Pour in 200ml BLOOM Strawberry Cup and top up with 400ml good quality lemonade.

On the Go

Nairns’s new On the Go Mini Cheesecake Oatcakes are a tasty on-the-go snack full of slow release energy to help fuel a busy day. Packed with wholesome, wholegrain oats and made with real cheese with no artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. So whether it’s a pre or post workout bite, an afternoon or evening snack for you or your child these Mini Cheese Oatcakes are just perfect.

Priced at £1.59 and available from Sainsbury’s.

FOODIE NEWS Bubbly of the Season This summer, globally renowned Spanish sparkling wine brand Freixenet, have launched a premium Prosecco – set to be the most ‘Instagrammable’ bubbly of the season.

Presented in a striking cut-glass bottle, Freixenet Prosecco is available from Tesco for £12.99 and blends superior quality with stunning beauty. With a clean and crisp palate and subtle flavours of lemon, green apple and grapefruit, the Prosecco partners beautifully with seafood dishes and small sharing plates. Whether for sipping with friends in a sunny garden, or to toast the first BBQ of the summer, the bubbly can be enjoyed to celebrate all of life’s special moments!

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:42 Page 35

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 09:39 Page 36

Gourmet Wine Dinner at Luton Hoo Hotel A beautiful summer’s evening and we found ourselves driving up the long, beech-lined sweeping driveway to Luton Hoo Hotel and Spa for a ‘Gourmet Wine Tasting Dinner’.

Taking place within the main Mansion House, in a private dining room just off the opulently decorated Versailles-like Wernher Restaurant.

Greeted with a glass of Warden Abbey Brut 2014, (fresh and vibrant with a mix of citrus fruits this is definitely one to put on my shopping list) - We then headed outside to admire the spectacular views, enjoy the evening sunshine and indulge in some of the delicious canapés whilst we waited for the other guests to arrive, One of the main guests was Derek Smedley, (our host for the evening) a Master Wine Consultant from Warden Abbey Vineyard.

All too soon it was time to retreat inside and find our place at the table for the gourmet dining to begin. Derek gave us a little background on Warden Abbey Vineyard and the wines we were going to be drinking – Did you know they have 500 vineyards and 300 wineries?

Starting with Grilled lemon sole fillets, sea kale, langoustines, and shellfish veloute the wine paired with this was another one from Warden Abbey, a Bacchus 2015, food was beautifully presented, the fish was so fresh it was a delight to the tastebuds, add to that the floral, fresh citrusy flavours of the wine on the palate, I couldn’t wait for each mouthful.

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 09:39 Page 37

Guinea fowl ballotine, potato gnocchi, oyster mushroom, spring peas and broad beans with Madeira jus followed. An explosion of flavours that were divine, accompanied this time with a red wine from The Bolney Estate in West Sussex Lychgate Red 2014 – This medium bodied wine with its juicy plum and berry flavours, was the ideal accompaniment for the flavorsome Guinea Fowl.

Throughout the evening, Derek kept us engrossed with his stories and knowledge. The final course was a selection of British cheeses, these included Rosary ash goat’s cheese, Cornish yarg, and Somerset brie, along with crackers, chutney and grapes – A white Pinot Noir from The Albourne Estate in Sussex graced our palettes, made from red Pinot Noir grapes hand picked and whole-bunch pressed so that the juice bears only a hint of colour. The excellent ripeness levels of the grapes lead to a really lovely wine – clean, fresh, and vibrant, with notable red fruit aroma. Something a bit different – and was an excellent choice to pair with the cheeses.

It was nearly time for this delightful, knowledgeable, evening to come to an end but not before the coffee and delicate petit fours (that are made exclusively for Luton Hoo) were served.

And as with the rest of the evening they were faultless.

This evening is a must whether you are a wine connoisseur or not, the knowledge from the Wine expert is interesting and informative, the food is divine in taste and presentation and the wines are paired with the dishes so perfectly the tastebuds experience a real treat.

Service and attention to detail is excellent, add to that the stunning surroundings of Luton Hoo and you have the perfect evening of food, drink and luxury.

The next Gourmet Wine Tasting Dinner is on Thursday 14th September and priced at £85pp, and Thursday 9th November – visit the website for further details.

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa 01582 734437 www.lutonhoo.co.uk

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:42 Page 38

Charred and Raw Corn with Chile and Cheese “This easy to put together salad, is just perfect for a summer picnic or BBQ”

Ingredients

4 ears of corn kernels, husked 1 large shallot, thinly sliced into rings ½ red chile with seeds, thinly sliced into rings ¼ cup fresh lime juice Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 tbsp vegetable oil, divided 2 oz fresh feta cheese crumbled ¼ cup cilantro leaves with tender stems

Method

Put the grill on a medium heat. Cut kernels from 1 corn cob and toss with the shallot, chile, and lime juice in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Brush remaining 3 ears of corn with 2 tbsp oil and grill, turning occasionally, until very tender and charred in spots, 10–12 minutes. Let cool.

Cut kernels from cobs and add to reserved corn mixture along with cheese, cilantro, and remaining 2 tbsp oil. Toss to combine, season with salt and pepper.

Recipe by: Alison Roman

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:42 Page 39

Skillet BLT Panzanella “Bacon and crunchy croutons make this salad feel more like the sandwich you know and love.”

Ingredients

12 oz. thick-cut bacon, cut into 1" pieces 2 ciabatta bread, torn into small pieces Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 5 oz. arugula 1 lb ripe tomatoes, mixed varieties and sizes, cut into bite-size pieces 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup torn basil leaves

Method

Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add bacon in an even layer.

Fry until crisp, for about 5 minutes. Transfer bacon using a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Remove half the bacon fat and reserve.

Make croutons: Return pan to medium heat and toss bread in bacon fat; season with salt and pepper. Toast until golden brown. Transfer croutons to a bowl and set aside.

Add remaining bacon fat to sauté pan and toss with garlic over medium heat. Sauté until garlic is softened and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir together with balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Add arugula, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and croutons; toss together with dressing. Top with bacon and basil and serve immediately.

Recipe by Judy Kim

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:42 Page 40

Limoncello Strawberry Cheesecakes Ingredients

Strawberry Topping 2 pints of strawberries, divided 4 tablespoons caster’ sugar 4 tablespoons Limoncello

Shortbread Crust 1 and 1/2 cups crushed shortbread cookies 2 tbsp butter, melted Cheesecake Filling 8 oz cream cheese, softened 8 oz goat cheese, softened 3 tbsp granulated sugar 8 oz whipped cream 1 tbsp Limoncello 8 half pint mason jars

Method

Strawberry Topping In a small bowl mix 1 pint of strawberries, caster sugar and Limoncello and mash with a fork. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or longer. While in the fridge prepare the shortbread crust and cheesecake filling.

Shortbread Crust Crush the shortbread cookies in a sealed bag using a rolling pin, or in a food processor. In a small bowl, combine the crushed cookies and melted butter.

Cheesecake Filling Using an electric mixer beat cream cheese, goats cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the lemon juice. With the mixer on low, add the whipped cream.

Fold the remaining pint of strawberries into the Limoncello strawberry mixture, trying to keep these berries whole. Spoon cookie crumbs into jars. Top with cheesecake filling, strawberry topping and put in the fridge for at least two hours. Before serving add a shot of whipped cream to the top

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 11:38 Page 41

"

"

This summer put down the Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio and open a bottle of light refreshing sparkling wine or Prosecco

Pudding Night 14th July

7.30 arrival - Main course and all you can eat desserts £16 per person

French Night 21st July

7.30 Arrival - £20pp A Taste of several authentic French dishes & platter of dessert Includes a free glass of wine

Il Serraglio Lambrusco NV A Lambrusco like no other Wonderfully blush pink in colour with notes of white peach, lemon sorbet, a tinge of fresh strawberry and hawthorn. This wine is a world apart with its chiseled, fresh and wonderfully stylish personality. Despite some gentle fruit sweetness on its core, this wine finishes dry and clean. £15, www.thevinobeano.com

Pudding Night 4th August

7.30 arrival - Main course and all you can eat desserts £16 per person

Tapas Night 25th August

Selection of 12 Dishes to try £20pp-7.30 arrival

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is served daily 2-5pm £9.95 for Sweet Afternoon Tea £11.95 for Full Afternoon Tea £18.95 for Champagne Afternoon Tea

Reborn Prosecco NV A refined Prosecco that has a feminine touch and notable elegance. Mildly aromatic on the nose with hints of fresh almond, orchard fruit and white flowers and gentle sweetness on the palate. £15, www.thevinobeano.com

Call to book on 01234 781 678

01234 781678

info@millhouse-riverside.co.uk www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk millhouse_hotel Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant Mill Road, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1NP

Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc With plenty of flavour, this has well integrated fizz and a dry, lingering finish. An excellent aperitif. Made from the same grape varieties as Champagne and by the same method, Crémant de Bourgogne is highly underrated. £7.99, Lidl

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 08:49 Page 42

Love Cocktails?

Time for a Masterclass

Cocktail Masterclasses are a great way for friends to get together for a little female bonding (or drunken behaviour) whatever you prefer to call it!

Usually the cocktails are made and drunk in one place, before moving onto another venue, which has to be organized like a military operation – Hence, why the new Cocktail Masterclass at Tre Fratelli in Wood End, Kempston is such good fun – you don’t need to move on anywhere!

“Would you like to come and review our new Cocktail Masterclass?” was the question “Is the sky blue?” was my answer. Fast-forward to a beautiful summer’s evening and myself and 8 friends were sitting on the patio at Tre Fratelli waiting for Julian, our mixologist for the evening to WOW us with his skills!

After a brief, but informative introduction, we were shown how to make the first cocktail – A Cosmopolitan – how difficult could that be? Well let’s just say there’s lots of giggling, cheering, shaking and swirling before the end result is achieved – a delicious looking ‘Cosmo’ waiting in its glass to be drunk.

Everyone has a turn at making the first cocktail, so there’s a lot of audience encouragement, which seems to get louder and louder as the cocktails gets less and less! But fear not just as your glass is about to look empty it’s time to try your hand at the next cocktail, which is just as much

fun. It does require a little extra concentration though, as alcohol has now been consumed, but don’t worry Hans is on hand to nudge you in the right direction.

Once everyone has made their second cocktail – did I mention it was a ‘Long Island Ice Tea’ we all needed a little sobering up and the most delicious sharing platters of meat, fish and vegetables were brought out whilst we had a little break.

Sharing boards finished it’s on to the final cocktail a ‘Tom Collins’ a mixture of gin, lemon juice, carbonated water and sugar – apparently really easy to make at home – Hmmm we’ll see!

Once everyone had made a ‘Tom Collins’ the cocktail making had finished, Oh dear time to go home - No not quite, it is then time for a 2-course meal to help soak the alcohol up!

Price wise, the Masterclass starts from £32.50pp, which includes Masterclass and 3 cocktails each, and £47.50pp to include Masterclass, 3 cocktails and a two course meal.

This is such a great night out, be sure to grab some friends and book your Cocktail Masterclass now!

Tre Fratelli 01234 855550 simone@trefratellis.com www.trefratelliristorante.co.uk

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 43

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 44

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 45

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 46

Interiors

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 47

Blue

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 48

Hues

Blue comes in so many different shades, there’s nothing it won’t look good with

Abigail Ahern Chandelier, £150, Debenhams

Olin Chaise, £429, Marks & Spencer

Vase, Next Buddha Ornament, £40, House of Fraser

Fine Art Print, £25, Omar Obaid

Ferm Living Cushion, £79, Cloudberry iving

Gem Table Lamp, bykoket.com

Grassington Sofa, £1.343, Sofas & Stuff

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 49

Morellia Corner Sofa, £2,435, Darlings of Chelsea

Matthew Williamson Vase, £28, Debenhams Candle, £14, Next

Picture Frame, £10, Next

Decorative Plate, £10 , Next Kirkby Design Cubic Bump' Cushion, £85, Sweetpea & Willow

Manhattan 2 Seater Sofa, £605, Element One House Glass Bottle Vase, £38.95, MiaFleur

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 50

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 51

Light Up

Create a relaxing ambience in your garden, by scattering lights and lanterns around

Copper Lantern, £7.99, TK Maxx

Alfresco Festoon Light Canopy

LED Rattan Lantern, £12, Matalan

Hurricane Lamp, £14.99.

TK Maxx

Red Glass Hurricane Lantern £9.99, Dobbies

Solar Damasque Garden Lantern, £21.95, The Glow Company

La Rochelle Lantern, £39.95, Annabel James

Wooden Lantern, £12, Matalan

Moroccan Lantern, £15.95, MiaFleur

Gothic Garden Lantern, £24.95, MiaFleur

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 52

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 53

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 54

Manipulator of Magic and Mind Control goes Underground

The multi-award-winning master of psychological illusion, Derren Brown, is back where he loves to be – on the road performing live across the country – and he comes to Northampton’s Royal & Derngate this month from Thursday 27th to Saturday 29th July.

The nation’s favourite dark manipulator of magic and mind control is touring his latest stage presentation, Derren Brown: Underground. Direct from its recent soldout London run, features a collection of some of the very best of his previous stage work brought together into a spell-binding experience of showmanship and magical genius.

Derren comments: “It’s not a brand new show, rather an opportunity to see me perform some of my own choice of

favourite bits from the past fourteen years of touring.

Hopefully, it will be just as rewarding an experience for those who have seen me before as it will be for firsttimers”.

Derren has toured every year since 2003 and been watched by an estimated audience of nearly two million people. He has won prestigious Olivier Awards, for Something Wicked This Way Comes (2006) and Svengali (2012). His last show, Miracle, his most daring to date, was universally acclaimed by critics and the world-wide audience alike.

Tickets are priced from £36 to £43 and can be booked by calling Box Office on 01604 624811 or by visiting www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 55

You’re the One that I Want

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 56

Well he’s the one that you want! Tom Parker, from the UK’s top boy band The Wanted, is to star in his first ever theatrical role as ‘bad boy’ Danny in Grease, the No.1 greatest musical!

unforgettable songs from the hit movie including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and many more.

Also starring Over The Rainbow winner Danielle Hope as Sandy and EastEnders’ & Strictly Come Dancing’s Louisa Lytton as Rizzo, this original, electrifying West End production lights up the UK in 2017!

So throw your mittens around your kittens and hand jive the night away with the show that’ll make you want to stand up and shout, ‘A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop, a-wop-bamboom!

Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and take a trip to a simpler time as Danny and Sandy fall in love all over again.

Mon 28th August – Sat 2nd September Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 8717652 www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

It’s the original high-school musical, featuring all the

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 57

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 58

Fry’s Footie Corner

Promised Land of the top four but just fell short so they will be looking to make that extra step next season.

The transfer market is ludicrous when it comes to the fees that are being paid – and we have got to the stage now when £25 million deals are not even the top story on Sky Sports News. This lunacy is filtering down through the Football League with demands from players’ and agents continuing to shock and amaze in equal measure.

In the Championship, tens of millions are being spent on securing a passage to the Premier League with Middlesbrough among the clubs linked with one of our former strikers, Britt Assombalonga at Nottingham Forest.

It is obviously a sign of the times and you have to adapt with the situation but at Peterborough United we will never be held to ransom on a player or by an agent. We have a clear policy that we adhere to and we offer players the chance to further their careers with us – we have done it with so many players in the past.

Even at League One and League Two level, I am hearing tales of £4-5,000 a week being offered to players which is incredible when you consider the gates these clubs are attracting. I really hope that these clubs know what they are doing with their finances because I would hate to see one club go out of business as a result.

In the Premier League, we have seen Everton splashing the cash with the £30 million arrival of young goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who becomes the most expensive English shot-stopper of all time. His potential and talent is not in question, but it does strike me as a lot to pay for a goalkeeper. However in today’s market, you could argue that it is the right kind of fee to pay.

It has always been a fear that if one club goes out of business, others will follow like a domino effect, so I really hope that the powers that be are monitoring the money being spent. It won’t be long before the new season gets underway, the players are already back in pre-season so let’s see what the new campaign brings for all of us.

Everton have been doing quite a bit of business in the summer and that is all down to the determination to reach the Champions League and the extra revenue that can generate. They have always been close to the

Barry Fry 62

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 59

The Smell of Summer It’s time to update your smell, with one of these newly released fragrances just in time for those warm summer evenings

Prada Luna Rossa Carbon, £66.50 Boots

Jimmy Choo Man Ice, £64, John Lewis

Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Tropics, £22.99, The Perfume Shop

Dior Sauvage Spray, £69.50, The Fragrance Shop Hugo Boss Boss Bottled, £45, Debenhams

Azzaro Chrome Pure, £58.50.

The Fragrance Shop

Jo Malone London Intense Myrrh & Tonka Cologne, £112, House of Fraser Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Superman, £58, John Lewis

Diesel Only the Brave Hig, £44, Debenhams

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 60

Sue

Sheena

Lance

Charlotte

Nikki

Sharon

TRAVEL

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 61

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:43 Page 62

Making Memories around The Seychelles Amy Wright discovers the idyllic Seychelles onboard a yacht cruise

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:44 Page 63

Picture paradise, and most people would imagine perhaps an island of lush vegetation, edged with tranquil beaches of fine, white sand, and surrounded by invitingly clear, sparkling azure water. Add some intriguing granitic formations, and you might as well transport yourself to the idyllic Seychelles, an archipelago of some 115 islands and islets in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa.

Many of the islands cannot be accessed other than by boat, making a cruise the ideal way to explore the Seychelles. Better still, a yacht cruise offers a more intimate, informal and flexible way to explore the area than traditional cruises (with greater accessibility), as Rachel and I discovered during our seven-night ‘Garden of Eden’ cruise with Variety Cruises onboard the M/Y Pegasus.

The Pegasus is a 45m mega yacht, with a capacity for up to 44 guests. First launched in 1990, she’s kept in remarkably good condition, and lovingly looked after by the crew, who ensure that she is constantly gleaming. Cabins are spacious, with a few offering a three-berth for families, and we were pleasantly surprised by the generous storage space. The public areas consist of the main bar/lounge and restaurant, which are open plan on the upper deck, and a lot of al fresco deck space. There’s even a spa onboard, with very reasonably priced massages on offer!

The crew bring the Pegasus to life, with their friendliness and warmth, and we were immediately made to feel at home. There’s an international feel onboard, with guests hailing predominantly from Europe; and a wider range in ages than you’d perhaps see on other cruises, from millennials in their late twenties, couples in their forties, to those in their seventies, but still fit and active.

Onboard life is more informal than traditional cruising, and the appeal of this cruise extends to people who wouldn’t ordinarily consider themselves cruisers.

There’s certainly no formal nights onboard!

Dinner alternates between a buffet and a set four- or five-course meal, with a choice for the main course. During meal times, we

would always be moored up and never sailing (‘we don’t want you to have rock and roll while you’re eating!’ they explained). Despite only three, maybe four, people working in the galley, the food they turned out was always well presented and tasty, and we were impressed with the meals.

Most of the sailing was only for short stretches, averaging perhaps an hour each time. We left Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, for a short sail to moor overnight nearby St Anne, enjoying a swim stop in the wonderful waters of the Indian Ocean, which was beautifully refreshing. Swim stops in the ocean are something unique to a smaller yacht like M/Y Pegasus; you certainly can’t do that from the back of a normal cruise ship!

The cruise includes excursions to discover the wildlife on Curieuse Island, Cousin Island, and Moyenne Island, with lots of opportunities to meet new ‘lazy friends’ (the famous giant Aldabra tortoises) and view many different types of birds, some unique to the Seychelles. We also enjoyed a couple of beach barbecues and the chance to unwind on some spectacular beaches such as Anse Lazio, or snorkelling at St Pierre (where I enjoyed my first ever snorkelling experience) and Felicite.

‘We aim to give you memories!’ Makis, the captain of the M/Y Pegasus, promised us at the start of our cruise. At the end of the cruise, he asked the guests whether the cruise had delivered its promise, and – having discovered the Seychelles’ unique wildlife, relaxed on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, swam and snorkelled in the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, walked through lush forests, and enjoyed the friendly and warm hospitality of Variety Cruises and the M/Y Pegasus - there was unanimous agreement.

BOOK IT!

To cruise the Seychelles onboard Pegasus, contact the cruise specialists at Select Travel Holidays www.selecttravelholidays.co.uk

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:44 Page 64

Discover the Classical Highlights of Halkidiki

At Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:44 Page 65

Perched on the peninsula of Halkidiki and boasting a rare geological location, Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort is located in a setting steeped with ancient Greek Mythology. The region, abundant with ancient tales and history, is the ideal setting for discovery and knowledge through a range of engaging excursions and activities.

It is said, that The Battle of the Titans took place at Halkidiki and has since blessed the land from beneath rewarding Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort with its hot springs, azure sea, rich olive groves and golden beaches. This breath-taking spa resort benefits from the rare combination of hot thermal waters from deep in the earth and healing thalasso direct from the sea and sitting in an idyllic bay at the end of the mythical peninsula, it is the world’s first and largest thermae resort to be located directly on the beach.

Unearthing the dynamic richness of Halkidiki, Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort has curated a selection of activities and excursions for all ages. Blessed with the stunning mountain ranges and natural vegetation, guests are encouraged to go hiking, mountain biking and walking, surrounding themselves in the authentic beauty of the stunning olive groves and almond trees. Ocean front yoga sessions sooth weary souls whilst a refreshing swim

in the azure waters that greet the resorts’ private beach awakens the senses and revitalises the soul.

Further beyond the haven where the resort lies, guests are invited to explore the northern region of Greece and nearby historical gems. For culture vultures that are after an authentic taste of local Greece, meander the traditional markets in and around the ancient Kassandria city. Alternatively go back in time and visit archaeological sites associated with Alexander the Great and birthplace of Greek philosopher Aristote.

Encompassing the origins of ancient Greece with a modern wellness concept throughout, Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort is Greece’s largest and most spectacular Thermae Resort, effortlessly combining the clear blue skies, golden sands and the welcoming waters of the Mediterranean.

BOOK IT!

Discover Halkidiki and its highlights for seven nights staying in a Standard Double Garden View on Bed and Breakfast basis is from £489 per person, based on sharing. Includes return flights from London Gatwick. www.destinology.co.uk

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:44 Page 66

Walk in the

Footsteps of Heroes

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:44 Page 67

Sue Alexander tells us about her D-Day landing battlefield tour in and around Normandy I had the opportunity recently to take a D-day Battlefields Tour with my Family; it is a humbling & emotional experience I will never forget.

Our Battlefields Guide for the duration of our trip was Carl Shilleto a Military Historian and author of several books on WWII. Carl’s in-depth knowledge and description of the events of D-Day bought the entire campaign to life. We had the opportunity to walk across Pegasus Bridge and see the Gliders used to reach the bridge undetected, we were able to visit Madame Gondree in Café Gondree, the first building liberated on D-Day and somehow untouched by time. It is impossible to believe the horrors that occurred on the beaches 70 years ago when you see them on a warm sunny day with children paddling and people sunbathing, but some evidence is still there. The German gun emplacements, which formed the Atlantic Wall, the Mulberry Harbour at Arramanche and the numerous fascinating museums lay testament to the heroic sacrifices made that day.

The Cemeteries are testament to the huge losses on both sides. At Ranville Cemetery Carl pointed out the grave of a 16 year old boy who was a paratrooper shot down before landing and the only war grave for a paratrooper and his para-dog, both killed before setting foot on French soil. There is also the unmarked grave of the German sniper who was on the church spire. The American Cemetery above Omaha Beach is serene and peaceful now; it’s hard to imagine the scene 70 years ago when it became known as ‘bloody Omaha’ where over 3,000 American Soldiers lost their lives in 1 day.

We travelled by Coach from Bedford which is quite a long day, however we were given numerous ‘comfort stops’ enroute for tea, coffee etc. It was a ‘silver service’ coach which means we had extra legroom so plenty of space to stretch. In France the stewards onboard were able to sell alcoholic drinks so there was something quite civilised about watching the French Countryside go by with Gin & Tonic in hand!

The Carline Hotel on the outskirts of Caen was adequate for our three nights stay and chosen for its location and ease to get to the sites avoiding too much traffic.

Our two days spent in the company of Carl, our battlefields guide, were extremely interesting & well balanced.

In many respects a privilege to be able to walk in the footsteps of heroes.

Please contact Sue at Eagle Travel if you are interested in this tour.sue@eagletravel.co.uk BOOK IT!

The D-DAY landings in Normandy Tour is available from Bedford on various dates.

Places visited include *Pegasus Bridge & Memorial Pegasus Museum *Sword, Juno, Utah and ‘Bloody Omaha’ Beaches immortalised in Saving Private Ryan *Ranville Cemetery & The American Normandy Cemetery *Arramanche & The Mulberry Harbour *St Mere Eglise *German Cemetery at La Cambe For more information or to book please contact: sue@eagletravel.co.uk

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 11:41 Page 68

Redefining the All-inclusive Experience

at UNICO 20° 87° Hotel,

Riviera Maya

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:44 Page 69

This May saw the opening of UNICO 20°87° - a new, aspirational, adults-only hotel on the Riviera Maya in Mexico that is changing the face of the all-inclusive experience. All packages at the hotel not only includes all food and drink but also unlimited spa treatments, offproperty excursions, unlimited golf and more.

Named after its geographical location on Mexico’s Yuctan Peninsula at 20°N latitude and 87°W longitude, the locale has also heavily influenced the ethos and design of the property.

From the moment guests arrive they will experience luxury with a custom-scented lobby and access to the UNICO 20°87° App. Every touch point and interaction on the app has been crafted and curated with an extraordinary list of unique features and personalised options from actually opening your room door to arranging when you want housekeeping to visit your room or just to order a dirty martini with two olives to be delivered to your sunbed by the pool!

The new UNICO 20˚87˚ all-inclusive concept allows each guest to have an entirely tailor-made stay. From personalised in-room amenities made from local ingredients and an in-room mini bar stocked for guest preference, to an aromatherapy and pillow menu and unlimited spa treatments of choice all within the allinclusive package.

Each guest will also be allocated their own unique “Host” for their stay, replacing the traditional butler service whilst still allowing all of their individual needs to be met and connecting guests to the destination. All hotel staff embodies the brand’s muse, “The Proud Local”, and so during every moment of their stay, guests feel a genuine love and emotional investment in the region.

The UNICO 20°87° concept offers equal parts international outpost and local getaway. The property fully showcases its native surroundings - from the local art displayed both in-room and throughout the property that can be purchased by guests, to the food and beverage offerings that foster a sense of regional celebration. There is an Executive Mixologist infusing local flavours and ingredients to craft specialty cocktails and an annual rotating chef restaurant concept that has a focus on emerging local talent. UNICO 20˚87˚ also has culturally inspired activities including cooking classes taught by renowned regional chefs and impromptu pop-up programming from mezcal tastings and cocktail hour in a nearby Mayan village. Guests can also enjoy a range of

local excursions as part of the all-inclusive experience, from exploring the region’s historic and cultural sites and its lesser known alcoves with native hosts to trips to the hotel’s own private ceynote to dining at local tastemakers' preferred restaurants and bars. It is this need for immersion in authenticity that is the ethos behind UNICO 20˚87˚, which is about fully immersing guests in the local environment – arrive as a tourist, leave as a traveller.

Guests staying at the hotel will benefit from: 448 guest rooms – which come with ocean views, double hydro spa tubs, in-room mini bars stocked up with each guest’s preferences for making their own cocktails. Some rooms have an exterior swim-up pool and elevated lounge chairs.

Three expansive pools each with a unique experience Five globally-infused gourmet restaurants: Cueva Siete modern Mexican by celebrity Chef Christian Bravo, Mi Carisa - coastal Italian á la carte, Mura House - a la carte Japanese Yakitori & Teppanyaki, 20.87 restaurant and terrace – casual beachside buffet for breakfast and lunch with a classic grill in the evenings and Cafe Inez - coffee shop & juice bar Six bars and lounges including a cigar lounge and two swim up bars The Esencia Wellness Centre features state-of-the-art fitness facilities and specialty classes, a visiting instructor programme and personal training sessions, accompanied by a spa with 18 luxe cabanas, hydrotherapy facilities with a plunge pool and Hammam, beauty salon and barbershop equipped with a cocktail cart offering whiskey and beer, as well as steam and sauna room.

BOOK IT!

Seven night at the five-star UNICO 20°87° costs from £1,399 per person on an all-inclusive basis. This price includes a £500 discount and a free upgrade to an Alcoba Ocean Front Room and return economy flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic. Price based on two adults sharing for departure on selected dates in September and October. www.holidayplace.co.uk/holiday/special/2544 or call 020 7644 1770. www.UnicoHotelRivieraMaya.com

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:44 Page 70

STARS Manish Kumar Arora (K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month

Cancer (21 June – 22 July) You will need to continue developing good financial practices and work towards securing the basics of what you need for the days ahead. Look to the 'long term', restructure your financial operations and seek the 'gilt edge' proposition.

This month finds your natural charm turned way, way up; those coupled up can enjoy some extra coziness, while singletons can attract someone as loving and loyal as they are themselves.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue

80

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:44 Page 71

Leo (23 July – 22 August) As the month begins, you may feel torn between putting in more time at work and giving yourself some quality time alone. You can find the right balance if you manage your time wisely, and if you remember to measure twice and cut once. Relationships you begin or reinvest in now have especially high chances of blooming amazingly. You may love music, art, dance, and drama and develop considerable talent in these areas.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Purple

come your way. If there are things you want to change, make new choices and get your new show on the road.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Blue & White

Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) This is not the time to tell everyone what you're up to.

Share on a 'need to know' basis. Hold a little back. A romantic event will spark up your relationship axis, asking that you turn your attention to one-to-one encounters. You may need to talk something through and really listen to what's being said to you. Don't sacrifice your independence because of the emotional volatility of the people around you.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Grey

Virgo (23 August – 22 September) There may be sudden or dramatic changes with partners or close associates that will influence or even change completely your direction this month. The trick is to not worry about where you're going in the long term so much as take the opportunities that come. Your successes might spark a bit of a competitive frenzy among your peers, but you’ll end up ahead.

Favourable Dates: July 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Orange

Pisces (19 February – 20 March) You’ll charm the socks off anyone you choose, and social events seem made for you to be the centre piece. And with your high energy you can initiate something very sweet, whether it’s with your long time love or someone brandnew. This phase may be a new connection for some whereas for others this will be the renewal of an old connection or the transformation of a relationship with someone who has been a friend or an associate.

Favourable Dates: June 2, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Purple

Libra (23 September – 22 October) This month heralds new colleagues, teammates and customers. Your eagerness to please will be mirrored by their enthusiasm for you, so you can expect smooth sailing during this month. Your home life should be especially well integrated with your professional life. You will be forever bubbling with energy and enthusiasm. You would make an excellent judge, a sensitive administrator, or a quite inspirational teacher.

Favourable Dates: July 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: Blue & White

Aries (21 March – 19 April) This period marks the beginning of a cycle of education, new ideas and important plans or developments. Matters of the heart require your focus in during weekends of July, rewarding you with the kinds of conversations and flirtations that have you practically falling in love every other minute. You’ll enjoy rapid-fire romantic activity, with something new always on the horizon, whether you’re single or conducting a raging romance.

Favourable Dates: July 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21 Favourable Colours: Blue & White

Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) If you’ve been thinking of making a new career start, this would be a fine time to do it. Your combination of rocksteady loyalty and alluring appeal gets recognized big-time.

If you’re coupled up, you can take your relationship down a sweet garden path. You should also look beyond the physical to deeper aspects of people now — including yourself. By the end of the month, you should be settled in comfortably.

Favourable Dates: July 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: Blue & Grey

Taurus (20 April – 20 May) This month brings a renewed sense of purpose and lots of high energy. You will take all those sparks and translate them directly into romance. You have a ready wit and appreciate the humour in even the grimmest situations.

You may need to invest more time and energy then you feel you’ve got in your career and your group affiliations. You’ll reap the rewards via a public display of gratitude.

Favourable Dates: July 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: Yellow & White

Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) You may find it easier to communicate with others in a group, and your mind may be more active when you have multiple people to bounce ideas off of. You’re also finally feeling able to turn your attention toward enjoying life — and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to do just that. July promises singles a rollicking good time, while those romantically entangled will enjoy leading their significant other into all sorts of new adventures.

Favourable Dates: July 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours: Blue & White

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) This month is a time of big change for you in one way or another, but you’ll absorb it quickly. You outlast those who may be much stronger, by adapting more easily to the demands of changing circumstances. If you’re happy with yourself, you should be grateful for every little thing that’s

Gemini (21 May – 20 June) This month will arrive with the chance to join forces with a whole new group, either for spiritual or metaphysical reasons. You’ll get an awful lot out of their company and their influence. This also marks the beginning of an era when important changes with your philosophies and beliefs are on the cards. A proposal or a lovely invitation could come your way after the 23rd of July.

Favourable Dates: July 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: Red & Grey

81

manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com

july2017.qxp_Jan 2014 Aff 03/07/2017 07:44 Page 72

A quiet night in...

An Italian Holiday by Maeve Haran Sunshine, warmth, lemon blossom . . .

Springtime in glorious Southern Italy can go to your head.

Especially if you are escaping an overbearing husband, the embarrassingly public loss of your company, an interfering mother who still tries to run your life or the pain of a husband's affair with a girl young enough to be his daughter.

As the Italian sun ripens the lemons in the groves that tumble down the hillsides and the Mediterranean dazzles beneath them, assertive Angela, extrovert Sylvie, unconfident Claire and mousy Monica find burgeoning friendship and begin to blossom in quite unexpected ways.

Packed with memorable characters - from the acid-tongued Grand Old Man of Modern Art who lives next door - to the aspiring gigolo who thinks nothing of a forty year age gap, Maeve Haran's new novel is a witty and entertaining reminder of why going a little mad in the sun can sometimes be exactly what you need.

The Dark Tower There are other worlds than these. Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, the ambitious and expansive story from one of the world’s most celebrated authors, makes its launch to the big screen. The last Knight Warrior, Roland Deschain (Idris Elba), has been locked in an eternal battle with Walter O’Dim, also known as the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey), determined to prevent him from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil will collide in the ultimate battle as only Roland can defend the Tower from the Man in Black.

Release Date: 18th August

Hidden Figures The incredible untold true story of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) & Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae)-brilliant African-American women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This stunning achievement galvanized the world and inspired generations to dream big.

Release Date: 3rd July

82

june2017Cover .qxp_Layout 1 copy 29/05/2017 20:54 Page 2

feb2017Cover .qxp_Layout 1 copy 29/01/2017 19:08 Page 1

AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

FREE www.affinitymag.co.uk

February 2017

Look of Love

Gorgeous gifts for her

FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE 69

Tempt your Tastebuds at The Knife & Cleaver

Time for Clean Sleeping Gwyneth Paltrow shows us how

Le Jardin des Douars

Crème de la Crème Body lotions to a little Moroccan sunshine

Fun with Flamingos quench your skin

add some of these quirky accessories to your home