Affinity Luxury Lifestyle Magazine September 2022

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PRICELESS

www.affinitymag.co.uk AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Au Naturel WWW.AFFINITYMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Organic textures and natural materials create the perfect ambience

SMOOTHER SKIN With our favourite Body Creams

ISSUE 137

SAVOY PALACE MADEIRA Read our review of this Luxury Hotel

SWEET & SAVOURY Mouth-watering recipes made easy

Seasonal Styles

ISSUE 137

Transition into the new season with a range of fashion favourites

SORRY! Time to stop saying sorry!

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LETTER EDITOR’S

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This issue we’re bursting with inspiration for the change in season, from adding a little Au Naturel to your interiors (page 33) to the latest styles you need to add to your wardrobe (page 19), we have it all.

Travel has never been so popular, whether it’s staying in the UK or hopping on a plane and visiting further afield. Madeira is a definite to add to your list, we explored this historically beautiful island, staying at The Savoy Palace, turn to page 44 for our full review.

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If you want to stay closer to home we’ve got tree houses and shepherd huts in Devon (page 48) and sea views in Cornwall (page 52} – Where will you choose?

This months’ recipes are not only easy to make, they’re also perfect for those autumn evenings when you can’t be bothered to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner (page 28) and if we twist your arm you can always open one of the wines from this months’ selection (page 31).

We are all well acquainted with the idea that gardening as an activity, helps our mental and physical health tremendously, but did you know people who spend time around plants perform better in the office and home – Turn to page 12 to find out more.

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Until Next Month

Jane x 1. Knitted Jumpsuit, £59, Karen Millen 2. The Orangery Ceramic Scented Candle, £52, www.chaseandwonder.com 3. Skagen Gold-Tone Pendant Necklace, £59, www.skagen.com 4. Breitling Superocean Turquoise Watch, £3,650, www.beaverbrooks.co.uk 5. Fuga Nylon Trainers, POA, www.date-sneakers.com Don’t forget to join us on social media, we love getting to know you!

www.affinitymag.co.uk

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facebook.com/AffinityMag

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

@affinitymagz

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.

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Contents 52 Affinity

58

September 2022

8 15 18 20 23 27 30 34 38 44 50 54 58

Stop Saying Sorry Hot Picks Body Beautiful Power of Pink Loafing Around Foodie News Strawberry Lemon Blondies Au Naturel Interiors Shelfie Talk Majestic Madeira Romance in The Maldives Technicolour Dreams Weekend Starts Here

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On The Cover Lipsy

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Sorry but I’m Going to Stop Saying Sorry!

I am not saying that rude people don’t exist, those who would never dream of saying sorry even when they are completely out of order – we’ve all come across them, but in general I think we are a nation of serial apologisers!

Apologising when we have hurt people, inadvertently caused an inconvenience or to show sympathy or empathy, a sense that we understand their loss or pain is obviously a good thing to do. Many of us may even had the experience of NOT saying sorry through stubbornness or pride even when we were in the wrong or we caused hurt and suffered the consequences of not apologising.

Many of us have probably also experienced people saying sorry to us when we know that it is an empty word and in essence sorry means we won’t do it again, sometimes we know when the sorry is said that the actions will be repeated.

The problem I think we have is that it is overused, we’ve, well some of us anyway, have got into the habit of saying sorry for a whole bunch of things that, really, we don’t need to apologise for at all.

But ‘what’s the problem’ I hear you ask. Lately we have come to realise that our own words not only have a powerful impact on others but they also have an impact on ourselves our mindset and view of the world. Here’s a few things we shouldn’t be saying sorry for, see if any of them resonate with you.

Your own self care We are gradually realising how important it is to care for ourselves. To make time for what we know supports the health and wellbeing of our own body and mind. There is never a reason why we should apologize for doing those things. In terms of people we care about quite simply we won’t be able to do anything for them if we let ourselves get burnt out and run into the ground by NOT taking care of ourselves.

By saying sorry for doing things for you – making time to go to the gym or simply turning down an invitation as you know you need quiet night in – you are giving the message to yourself that it is something you should apologise for when in fact looking after yourself is a perfectly reasonable priority to have.

Your time Sometimes the simple fact of the matter is that we end up apologising for NOT doing certain things or taking part in events etc simply because we are too busy. But here we need to remind ourselves again that we control

our own time (a lot of it anyway) and generally speaking we don’t need to apologise for the way we use it.

Again, if we do apologise for it we are somehow having a go at ourselves yet we are perfectly entitled to spend our time in the ways we see fit.

Your Boundaries If we accept that we owe it to ourselves to take care of ourselves then that often involves setting boundaries.

These come in various shapes and sizes. Many of us will set boundaries around negativity. That might mean being careful what we watch, read or listen too, but it might also mean limiting time with people or in social circles that ‘bring us down’.

Putting ourselves in positions where negativity is rife simply won’t do us any good at all – it is very hard to stay positive when surrounded by negativity and removing or reducing the sources of that is an entirely reasonable thing to do. If we apologise for doing it we are again giving the message to ourselves that our feelings and wellbeing are somehow not a priority.

Those are just three areas where apologising probably doesn’t help us. But we don’t want to hurt people and we know sometimes others can make a lot of demands.

Here are a few helpful phrases to use without saying sorry but all of them rely on communicating clearly what it is you want.

If someone is asking for help it is okay to explain that you don’t have the time or energy to help right now (if you can later then say that but you don’t need to). When it comes to negativity or negative conversations simply explain that you understand you see things differently but you find this type of conversation unhelpful. If you are turning down an invitation just communicate why – explaining that maybe you’d set aside this time for an exercise class or whatever because your health is important to you.

There are lots of ways to NOT say sorry and each one will, of course, depend on the situation. But by explaining as above you are actually affirming to yourself why you are doing what you are doing which will speak volumes to your subconscious. Turning something down because getting fit is important to you for example. So next time you feel tempted to say sorry ask yourself first if you should be apologising and if it isn’t better simply to state your position.

If you think you have some unhelpful mindsets that are limiting how you live then checkout my book about Mindsets ‘Make it Magnificent’ available on Amazon.

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Beauty NEWS

Britain in a Bottle

As part of its 10-year anniversary celebrations, luxury fine fragrance bath and body brand, Noble Isle, has launched its luxurious Britain in a Bottle Gift Set (£75, www.nobleisle.com) The set contains four products and takes you on a sensorial journey, with each blended with natural extract from local producers in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and includes Rhubarb Rhubarb! Hand Wash, Whisky & Water Bath & Shower Gel, Fireside Bath & Shower Gel and Wild Samphire Hand Sanitiser.

Prepare to be Pampered

Perricone MD’s Limited Edition Pamper Bundle, is pperfect for indulging in the ultimate head-to-toe beauty preparation before a special occasion. This indulgent collection will leave you feeling pampered from head to toe with expertly curated products that deliver visible results to leave you feeling your best.

The Pamper Bundle includes: No:Rinse Exfoliating Peel, High Potency Growth Factor Firming & Lifting Eye Serum, Cold Plasma Plus+ The Intensive Hydrating Complex, Cold Plasma Plus+ Concentrated Treatment Sheet Mask, Cold Plasma Plus+ Fragile Skin Therapy and is available for £150.00 from www.PerriconeMD.co.uk

The Ultimate Duo

Top That

Transform any regular nail polish into a high-shine, long-lasting, salon-worthy gel with the Leighton Denny TOP THAT! Starter Kit (£65). Painted over dry nail polish, TOP THAT! gives you both a shiny gel finish and hard protective top coat that extends a normal polish manicure up to 14 days - and even longer for a pedicure!

Unlike a traditional salon gel application which uses several layers of cured gel product on each nail, TOP THAT! requires only one coat of GEL, so it is gentler on the nails and easier to remove…all from the comfort of your own home!

We’ve found the perfect day and night skincare products that work effortlessly together.

Jojoba Ultimate Day Cream (£34) uses precious fermented marine active (Arctalis) along with orchid and magnolia extracts (Akoactive Garuda) that is clinically proven to visibly reduces skin sagging and fine lines while protecting from external environment aggressors.

Jojoba Ultimate Night Cream (£48) uses clinically proven, powerful natural jojoba extracts, and is a rich, deeply moisturising natural night cream for aging skin that enhances skin texture, visibly reduces deep wrinkles, and regenerates skin cells overnight.

Both available from hejojobacompany.co.uk

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THE HEALING POWER OF GARDENING We are all well acquainted with the idea that gardening, as an activity, helps our mental and physical health tremendously.

People who spend time around plants perform better in the office and home. Researchers have found that tasks performed under the calming influence of nature are more accurate and efficiently executed. In addition, being outside in nature can boost memory performance and attention span by 20%.

So you have to quite literally stop and smell the roses. According to a study where office workers were exposed to pink roses, results showed that they brought significant physiological and psychological relaxing effects to the participants.

“Roses are among the most beautiful and versatile garden plants. From patio roses to shrub roses, ramblers, and climbers, they come in many varieties. To thrive, most roses need full sun and heavy soil.”

They provide escapism Whether it's from our job, daily chores or any responsibility we might have, we all need to escape reality once in a while. Taking care of plants can be a great activity to break up a mundane routine and add colour to our lives.

It’s also been suggested that getting our hands dirty and working with soil makes us happier. A 2007 study found a bacterium in soil called Mycobacterium vaccae triggers the release of serotonin, which is the hormone that is responsible for elevating moods and reducing anxiety.

They encourage you to be more active Instead of a gym membership, you could switch to garden work outs in the summer to get a dose of vitamin D and literally a breath of fresh air. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic led a lot of us to work out in our gardens thanks to the availability of virtual work outs and many of us have kept this up. Your garden isn’t just a good space for skipping and jumping around though. With the right plants, it’s a great place to unwind and stretch.

It’s also been suggested that when more than one of your senses are engaged (the feeling of the sun on your shoulders and the scent of roses in your garden), you are more likely to feel relaxed.

Having a visually appealing garden can make it a perfect space for outdoor exercises like yoga for a calming atmosphere in the summer. However, British weather might not always be ideal, so we recommend creating a sacred space and the perfect retreat away from the business of everyday life – like a yoga room or if you’re on a budget, a gazebo can give you some shelter whilst you practise your flow.

They help in forming better relationships with others There is a correlation between growing ornamental plants and feelings of compassion.

Interestingly, people who spend more time in nature are much more likely to care for others and develop better social relationships. Researchers have found that time spent in nature makes us feel connected to one another and to the world. And we need more of that in the hustle and bustle of this crazy world.

Having a unique space such as a garden room that the whole family can enjoy socializing in, or use and an escape from time to time, would be a fantastic opportunity to foster mindfulness and wellbeing.

Sometimes failure teaches you more than success Sometimes plants just die, no matter how much you took care of them. Or maybe you made a mistake, forgot to water them or didn't provide them with the right environment to thrive. This teaches us to let go of our expectations that things will always go our way. To accept that sometimes things don't go quite as smoothly as we might like them to. That's okay, cause next time the grass will be greener because we learned how to water it. www.crownpavilions.com/garden-room-range

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Midlife Madness As I am now not in the full flush of youth I have had lots of opportunities to learn to be patient. Can’t say they’ve been wonderfully effective as I’ve been landed a whole host of new opportunities to refine my clearly deficient patience skills.

We’ve all had the hanging on the phone training – luckily phones have loud speakers and I have found that I get quite a lot done when hanging on the phone starting at being 29th in the queue or on one particular occasion to the doctor surgery finding that the queues was full so you couldn’t even join the queue! I had been previously 34th in the queue so goodness knows how long the queue was! But guaranteed if I pop to the loo that’s when they’ll answer.

Lately though we have been at our house in Portugal (yes I’m lucky and I know it) and we’ve been buying a car. We try very hard with the language but couldn’t use the word fluent to describe our particular form of pigeon Portuguese – made worse by the Algarvian dialect – I was asking someone what time they close – said the phrase several times then we switched to English – turned out I’d said all the right words but fecahdo (closed) was said so fast it sounded like a sneeze.

Back to the car tale. We managed to buy the car without too much hassle – even managed the registration of it – in person in an office we had used probably 20 years ago with the same agent – face to face often easier with our limited language skills. A long wait while many numbers were laboriously copied by hand but it all worked.

Unfortunately, docs will be posted out to us – which will be interesting as our post box (not at house but in village) seems to have vanished and the lady who used to hold our post has sadly died. So, whether it was worth it will remain to be seen.

But the lengthy waits started when we tried to get a radio for the car. Simple I hear you cry – so we asked at an appropriate unnamed Portuguese retailer and were told the man we needed to speak to was busy with another customer and he would be 2 minutes! 2 Minutes.

The problem was that he was selling a TV to an English family but it was the display TV so the box had to be got from out the back, the TV had to be cleaned, set up demonstrated to buyers, (which you wouldn’t get if buying a boxed TV) then said TV had to wiped down, have feet taken off, and be put back in box from out the back!!

Loooong doesn’t even come close! But eventually and I mean after almost an hour, he was available and we knew from overhearing his dealings with English TV buying couple that his English was good so our radio purchase began. He checked out the connections in the car and assured us this particular radio was the best option (twice the price of the one we had picked out!).

So, we bit the bullet and bought it. He said he wasn’t able to fit it till his lunch break – which he was starting soon.

I tried to clarify what soon meant when 2 minutes had previously equalled one hour but he just repeated soon.

Anyway, this time it was soon and he went to car inserted new radio only to discover that we need another ‘connector’ which of course after much looking they established they didn’t have! So, he sent us to another car parts retailer, now that was interesting as while waiting in the queue with 2 older French guys who didn’t speak Portuguese we ended up interpreting for them!

But after much looking around and checking stock on line we established they didn’t have one either. BUT they could order one.

So the waiting continues – the car is great if only we could have music!

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Gucci Palette, £145, John Lewis

Núnoo Women's New Zealand Beach Bag, £47, www.mybag.com

AFFINITY HOT PICKS

Yellow & White Gold Bangle, £895, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Rainbow Cardigan, £49, M&Co

Lucy Tiffney Set 2 Vases, £22, Next

Abstract Framed Print, £58, Abstract House

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

White Gold Pearl & Diamond Necklace, £3,700, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Cheetah Pyjamas, £32, Their Nibs

Planet Pearl Bracelet, £89, www.withlovedarling.co.uk

Flower by Kenzo L'Absolue, £52, www.kenzoparfums.com

Floral Metal Mirror, £100, Freemans

Khaki Ankle Boots, £150, Dune London

Artisan Du Chocolat, £44, Selfridges

Stag Head Crystal Decanter, £610, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

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winding down before bed Forming a healthy wind-down routine by reducing both physical and mental stimulation before bed can aid a good night’s sleep.

Poor sleep has been linked with a number of serious health problems including diabetes, heart disease, depression and an increased risk of stroke – so creating an effective routine can be crucial for good health.

Everyone has their own way of relaxing so it’s important to find techniques that suit the individual, something that is relaxing for one person may be stimulating for another.

We spoke to the experts at Mattress Next Day who told us, “What we do in the hours leading up to bedtime can have a real impact on the quality of sleep we have that night.

“There are a few simple changes that everybody could adopt to feel well rested and improve general health.

“For example, using any device that emits blue light can have a negative effect on the melatonin levels in our bodies and make it harder to fall asleep. Start by slowly turning down the brightness or using the night mode function on your device to help ease into this routine.

“Even switching to a less mentally stimulating task like watching TV or listening to the radio can be more beneficial than looking at a phone screen.”

Ten Tips for Winding Down Before Bed

Pick up a book Reading before bed is a tried and tested method to help you drift off. Instead of reading under the covers, pick a space away from the bed so as to not associate the bed with the activity of reading. Short magazines and novellas are perfect to dive in and out of before bed. Whatever the text you chose, pleasurable reading is recommended over any work-related material.

Have a stretch Gentle movements before bed can help you destress and improve your mood, which can help the body settle before getting under the sheets. It’s important to keep these exercises light and low impact in order to aid sleep quality.

Head rolls, bear hugs and the seated butterfly are some effective stretches to get started with.

Listen to music Music triggers a dopamine response similar to food, exercise and sex that gives our bodies a positive feeling.

This can decrease the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which is known for heightened alertness and heart rate. Slow and classical music, and instrumental

sounds such as the rainforest are the best at helping you feel sleepy.

Dim the lights Too much light exposure before bed can dramatically affect the quality of your sleep as your body can associate this light with sunlight during the day. Try switching the bulbs in your room to a warmer yellow hue or opt for a side lamp instead of the main light.

Sip a warm drink There are plenty of options to choose from for a calming beverage to help you doze off. Herbal teas and warm milk are often a go to choice however, cherry juice and coconut water are also popular as they promote muscle relaxation.

Ensure that whatever you drink, it is caffeine free.

Write down thoughts After a busy day, it is easy for the mind to still be active, especially during the later hours of the evening. This can stop us drifting off to sleep. Writing all your thoughts down on paper can help to clear the mind before bed. Refer back to this the following day to pick up on anything important.

Limit caffeine consumption The half-life of caffeine can be up to several hours, meaning that it is more likely to keep people awake the later in the day it’s consumed. If you’re a coffee lover try and keep your consumption towards the beginning of the day and ease off towards the early afternoon. By the time you’re getting ready for bed, the caffeine should have cleared from your bloodstream.

Put the phone down Our phones and devices all emit a sensitive blue light that can inhibit the ability to sleep if used too close to bedtime.

Most devices have a night-time function that will give the screen an orange tone which can be utilised to help you drift off easier.

Choose a scent Lighting a candle or diffusing an essential oil as a form of pre-bed aromatherapy can help induce a calm state in the room. Lavender has long been associated with creating a soothing atmosphere as well as vanilla and jasmine.

Take a bath or shower Taking a warm bath or shower can help aid a better night's sleep as it helps to regulate the body’s natural internal temperature. Not only this but there are links between this warm water exposure and lowered blood pressure. The steam can also help nasal congestion if you have a cold, allowing for an easier rest.

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BODY BEAUTIFUL

A body skincare routine is just as important as your facial routine. The best body lotions contain all manner of active skincare ingredients and, despite being a bit of a faff to apply they keep our bodies nourished, hydrated and silky smooth

Neals Yard Women's Balance Body Cream, £30, www.nealsyardremedies.com

SBC Skincare Aloe Vera Body Butter, £23.50, www.sbcskincare.co.uk

ESPA Neroli and Mandarin Body Lotion, £25, www.espaskincare.com

Bjork and Berries Botanist Hand & Body Lotion, £35, www.bjorkandberries.com

Apothecary Seaweed & Sage Body Lotion, £14, www.arran.com

Elemis Sea Lavender & Samphire Body Cream, £29, www.elemis.com

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Body Lotion, £45, www.jomalone.co.uk

Tata Harper Resurfacing Body Serum, £135, www.tataharperskincare.com

MESSIAH and EVE Body Cream, , £25, www.messiahandeve.co.uk

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FASHION

Threadbare

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Power of Pink We're more than halfway through the year and it's safe to say that fashion has been serving up a lot of bold, vibrant colours, but no colour has been more captivating than pink

Quilted Bag, £40, River Island

Print Dress, £70, Monsoon

Dress, £39.99, New Look

Roll Neck Dress, £28, Very

VERY

Satin Wrap Dress, £22.50, F&F

Satin Playsuit, £50, River Island

Mom Jeans, £20, Tu

Jacket, £59, Cotton Traders

Midi Skirt, £22, Very

Jumper, £55, M&Co

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monochrome mix

Monochrome is a trend that we’ve seen make a return time and time again, and with the right pieces within your wardrobe, monochrome is a style that you can take from season-to-season and from day-to-night with no shortage of sophistication and glamour.

Bardot Top, £39, Freemans

Sleeveless Mini Dress, £45, Very

Wrap Dress, £45, Very

Beret, £13, River Island Skirt, £14, GEORGE

John Lewis Trousers, £19.50, F&F

Satin Blouse, £24.99, New Look

Dress, £69, River Island

Boucle Jacket, £32.50, F&F

Stripe Jeans, £47, River Island

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The Iconic Trench The ideal outerwear for transitioning between the seasons

White Trench, £80, Marks & Spencer

Blue Trench, £270, Tommy Hilfiger

Beige Trench, £119.99, Mango

Gerard Darel

Camel Trench, £120, River Island

Off White Trench, £179, Phase Eight

Double-Breasted Trench, £49.99, H&M.j

Camel Trench, £175, Marks & Spencer

Trench, Frankie Shop

Linen Trench, £660, A Line

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Blue Backless Loafers, £70, Steve Madden

Black Backless Loafers, POA, River Island

Camel Backless Loafers, £85, Dune London

Loafing Around The easiest way to ooze some serious chic! A backless shoe that can be worn to work and to dinner – How many can fit in your wardrobe?

Chain Backless Loafers, £29.50, Marks & Spencer Orange Backless Loafers, £195, Russell & Bromley

Green Backless Loafer, £75, Dune London

Nude Loafers, £16.99, TK Maxx Embroidered Backless Loafers, £85, Dune London

Navy Backless Loafers, £229, LK Bennett

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food & drink

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FOODIE NEWS

Take your Cooking to the Next Level

Kitchenware expert, Stellar, (www.stellar.co.uk) has launched Eclipse, a brand new, top-performing premium cookware brand that will help create show stopping meals at home with ease.

The new Eclipse range offers flawless design aesthetic and exceptional performance through the use of a triply construction that allows cooks the control and fast, efficient cooking they require, whilst also promising consistent results.

Each pan is crafted from three separate metals to offer exceptional efficiency and controllability: Induction Ready Stainless Steel, “High-flow” Aluminium and High Quality 18/10 Food-Grade Stainless Steel.

Prices start from £55 and comprise of a selection of weighted stainless steel pans for all cooking occasions including a non-stick milk pan, non-stick frying pans, chef’s pan and 3 & 5-piece saucepan sets.

Only the Best

Swaledale, is a whole-carcass butcher that is focused on producing products that are exceptional to cook and eat. All products are sourced from Native breeds farmed in the Yorkshire Dales. Supplying quality restaurants such as St Johns, The Quality Chop House, Brat, Moro, and many more. And now you can enjoy the finest meat in the comfort of your own home with one of their curated meat boxes showcasing The Dales' most delicious seasonal cuts of native breed meat including grass-fed, dry-aged on the bone 28 days beef, outdoor reared native breed pork, Yorkshire's tastiest pasture-fed lamb, free range herbfed chicken, Harewood Estate's wild estate-reared venison and award-winning sausages and bacon.

Lotus Biscoff Chocolate Bar is Here

The rumours are true! Lotus Biscoff lovers can now get their caramelised biscuit fix in chocolate form and it's sure to be love at first bite. Available from Co-op this chocolate bar with a twist, features the iconic smooth Lotus Biscoff spread encased within a creamy Belgian milk chocolate shell that is speckled with crunchy Lotus Biscoff biscuit pieces – a flavour combination you simply can't resist.

Party Prosecco

‘Queen of weddings’, internationally-renowned designer and style icon Vera Wang has launched her premium Vera Wang PARTY Prosecco (£26.99, Amazon) here in the UK. The most stylish choice for weddings and every other kind of celebration, the topquality sparkling white and rosé wines come in stunning matt silver bottles as striking as her fashion, fragrance, jewellery, home and accessories designs.

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Pesto Lasagna

“This ultra-flavourful quinoa salad from Ioannis Grammenos, Executive Chef at Heliot Steak House is not only packed with superfoods it’s delicious too” Ingredients

Method

To make the stock, put all the ingredients in the pot and bring them to boil. Let it simmer for 1 hour and then pass through a fine sieve.

To make the avocado puree, put the peeled avocado, lime juice, olive oil and salt in a blender and blend it to smooth consistency.

Pass through a fine sieve, check for seasoning and adjust if needed.

To prepare the quinoa, put the veg stock and the raw quinoa in a big pot over a high head and let it boil for 20 minutes. Once cooked let it rest for 20 minutes, then drain and leave it for another 20 minutes until the water has completely drained.

In a big bowl, mix the quinoa with the chopped grilled vine tomato, grapes, mint, basil and parsley and add extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning.

For a sharing dish, add the avocado puree on the top of the salad and the micro herbs to garnish, or make four separate servings.

1 pack of lasagne sheets 200g spinach, roughly chopped 200g frozen peas 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast For the Pesto 80g pine nuts 80g cashews 25g fresh basil, including stalks 2 garlic cloves Juice of ½ lemon 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast 125ml olive oil 100ml water 2 teaspoons of maple syrup (optional) Pinch of salt For the White Sauce 400ml almond milk (plus more if needed) 50g nutritional yeast 50g tapioca flour 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard Juice of ½ lemon Pinch of salt

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Chicken and Aubergine Curry “A rich, warming chicken and aubergine curry that’s tasty and healthy at the same time”

Ingredients

65g cashews 1½ tsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp coriander seeds 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 red onions, finely sliced 3 garlic cloves, grated 3cm root ginger, peeled and grated 4 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped 3 green finger chillies, whole 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tbsp garam masala 200g baby aubergines, halved lengthways 1 x 640g pack skinless chicken thigh fillets, cut into chunky strips 300g natural yogurt 150ml chicken stock (made using 1⁄2 stockpot or cube) 100g baby leaf spinach Handful of fresh coriander (optional) 4 plain roti or rice, to serve

Method

Put 40g of the cashews in a small bowl, cover them with water and leave to soak. Toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry pan over a medium heat until fragrant. Remove the seeds from the pan and crush lightly using a pestle and mortar.

Heat the oil in a large deep pan and fry the onions for 10-12 minutes, until they are very soft and golden. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute longer. Add the tomatoes and chillies and cook for a further 5 minutes, until the tomatoes have broken down and are very soft. Add the crushed cumin and coriander seeds, turmeric and garam masala and continue to cook for a couple of minutes.

Add the aubergines to the pan and fry for a couple of minutes before adding the chicken pieces. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Drain the soaked cashews, then blitz them in a mini food processor before stirring them through the yogurt. Add this to the pan with the stock. Bring to a simmer and continue to cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir through the spinach, then season well with salt. Cover the pan and leave to wilt.

Meanwhile, toast the remaining 25g of cashews in a dry frying pan. Scatter the toasted cashews and coriander, if using, over the curry and serve with the roti or rice. Remove the whole chillies before eating..

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Strawberry Lemon Blondies

“These Strawberry Lemon Blondies will melt in your mouth, are easily made, and will impress anyone you share them with”

Ingredients 1 cup salted butter softened ¾ cup granulated sugar ¾ cup light brown sugar 2 large eggs ¼ cup freshly lemon juice Zest of 1 lemon about ½ teaspoon 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp lemon extract 2 ¾ cups plain flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 2 tsp corn-starch 1 cup diced strawberries For the glaze 1 tsp lemon extract 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tbsp heavy cream 1-2 drops of red food colouring

Method Preheat oven to 170c /Gas 4. Line a 9×13 glass baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. Cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar for 1-2 minutes.

Add in eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Beat on medium-high for 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally. The mixture may look a bit separated, but should beat into a light, fluffy mixture.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and corn-starch. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. Beat in the diced strawberries, just until combined. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Bake blondies for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth.

Spread over the warm blondies.

Allow blondies to cool completely before cutting into squares.

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RED ROUND UP “A well-chosen bottle of red is perfect to transition into the darker evenings”

Allegrini Belpasso Vino Rosso A powerful and intense red wine with juicy flavours of ripe berries and cherries. On the palate, there are spicy notes of cloves with a hint of violet, bitter almonds and chocolate. The finish is long and delicate with a touch of liquorice. £10.00

Tesco Finest Amarone Valpolicella Docg With aromas of concentrated perfume of dried cherries and blueberries, the palate offers a powerful but modern balance of ripe tannins and spice. It is opulent on the palate, with a warm full body and a long persistent finish with complex tertiary notes £16.00

Tesco Finest Barolo Docg Aged in oak casks for 18 months, there is delicacy and power in this complex red. Its signature Nebbiolo grapes, with their subtle perfume and strong tannins, create a bouquet of ripe fruit, sweet spices and just a hint of vanilla. Match with beef stew or mushroom risotto. £19.00

Brunello Di Montalcino Terre De Priori Purple-red in colour. Intensely perfumed on the nose, with aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants and cherries. In the mouth, the wine is full bodied with tremendous depth and richness, attractive fruit and well balanced acidity. £20.00

Yellow Tail Merlot This superb Merlot is bursting with smooth flavours of dark plums, mulberries and a subtle spice aroma. £7.00

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interiors

Danetti

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AU NATUREL

Organic textures and natural materials are as popular as ever, creating a refreshing, grounded space with a bit of retro flare. With us still spending more time indoors than ever before, we’re all seeking to strengthen our connection with nature. Elements of stone, wood, wicker and rattan effortlessly breathe new life into any interior space.

This stylish sidetable features offcentre stacked timber disks (£640, www.timneve.com) crowned with a warm travertine tabletop. The fossilstyle of the design is accentuated by chiseled stone edges.

Stoneware Jug, £37, Abode Living

Rattan Screen, £345, Ella James

Create a display starting with a woven rattan serving tray (£24.99, www.curatedgrey.com) add a small vase and candle to create a relaxing ambience.

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Rattan Trio Pendant, £999, www.lightsandlamps.com

Create an eye catching corner with this woven basket stand (£225, www.coxandcox.co.uk) that has scope for endless uses.

Woven Placemats, £32, www.iamfy.co.uk

Ring Candle Holder, £69, Five and Dime

Adding natural wood venetian blinds (www.hilarys.co.uk) will instantly transform your home, not only are they practical they’re also decorative and timeless.

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COSY UP As the nights start to draw in and temperatures take a dip, it’s time to deck your home and garden out in all manner of comfy and cosy throws.

Tolly McRae

Chunky Knit Throw, £155, Loaf

Herringbone Throw, £150, The Fine Cotton Company

Throw, £79, Ligne Roset

Moss Wool Throw, £95, www.hettie.co.uk

Merino Wool Throw, £89.99, Lime Lace

Mohair Throw, £242, Ligne Roset

Lavender Check Wool Throw, £95, www.hettie.co.uk

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Fry’s Footie Corner

I am writing these notes a couple of days ahead of the transfer deadline and it makes me chuckle every year that teams up and down the country leave it until the last possible moment to finalise their squads, particularly when you consider they have had all summer to get things done.

I was convinced that coming out of the pandemic, there would not be as much money awash in the game – how wrong was I! In the Premier League, clubs are signing players left, right and centre, from Manchester United to Nottingham Forest.

United, out of all the teams, probably needed to plenty of business, but rather than the areas of the pitch where they needed players, they have continued to bring in attacking players including Antony from Ajax for nearly £100m. I get that the manager knows him well, but I hope he is more of a success than some of the players that the club have signed in the past!

Nottingham Forest have brought in nearly 20 new players after winning promotion to the Premier League and while they needed to recruit after losing a number of their loan players, they have literally purchased a whole new squad.

However, I am pleased to see Steve Cooper getting the backing as he worked wonders even getting them into the division last term.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have all made notable signings, while others, most notably Leeds United, look a little light. That splurge of cash at the highest level is also being reflected lower down in the Championship

and even in League One with Sheffield Wednesday recruiting well in our division.

I remember back when I was a manager, getting deals done at the last minute was a stressful experience and as a Director of Football, it doesn’t get any easier! Agents want more and more money, clubs are more reluctant to let players go and it is getting harder and harder for me to bang that gavel and say ‘sold to the fat b*****d in the blue blazer’.

However, whether we sign players or let players go, I believe at Peterborough United we have one of the best managers at this level. He has enjoyed tremendous success with promotion from League One to the Championship as title winners with Hull City and I have every confidence he can help us get to where we want to get too.

He has a good support network around him and that is very important. Having the right staff is just as important, if not more important, than having the right players. His assistant Cliff Byrne is top notch, first team coach Dale Tonge is a great coach too and when you add in Mark Tyler as GK coach, I think we have a great behind the scenes team.

Hopefully that will translate to results on the pitch.

Whoever you support, I hope that you get the players in that you want and maybe the players out you want out too.

Enjoy your football regardless!

Barry

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SMARTER THAN A SWEATER Introducing the transitional wardrobe classic; the zip neck jumper. Smarter than a sweater but less formal than a crew neck, the zip neck jumper is the perfect piece for pairing with denim jeans and trainers for the ultimate smart casual everyday look.

Black Zip Neck Jumper, £160, Fred Perry

Block Stripe Zip Neck Jumper, £56, FatFace

M&Co

Burgundy Zip Neck Jumper, £69.95, Charles Tyrwhitt

Green Lamswool Zip Neck Jumper, £89.95, Barbour

Grey Zip Neck Jumper, £69, John Lewis

Green Zip Neck Jumper, £80, Lyle & Scott

Stone Zip Neck Jumper, £94.95, Barbour

Blue Zip Neck Jumper, £139, Ralph Lauren

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TRAVEL

Madeira

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Majestic Madeira at

Savoy Palace

adore Portugal, it’s one of my all-time favourite destinations, so when I had the opportunity to visit Madeira, an island in the Atlantic Ocean belonging to mainland Portugal, I of course said yes!

I

An oasis of green, Madeira offers everything from subtropical climates, to towering mountains, dramatic natural scenery, fresh sea food and so much more, it is one of the truly unique holiday destinations of Europe.

Our home for a few days was the 5-star Savoy Palace Hotel, one of the most exclusive hotels on the island and one that will have you feeling like Royalty the whole time you’re there.

Built on the site of the former Savoy Classic, which was built in 1912 – some 500 years after the Portuguese discovered the island, it was frequented by British aristocrats who came for the warm winters and subtropical gardens.

Over the years the Savoy Classic became a little tiered and neglected. In 2008 it was torn down with the intention of replacing it with a new hotel, but the recession hit and time stood still.

Fast forward to 2019, a new owner and the Savoy Palace was born, designed to look like a cruise ship, its 16 floors stretching up into the sky, this really is the ‘Jewel in Madeira’s Crown’

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Inside is just as breath-taking, the epitome of grandeur with a 33ft crystal chandelier creating an opulent focal point in the lobby along with plush sofas, gold hues and a dramatic staircase.

A lot of the interior design within the hotel has been created by Funchalborn designer Nini Andrade Silva who has woven in Madeiran style: the spiral staircase that leads to the pool is lined with gold metal railings, the pattern of which is inspired by embroidery produced on the island and is also mirrored in the rooms and suites either side of the beds.

The hotel comprises 352 luxurious rooms and suites over 16 floors, most with sea views and all inspired by the beauty and uniqueness that the island offers.

Our Ocean Suite was the epitome of luxury.

Elegantly furnished with a huge and very cosy bed taking centre stage in the bedroom, a plush velvet sofa in the living room and accessories in soft muted tones and gold hues created the perfect ambience. The elegance continued in the bathroom with marble and gold décor and the generous balcony complete with lounger and table set, is the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean with your morning coffee or the sunset and lights of Funchal town with a cool glass of wine at night.

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There are six bars and four impressive restaurants here at Savoy Palace, offering everything from casual brunch at Pau de Lume to traditional dishes at Terreiro and Mediterranean meets the Atlantic at Alameda, there is something for everyone – But if you decide to only dine once in the hotel, there’s no hesitation it has to be at the visual masterpiece that is Galaxia.

Located on the hotel’s very top floor its décor influenced by astronomy, it has 360° views across the ocean and inland to the mountains and towns of Funchal.

We requested a sea view table looking across the ocean as the sun began to set whilst indulging in some of the most creative dishes and wine pairings our palettes have ever experienced.

We opted for the five-course tasting menu, paired with wines (there’s also a sevencourse one available) and began with artisan bread and homemade butter, followed by the most exquisite Wagyu beef skewer, ussuzukuri (thin slices) of fermented fish were next, served with a delicate mango, avocado and ponzu sauce scented with chilli and lemon grass, the textures and flavours were just divine.

The catch of the day (red snapper) served with prawns, seaweed salad and pea puree, had fresh flavours seeping through and tantalised our tastebuds even further – next was I have to say my favourite dish, the Alentejo pork shoulder blade, served with pickled vegetable puree, beetroot, cherries and tomatoes, it was beyond tender and full of flavour, each mouthful was a delight.

A dessert of strawberries, rhubarb and yoghurt finished off this exquisite gastronomy experience, attention to detail whether it be visual or edible is beyond brilliant.

Wine pairings were matched effortlessly and highlighted the exquisite dishes flavours perfectly, a decadent experience not to be missed.

Guests who stay in a suite or above can take advantage of the Jacarandá lounge for breakfast and lunch offering a more intimate experience within the hotel.

There’s also a private entrance to the rooftop infinity pool for suite guests.

Another exclusive offering from the hotel is its Laurea Spa, which is inspired

by Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

The spa has 11 treatment rooms, sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi, ice fountain, sensory showers, halo-therapy room, relaxation room, champagne and nail bar, beauty salon and heated indoor pool.

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You’re spoilt for choice with the list of treatments on offer, but after much deliberation I opted for an Aromatherapy Associates facial and hubby an Aromatherapy Associates body massage, both treatments were an indulgent pampering and relaxing experience.

If you can tear yourself away from the Savoy and its many impressive facilities, there’s plenty to do in the nearby area. Funchal’s old town is just a stone’s throw away and has a charming atmosphere, with cobbled streets, festivities throughout the year, botanical gardens and a multitude of restaurants and bars, from Michelin-starred through to those serving local specialities. Take a walk around the harbour or hop on a cable car to the top of the mountains where you can explore Monte, its Palace, tropical gardens and stunning views and if you’re feeling brave hop on a traditional Madeiran wicker basket sledge and take a toboggan ride down the mountain!

With its convenient location, opulent interiors, rooftop pools and indulgent dining, there is no hesitation that Savoy Palace is the hotel of choice when planning a visit to Madeira.

BOOK IT

Prices start from *195 Euros (approx £167) a night inclusive of breakfast. *Prices may vary from those shown.

For more information or to book, visit www.savoysignature.com/savoypalace/en/

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A Devonshire Romance Dittisham Hideaway in Devon have a new Romance stay which is perfect for a romantic getaway or even a proposal.

The collection of four Treehouses, five brand new luxury Shepherds Huts and an original American Airstream 1234, is located in the heart of the south Devonshire countryside in a 9 acre private wooded valley with stream.

Dittisham Hideaway is just one mile from the beautiful River Dart and the historic village of Dittisham, and only four miles from the scenic port of Dartmouth and nearby beaches.

A stay at the secluded and peaceful Dittisham Hideaway offers back to nature relaxation for couples and even fourlegged friends. As with each of Peter de Savary’s hotels, these self-catered accommodations benefit from a high level of design and carefully considered amenities; from the finest Egyptian cotton bed linen, and a generous welcome hamper with West Country produce and a bottle of wine, to private decks with a traditional wood-fired cedar hot tub, hammock, outdoor chess set, outdoor table

football, sun loungers, and Weber BBQ with dining area.

Each accommodation also has access to the eco car charging points, electric wheelbarrows for use during the stay, a dog welcome pack, and dog and boot wash area.

BOOK IT

A 3 night break for 2 people in luxury accommodation includes: - Romantic Hamper, Pink Champagne, Strawberries & Cream & Fresh flowers for your arrival - Heated ready to dip hot tub - First morning lazy days indulgent continental breakfast basket delivered - 1 complimentary dinner reservation at a local restaurant - Couples Retreat massage

Prices start from £995 for 3 nights (off peak, mid-week) in a Shepherds Hut (weekends and peak times are more).

To Book, visit www.dittishamhideaway.co.uk

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Time for Romance in The Maldives at

OBLU SELECT Lobigili

In the Maldivian language of Dhivehi, ‘Lobi’ means love and ‘Gili’ means island. OBLU SELECT Lobigili is, in essence, the island of love. This contemporary adultsonly 5-star resort allows for a truly romantic getaway, exclusively for couples.

Set along a dreamy white beach and over a sparkling turquoise lagoon are 68 stylishly designed villas.

Guests can experience colourful sunsets, exotic dining and snorkelling at the marine-rich house reef.

All guests stay on the Lobi Plan, a specially designed All-Inclusive offering that includes not only villa accommodation, delicious food and beverages, excursions and non-motorised water sports, but also a unique romantic dining experience at Only BLU – the largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives.

Couples can also choose from a number of additional offerings to make their trip extra special, including private beachside movie nights with champagne and canapes, a private beach bonfire, heart-shaped bank for proposals, floating breakfasts and a romantic couples’ photoshoot.

A standout experience is the personalised fragrance service – upon arrival couples will receive a private

consultation with a trained aromatherapy island hostess. Guests learn about the impact of different fragrances and determine their scent palette, after which they will receive a signature scent which will be diffused in their villa throughout their stay.

The resort’s ELE | NA The Spa is a tranquil spa complex featuring four secluded double treatment rooms with couples’ bath. Locally inspired spa treatments include:

Lobi Dhooni (Love Bird) - A choice of coconut shell massage or Maldivian sand massage, coconut body scrubs, nourishing scalp treatment, face mask and bath ritual.

Hithun Hithath (Heart To Heart) - A couples therapy that uses organically treated bamboo stalks to massage the body followed by a relaxing facial and bath ritual.

Dhekanbalun (You & Me) - This couples detox package flushes out toxins through hot and cold stone therapy followed by a crystal face massage and bath ritual.

For more information or to book, visit www.coloursofoblu.com/oblu-select-lobigili

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Room Renovations at

Bedruthan Hotel & Spa Inspired by its picturesque surrounds on the cliffs of Mawgan Porth, Bedruthan Hotel and Spa is thrilled to announce the complete renovation of 32 adult-only Seaview Doubles and Non-Seaview Rooms in time for the late summer rush. With a growing appetite for adult only breaks and increasing uncertainty around international travel, the launch of Bedruthan’s new rooms, customised to inspire experiential breaks, comes at the perfect time. Whether it’s surfing with friends, unwinding in the spa garden, tasting the best of the Southwest at The Herring restaurant or getting crafty at the hotel’s creative studio, there’s no shortage of inspiration for a have-it-all staycation.

Red Hotel’s Marketing Director Emma Benney commented: ‘Our new rooms encompass the spirit of Cornwall and aim to help guests feel totally at peace. It was important for us to meet the changing demand from guests and make more of the facilities we have for adults in the hotel and on our doorstep.’

The Scandi-style design combines bold colour schemes and neutral tones to create a calming environment in harmony with the ocean view. Following the three-month renovation, the team are pleased to welcome back, couples, families and solo travellers alike to their creative outpost on the coast.

Seaview Doubles Includes: Sustainable refillable toiletries, organic cotton bed linen, Lavazza coffee machines and a selection of teas.

With floor to ceiling windows, each of Bedruthan’s Seaview Doubles have uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean. Seaview Double bedrooms are designed with cool greys and neural tones, reminiscent of stone found on the beach below. Each room has a monsoon drench shower and sea view bath tub, delivering idyllic views in comfort and privacy. Guests can also enjoy a comfortable lounge area, allowing for R&R after a day exploring the coast. True to the Red Hotel’s commitment to sustainability, walls are built from natural cork that is fully biodegradable.

Best for: The ocean lover and wellness guru. With large deep-set baths and glass windows (offering panoramic views of the Atlantic), the Seaview doubles are perfect for guests looking to unwind and immerse in a true sense of place.

Prices start from £210 based on two adults sharing

Non-Seaview Rooms Includes: Sustainable refillable toiletries, organic cotton bed linen, coffee making facilities and a selection of teas.

The hotel’s newly refurbished Non-Seaview rooms embrace a comforting, organic style with a variety of colour schemes similarly inspired by the coast. Neutral tones and stripped wood flooring are charmingly combined with vibrant colours, ocean blues, greens from the cliff top flora and fauna and sunset oranges, yellows, and reds. The bathrooms of Bedruthan’s Non-Seaview Rooms are designed with cool greys and neural tones and host a monsoon drench shower and bath.

Best for: With more space than the sea view doubles and dog friendly options, these rooms are perfect for explorers and friends looking to get out and about or embark on an adventurer.

Prices start from £165 based on two adults sharing.

This scandi-inspired retreat on top of the Cornish clifftops, is a colourful, idyllic choice for nature loving travellers. The hotel is designed with its environment in mind, providing bright, airy and spacious interiors which celebrate the Cornish landscape. There are several communal spaces for guests to unwind from Sensory Spa Gardens, relaxation lounges, fireside, and poolside. With breath-taking views of Mawgan Porth Beach, Bedruthan is a creative outpost boasting spacious rooms. The property’s sea-view craft space offers studio sessions with classes led by local Cornish artisans and guests can indulge in delicious locally sourced food at The Herring restaurant or Wild Café.

For more information or to book, visit www.bedruthan.com

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A Technicolor Delight The sensational brand-new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat comes to Milton Keynes Theatre for two weeks this month.

being announced. I went from being a student living in digs dreaming of being in the West End to suddenly living that dream for real.

We caught up with Jac Yarrow (Joseph) who talks gym, Jason Donovan and touring.

You returned to the show again last year and now you’re touring in it. What keeps drawing you back?

It’s massively to do with the fans of the show. It has such an amazing fanbase and it’s ingrained in people’s DNA in the UK. Everybody knows the music and everybody’s grown up with it, even if they’re not aware of where it comes from. People come along and see the show all the time and go: ‘I didn’t realise that song was in it. I love that song and I used to sing it in school.’ I’m thrilled to keep coming back to it for that reason, plus to pass up the opportunity to take this incredible, up-to-date production that changed my life to people’s hometowns would have been crazy.

You first played the title role in 2019. How did that change your life?

It completely changed my life. I was still at drama school when I got the part and it was literally over the course of two or three days that I went from getting the role to it

Can you relate to Joseph in any way?

Yes, especially when I first started. There was the naivety and moving from the home comforts of Cardiff myself and Egypt in his case. It was like somebody flipped a switch and everything turned Technicolor. [Laughs] But my family isn’t as big as his and they certainly treat me a lot nicer.

The multi award-winning show has been performed in over 80 countries worldwide and has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals.

With stars from The London Palladium Alexandra Burke and Jac Yarrow, the show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door to Me, There’s One More Angel in Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph.

Joseph is such a fun, upbeat musical. Is that what we all need right now?

Oh my gosh, 100% yes. When we did it at the London Palladium our favourite shows to do would always be the Saturday or Sunday matinees because we’d get the crowds from all over the UK, not just the London crowds. To be able take this show to the regional theatres that have been closed for so long is just the tonic everybody needs. And particularly this incarnation of Joseph, which is the same production you got at the Palladium. It’s lavish and noexpense-sparred, and it’s really going to lift everyone’s spirits.

The show is a perennial school favourite. Were you in any school productions yourself?

I wasn’t in a school production as such but when I was around ten I was in a 30-minute condensed version of Joseph at my Saturday drama school. I did play Joseph himself but I don’t think I had a dreamcoat, just a makeshift little jacket or something. That was my only brush with the show as a kid, although I did see it later when it came to my hometown of Cardiff. I remember really enjoying it and it’s going to be a nice full-circle when I go back to the New Theatre and am on that stage myself.

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Then when the restrictions were lifted and we had full houses it was unbelievable. It’s such a tonic and, as I say, just the kind of show people want to see to lift their spirits. We were all emotional and it was quite overwhelming.

Do you hit the gym to make sure you look good in the shirtless scenes?

Doing eight shows a week where I’m constantly running around keeps me in pretty good shape but I go to the gym, I eat well and I drink a lot of water - but that’s the stuff you have to do anyway when you’re doing such a full-on show as this.

Jason Donovan, who now stars as Pharaoh, played Joseph in 1991. How is it following in his footsteps?

It’s great. From day one Jason has been the most supportive person. I was terrified when I had to sing Close Every Door in front of him at rehearsal but he’s been amazing. He was the first person to throw his arms around me, congratulate me and give me the boost that I needed early on. Now we have such a laugh. He’s such a fun guy and he’s another reason why I wanted to go on tour with the show, because who better to do that with than Jason Donovan?

Might you play Pharaoh yourself one day?

This is the joke we always make. You could do Joseph forever because you could graduate from Joseph himself to Pharaoh and then you could finally move on to Jacob.

The West End production was one of the first to open to full capacity after social-distancing restrictions.

What was the atmosphere like?

It was unbelievable. The atmosphere at Joseph is amazing anyway because of the fans and the way the Palladium is figured it’s such an intimate space, even though it’s huge.

Joseph has been going strong since the early 70s.

Why do you think audiences still love it?

I think it’s just timeless and, as Jason always says, it’s a very simple story. What you see is what you get and what you get is a really good time. It’s a wholesome tale about a boy overcoming adversity and it encourages you to follow your dreams. The message is so uplifting and it’s one of those shows that continues from generation to generation. We get people at the stage door saying to Jason ‘You were my Joseph when I was a kid’ and then I meet kids at the stage door and their mums say ‘This is their first time seeing it’ so I’m their Joseph. And it’s such a famous show that it’s kind of ingrained in everybody. It’s a huge part of our theatrical culture in the UK. The Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice score is full of great songs. Do you have a favourite to perform?

Definitely Close Every Door and I love Go, Go, Go Joseph because we have an amazing cast and they’re all on stage for that one. It’s a huge production number and I think that’s what is so exciting about taking this particular incarnation of Joseph around the country because it’s like we’re taking the West End production to everyone.

What have been your other favourite in-betweenJoseph stage roles?

I’ve been lucky to have taken part in some concerts and some TV stuff as well, and I’ve loved doing panto. My first panto was in Birmingham in 2019, then I was in panto at the Palladium this Christmas just gone with another Joseph, namely Donny Osmond. I love doing panto for the same reason I love doing Joseph, because you get an amazing audience response and it’s such fun and so entertaining.

The Cher Show plays at Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday 12th September to Saturday 25th September.

Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes

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

Virgo (23 August – 22 September) You may find great joy and reward in your creative projects and hobbies. Pleasure-seeking activities, recreation, and amusement are increased. You might meet somebody who deepens your intimate life in wonderful ways, opening you up to new ways of expressing yourself intimately; or those of you who are already attached might deepen their relationship similarly. Relationships with others tend to be easygoing, friendly, and positive.

Favourable Dates: September 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Grey

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Libra (23 September – 22 October) You have some good energy with you to express yourself creatively and originally, and your personal magnetism runs high. You can be very resourceful when it comes to recycling or using what you already own in different ways. Financial support in the form of loans or shared resources tends to be easier to come by, but it will be important to watch your borrowing habits.

Favourable Dates: September 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: White & Purple Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) You will dig deep into true motives and feelings about practical matters, and you have the chance to come to a harmonious position or stance. Money matters are significantly improved. Even so, you may be downsizing with personal possessions and going through restructuring, possibly putting some business projects to rest.

Partnerships fare better than more casual love relationships, the latter being a bit of a wild card in your life right now.

Favourable Dates: September 3, 6, 12, 15, 24, 30 Favourable Colours: White & Yellow

Sagittarius (22 November -21 December) You are likely to make changes in your life that break you out of your usual routines. You may make little changes to your personal appearance or to your mannerisms that reflect the changes going on inside. A desire to live in a more free-spirited manner is with you in this month. This can be a natural time for introspection and the hatching of plans; while you may tend to push forward with more confidence next month.

Favourable Dates: September 7, 8, 16, 16, 25, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & White

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) You can feel a stronger desire to succeed all on your own.

You want to achieve on your own merits, but you also recognize the need for others or outside resources and talents so that you can excel. You may pick up a brand-new study this month. Exposure to new ideas open up new worlds to you. Your fair share of fun, romance, and good times are in store.

Favourable Dates: September 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: Blue & White Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) You are likely to see benefits, and experience growth, in the areas of romance, pleasure, creative expression, hobbies, entertainment, and children. Your fair share of fun, romance, and good times are in store. Your willingness to enjoy yourself and explore your creativity now brings new opportunities, New depths can be experienced and add to your inner glow. Love matters should be quite strong with significant partnerships a great focus.

Favourable Dates: September 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & White

Pisces (19 February – 20 March) You are more willing than usual to work diligently for money, and your natural talents are likely to be utilized more in the work you do and appreciated by others.

However, you also realize that too much emphasis on the importance of material possessions can work against you in the long run. You may also try to put more value in the

intangibles in life. Connecting intimately with another person boosts your sense of security.

Favourable Dates: September 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 Favourable Colours: Yellow & White

Aries (21 March – 19 April) You can be making significant changes as you come to a better understanding of what it is you can and want to do in your work. You’ll also discover some of your most natural talents and put them to work for you. The focus now is on really enjoying what you do. This is a month in which you are more likely to establish, or solidify, a significant partnership; or you could be enhancing an existing relationship.

Favourable Dates: September 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 Favourable Colours: Brown & Purple

Taurus (20 April – 20 May) This is a time for putting yourself out there and for meeting your responsibilities. You are pointed in the direction of learning and mental endeavors. This phase enhances your ability to handle the details required to do a good job, and others become more aware of your skills. You are far less inhibited when it comes to expressing yourself creatively, and you are a lot more fun to be around!

Favourable Dates: September 4, 5, 13, 14, 22, 23 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Purple Gemini (21 May – 20 June) You are likely to see benefits in the areas of work and health, as well as daily routines. Love and romance may come into your life or an existing romance is enhanced with good humor and warmth. You might find that possibilities for casual love relationships open up to you now and some of you could be overwhelmed with choices. Your life is livelier than usual, but not hectic, and this allows you to enjoy yourself.

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

Cancer (21 June – 22 July) This is a feel-good month that offers you opportunities to rise above petty concerns and to achieve a more balanced approach to your life. Relationships with others tend to be easygoing, friendly, and positive. Acquaintances, siblings, or casual friends and communications may be catalysts for this new self-expression. This is a time when you really enjoy life, appreciating the good things and rarely harping on the more inconvenient or annoying elements of life.

Favourable Dates: September 1, 8, 10, 17, 19, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Brown Leo (23 July – 22 August) This is an excellent time to work on financial planning and strategy. You are more capable of helping friends and loved ones who are dealing with a crisis – you can be leaned upon.

Your ability to understand and accept anything that is deep in meaning or significant is enhanced now, and you instinctively realize that the path to healing is to face your fears. Committed relationships add spark in your life.

Favourable Dates: September 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 Favourable Colours: White & Purple

manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com

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Weekend Starts Here....

The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh On New Year's Eve, Rhys Lloyd has a house full of guests.

His lakeside holiday homes are a success, and he's generously invited the village to drink champagne with their wealthy new neighbours.

This will be the party to end all parties. But not everyone is there to celebrate. By midnight, Rhys will be floating dead in the freezing waters of the lake.

On New Year's Day, DC Ffion Morgan has a village full of suspects.

The tiny community is her home, so the suspects are her neighbours, friends and family - and Ffion has her own secrets to protect. With a lie uncovered at every turn, soon the question isn't who wanted Rhys dead... but who finally killed him. In a village with this many secrets, a murder is just the beginning.

Ticket to Paradise Academy Award winners George Clooney and Julia Roberts reunite on the big screen as exes who find themselves on a shared mission to stop their lovestruck daughter from making the same mistake they once made.

Release Date: 16th September

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris Set in 1950s London, this charming vintage story explores the wit and tenacity of Mrs. Ada Harris, a widowed housekeeper who's intent on owning a gorgeous Christian Dior dress and will stop at nothing to make it happen. This plucky tale explores the various challenges and triumphs experienced by Mrs. Harris as she pursues the dress of her dreams while ultimately leaving a lasting impression on the House of Dior.

Release Date: 6th September

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PRICELESS

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SMOOTHER SKIN With our favourite Body Creams

ISSUE 137

SAVOY PALACE MADEIRA Read our review of this Luxury Hotel

SWEET & SAVOURY Mouth-watering recipes made easy

Seasonal Styles

ISSUE 137

Transition into the new season with a range of fashion favourites

SORRY! Time to stop saying sorry!