Spring Closet

STYLE Sprin g Closet

Neutral layersNeutral layers

Yes spring is here but those bright days can be chilly, so warm layers and modern classics are key. Yes spring is here but those bright days can be chilly, so warm layers and modern classics are key.

Leather joggers £295.00 Hush www.hush-uk.com Leather joggersLeather joggers www.hush-uk.com Leather joggers

12 | Cherubs Magazine | Cherubs Magazine Cashmere jumper £159.00 Hush www.hush-uk.com Cashmere jumper £159.00 Hush www.hush-uk.com Cashmere jumper £159.00 Hush www.hush-uk.com

Graphite trainers £99.00 Next www.next.co.uk Graphite trainersGraphite trainers £99.00 Next www.next.co.uk

Accessories work with both looks with both looks Accessories work

Cross body bag £55.00 Estella Bartlett www.estellabartlett.com Cross body bag

Spring brights

Get ready for long days and warm sunshine with spring brights that will put a ‘spring’ in your step. Get ready for long days and warm sunshine with spring brights that will put a ‘spring’ in your step.

Pink leopard print shirt dress £75.00 Oliver Bonas www.oliverbonas.com Pink leopard print shirt dress £75.00 Oliver Bonas www.oliverbonas.com

Wool-blend cardigan £85.00 & Other Stories www.stories.com

Link earrings £175.00 Monica Vinader www.monicavinader.comwww.monicavinader.com

Slouchy boots £89.99 Mango www.mango.com

Tortoiseshell glasses £98.00 Arket www.arket.com Tortoiseshell glasses £98.00

Living with Polycystic Ovaries By Dr Larisa Corda

Polycystic ovaries affect one in five women in the UK and are therefore very common. The term is a bit of a misnomer in that the ovaries do not contain cysts but instead small follicles that contain multiple immature eggs.

Not all women with polycystic ovaries have the syndrome and not all women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have all the symptoms, which can vary.

Common symptoms of PCOS include: • irregular periods or no periods at all • difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate) • excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks • weight gain, thinning hair and hair loss from the head, oily skin or acne.

Women can also develop metabolic problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Depression is also more common, and involving the support of a counselor is important.

How is PCOS treated?

Lifestyle changes The great news is that by making certain adjustments to your lifestyle, the risk of any fertility and long term metabolic problems is greatly reduced. In fact, weight loss of just 5% can increase the chance of spontaneous ovulation. Exercise and diet are really important to help you to achieve this. You should aim to exercise about 20 to 30 mins each day and eat a diet that’s clean and unprocessed and as organic and fresh as possible. All of this is outlined in The Conception Plan

Medications Certain medications can be used to help improve regularity of periods and reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Most typically, this is the oral contraceptive pill.

However, for those women looking to conceive, other medication, such as clomiphene, can be used to improve the chance of ovulation and therefore pregnancy. Ultimately, IVF can be used to help.

in addition, metformin is often used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it can also lower insulin and blood sugar levels in women with PCOS. As well as stimulating ovulation, encouraging regular monthly periods and lowering the risk of miscarriage, metformin can also have other long-term health benefits, such as lowering high cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Your doctor will decide on the best medication to put you on, by doing an overall assessment. Other medications Medications can also be used to treat some of the other problems associated with PCOS, including:

• weight-loss medication, such as Orlistat, if you’re overweight • cholesterol-lowering medication (statins) if you have high levels of cholesterol in your blood • acne treatments • excessive hair-growth treatments.

Surgery If PCOS does not respond to medication, sometimes something called laparoscopic ovarian drilling is done, which involves stimulating the ovaries with heat during keyhole surgery.

Pregnancy risks If you have PCOS, you have a higher risk of pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and miscarriage, but by improving your overall health through lifestyle and having a normal BMI, you can lower the chances of all these potential problems and improve the chance of pregnancy.

Get that Spring Back in Your Step By Mary Huckle

The winter season can be harsh, in the weather sense for sure, but it can also affect us both physically and mentally. It can affect our motivation to do things, to socialise and, in particular, we can lose our exercise mojo.

Spring is possibly the best season of the year to step outside and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Look around you, take a deep breath and notice the signs of a fresh start. Spring flowers and green shoots on shrubs and trees are aplenty. All around us, there’s a strong feeling of new beginnings; reviving and recharging, and possibly encouraging you to start doing something to improve your quality of life. So, here are some nuggets to help you on your way.

Thinking about lifting weights?

Contrary to belief, lifting weights will most certainly not turn you into a bodybuilder, unless of course you invest years of focus on your nutrition and very heavy lifting. Lighter weights and increased repetitions will on the other hand help to tone and define muscles. Regular and consistent resistance work will turn fat into lean tissue. This burns more calories per pound than fat, and looks a lot nicer. More importantly, it helps to lay down calcium onto the bones and can therefore help combat the onset of osteoporosis.

Green tea could help you lose weight.

Studies have shown that it can boost your metabolism and, furthermore, a cup taken 90 minutes before exercise significantly reduced fat oxidation rate during exercise. Research suggests that the compound catechin can help to break down excess fat and caffeine can increase the amount of energy the body uses.

Fancy a challenge?

Let’s plank! OK, I see you, shuddering at the thought, but hear me out. One plank a day will primarily strengthen your core, shoulder and back muscles, but it will also work your chest, triceps, biceps and legs. Furthermore, planks will improve your stamina. In fact, more than just about any other exercise, planks can work your whole body. They improve posture, get your heart pumping and your blood flowing.

Here’s how to do a basic forearm plank.

1. Start in a four-point kneeling position. This is a forearm plank, so your elbows should be below your shoulders and your knees below your hips.

2. Extend legs behind you to bring your body into a lengthened position from the top of the head to the heels of your feet. You should now be on your toes. Set your shoulders, activate the core and the gluteal muscles (buttocks).

3. Hold the position by keeping your body parallel to the floor, bottom down and head and neck aligned. Just breathe normally and never hold your breath.

4. Try to hold the Plank for 30 seconds to begin with. Practice daily and you can certainly aim to hold the Plank for between one and three minutes within a matter of weeks.

5. Challenge yourself to perform one plank daily for 30 days.

It’s important to maintain good posture to avoid your back aching. If this is the case, drop the knees gently to the floor and sit back onto your feet to relieve the tension in your lower back. As the core muscles get stronger, your back should ache less.

Give it a try and let me know how you get on. #maryscherubchallenge

www.breakthroughfitness.co.uk Instagram @maryhuckle Facebook @breakthroughfitness1 Twitter @mary_huckle

INTENSE ZONES

THERE’S INTENSE, THEN THERE’S BLAZE.

It’s new, it’s unique, like nothing you’ve experienced. A test of your strength, stamina and willpower, you’ll run, lift and fight. Blaze will push you to your limit and beyond.

An overload of light, sound and energy will power you through your workout. Our instructors will challenge, push and support you, to achieve results you never thought possible.

A Myzone heart-rate belt will track your performance every step of the way. With your heart rate streamed on digital screens, you’ll work your body at just the right intensity to get the most from your workout.

Get ready to feel the burn and join the tribe #Blazetribe

Yoga for Proprioception By Cathy Underwood

Proprioception and proprioceptive feedback are common words used within the neuro-diverse and special needs community. But what is it?

Proprioception

Often referred to as the ‘sixth sense’, proprioception is a big part of our neurological lives. This multi-faceted experience relies on the physical senses to help us know how the body interacts within its environment.

For the neuro-typical, proprioception is pretty fi nely tuned as often we can quickly adapt. Walking about a crowded shopping centre without bumping into anyone is one example.

Proprioceptive feedback

Here’s a simple exercise to test your proprioceptive feedback – close your eyes and now touch your nose. You touched it right? Here’s a simple exercise to test your proprioceptive feedback – close your eyes and now touch your nose. You

You were able to complete the task because of your ability to move your body freely within the space it occupies. Physical interactions like this send neurological patterns to the brain and this reinforces a strong sense of body awareness. You were able to complete the task because of your ability to move your body freely within the space it occupies. Physical interactions like

Why do those living with special needs struggle with proprioception? Why do those living with special needs struggle with

Sensory processing disorders are common to those living with special needs. Sounds, lights, smells, touch and taste can often prove too stimulating for them and, because proprioceptive feedback relies on the integration of all the senses, proprioception can be delayed.

Common proprioceptive dysfunction indicators • clumsiness or bumping into things • fi dgeting • fl apping hands • fear of walking down steps or jumping over objects • poor postural control • unaware or no interest in the space outside of peripheral vision.

How yoga helps improve proprioception

Using a simple and regular yoga routine, as part of an individuals daily sensory diet, can help: • soothe the nervous system maintaining a calm and alert state • encourage a positive body awareness • develop a sense of self, using slow, mindful breathing • gross and fi ne motor skills to improve co-ordination • weight-bearing skills, balance and fl exibility, providing lots of proprioceptive input.

Try this!

Breathing – pretend to hold a big beach ball. Inhale through the nose and expand your hands to make the ball bigger. Exhale slowly out across pursed lips, bringing hands closer together to make the ball smaller.

Posture – stand tall. Stretch arms up to the sky lifting up and balance on the balls of the feet. Balance in the position with awareness of core. Slowly lower the arms down by your side and feet fl at to the ground. Repeat.

Balance – standing on one leg assume the Tree Pose – one foot pressed into the inner thigh. Place your hands together in prayer position in-front of your chest. Try balancing for 10 counts. Repeat on the other side.

Weight bearing – on all fours, slowly lift into Downward Dog pose – hands and feet pushing into the ground with the pelvis lifting to the sky. Take three steady breaths. Resting – from all fours, sit back onto the heels into Child’s Pose – arms reaching forward and head down to the ground. Take three steady breaths.

Relaxation – deep pressure massage has a calming eff ect. Ask your child to lie either on their back or tummy. Apply gentle squishes from the feet up to the knees and the hands to the shoulders. Avoid other delicate areas.

Now accepting new children patients on NHS Hurry, limited spaces available

Homeware

Today’s homeware is paying attention to sustainability and natural materials in an eff ort to promote a more conscious way of living. Natural materials such as rattan, mango wood and tableware made from stoneware and bamboo are a huge trend and, here at Cherubs we’re fi nding inspiration in everything green.

Rattan lampshade £59.00 Made www.made.com

Cushion cover £12.99 H&M www.hm.com

Metal watering can £17.99 H&M www.hm.com watering can £17.99 H&M www.hm.com Metal

The Healing Power of Plants hardcover £9.35 Amazon www.amazon.co.uk

Vegan essential oil candle in bay and rosemary 120ml £15.00 Join www.join.co.uk

Fawna wallpaper From £69.00 per panel Wild Hearts Wonder www.wildheartswonder.com

Set of 4 bowls £32.00 Habitat www.habitat.co.uk

Green vase £34.00 Oliver Bonas www.oliverbonas.com

Rattan chair £95.00 Ikea www.ikea.com

Refi ned sugar-free baking by

Courgette cake

Ingredients Makes a 20cm cake • 200ml sunfl ower oil • 3 large eggs • 150ml runny honey • 400g courgette, grated then squeezed in a tea towel to remove water • 275g wholemeal self-raising fl our • 2 tsp baking powder • 2 tsp mixed spice • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 150g mixed dried raisins • 1 orange, fi nely grated zest only

Frosting • 400g full-fat cream cheese • 50g unsalted butter, softened to room temp • 50ml maple syrup

www.daddelicious.com @daddelicious

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan and line a 20cm cake tin. 2. Pour the oil, eggs and honey into a large mixing bowl, whisk together, then add the courgette and mix. 3. In a separate bowl, sieve the fl our, baking powder, mixed spice and cinnamon together, then add the mixed currants and orange zest and stir to coat in the fl our. 4. Gradually add the fl our mixture into the courgette mixture and stir gently until combined. Add the mixture to the baking tin and bake for 40 mins or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean (cover with foil halfway to stop the top burning if it’s looking dark). 5. Allow to cool in the tin for 5 mins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 6. Make the frosting: place the cream cheese, butter and maple syrup in a bowl and beat until smooth. Spread on top of the cake to decorate it.

EatHappyFeelGood

Snacktivity

We love a snacktivity in our house. And a colour-themed kitchen snack hunt is a great one. The rules are simple: mummy decides the colour and the children have to fi nd as many snacks as they can of that colour. This is an interactive way for kids to connect to food in a fun way; so important for helping develop a good long-term relationship with food.

Ultimate chocolate muffi ns

Like so many things in life, food is all about balance... treats are not only ok, sometimes they are necessary and these are defi nitely a treat.

Ingredients • 2 cups plain fl our • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar • 2 large eggs • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 3/4 cup chocolate chips • 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts (optional but so good!)

Method 1. Preheat oven to 220C. Line your muffi n tin with paper cases 2. Put a fi ne sieve over a large bowl and sift in the fl our, cocoa, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt. Add the sugar, mix and set aside. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the buttermilk, oil and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula just until combined. Do not over mix. The batter will be thick and lumpy. That’s ok! Add chocolate chips and hazelnuts and fold together. 4. Divide the mixture between the muffi n cases, fi lling almost all the way to the top. Bake for three minutes and then reduce the oven temperature to 180C. Continue to bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes (15 to 20 minutes total), until a knife inserted into the centre of the muffi n comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 5. These are defi nitely best the same day. Nothing beats freshly made but they can also be frozen for up to two months.

Salmon and pea pasta

An easy, delicious and full-of-goodness dinner on the table in 20 minutes.

Ingredients • 1 onion, fi nely chopped • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 clove garlic, grated • 500g pasta of your choice (I use pappardelle) • 4 skinless and boneless salmon fi llets cut into cubes • 1 tbsp fi nely chopped parsley • 2 cups peas • 1 cup light cream (or use dairy-free alternative) • zest of 1 lemon • salt and pepper

Method 1. Put the olive oil and onions in a large pan and cook till soft and lightly caramelised. Should take about 5 to 7 minutes. 2. While the onions are cooking, cook the pasta according to pack instructions. 3. Add the garlic to the onions and cook for another minute stirring continuously to ensure it doesn’t burn. 4. Add the salmon and cook for a few minutes until lightly coloured on all sides. 5. Add the cream, peas and parsley. Cook for a few minutes until the salmon is cooked through. 6. Add the lemon zest, season and stir through. If you want it a little looser add 1/4 cup of pasta water. 7. Drain the pasta and stir through the sauce.

Yoghurt overnight oats

This is one of our favourite easy breakfasts and something we have at least once a week. With just a few minutes preparation at night, there is a healthy breakfast waiting for you in the fridge. I spent a few minutes prettying it up ready for its close up, but on a busy morning it goes from fridge to table in a couple of minutes.

Ingredients Th ese are approximate because it depends on how thick you like it and what kind of yoghurt you use. It doesn’t really matter, it’s a delicious combination so start with these as a guideline and experiment till you fi nd your favourite. Makes two to three portions • 1 cup yoghurt • 1 cup rolled oats • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 tsp maple syrup

Method 1. The night before you want to have it for breakfast combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well, cover and leave in the fridge overnight. If it feels too thick you can add a little milk or water. 2. The next morning add whatever toppings you like. Berries, bananas, seeds, nuts, honey. 3. Here I’ve added banana, blueberries, seeds, honey and chia jam which I often have in the fridge.

Where will you visit in 2020?

Start planning your perfect holiday, whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, a luxurious couple’s retreat, an exotic all-inclusive escape or an action-packed adventure, there’s something for everyone – whatever your tastes and budget may be.

Something for the family...

Hard Rock Hotel - Tenerife Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife is a unique beachfront resort that delivers a real rock and roll experience. This completely renovated Costa Adeje hotel is notable for its Oasis and Nirvana towers that off er rousing views over the Atlantic or the property’s trio of sparkling swimming pools.

Indulge in ultimate luxury…

One&Only The Palm – Dubai A tranquil retreat set away from the bustle of Dubai, lavish surroundings, delectable cuisine and a sense of blissful calm await at the exceptional One&Only The Palm. With a boutique Mediterranean feel, understated low-rise buildings and the sparkling sea on three sides, you’ll feel as if you’re on your own private island at this intimate resort.

in a rejuvenating massage, play a game of tennis or simply relax with a cocktail poolside, everything is included here, so you can do as much or as little as you please.

Discover your perfect allinclusive escape…

Sandals Ochi Beach – Jamaica This all-inclusive resort off ers two distinct settings, the tranquil Butler Village and the plantation-style Great House. Whether you want to swim, sail, snorkel, indulge

Discover a world of adventure…

Elephant Hills – Thailand Set amidst the stunning scenery of the Khao Sok National Park, the award-winning Elephant Hills is Thailand’s most animalfriendly elephant experience. Off ering two to four-day adventure tours, an array of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities await, including feeding and interacting with Asia’s largest land animals once per stay and exploring mangrove swamps.

Eda’s must haves in the suitcase!

It’s not too early to think about winter?

Not at all! When is it ever too early to think about a holiday? Club Med 20/21 is on sale at the moment and has an excellent all-inclusive ski, winter sun and other all-inclusive packages for families. They have a new resort in the Seychelles and in the La Rosiere in France: Receive a £100 off when you book a Club Med package when you quote Cherubs. Holiday Dreaming

Let’s take a Girly Trip to… Mykonos

The new Soho House is opening very soon and it’s the perfect place for a two night getaway with the girls. Boys, I haven’t forgotten you... Hotel Moments Budapest Is the perfect place to relax before an energetic eve out!

Eda’s favourite spring spa escape - Sopwell House

Fancy a cheeky romantic weekend away with your loved one kid FREE? This is a gorgeous Luxury Country House Hotel & Spa which is just 30 minutes from London.

Book your holiday today with Eda Ayyildiz Travel Counsellor 020 3393 5460 eda.ayyildiz@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/eda.ayyildiz Travel Pouches from £25.00 Elizabeth Scarlett www.elizabethscarlett.comwww.elizabethscarlett.com

Great Face SPF £29.00 Space NK www.spacenk.comwww.spacenk.com

Beach Towel £21.00 Dock & Bay www.dockandbay.com Beach Towel £21.00 Dock & Bay www.dockandbay.com Beach Towel

Swimwear £55.00 Calzedonia www.calzedonia.com Swimwear £55.00 Calzedonia www.calzedonia.com

Travel Mug £21.00 Amazon www.amazon.co.ukwww.amazon.co.uk