Close Up July 2023

020 8245 1192

020 8245 1192

cv@sjrlondon.com

cv@sjrlondon.com

www.sjrlondon.com

www.sjrlondon.com

020 8245 1192

cv@sjrlondon.com

www.sjrlondon.com

Hiring experienced candidates for roles in luxury fashion and retail.

Hiring experienced candidates for roles in luxury fashion and retail.

Temporary and Permanent positions available.

Hiring experienced candidates for roles in luxury fashion and retail.

From our high-end clientele to our varied and exciting roles in the fashion industry, there is a role suited to all levels of experience.

Temporary and Permanent positions available.

Temporary and Permanent positions available. From our high-end clientele to our varied and exciting roles in the fashion industry, there is a role suited to all levels of experience.

From our high-end clientele to our varied and exciting roles in the fashion industry, there is a role suited to all levels of experience.

If you are looking to further your career or are looking to expand your brand and product knowledge – we have roles and placements to suit all expectations.

If you are looking to further your career or are looking to expand your brand and product knowledge – we have roles and placements to suit all expectations.

If you are looking to further your career or are looking to expand your brand and product knowledge – we have roles and placements to suit all expectations.

As we bask in the radiant glow of summer, we bring you a captivating issue that embodies the essence of this vibrant season. From food to fashion, we’ve got your summer covered. Gracing our cover is the incomparable Gino D'Acampo, renowned chef, television personality, and all-around culinary maestro. With his infectious personality and exquisite palate, Gino has taken the culinary world by storm, bringing the authentic flavours of Italy to our homes. In this exclusive interview, he shares his culinary journey, his passion for food, and offers some delectable recipes that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

As you flick through the pages of this issue, you'll discover our sensational Home Supplement, a treasure trove of inspiration and ideas for transforming your living spaces into havens of relaxation and style. Dive into the latest interior design trends and discover innovative ways to infuse your home with the vibrant colours and textures of summer. Whether you're seeking

a complete makeover or small updates, our Home Supplement will empower you to curate a space that reflects your personality and brings you joy.

In addition to our Home Supplement, we have curated a selection of articles that encompass the essence of summer living. Immerse yourself in travel stories that transport you to idyllic destinations, from exotic beach getaways to charming countryside retreats. Find inspiration for your summer wardrobe with our fashion picks and learn about the latest trends that will keep you stylish all season long.

I hope this issue brings you inspiration and a touch of summer magic.

Southgate, Palmers

A DOLCE VITA AFFAIR

Step into the world of culinary maestro Gino D’Acampo as he takes us on an exclusive journey through Italy, revealing tantalising secrets, upcoming ventures, and a deep love for food. In this captivating interview, Gino shares his passion for exploring Italy’s diverse regions, crafting delectable recipes, and uncovering hidden gems in the realm of Italian cuisine. Get ready to embark on a mouth-watering adventure as Gino spills the beans on his latest culinary creations and the unforgettable dining experiences that await.

THE REAL NEAPOLITAN PIZZA MADE AT HOME

La vera pizza Napoletana fatta in casa

Over the past 25 years I have tried so many different recipes for traditional Neapolitan pizza using a domestic oven, and I can now confidently say that… this is the one! As you can see, I am including two ingredients not commonly used to make a traditional Neapolitan pizza base: oil and sugar. Both give the base a beautiful golden colour, considering we cook it in a domestic oven and not a proper wooden pizza oven. You will, though, need a pizza stone to bake this. If you’re going to make a lot of pizza, it will be worth it, and they often come with a pizza shovel, too. If you can’t find fresh yeast in a deli or supermarket, ask at your local bakery.

Makes 5

Ingredients

For the neapolitan pizza dough

3g fresh yeast

• 550ml water

• 800g ‘00’ flour, plus more to dust

Method

Dissolve the yeast in the measured water in a large jug. Tip the flour into a large bowl and sprinkle over the sugar and 25g salt. Pour over the yeasty water and start mixing all together for about 1 minute. Drizzle over the oil and continue to mix for 2 minutes. Once all the ingredients are combined, transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle over a little more flour.

Gently knead with your hands for 10 minutes until you create an elastic and smooth dough, which should still be slightly sticky. Gently roll it into a big ball on the work surface and cover it by placing the mixing bowl upside down on top. Leave for 1 hour.

Remove the bowl and divide the dough equally into 5 pieces. Each piece should weigh about 290g. Roll each piece into a tight ball, making sure there are no air bubbles in the middle.

Lightly dust a large, deep tray (it should be at least 10cm deep) with flour and place the balls inside, about 10cm apart from each other. Cover with clingfilm, making sure the clingfilm does not touch the dough balls. Place a large tea towel over the tray and let rest at room temperature for 5 hours.

Meanwhile, place all the ingredients for the topping, except the mozzarella, into a medium-sized bowl, with 1 tsp salt. Using your fingertips, crush the tomatoes into a fine pulp, mix and set aside. Preheat the oven grill to maximum, as hot as it will go. Place a pizza stone on the top shelf of the oven, about 10cm away from the grill element.

Make sure you preheat the grill and the pizza stone for 30 minutes before you are ready to cook the pizza.

Gently pick up a dough ball and place it on a lightly floured surface. Use your fingertips to gently push the dough ball out from the centre, creating a ‘crown’ or border around the rim. The pizza should be about 30cm in diameter.

• 10g caster sugar

• 25ml extra virgin olive oil

For the topping

2 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes

• Salt

• 15 basil leaves, plus 10 leaves to scatter on top

• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus 10 tbsp more to drizzle on top

• 3 mozzarella balls, drained and cut into 5mm strips

Lightly dust a pizza shovel, or flat baking sheet with no lip, with flour and gently slide the pizza base on to the shovel or baking sheet. Use your fingers to neaten up the shape of the base. Use a large kitchen spoon to spread 1½ tbsp tomato mixture on top of the pizza base. The best way to do this is to pour the tomato mixture into the middle of the pizza and spread it from the centre outwards, using the back of the large kitchen spoon. Leave the crown clean.

Equally scatter one-fifth of the mozzarella over the tomato mixture and evenly drizzle over 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Finally place 2 basil leaves on top.

Slide the pizza on to the very hot pizza stone and cook for 5–6 minutes.

Congratulations: you have just made a traditional Neapolitan pizza.

Photography credit – Haarala Hamilton

Congratulations on your new venture, Gino Pizza Ovens! Can you tell us what inspired you to start this project, and what sets it apart from other pizza ovens in the market?

This all started just before covid, I had seen pizza ovens before and I was fascinated at how many people were buying into it, so I thought ok… but what about a cool design? Or a different shape? So what I did was play around with it for a while, and kind of saw all the faults the other ones had. For example, the temperature control. Usually, it’s on the back or the side, but with mine, it’s on the front, then I made mine rounded, like a traditional pizza oven so the heat can stay in much better. I have added one extra leg, so mine has 4 legs that can be folded, so it’s easy to store and very steady. The other thing is the measurement of the oven. The 12 inch was too small, the 16 inch was too big, which will make the heat escape, so the 14 inch was the absolute perfect size for me. So you preserve the heat loss, and also the look, because people will put this in the garden so the look was very important to me, I wanted a very Italian look. One is black, one has an Italian flag on it, the other one is carbon fibre, so I thought, you know, what if this is going in the garden, you want to be proud of the way it looks, it’s a beautiful piece. So, it does both, it’s very beautiful and super cool, it also works really well, I have done many adjustments, and this is the one.

As a renowned chef, what made you choose pizza as the focus of your latest endeavour? What do you think makes a truly exceptional pizza?

I think, first of all, the reason why I chose pizza, is because I have seen lots of changes in the market with pizza in the last 5 years, people are starting to realise what it means to have a good pizza, a good Neapolitan pizza. And they also finally realised how easy it is to do. And since covid, a lot of people have tried to make pizza at home, which has finally made them understand the difference between a crap pizza, you know the big deep fried pan pizza but I won’t name and shame anyone, and the original; Neapolitan pizza. To make an exceptional pizza, it starts with flour. You need to choose the right flour, and whatever you do, use fresh yeast! So, you need the best flour you can get, and fresh yeast. You can get this in the supermarket.

Once you have the base right, for me, the perfect topping always stays the same, which is a beautiful tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella on top, and fresh basil. Nothing beats a classic pizza A ’La Margherita.

In addition to your culinary ventures, you’ve also made a name for yourself in the entertainment industry. Are there any new shows or projects you’re currently working on that you can share with us?

Well, I’m filming family fortunes again in September for the new season which is great, I love that show. And then I can’t tell you a lot, but I am going to tell you a secret, I have a new show that I’m doing with Fred. We’re going to be travelling, and we will be filming this in September. That is as much as I can tell you!

How exciting! We can’t wait to have you both back on our screens. We often see you sharing glimpses of your family life on social media. How do you balance your professional commitments with spending quality time with your loved ones?

In the last 10 years I finally realised that I’d rather bank memories than money. I only work 6 months of the year, the other 6 months I’m on holiday with my family. I feel very blessed and I feel that the biggest achievement of my life is that my two boys and my daughter are still with me, they love to be in the house with me and my wife, they love to come on holiday with us and that to me is something that money can’t buy. I have a son that is 21, and a son that is 18, and they have no intention of leaving because they feel happy, and that makes me very proud and that is the reason why I only work 6 months of the year, because I invest a lot of time. In my line of work, it’s very easy to get caught in the money, because everyone offers you money all the time, you need to be strong and remember to bank memories.

“I can’t tell you a lot, BUT I AM GOING TO tell you a secret”

MARINATED LAMB SKEWERS WITH PEPPERS AND RED ONIONS

Spiedini di Agnello con Peperoni e Cipolle Rosse

This recipe screams summer barbecues, but we make it all year round. We love lamb, and, simply cooked this way, it’s so quick and tasty. You can add any vegetable of your choice, such as courgettes or mushrooms, and of course you can substitute lamb with chicken if you prefer. If you are not calorie-counting, a cheeky slice of halloumi cheese makes a nice addition, too.

Serves 4

Ingredients

150g natural yoghurt • 2 tbsp good-quality mint sauce • 2 tbsp finely chopped rosemary leaves • 350g lean lamb, cut into 3cm cubes • 1 red or orange pepper, deseeded and cut into 2cm pieces

• 1 red onion, cut into 8 • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Pour the yogurt into a medium bowl and add the mint sauce and rosemary. Season with a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Add the lamb and mix well, ensuring that each piece is coated with the marinade. Leave to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Thread the lamb on to 4 large metal skewers, alternating each piece with slices of the pepper and onion. (If you use smaller wooden skewers, please make sure that they have been soaked in water beforehand; they are also smaller, so you might find that you need to make 8 skewers.)

Preheat a griddle pan over a high heat, or a barbecue to its hottest setting. Cook the lamb on the hot griddle pan for 8 minutes, turning the meat over every 2 minutes to ensure that every side is coloured. (If you’re cooking the skewers on a barbecue, you may need slightly less cooking time.) If your griddle pan has a tall side rim, place a flat tray on top of the skewers to make sure all of the elements are touching the griddle pan and being cooked.

Serve hot, accompanied with a green salad of your choice.

Photography credit – Haarala Hamilton

Sardinia holds a special place in your heart, and you often mention your connection to the island. How has your time there influenced your cooking style and overall lifestyle?

Honestly, I don’t feel like it has influenced my cooking style that much, my cooking style is very much Neapolitan style, I cook a lot of fish, and meat. One thing Sardinia’s are great at is the way they cook pork. Anything to do with pork, anything to do with salami, ham, it is insane the way they cook pork, so I am learning a lot from that, but mainly my influence is overall Italian, because I travel Italy all the time, so I am always up and down Italy. In every region there is always something to learn.

You have multiple restaurants in different locations. Can you tell us about the unique dining experiences they offer, and do you have any plans for expanding your restaurant portfolio?

We have just opened one in Leeds located at the beautiful Marriot Hotel, it’s a fantastic location! We are opening one in Glasgow, Manchester, three in Malta, and one in Milan! So next year is going to be very busy as far as restaurants go. I think the secret to my restaurants is that they’re very simple. We give our guests an overall experience, I think many restaurants think food and drink is the most important thing, but to me the most important thing, is everything.

From the toilets, to the bar, to the food experience, to the waiters and waitresses, to the décor of the restaurant, everything makes a difference. Nowadays if you want to be successful it’s all about providing for the guests. And you also need to be super welcoming. We are very welcoming, especially with children, we love them, in typical Italian restaurants we really embrace that.

Variety is the spice of life! How do you keep innovating and coming up with fresh ideas for your recipes and menus, both at your restaurants and for your cookbooks?

Well, as I said before, I am very lucky and blessed that I get to travel Italy all the time, so today I’m in Milan, next week I will be in Rome, then Naples, then I will be in Sicily, then Sardinia, so the inspiration out there just through 6 months of holiday, between filming and travelling is great. So, in any new restaurant, I am there. I will always be the first one to bring a new recipe or new way to something in Italy. If I learn something, I will take it to my restaurants and to my cookbooks!

Your cookbooks have been highly successful. Can you share any details about your upcoming book releases or any new cooking concepts you’re exploring in your writing?

Here’s another secret for you. After 19 cookbooks, and after 19 years of writing cookbooks, this year is the only year I have decided to take a break. This year I will not have a new cookbook out. The reason is because I like to write my own cookbooks, so unless I am inspired 100%, I don’t want to do it. My fans don’t deserve a cookbook that I haven’t put 100% into.

Food trends come and go. Are there any particular food trends that you’re excited about currently, and do you incorporate them into your cooking?

In the last 12 months there is one ingredient that has gone absolutely mental, and its pistachio! Wherever you go, there is pistachio crumbled on top of ice cream, pistachio pancakes, pistachio spread, there is pistachios everywhere! So, this is the trend of the year, obviously we use it a lot at the restaurant as it comes from the south of Italy. What’s next for Gino D’Acampo? Can you give us a sneak peek into your future plans and any exciting projects we can look forward to?

Well family fortunes, filming with Fred. But one thing that is actually very exciting is that I have just finished my new collection of electrical cookware for Asda, which is ABSOLUTELY insanely beautiful. For the past year I have been working with Asda on this so we will have things like toasters, kettles, air fryers. But what I did was I went with a soft touch look, so everything has this beautiful soft touch, so it’s not plastic or steel. It’s an amazing collection. I have done it in 3 different colours including black, grey and a beautiful green. They will be available in October just in time for Christmas.

“I’d rather bank memories than money - IT’S VERY EASY TO GET CAUGHT IN THE MONEY - YOU NEED TO BE STRONG AND remember to bank memories”

Sunset OMBRÉ

Putting the prettiness back into prints, ombre patterns are the delightful design we’re currently obsessing over. Taking a tequila sunrise as style inspiration, from warming winter reds and purples to spring-ready pinks and whites the ombre trend can be tailored by season and how bold you want to go with the look.

Satin Dress Pretty Little Thing £25

Sydney Shoe KG Kurt Geiger £89

Anagram Basket Bag LOEWE £825 Slim Gradient Sunset Havaianas £34

Swimsuit Zara £29.99

Sunglasses LOEWE £360

Ombres G Eyeshadow Quad GUERLAIN £68

Phone Case Etsy £18.66

Rio Gemstone Huggie Earrings Monica Vinader £125

Clip H&M £3.99

Jenny Kros presents La Dolce Vita swimwear celebrating a life full of beauty and delight with a modern twist. Jenny Kros is a contemporary womenswear brand that always brings innovation and transformability into fashion design. The brand provides customers with transformable clothing and diverse options of add-on details that can thoroughly alternate their look. By using Jenny Kros’ wide variety of add-ons, garments can be transformed by attaching and recombining the elements to create several different looks which allows great freedom for design and diversification as customers can reflect their personal taste and fashion trends in a sustainable way while also effectively becoming their own creators.

Dare to BARE

Embrace the allure of the cut-out swimsuit trend, where sophistication meets playful charm. With strategic cut-outs adorning the sides, front, or back, these stylish swimwear pieces offer a tantalising peek of skin while maintaining a sense of elegance.

Swimsuit House of CB £79

Swimsuit Ted Baker £80

WISHlist

Close Up’s monthly guide to what you should be wishing for…

LUCK’N’CHARM

Nothing has escaped the influence of the return of Y2K’s trends. Add some retro charm to your phone with this super adorable, beaded phone strap. Mobile Phone Decoration, £4.99 www2.hm.com

CANDLE CORNER

Spend an evening in the garden relaxing to this white dish ginger Citronella Candle, deterring the mosquitos and adding a decorative feel to your outdoor space.

Citronella White Dish Ginger Candle, £7.99 www.ivylinegb.co.uk

BRONZED BABE

Beyond bronzed beauty!

A breakthrough bronzing stick that creates an instant sun-kissed glow and blends seamlessly for a second-skin finish.

Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer, £25 www.spacenk.com

BOLD CERAMICS

Add a touch of elegance to your home with this round ceramic vase. Ideal for storing pampas or your favourite fresh flowers whilst adding a statement.

Large Ceramic Vase, £29.99 www2.hm.com

HAIR HERO

A beauty saviour! This large hair claw is perfect for days on the go and is sure to keep your hair locked into place all day.

Matte Large Hair Claw, £4 www.claires.com

ZEN ZONE

Yoga just got a whole lot easier! Find your inner peace and balance with these yoga poses cards all within the comfort of your own home.

Yoga Poses Cards, £4.99 www.tkmaxx.com

POCKET PARTY

Bring the party with you anywhere you go. This incredible portable speaker is a must have summer essential making sure the tunes don’t stay behind!

Sony SRS-XB13 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, £39.99 www.johnlewis.com

GILDED GAL

Shine bright like a diamond with this luxurious oil treatment that nourishes, repairs and softens and illuminates the skin and hair with a satin-like sheen.

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, £26.50 www.lookfantastic.com

BEAM OF LIGHT

Lighten up any room with this adorable table lamp. Featuring a quirky retro design it is perfect to add comfort into any space.

Bronx Tapered Wood Table Lamp, £40 www.next.co.uk

At Pure Crystal Bracelets all of our jewellery and accessories are unique and hand made.

Our high-grade Crystal designs are made personal to you! With over 50 genuine and ethically sourced crystals to choose from, each with their own healing properties, you can be sure we will have one for you. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, depression, insomnia, lack of confidence or just need some self love, we can help guide you in picking the perfect combination that will help you.

We also stock bespoke fashion bracelets featuring a wide range of letters, charms and spacers to choose from! Our most popular being pearls, evil eyes, lucky clovers and our individual initials. From gold, sterling silver or glass beads, there is something for everyone.

@purecrystalbracelets

COME ON BARBIE Let’s go party

Minimalists and muted palette-lovers, look away, Barbiecore is the biggest fashion trend of SS23 – and it’s bright, unapologetic and brilliantly saccharine. And trending. Again. Thanks to the long-awaited release of the trailer for the Barbie movie (with Margot Robbie as Barbie, Ryan Gosling as Ken and the likes of Dua Lipa

Iconic Bag Diesel

£395 Amplified Crème Lipstick

Earrings

Missoma

£65

£48

Phonecase Casetify £76 Boots

New Look £49.99

Strappy Heels River Island £49

Swimsuit Boohoo £12

Nightdress H&M £12.99

Barbie Hat Primark £6

Lace Plunge Bralette Understatement

Jeepers Peepers The Hut £20

Mobile massage service direct to your door

More than just a massage...

Massage goes beyond being a mere indulgence. It is a crucial component of a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle, contributing to overall well-being.

At North London Massage Therapy, we prioritise your needs and recognise the fast-paced nature of our lives, both at work and at home. Our goal is to truly comprehend your requirements and create a treatment that is completely customised to you, all within the comfort of your own home.

We aim to elevate your self-awareness during these sessions by delving deeper into behavioural patterns and their impact on the body. Our objective is to introduce you to a fresh perspective and encourage you to question how you utilise and influence your body, utilising our extensive knowledge of massage techniques amassed over two decades.

Introducing the ultimate in Lymphatic pressotherapy massage and bespoke IV Drips!

Combine two powerful therapies in just one treatment.

As one of London leading lymphatic clinics working in partnership with Zen Healthcare, we offer a unique range of Lymphatic pressotherapy massages and bespoke IV vitamin drips. Treatments are designed by our team of Doctors and administered by highly trained nurses.

There are many reasons why this treatment could be exactly what you need today!

Perhaps you are feeling sluggish, in need a of detox? Are you looking for a much needed energy boost? Help with your weight loss regime? Perhaps a liver cleanse, immunity boost or even a hangover detox?

What we offer

Our lymphatic massage device reduces water retention and helps the body to detoxify by removing toxins and waste products, boosting both blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in a time-efficient way. The body then naturally expels these toxins, and excess water. Incredibly relaxing, non-invasive, the gentle pressure powerfully stimulates the immune system to work optimally.

Whilst you lie back in your massage suit and relax, you will be given a bespoke IV vitamin drip, designed for your needs and combines multiple powerful ingredients to give you what you need the most!

The synergy of the two treatments working together will have you at your best in no time at all.

Packages start from £99

Treatments available at Zen Healthcare

53 Beauchamp place London SW3 1NY

As the warmer weather finally approaches it’s time to start thinking about those summer bodies! Or perhaps you are getting married or have a special event coming up that you want to look and feel great at?

to start thinking about getting married or have a and feel great at?

Bespoke IV vitamin drip

Ultimate boost of vitamins & minerals

Lymphatic drainage

Detoxification

Boost circulation

Aids weight loss & increases energy

Reduces water retention, puffiness & bloating

Improves the appearance of cellulite

As

GILDED Galaxy

Whether you’re looking for an unassuming natural gloss to wear during the day, or a highshine, multi-dimensional gloss with which to dazzle someone, we have rounded up our favourite gilded gold and nude lip-glosses for the summer.

Gloss Bomb ‘Hot Chocolit’ Fenty Beauty £18 Creamsheen Glass ‘Boy Bait’ M.A.C £20

Lip Glace ‘Vanille’ Laura Mercier £25

Rouge Coco ‘Melted Honey’ CHANEL £34 Lip Maximiser ‘038 Rose Nude’ DIOR £32

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

DON’T QUIT, Get Fit

The great thing about summer is that the temperatures rise, the days are longer, allowing you to enjoy outdoors activities. We’ve selected 5 ways you can stay in shape this summer, whilst also having fun!

1. Say goodbye to treadmills! Working out outdoors is always more enjoyable. Take advantage of the warm weather to go on runs, walks or bike rides around the park.

2. Practice swimming either in your local pool or if you are on holiday. Swimming is one of the most complete exercises you can do, as it works every single muscle in your body. Long swims will both tone your body and help you disconnect your mind.

3. Have fun practicing water sports! Whether it’s paddleboard, windsurf, wakeboard, kayak or water ski, there are many fun water activities that you can practice with friends and family that will also keep you in shape!

4. Walk whenever possible. Make the most of the summer weather to walk instead of taking public transport or taxis. We underestimate the power of walking, yet it is great way to stay in shape and destress.

5. Hydration is key for staying healthy over the summer. More than 40% of people who exercise are at least partially dehydrated during their workouts. The increased temperatures and activity can lead you to need more water than usual. During the warmer months, you should drink roughly two and a half litres per day!

Stay Fit WHILE YOU SIT

Even if you’ve set fitness goals and are totally motivated to make a change this summer, getting yourself to the gym after work is more than half the battle. However, by making a few simple adjustments to your daily routine including simple activities from your desk or in the office can have many benefits including aiding in natural pain relief by fixing your posture or building lower body and core strength.

Take a short walk

Just because you work from a desk, doesn’t mean you need to be glued to your desk all day. Get up at least once every hour to walk around, go to the bathroom, take a walk to get a drink or complete some cleaning tasks throughout the day.

It’s tempting to sit and relax on your lunch break, but by lunch, your body can benefit from a short walk. Try and incorporate at least a 15-minute walk daily on your lunch break to remain active! For bonus points, avoid using the elevator and opt for the stairs!

Desk stretches

Unbroken periods of sitting are worse for health where posture declines over time. Don’t forget to be conscious of your posture when sitting at a desk all day. Take 1-3 minutes daily to stretch, helping re-activate your muscles.

Eye exercise

It seems everyone is staring at a computer screen, phone or other digital device these days; causing digital eye strain. Blinking is very important when working at a computer; blinking moistens your eyes to prevent dryness and irritation. Another way to reduce your risk of tiring your eyes by constantly focusing on your screen, look away from your computer at least every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for at least 20 seconds.

Health HEROES

Blue Light Filter Glasses Amazon £5.87

We all want to look and feel our best, especially in the summer. Once summer arrives, many people struggle to keep up with their fitness routines because they go on holiday, make social plans or get demotivated. However, we often forget how summer is a great time to stay in shape, because there are plenty of activities you can do which are also fun!

Premium Lifestyle Mini Barrel Bag Gym Shark £35

£49.99

Tritan Drinks Bottle John Lewis £6.50

Private Consultation

Treatment from £3,000

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure we offer at our clinic to reduce excess sagging, wrinkles, and baggy skin which develops on the lower and upper eyes. This cosmetic treatment is very common and removes fat and wrinkles for a healthy, natural and refreshed appearance.

Excellent Results

Excellent results after treatment with our oculoplastic surgeons.

Ptosis is identified as a condition that causes the upper eyelid to droop, sometimes blocking and restricting vision. This is commonly caused by nerve damage in the eye, which can affect the eye’s muscle strength.

Over 10,000+ procedures

Our eyelid surgeons have performed and treated patients from all over the UK.

Treatment from £3,500

Eyebrow lifts are a great cosmetic procedure to address droopy or heavy eyebrows. Our eyelid surgeon will restore a natural, beautiful, and symmetrical appearance to your face with this cosmetic procedure.

Treatment from £350

Treatment from £550 remove cysts, chalazions, and styes. A stress-free procedure to prevent discomfort and prolonged irritation of your condition. Our oculoplastic surgeon will be able to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of the cyst, chalazion, or stye.

5-star Patient Feedack

99.9% excellent patient satisfaction from all cosemtic eyelid treatments. An easy, stress-free treatment experience for our patients.

Presbyond Vision Correction Treatment

Ageing is quite an inevitable and natural part of life, and as we grow wiser our bodies undergo numerous changes throughout this process – and our eyes are no exception. Presbyopia is a common eye condition that affects individuals over the age of 35. Individuals with presbyopia will experience a progressive loss of near vision, which makes it challenging to focus on close up objects. It is often described as needing to hold reading materials further away to be able to focus and see clearly, and most people rely on everyday reading glasses to help.

Presbyond vision correction for ages 35+

The best treatment to remove your everyday reading glasses

Presbyond is an Innovative laser eye surgery technique which uses a customised treatment profile to fine-tune the depth of focus of each eye individually, providing a more personalised and effective treatment. This laser uses a state-of-the-art blendzone technology, allowing patients to see clearly from close up, to intermediate and distant objects without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Why do we encourage choosing My-iClinic as your trusted eye care provider?

Since all our consultant ophthalmologists are expert surgeons, they will be with you every step of your laser vision correction journey from consultation to treatment and aftercare. As a surgeon owned and managed clinic, we comprehensively investigate the health and condition of your eyes before treatment to give you the best visual outcome possible.

Frequently asked questions

How does Presbyond work?

Our Presbyond treatment is a sophisticated wavefront laser which significantly reduces and/or eliminates the need for any reading glasses in the future. To achieve clarity in all areas of your eyesight (near, intermediate and distance) our Presbyond laser will re-shape and correct your cornea to achieve blended vision. This blended vision allows you to see at all distances without the need for reading glasses or contact lenses.

How successful is Presbyond laser eye surgery?

Presbyond laser treatment at My-iClinic is successful in 98% of our patients who immediately see the improvement in their vision.

How long is Presbyond laser eye surgery at My-iClinic?

Presbyond treatment takes ten minutes per eye with our surgeons.

How much is Presbyond laser eye surgery at My-iClinic?

A Presyond laser procedure costs £2,400 for each eye, affordable with our 24 months of interest-free financing, costing as little as £50 per month.

What our patients achieve with vision correction:

“My Presbyond experience was amazing! The whole team was very kind, exceedingly professional and the aftercare was exceptional. Being able to see again without glasses is the best feeling. I would highly recommend, Thank you My-iClinic”

Hasina, Presbyond Patient

Clear vision at every distance

Reading this with glasses on? Everyone’s vision changes as they age. Now, you can have safe and effective Presbyond laser eye surgery aimed at reducing the need for reading glasses.

Life-changing results

Presbyond can help you feel like you’re winning the battle against ageing. Pause the clock on your eyes and regain that youthful confidence that you never knew you had lost.

Wave goodbye to your reading glasses and varifocals

A sense of freedom and convenience washes over you. Any anxiety surrounding your vision and dependency on lenses has left. You feel younger and reinvigorated.

New vision, new experiences

With your new vision, you’re more able to accomplish your goals and are even ready to set more challenging ones for your future. Remove visual limitations and enjoy the hobbies you love without needing to update your glasses every time.

now makes it possible to take off your reading glasses and see perfectly.

Pristine POLISH Lively LOCKS

Effortlessly polished and undeniably stylish, the sleek back bun is a timeless hair trend that exudes sophistication. With a seamless blend of elegance and simplicity. Perfect for any occasion, the slicked-back bun offers a refined and versatile option that never fails to make a statement.

Indulge in a trend that embodies vivaciousness and glamour with the bouncy blow dry. This captivating hairstyle celebrates buoyant volume and playful movement, creating a mesmerising effect that turns heads.

OUAI Texturing Hairspray Space NK £26

Protein Styling Gel Keracare £9.95

Sleek & CHIC Glamorous GLOSS

Sleek, straight hair has been a popular trend for decades, with its timeless and sophisticated look that can be worn in a variety of styles, from a classic bob to long and flowing locks.

The wet look hair trend, where sleek sophistication meets undeniable allure. This glamorous style embraces a glossy, wet appearance that oozes confidence and modernity. Effortlessly chic, the wet look adds an intriguing touch of glam, making a bold statement wherever you go.

Kerastase UK £34.50

Motherhood #NoFilter

Katerina talks all things motherhood, family life, relationships, work, and trying to do it all at once, with of course, #NoFilter

@keepingupwithkaterina @keepingupwithmyclassroom

Summer is here!! As a teacher, July feels like the end of the year for me. I feel like I’ve gotten to the 31st December – although the difference is I have a 6 week break before I get my January the 1st (which is really September the 1st).

School years can feel like a flash or a lifetime, depending on how your child gets on at school. Either way, the 6 week break can either be daunting or something that you really look forward to. I’m definitely the mum that finds it quite daunting. It’s a lot of time to fill, a lot of time to feel overwhelmed, a lot of money to spend and it can be a time that routine (even if you’re like me and don’t really have one aside from the school day) can just go out of the window.

What I’ve learnt to do – in all areas of life not just in parenting – is just to enjoy the moment. Live in the moment. We know as parents that you blink and your newborn is a toddler, blink again and they’re in school, one more blink and they’re a teenager (or in my case a soon to be sixanger). So yes, the summer might be long, tiring, hard and overwhelming, but you know what, there’ll be times when I’m sure we’ll be wishing these times back. Wishing for them to want to do things with us and not their friends, wishing for the times where things happened for the first time, wishing they still had that child innocence, wishing they would still want to hold your hand, wishing back for the times when they have a meltdown, drive you mad, embarrass you, but still get into bed every night with no stubbornness, no holding of feelings and still look you in your eyes and tell you how much they love you. Our kids will always need us (just as much as we still need our parents) but as the years go on, this need becomes less and less, and I can already feel the pain of losing that constant need, even if it is annoying right now.

So this summer, I’m going to make sure that I live in the moment, I live in the now, I enjoy the good days, and I quickly forget the not so good days. I make sure that I take pictures, videos, make sure we have days in and days out, I listen to what Rico likes and enjoys and try my hardest to make this summer a special one for him. Not for any other reason but simply because… if you can make your child happy, why wouldn’t you?

When we think back to the memories of our childhood, we always remember the really good times, or the really bad times. I’m going to make a conscious effort to try and make every day a good day. Whether that’s an extravagant day out, or whether that’s just waking up with a positive mindset, having patience, and making the most of being indoors watching a favourite film and baking some cookies.

We’re not perfect – we never will be. But the most we can do is try our very best, not just for ourselves and our own sanity, but for our little dependants who watch, react and cherish our every move.

I hope you all have a wonderful, happy, healthy and rewarding summer, whatever that might look like for you and your family. I’ll be back in August with some recommendations for things to do!

Until next time lovelies

SUMMER BREAK!

The school year is slowly coming to an end and although it has been an eventful year, it has come around quite quickly. The summer term in most schools is one of the most memorable; it is a time to consolidate learning along with preparing children for successful transitions. For teachers and students alike, it can be quite an emotional time as children say goodbye to the comfort of the routines they have become accustomed to and prepare themselves for a whole new environment and possibly new teachers and children. Teachers and teaching staff through the year, grow strong bonds with children they work with, and so despite feeling rewarded by the children’s development and progress, they equally find saying goodbye tough.

Traditionally, the summer break for all U.K. schools is around 6 weeks. Despite some reservations about this time period, this is one of the shortest holiday breaks in comparison to most other countries especially in Europe. During this time, some children tend to forget some of the skills and knowledge they have been taught during the academic year. There is much research evidence to suggest there is a ‘learning loss’ period over this time.

As an educational professional I would advocate for respite over the six week period but also encourage parents and carers to engage their children with learning opportunities throughout the summer so that they are ready for the new academic year ahead of them. Successful teaching and learning can rely on upon many different techniques and strategies; however one core approach is building up children’s knowledge by recalling on previous learning. Therefore it is important children make time to rehearse some of the learning they have had over the year and try to build on their knowledge and skills.

Here are some suggestions for parents/carers to help promote children’s learning during the summer break:

• Read (magazines, blogs, newspapers, novels, story books, information books)

• Educational games (download some educational games on iPads, tablets, phones, computers and laptops)

• Educational trips (museums, galleries, historical sites, gardens, libraries)

• Revision (weekly revision of learning from the school year)

• Summer camps (look out for summer camps with a balance between educational and fun activities for children)

• Tuition (this can be helpful for boosting children’s learning and preparing them for the year ahead)

I will end with my own metaphor that I believe to be accurate: Children and adults alike will grow the more they are watered. Follow my Instagram for more ideas and fun education activities for younger children.

@the_magic_of_eyfs

(Early Years Foundation Stage)

By Anna Pericleous Teacher and Leader of Early Years and Primary Education

www.by-suz.co.uk

@bysuzlondon

Crafted with Love.

Based in London, By Suz designs and creates hand crafted jewellery that is responsibly made. Each design is traditional featuring modern sparkly flair. With an appreciation for organic shape and beautiful colours that work well collectively, pieces are desirable, and more importantly, make you feel good! All pieces are designed and crafted by me, with love. I use precious metals and real gemstones creating luxury pieces that I hope you will love too.

I could not recommendWoodlandsDay NurseryinBarnethighlyenough. Bothofoursonshavegoneto Woodlandsandtheyabsolutely loved their time there. We found all ofthesta tobecaring,kindand knowledgeableandmyboysreally developeddeeprelationships with the sta . Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk

The 3-Hour Pitch

Last month, I told you all about my unexpected fertility journey; that a girl’s trip to Cyprus turned into hormone injections and very chubby ovaries, not to mention relentless crying and hand to face ‘why me, God!?’ moments.

My hormonal bloat has begun to subside, the tears have all dried up and I’ve left seven goodlooking chunky baby makers on freeze in Cyprus!

In fertility speak, the result was a good one but an optimal amount would be over ten, just because of the gruelling process those little things go through when you’re ready to make babies. I go back near the end of the year to complete one more retrieval round and let’s hope there’s no shortage of eggs like our wonderful UK supermarkets.

It does also help that I met a guy out in Cyprus who, dare I say it, am rather excited to go back and see. I did offer him a deal on half a dozen eggs but he politely declined… for now. I suspect he’ll come round to the idea. I showed him this paragraph and he reminded me that he’s not just ‘a guy’ but ‘a guy who is chiselled by the Gods.’ There you go.

But let’s not put all our eggs in one basket… see what I did there? I’ve got the goods, but who will be the lucky recipient? Right now, I have the sex drive of a Panda, so there is no one! Big Mouth has lost her groove once again. Not because I’m in a funk, it’s the complete opposite in fact, I’m the happiest I have ever been and don’t want someone’s son sending me into an existential crisis.

We are in dangerous territory. It only dawned on me a few days ago that this was who I’d become. My friend and I had just finished a morning gym session, we were pumped. On our way home, we drove past a familiar Range Rover and a familiar man we affectionally call ‘Bebegim’, because of the sweet nothings he whispered in my ear before threatening me with the best sex of my life and keeping me up until sunrise. Just an FYI, we haven’t played out this fictional story, nor do I intend to.

“I think that was Bebegim” I said. “Oh, really, but he doesn’t live round here, right?” This is why I’m friends with her, she remembers every conversation, date, dramatic situation and reminds me of every chilling mistake I’ve ever made.

“Do you remember his license plate?” she asks. “No, I knew the guy for three hours.” We both chuckled. “How long did you give the Instagram live singer?” She randomly asks. “Three hours.”

I say. “Didn’t you give Bad Grandpa about the same time?” “Yeah, you’re right, I did.” We look at each other and it was like the proverbial lightbulb had dinged.

“Hold on, how long did you give Mr. Rugby Player?”

“THREE HOURS”. That was it. Car stopped. Engine off. Tears rolling down our cheeks from laughter. I had unravelled. I have made myself so entirely inaccessible that I had compartmentalised these men into 3-hour time slots in my life. That roughly works out to a little talking stage, physical date, then a little bit of fade out texting spanning 2 or 3 days after.

I have a busy career, I write screenplays, I write this column, we are filming the new podcast, I then need to spend time with my soul food people and there are days when I speak to only myself. These are all the things which genuinely make me the happiest. If I’m adding you into the mix, you’d have to knock my socks off from the moment I meet you or you’re not coming in. Take your sporadic 3 hours and be grateful. But that won’t work either. It would be great to share the bed with something other than my remote control, book, laptop and retainer. So now what?

Google couldn’t help me as every article I read was about dating after heartbreak or low self-esteem, I can’t relate anymore, I’ve become allergic to suffering. I put my thinking cap on and came up with my own list of how to start dating when you’re at the top of your game. So, here goes.

“I have made myself so entirely inaccessible that I had compartmentalised these men into 3-hour time slots in my life.”

“LET’S HOPE THERE’S no shortage of eggs LIKE OUR WONDERFUL UK SUPERMARKETS.”

1. Set boundaries with your schedule.

Back then, I clearly filled every waking moment with things to do just so I didn’t have to deal with hurt and healing; I just wanted to feel normality outside of relationship driven emotions. The great thing is, I have reconnected with the things I love and I’m a better version of my former self. Now I need to make a conscious effort to set aside time to date, to get to know someone, and let someone in.

2. Decide what you want.

If you put all my exes and the guys I’ve dated in a line up, you’d have no idea what my type is. Same here sis. My friend told me I should write a list of non-negotiable attributes for a relationship, then list the physical attributes that make my knees go weak. Sounds like a great idea, I have tried at least a handful of times and can’t do it. I probably avoid dating because I don’t know what I want. It’s like walking into TK Maxx with no idea of what you’re looking for... hours of wasted time. Make a list and date based on that.

3. Set a timeline of when you’ll start dating again.

I love my life but I don’t want to be on my own forever so I need to set a start date. Let’s have that hot girl/ hot project summer and promise to get back into the dating game in Autumn. You may have a lingering tan from the summer you can put to good use when someone will finally see you naked! You can have those cosy walks in oversized sweats and New Balances when the leaves turn brown and the air is crisp. I’ll aim for September to get this love machine going.

If you see me in Groveland’s Park on a walking date, just throw a wave and a wink. You’ll know what I look like by then, you can tell me if he’s a goodun or not. You’re all in this with me now!

4. Ignore the rules of dating.

Do what you want and trust me, the right person will have the same energy you do. If you want to text back in 0.5 seconds, do it. If you want to facetime that guy, go for it sis, if you want to sleep with him on the first date, do your thing. If you want to wait, by all means Mama, and the right person will match your vibe. Forget everything you’ve ever been told about the rules of dating. The rules are, there isn’t any.

5. Leave your house for stuff other than work.

Now don’t get me wrong, I go to some pretty cool places for work but I’m always there with other guys talking shop. I think my type would probably reside somewhere in these places but I’m not about to get chatted up by Marco, the PR director, when I’m at a table with two other guys working out production schedules. Just go let your hair down. The last time I did that was in Cyprus, and I met someone, but let’s try and do that on home turf, it makes for an easier relationship.

6. Be vulnerable

Ok, ok, I know I have to do this more, and I know realistically I compartmentalise these guys because it’s easier to cut them off than for me to feel vulnerable. Face your fears, break down that fortress, brick by brick, let people in. Become comfortable in the fact that you may get dumped a few times and vice versa but you’re getting closer to your dream partner by doing so. I know when I was at the peak of my dating, every guy I met was a step up from the last. There’s safety in numbers and experience. Soon you can build back the fortress around your castle and live happily ever after.

I’ll see you in September in Groveland’s, with a coffee, a borrowed dog and a man in a Patagonia gilet.

“I’m the happiest I have ever been AND DON’T WANT SOMEONE’S SON SENDING ME INTO AN EXISTENTIAL CRISIS.”

Blueberry & lemon thyme FRIANDS

Friands always feel a little more special than a muffin or cupcake, yet they’re no more effort. Lemon thyme adds an elegantly fragrant note here. Pack into a tin and wait for the happy reaction when you reveal your treasure. A traditional friand tin with oval holes can be used instead of a regular muffin tin if you have one.

Makes 12

Prep 20 mins

Cook 40 mins

Ingredients

200g unsalted butter, plus 10g for greasing • 70g plain flour, plus extra for dusting • 200g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting • 150g ground almonds

• ½ tsp fine salt • 5 egg whites (about 200g) • 1 unwaxed lemon, zest of all, juice of ½ • 1½ tbsp lemon thyme leaves, chopped, plus extra to serve • 150g pack Essential Blueberries

• 10g flaked almonds

Icing

60g icing sugar

• 2 tsp lemon juice

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Melt 200g butter in a small saucepan over a low heat, then tip into a bowl and set aside to cool for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 10g butter in the same pan and use to grease a 12-hole muffin tin. Dust the muffin holes with flour, tilting to coat the sides, then tap out the excess; chill.

Sift the flour and icing sugar into a large bowl, then add the ground almonds and salt; mix to combine. Put the egg whites in a separate bowl and use a fork to froth them up for a few seconds. Pour into the dry ingredients with the cooled, melted butter. Stir until incorporated, then add the lemon zest, juice and lemon thyme. Mix into a batter. Fold through 50g blueberries.

Remove the muffin tin from the fridge and divide the batter between the 12 holes. Scatter over the flaked almonds and add a few blueberries to each. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Leave to cool for 10-15 minutes before easing the friands from the tin. Allow to cool completely.

For the icing, sift the icing sugar into a bowl and stir in the lemon juice. Drizzle over the cakes and scatter over extra lemon thyme leaves.

Recipes and images courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com

RING DOUGHNUTS

Method

Makes 8

Prep 45 mins

Cook 15 mins

Ingredients

250g plain flour, plus extra for kneading • ½ tsp easy bake yeast • 30g caster sugar • 125ml whole milk • 50g unsalted butter, softened • 1 egg • Vegetable oil, for greasing

For the glaze

125g icing sugar, plus extra as needed • 40g Essential Raspberry Jam • ½ lemon, juice, plus extra as needed • ½ tsp Cooks’ Ingredients Pink Gel Colouring (optional) • ½ x 80g pot Cooks’ Ingredients 100s & 1000s

In a medium bowl, mix the flour and salt, then make a well in the centre, adding the yeast and sugar. Heat the milk until just warm (not too hot as you can kill the yeast) and pour into the well. Set aside for 1 minute. Add the butter and egg, beating with a fork to break it up. Continue mixing until you have a cohesive, slightly sticky dough. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. On a lightly floured work surface, knead the dough vigorously for 30 seconds-1 minute. Cover with the bowl and let rest again for 10 minutes. Repeat the kneading, using a little extra flour as needed. Return to the bowl, cover and set aside in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Transfer the proved dough to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly to knock out excess air bubbles (this will help produce an even crumb in the final doughnuts). Roll out the dough to 1cm thickness. Cut out rounds using a floured 9cm cookie cutter, then remove holes from the centre of each round with a smaller 4cm cutter. Sit both parts, evenly spaced, on a large sheet of baking parchment. Reroll the remaining dough and repeat until you’ve used it all (you should have about 8 ring doughnuts plus their small centres). Loosely cover the doughnuts with a damp tea towel. Set aside to prove until doubled in size (30-45 minutes). Meanwhile, make the glaze. Sift the icing sugar into a medium bowl. Put the raspberry jam in the sieve, pressing it through with the back of a spoon and scraping the underside so only the smooth jam gets added to the icing sugar. Discard the seeds. Add the lemon juice and food colouring (if using) and whisk until you have a smooth icing. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon yet loose enough to drizzle; add a few drops of water or lemon juice if it’s too thick, or a few extra teaspoons of icing sugar to thicken, as needed. Once risen, carefully place 2 whole ring doughnuts and their centres into the cooking vessel of the air fryer (onto the raised cooking plate), evenly spaced apart. Insert the vessel into the air fryer then cook on ‘air fry’ at 180oC for 3 minutes, until you have puffed lightly golden doughnuts (cook for 1 more minute if you’d like a little more colour). Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking tray and repeat until all the dough is cooked.

Carefully dip the top of each doughnut (rings and minis) into the icing to generously coat. Sit upright on the rack and straight away sprinkle over some 100s & 1000s. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts and glaze. Let sit for a few minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed fresh but will keep for 5 days in an airtight container.

Air-fried doughnuts are a thing of beauty – light, fluffy, and far easier than in a deep fryer (plus much lower in fat).

Raspberry glazed air fryer

Recipes and images courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can

C

BARBECUE STEAK SANDWICHES

with chimichurri

Marinating the steaks in red wine and garlic gives them a great depth of flavour, perfect in these punchy and generously sized summer sandwiches.

Serves 2

Prep 10 mins

Cook 15 mins

Ingredients

200ml red wine • 3 clove/s garlic, crushed • 5 sprig/s thyme (optional) • 300g pack Essential

British Beef Frying Steak • 320g pack half ciabattas • 1 large red pepper, thickly sliced • 1 tbsp olive oil • ½ x 350g pack frozen Cooks’ Ingredients

Chimichurri Portions • 2 handful wild rocket leaves

Method

Mix the wine, garlic and thyme (if using) in a shallow dish, then add the steaks. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 1-4 hours. When ready to cook, light the barbecue (see cook’s tip), or preheat the oven to 200oC, gas mark 6 and set a griddle on a high heat.

Warm the ciabattas on the barbecue, or bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, brush the pepper slices with ½ tbsp oil, season and barbecue or griddle for 2 minutes on each side until softened and blistering; set aside.

Cook’s tip

When using a charcoal barbecue, make sure the coals are glowing white and any flames subside before cooking. The peppers and steak can also be cooked in a frying pan, making sure it’s really hot before you start.

Drain and discard the marinade. Pat the steaks dry with kitchen paper. Brush all over with the remaining ½ tbsp oil and season. Barbecue or griddle for 1 minute on each side for medium-rare, 2 minutes for medium-well, until browned all over, then rest for a couple of minutes. Defrost the chimichurri according to pack instructions.

Split open the ciabattas. Layer the rocket and grilled peppers, then cut the steaks into thick slices and sit them on top. Finish with a generous helping of chimichurri and a grind of black pepper.

SALAD

The sweet, tangy, tomatoey juices are the star of this salad by Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer (owners of Honey & Co restaurants in London). You could swap in halloumi, but it will be saltier.

Serves 4

Prep 10 mins

Cook 10 mins

Ingredients

450g vine tomatoes • 1 shallot, thinly sliced • 1 tsp sea salt flakes • ½ tsp sugar • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar • 4 tbsp olive oil • 170g pack manouri cheese • 5 clove/s garlic, peeled and smashed • 270g cherry vine tomatoes • 4 sprig/s mint, leaves picked and roughly chopped • Crusty bread, to serve (optional)

Method

Slice the 450g vine tomatoes thinly and put on a large serving platter. Break up the sliced shallot into rings and sprinkle half over the tomatoes (reserving the remainder). Sprinkle the sliced tomatoes and shallot with the salt and sugar, then drizzle the red wine vinegar all over.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan, then add the manouri, smashed garlic and the remaining shallot; fry for 2 minutes, then carefully flip the cheese and fry for another 2 minutes, stirring the garlic and shallot.

Transfer the cheese to a chopping board, cut into 8 wedges and arrange over the sliced tomatoes. Tip the whole cherry tomatoes into the pan, fry until their skins split, then pour the mixture, with all the juices, over the sliced tomatoes and cheese. Sprinkle over the mint and serve with crusty bread, if liked.

Recipes and images courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com

Tomato & manouri cheese

TOPIC HOT

WHAM!

In 1982, the best of friends and still teenagers – George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley as WHAM! set out to conquer the world. By June of 1986 they played their very last gig at Wembley Stadium having done exactly that. Now for the very first time, told in their own words, the amazing story of how in four years they dominated the charts around the world with timeless and classic pop songs. Hit after hit – Club Tropicana, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Freedom, I’m Your Man and of course, Last Christmas.

Their time in the spotlight was white-hot, becoming the very first western pop act to play in China. It was a time that both encapsulated and epitomised not just their youth, but also those of the many millions of fans that adored them. WHAM! is a feature length documentary that captures this magical time, from director Chris Smith (Tiger King, Sr.) and producers John Battsek (The Deepest Breath) and Simon Halfon (Supersonic). With unprecedented access to both George and Andrew’s personal archive including remarkable and never-before-seen footage, alongside rare, candid and previously unheard interviews, WHAM! charts their incredible journey from school friends to superstars.

Out on Netflix on 5th July

Elevated loungewear effortlessly blending comfort and style, Blakely, the renowned fashion brand that has taken the industry by storm, celebrated the grand opening of its debut store in Westfield Stratford, with an unforgettable event. The night was nothing short of spectacular, with an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation. Celebrity guests and fashion influencers added an extra touch of glamour to the affair. www.blakelyclothing.com

CRAZE

For a lot of Londoners, Notting Hill Carnival flashes by in a blaze of feathers, Red Stripe and tinnitus. To those who make it happen, it is a year-round operation to create one of the biggest and oldest street parties in the world. More than two million people are expected to flock to west London to watch the iconic parade showcasing the best of mas, soca, calypso, steel bands and sound systems over the bank holiday weekend. Dazzling floats, check. Kaleidoscopically dressed performers, check. Rib-shaking sound systems, check. The sweet, smoky smell of jerk chicken, check. What ’cha waiting for?

SCREENS SERVING

Nothing says summer like the tennis whites, strawberries and cream and Pimms of Wimbledon. Missed out on tickets in the Wimbledon Tennis Championships (July 3-16)? Can’t face camping out on the street for day tickets? No problem. London is a city that gives back and this summer it will be peppered with big screens showing all the Murray Mound (okay, Henman Hill) action in so much blownup high-res glory that you might as well be court-side. There’s a screen for everyone, with some offering special-edition cocktails and finger food and coming with pop-up tennis lessons.

THE HOME Supplement

Roses Candle Diptyque

£168

Large Danse Étoilée Candle Grace de Monaco

£220

Tuileries TRUDON

£240

Private Blend Rose Prick TOM FORD

£98

Mystique Scallop ANNA + NINA

£50

Melrose Place Candle OUAI

£32

English Pear & Freesia Luxury Candle (2.5kg)

Jo Malone London

£350

SCENT from heaven

Minimalist and monochromatic candles in neutral shades like white, beige, and black are on-trend for home decor, often showcased in sleek containers. Decorative candles in unique shapes, such as spheres, angled pillars, and twisted designs, have also gained popularity recently.

Muse Scented Candle AUGUST&PIERS

Le Vestiaire des Parfums Babycat YVES SAINT LAURENT

£75

Replica Jazz Club Candle

Maison Margiela

£52

£64

Perfect Night’s Sleep NEOM

£50

Amber Aoud Candle

Roja Parfums

£395

Summer

Spiral Candles

Club

TROPICANA

Bring some sunshine into your home with an injection of these tropical decorating ideas. Both relaxing and uplifting, tropical decor is a big interior design trend for the new season and will add bags of personality to your rooms. Think of Mediterranean summers, a Hawaiian landscape – and a big dose of kitsch.

Multicolour Cotton Throw TkMaxx £19.99

Favourite Tropics Topaz Mug White Stuff £15

Shellegance Large Orange Plate Spicer and Wood £70

Orange Pattern Stacked Vase Rose & Grey £50

2-Pack Cushion Covers H&M £8.99

Pink & Red Scalloped Parasol Umbrella Rose & Grey £169

Deckchair Storigraphic £155

Talking Tables £20

Palm Paradise Pink Light Bulb Oliver Bonas £25

Casa Celva Ombre Murano Glass Tumbler Liberty £45

Hogar Home - pronounced "Oh-gahr-Home" is a Home Decoration Brand with a focus on artisanal design from Far East Asia and Africa. Creating a unique combination of refined minimalism and natural hand-crafted pieces. Nature is a strong source of inspiration and is Hogar Home’s signature handwriting. Our Rattan, stonework and ceramic décor create an all year round minimal setting giving a cosier, comfortable environment that can be layered and added to your current decor.

Luxurious candles handcrafted with the finest fragrances and natural ingredients

@thecandlecollective.me thecandlecollective.me

PACKING HACKS

These genius hacks for packing will save you time and makes choosing an outfit a total breeze!

Yes my mum does pack my suitcase for me and yes I am 28 years old. There’s something about the way mums pack that just make sense, and there is no chance of me “watching and learning” because I simply don’t have the time. I’m too busy digging in my wardrobe, trying to find that old skirt I wore on holiday 3 years ago that Zara doesn’t sell any more, but it just fits right. Or, probably still putting outfits together… and don’t forget the “back-up” outfits! They’re the hardest!

So, imagine my joy when I discovered how influencers (yes those people who look immaculate and can throw anything on and still look unbelievable) pack; by colour instead of by outfit! I know. It’s been that simple all along. Here’s how you, too, can break free from the stress of packing.

SCAN YOUR WARDROBE

Go through and grab clothes in those shades, making sure you have a mix of tops and bottoms. (In other words, don’t just throw every green thing you own into your bag or you’ll risk being trouser-less in Spain.)

DO A BRUTAL EDIT

Seeing as all your pieces will go together (that’s the magic of this trick!), you can now cut way back. The formula is packing the same number of tops or dresses as days you’ll be away, plus half that number of bottoms and a jumper or two (depending on the destination).

FILL ANY HOLES WITH SOME NEUTRALS

No pastel skirt? Swap in cream. Or soften what could be getting really matchy-matchy with white, black or denim layers and basics.

PICK A PALETTE

Start with a patterned piece you love and go from there. Blue and green florals on a pink background? Bam, you’re a palette-picking pro.

STREAMLINE YOUR ACCESSORIES

Stick to just one bag, one belt, a dress shoe and a comfy shoe. And, okay, workout trainers if you’re trying to be that person who goes running before everyone else wakes up.

Aside from selling their amazing products in Craft Coop Bracknell, Miss Candle Art Co has also recently opened a shop on Etsy!

Now, you can browse their collection of unique sculptural candles made with soy wax and natural oil, as well as pillar candles in various shapes and sizes, and customize them according to your preference with an array of colours to choose from! You can also find new Jesmonite trinkets, vases, home decor, jars, party favours, wedding candles and more on their Etsy shop. With different shapes and colours available, there’s certainly something for everyone!

For those who might be wondering, Jesmonite is a unique material that combines the best properties of natural and synthetic components to produce a durable, lightweight, and versatile material ideal for creating beautiful home decor items.

Moreover, exclusive prices and discounts are up for grabs when you shop online at Miss Candle Art&Deco’s Etsy shop. Don’t miss out on this chance to get amazing items for your home, parties, and events!

Sun, sand and SARDINIA

Sardinia is ideal for several different types of holidays, or, if you have time, a combination. For a lively city break, visit Cagliari, with its museums, bars, affordable restaurants and nearby sandy beaches. For more of a holiday resort feel, fly to Alghero to explore the historic town centre and enjoy boat trips. North of Olbia, the exclusive – and expensive – resorts of the Costa Smeralda line one of the island's most beautiful stretches of coastline, and beyond the glitz you'll come to the island archipelago of La Maddalena. This cluster of islands – once home to Garibaldi and now a marine reserve – and the island of Sant'Antioco, down in the south west, make good locations for a tranquil island getaway.

THINGS TO DO: Sailing Around The Sea

With such a beautiful coast and almost persistent winds, it is only obvious that sailing is a favourite. There are several harbours from where to set sail around the island, and various protected bays to spend some relaxing hours. Several companies offer chartered sailboats and personnel to travel around the island. It is the ultimate way to appreciate the amazing sea of Sardinia.

Among the best places in Sardinia for sailing there are the south coast with the tiny bays of Cala Regina, Mari Pintau, Torre delle Stelle all the way to Villasimius and Cala Pira; the North East coast and the Maddalena Archipelago, and the north west coast around Asinara island.

These are some of the best boat tours in Sardinia:

• 7 hour La Maddalena archipelago boat tour

• Full day boat trip to the islands of La Maddalena

• La Maddalena archipelago full day boat tour from Palau

• Cala Goloritze boat tour

Beach Days

Sardinia has over 1,500 kilometres of coastline, with famously the most beautiful beaches and sea in the Mediterranean. Land and seascapes change in different areas of the island. Some of the most popular ones include Poetto Beach, which is located just a few kilometres from the city centre and is known for its crystalclear waters and soft sand, and Cala Mariolu, which is located on the east coast of the island and is known for its stunning turquoise waters and rocky cliffs. Other great beaches to check out include Nora Beach, Tuerredda Beach, and Chia Beach.

The east coast has a calmer sea, with areas of outstanding beauty starting in the southernmost point of Villasimius. Beaches to visit include Capo Carbonara, Spiaggia di Simius and Spiaggia del Riso.

Opposite the isle of Asinara, north of Alghero, is one of the most striking beaches on the island. La Pelosa at Stintino has the finest white sand and shallow water between the islands, creating an effect of remarkable luminescence. Nearer Alghero, recommended beaches to visit are Bombarde and Lazzaretto. On the central west coast of Sardinia lies the Sinis peninsula. A marine-protected area, it has landmarks of exceptional and rare beauty. Beaches to visit include Is Arutas, with its extraordinary sand made of tiny smooth pieces of quartz, Maimoni, Mari Ermi and Sa Mesa Longa.

City Tour

Cagliari is the capital city of the Italian island of Sardinia. It is located on the southern coast of the island and is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and rich history. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. There are many great places to visit in Cagliari. Some of the most popular attractions include the Cagliari Cathedral, the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari, and the Bastione di Saint Remy. If you're interested in nature, you should definitely check out the Molentargius-Saline Regional Park, which is home to a variety of bird species and beautiful salt flats.

Mountain Hiking

Another great activity to do while in Sardinia is to take a hike in the mountains. The island is home to many beautiful hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One popular trail is the Selvaggio Blu, which is a challenging multi-day hike that takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the island. If you're looking for something a bit less strenuous, you can also check out the hiking trails in the Sette Fratelli Mountains, which offer beautiful views of the coast and the surrounding countryside.

Ancient Beauty

If you're interested in history, there are many ancient ruins and archaeological sites that are located throughout Sardinia. One of the most popular sites is the Nuraghe di Barumini, which is a well-preserved complex of stone towers and other structures that date back to the Bronze Age. Other great sites to check out include the Roman amphitheater in Cagliari, the Phoenician ruins at Tharros, and the ancient city of Nora, which is located on a peninsula near Pula.

The seemingly endless scroll of Netflix’s treasure trove of terrific shows and movies can be more than a little paralyzing when trying to choose something to watch. If you’ve just finished a good series and need a new one to fill the void, Close Up is assembling a monthly list of the best TV shows currently available on the streaming service, from classics of yesteryear to the hottest new titles. Below, we’ve rounded up the best shows on Netflix right now, so you can binge-watch without having to hunt for the right title.

WHAT’S ON 1

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THE LINCOLN LAWYER

Mickey Halle, an iconoclastic idealist, runs his law practice out of the back seat of his Lincoln, as he takes on cases big and small across the expansive city of Los Angeles. Based on the series of bestselling novels by renowned author Michael Connelly, the second season is based on the fourth book in The Lincoln Lawyer series, The Fifth Witness.

HACK MY HOME

Jam packed with aspirational and jaw-dropping transformations, Netflix’s newest home renovation series follows deserving families experiencing a different version of the same problem – they need more space, but don’t want to move or break the bank to upgrade their home.

SWEET MAGNOLIAS

NETFLIX

THE OUT-LAWS

Owen Browning (Adam Devine) is a straight-laced bank manager about to marry the love of his life, Parker (Nina Dobrev). When his bank is held up by the infamous Ghost Bandits during his wedding week, he believes his future in-laws (Pierce Brosnan, Ellen Barkin) who just arrived in town, are the infamous Out-Laws.

GLAMOROUS

Glamorous tells the story of Marco Mejia, a young gender non-conforming queer man whose life seems to be stuck in place until he lands a job working for legendary makeup mogul Madolyn Addison. Its Marco’s first chance to figure out what he wants out of life, who he actually is, and what it really means for him to be queer.

INSIDE MAN

Everyone’s a murderer – you just need a good reason and a bad day. From BAFTA and Emmy award-winning writer Steven Moffat (Sherlock, Doctor Who, Dracula). The captivating four-part mini-series follows a prisoner on death row in the US (Stanley Tucci), a vicar in a quiet English town (David Tennant) and a Maths teacher trapped inside a cellar (Dolly Wells) as they cross paths in the most unexpected way.

REACH FOR THE STARS

Begin your journey towards greatness with some of our favourite books unlocking the secrets to success. Insights into some of the world’s biggest companies, stories of the most affluent people who have made their dreams a reality and proven techniques to help you become more efficient.

Think And Grow Rich

By Napoleon Hill

Inside the pages: Napoleon Hill, America’s most beloved motivational author, devoted 25 years to finding out how the wealthy became that way. After interviewing over 500 of the most affluent men and women of his time, he uncovered the secret to great wealth based on the notion that if we can learn to think like the rich, we can start to behave like them. By understanding and applying the thirteen simple steps that constitute Hill’s formula, you can achieve your goals, change your life and join the ranks of the rich and successful.

Start With Why

By Simon Sinek

Inside the pages:

Start With Why analyses leaders like Martin Luther King Jr and Steve Jobs and discovers that they all think in the same way – they all started with why.

Simon Sinek explains the framework needed for businesses to move past knowing what they do to how they do it, and then to ask the more important question- Why? Why do we do what we do? Why do we exist? Learning to ask these questions can unlock the secret to inspirational business.

Shoe Dog

By Phil Knight

Inside the pages:

In 1962, fresh out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed $50 from his father and created a company with a simple mission: import high-quality, low-cost athletic shoes from Japan. Selling the shoes from the boot of his Plymouth, Knight grossed $8000 in his first year. Today, Nike’s annual sales top $30 billion. In an age of start-ups, Nike is the ne plus ultra of all start-ups, and the swoosh has become one of the most ubiquitous and recognisable symbols in the world today.

Atomic Habits

By James Clear

Inside the pages:

In this groundbreaking book, Clears reveals exactly how these minuscule changes can grow into such life-altering outcomes. Worldrenowned habits expert James Clear has discovered that real change comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions. Along the way, he tells inspiring stories of Olympic gold medallists, leading CEOs, and distinguished scientists who have used the science of tiny habits to stay productive, motivated, and happy. These small changes will have a revolutionary effect on your career, your relationships, and your life.

Happy Sexy Millionaire

By Steven Bartlett

Inside the pages:

Steven Bartlett calls out the myth that you can find happiness, love, and wealth if you just follow three simple steps and a hack or two. Bartlett says the internet, social media, and algorithms have dazzled us into believing that we can have the perfect life if we just chase the “right” dreams—a lie that pulls us off the path of genuine contentment, meaning, and fulfilment. A university dropout, once so poor that he scavenged for food, Bartlett founded the successful internet company Social Chain at age 21 and was by all objective accounts “living the dream.” But when wealth and fame didn’t bring him happiness, Bartlett re-evaluated his priorities.

Into the BLUE

Nothing seems more refreshing than the coastal hues of the sunny Mediterranean. This vibrant yet soothing shade is one that can complement virtually any space ahead of the summer

Large Blue Speckled Glass Vase Five And Dime £40

Brisa Dinner Plate Escapology £14

ZigZag Mirror Bøde Living £65

Coastal Stoneware Blue Dinner Set ProCook £49

Stucco Lamp Pooky £98

Pillar Candle Gisela Graham London £10.99

Tubby Torre Duo Bath The Albion Bath Co. £3255

Sur La Table Blue Glass Tumblers Pure Table Top £18

Bright Blue Rustic Porcelain Mug Rose & Grey £12

Kraak Teapot OKA UK £95