FIND YOUR STYLE
Our menu is a true celebration of Greek Cypriot cuisine. Savour the delicious flavours of our classic souvla and souvlaki, or try one of our specials, including swordfish kebab, tender slow-cooked kleftiko, or our famous Cyprus Pork Chop.
With the weather brightening up, don’t forget to try our
At the heart of our kitchen lies a commitment to quality. We believe that great food begins with great ingredients, and our dedication to quality shines through in all of our dishes.
The June issue has always been one of my favourite magazines. It’s filled with so much love. June is the start of what I like to call ‘The blooming season’; it’s supposed to be May but we live in the UK and we all know to expect a full month of rain! It’s not just the cherry blossoms that bloom at this time of the year, relationships bloom, and we’re entering wedding season with open arms. So whether you’re planning your own wedding or attending multiple weddings this year, (because there’s never just one), we’ve got you! Think of our wedding supplement as a guide to getting you down the aisle.
This coming season also closes the year on education, and new doors begin to open for families. If you’re a parent who’s experiencing a little extra stress about choosing a new school, or your child is going into a new school year, you’re not alone. In fact, your feeling is more common than you may think — especially if your kids
are younger. A whopping 80% of parents claim that getting kids ready for a new year of classes leaves them with serious anxiety. Use the coming months to spend some time with your children before they head off into the big world of learning, this month’s education supplement shines the light on some fun activities, educational games and quality local schools for you to consider.
Whether you’re entering the white zone, ticking off your school checklist or planning your summer, this glossy edition is jam packed with lifestyle ideas, inspiration and blossoming love.
Southgate, Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, Grange Park, Enfield, Oakwood, Hampden Square, Cockfosters, Crouch End, Hadley Wood, Barnet, Totteridge, Whetstone, Finchley, Muswell Hill and Potters Bar.
Publisher and Editor Leah Shakallis
Award-winning
Close Up’s monthly guide to what you should be wishing for…
Say hello to dreamy, hydrated, glossy skinned perfection this summer in minutes! This body glow catches the light for a luminous glow and is the secret to heavenly, sun-kissed, post-holiday skin!
Supermodel Body, £48 www.charlottetilbury.com
Spread the kindness and positivity this season with this gorgeous manifestones bracelet – the ultimate pick-me up gift or a treat to yourself, carefully curated with gemstones.
Manifestones Bracelet, £24.99 www.jomajewellery.com
Add some sporty chic to your OOTD with this sleek cap featuring neutral earthy tones. Perfect for adding a touch of urban sophistication to any casual ensemble.
9FORTY, £23 www.neweracap.co.uk
Transform your living space into a fragrant oasis this June! Infused with delicate floral notes, zesty citrus orange, and hints of geranium and rose, it’s the perfect way to elevate your home ambiance.
Reed Diffuser, £30 www.next.co.uk
Step into summer elegance with these luxurious gold sandals. Combining comfort and style, they’re the perfect staple for your spring summer wardrobe.
Birkenstock Arizona, £80 www.johnlewis.com
Pamper your pout while protecting it from the sun with this SPF lip nourishing balm. Formulated to keep your lips soft, supple, and shielded from harmful UV rays, this is a must have this summer!
Fortune Balm, £13.90 www.rituals.com
Add a pop of summer to your device with this super adorable phone case. Its sleek design not only protects your device but also complements your seasonal style effortlessly!
IPhone Case, £8.99 www.pullandbear.com
Prepare for sunny days ahead with this chic and spacious striped canvas beach bag. With ample room for all your seaside essentials, it’s both stylish and practical for your next getaway.
Cotton Canvas Bag, £12.99 www.2.hm.com
Elevate your eyewear game with these sleek and stylish clear oval sunglasses, perfect for adding a touch of modern sophistication to any look. Effortlessly chic, these versatile shades are a musthave accessory for sunny days ahead.
Le Specs Oval Sunglasses, £60 www.selfridges.com
Carlos@B&V is at the heart of all the social gatherings at the Green in Winchmore Hill with its stylish yet, intimate atmosphere.
The restaurant and bar provides the perfect backdrop for lunches out, dinner with friends or a bigger party too, with it’s separate private dining area that can be reserved.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm
New summer lunch menu – two courses £19.95 (available Tuesday to Saturday, 12-4pm)
Our outside terrace dining is now open for the summer (weather permitting)
The à la carte menu is also available and lunch makes way for dinner in the elegant surroundings with the lighted glass skylight back room. Late nights are Friday and Saturday closing at 1am. On alternate Fridays or Saturdays, close-up magic is on the menu from the line-up of great magicians that have become a regular favourite at Carlos. Look out for occasional live music nights and follow social media for upcoming events.
Sundays sees Carlos do what he has always done so well, serving the best Sunday roast around from 12pm through to last orders at 8pm (close at 10pm) with the Sunday lunch menu taking centre stage alongside the à la carte.
reality TV star, aspiring attorney, and entrepreneur on building a mega-empire.
If anyone can be said to embody the American Dream, it’s Kim Kardashian. It’s almost hard to remember a time before she popped up as a member of Paris Hilton’s entourage on the hotel heiress’s reality series The Simple Life. But then, of course, Kardashian and her mum took a gamble with an E! docuseries, and the rest is history.
“Keeping Up with the Kardashians” debuted in 2007, catapulting Kim Kardashian and her family into the limelight. The reality show, chronicling the lives of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, became a cultural phenomenon, offering an unfiltered glimpse into their personal and professional lives. Kim’s charm and business acumen quickly made her a standout, leveraging the show’s success to build a multimilliondollar empire. From launching successful brands like KKW Beauty, Skims and SKKN to becoming a key influencer in beauty, fashion, and social media, Kim’s achievements are a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. Central to the show’s appeal is the dynamic relationship between Kim and her sisters, Kourtney, Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie. Their close-knit bond, marked by both heartfelt support and occasional conflicts, resonated with viewers, showcasing a relatable family dynamic amidst their glamorous lifestyles. Kim’s journey from reality TV star to a global business mogul underscores her resilience and vision, with her family playing a pivotal role in her story.
A decade into Keeping Up With the Kardashians, the show has evolved from covering Brady Bunch antics and innocuous drama to serving as a rooted-in-real-life mirror to what the American family looks like today. Kim, now 43, has grown up in front of the camera, getting remarried, divorced, and having four children. Kardashian has, in the process, built an extremely lucrative personal brand, listed by Forbes as earning on average $80 million a year.
She has created many brands, but it is her shapewear line, Skims that has really caught fire.
“I’m very minimal but practical, when I said I wanted seamless shapewear, everyone looked and thought that I was crazy. The thing that always bothered me was that there would be a seam up the front. You would have this really tight dress and then see this seam, defeating the purpose of wearing something that is supposed to look like there is nothing underneath. I’m all about comfort and glamour at the same time. I always think you can do it all, so why not have everything that you need as far as your products?”
When we think about shapewear, images of constrictive, dowdy, beige girdles come to mind — tools to hide the body. Skims is all about celebrating and accentuating your curves, empowering the women who wear it. In fact, since its launch in 2019, the body-positive shapewear brand has been quietly revolutionising the global underwear industry with its inclusive messaging and diverse range of products that cater to all shapes, sizes and skin tones.
“I’ll get up, I’ll work out, I’ll take my kids to school and then I’ll come straight here to my office and have Skims meetings about what our next campaigns will look like and what our next commercial will look like. Then I’ll have a full fit meeting that will take maybe an hour or two.
I always like to see it on myself. I know how I like things to feel. There’s never been a product that I haven’t seen and approved.”
into my skin or roll down. I would also dye pieces with tea bags to match my skin tone as there was such a limited offering of colours on the market. All this experimenting made me realise that there hadn’t been any innovation in this space for so long. It felt like the perfect time to bring a fresh perspective to the shapewear industry that would feel relevant for today.”
“I WANTED TO CREATE A BRAND THAT COULD BE RELIED ON AS A true solution for how people dress today.“
“Overall, I really just wanted to give people options when getting dressed. From innovative shapewear that you can wear every day to the comfiest underwear that perfectly moulds to your body — I wanted to create a brand that could be relied on as a true solution for how people dress today. In doing this, it was especially important that we were size-inclusive and offered a range of colors.”
When Kim noticed a gap in the market for shapewear, she realised a change needed to be made. “I used to cut up and sew different styles of shapewear together to create the silhouette I wanted because I could never find the shape I was looking for. Other brands would either flatten my curves, pinch
Since then, Skims has expanded into the loungewear multiverse, churning out bras and underwear, swimwear, and sleep sets in an endless array of technical fabrics and on-trend colours. They dabbled in unisex starting with a “Boyfriend Collection” launched in 2020, but according to Kardashian and her co-founder, Jens Grede, they’ve been consistently surprised by how many men—many of whom had been introduced to the brand by women in their lives—were clamouring for some Skims of their own.
“We’ve never had a bigger request than to launch men’s,” echoing the idea that the brand already had male customers who “would hear their girlfriends or their wives or loved ones talking about Skims.”
Skims Mens’ range of offerings – including vests, tees and leggings – aligns the company more with a brand like Nike than with Spanx. “Kim is the Michael Jordan of the influencer generation,” says Skims cofounder Jens Grede. “Many 19-yearolds who never watched Jordan play and don’t play basketball themselves wear Air Jordan sneakers every day. Maybe you don’t watch The Kardashians every single week, but you’re a Skims customer.”
“I just wanted men to find out what all the hype is about,” says Kim.
“My brother Rob was trying it all on for me and being my fit model, and He thought that the material was a bit too thin and had a lot of notes.” So she and Grede took all those notes back to the drawing board to build out a fully realised menswear line, kicking off a three-year process to finalise these initial offerings, which will come in three fabric-centric collections: Cotton, Stretch, and Sport.
SKKN by Kim is a nine-piece skincare like that Kardashian collaborated on with her long-time aesthetician, Joanna Czech “I wanted this line to be authentic to me as possible,” she says. “I launched SKKN because I want to help people find a solution to their skincare problems. These products also feel more authentic to me and how much I care about having a good skin base.” Kardashian acknowledges that having the time for a multi-step skincare routine is a luxury.
“I’m a mom, and I might not have all the time in the world, but I take the time to take care of my skin, and it’s worth it,” she says. “It is work, but the magic is when the products all come together,” she says.
To most people’s knowledge, Kardashian’s skin is naturally amazing. But she says, that hasn’t been her experience in the past few years. “Oh, I’ve gotten full acne, like full bouts of it,” “Although, it’s somewhat of a secret to the general public. “It’s concealed really well under makeup,” she adds. “But I’ve documented it. I think if people saw it, they’d be really shocked to know that I had that experience.”
The inspiration behind SKKN by Kim came from her former beauty brand KKW Beauty five years ago, she saw SKKN as an opportunity to reimagine what a beauty line could look like. Its initial drop includes products like an exfoliator, cleanser, and eye cream, with formulations that Kim considered carefully. “The factories that I worked with said that products usually go through maybe five iterations of that product—and I went through between 20 and 25 on each product,” she says. “I really took my time on the formulas, to make sure that when people get it, they separate it being from a ‘celebrity brand.’”
Of course, it being a Kardashian project, the look was important, too: Kardashian infused her now-signature minimal aesthetic into her products’ sleek packaging. “When I was working on the packaging, I was looking at concrete sculptures—all different shades of stones and interiors,” she says. “I always thought the packaging should look really good in my house; I’ve always loved really minimal tones.” She also wanted the packaging to be refillable, “to show brands that you can find cool packaging that is recyclable and sustainable.” She says she has plans to expand the label into makeup and fragrance down the line. “The SKKN brand is about making your skin look its best,”
The much-anticipated return of “The Kardashians” has been officially announced, marking the continuation of the reality series that has captivated audiences around the globe. Hulu has confirmed that Season Five of “The Kardashians” has finally locked in a release date. Storylines from the previous season continue, including Kim and Kourtney drama, Khloé’s turbulent relationship with Tristan, and Kourtney’s pregnancy journey. But the drama doesn’t stop there. The new season begins Thursday, May 23. The upcoming season promises to deliver even more of the high-stakes drama, luxury, and heartfelt moments that have defined the series. The synopsis for “The Kardashians” Season Five teases an acceleration into overdrive for the family’s already fastpaced lifestyle.
If there’s one accessory that screams “summer”, it’s the humble straw bag. Woven basket bags shot into the sartorial limelight in the 1970s thanks to Jane Birkin, but these natural bags – using raffia, straw, bamboo and jute – have never been more popular.
Spray & Style - Bespoke handmade and hand sprayed women’s and children’s clothing and accessories customised just for you! Creating your clothes to always stand out.. Life is too short to wear anything boring!
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of texture to your summer wardrobe, or you’re simply staying up-to-date with this season’s hot trends, now’s the perfect time to plunge into the colourful style of crochet. Once popular in the ‘70s, crochet has officially made its comeback with designers and boutiques alike reinventing the classic technique and offering a fresh new take. From crocheted bikinis and bucket hats to handbags and dresses, we’ve rounded up our favourite crochet pieces to inspire your summer style.
Close Up’s monthly round-up of spend free activities
CHIC by dmo is all natural and organic skin, hair and body care brand that celebrates 6th anniversary this year. All products are vegan, eco friendly, dermatologically tested of a very high spectrum of hydration suitable for all skin types and both male and female.
Please find more information on: www.chicbydmo.com
A world-renowned Oud boutique, headquartered in Leeds, is providing individuals with the opportunity to relive cherished memories through the captivating realm of fragrance and perfumery. Yorkshire entrepreneur and brand creator of Scent Salim, Mr I Salim, has introduced a “match and create” service.
This innovative service can resurrect even the smallest remnants of old perfume, encapsulating them in a fresh bottle.
Whilst yoga may be intimidating to some, it does incredible things to the mind, body, and soul. Add these yoga poses into your daily routine for the ultimate wellbeing kick.
Be careful not to overarch the lower back. Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor and reach back through your left heel.
Targets – Quadriceps, ankles, hip flexors, core stability, spinal flexion.
The Crescent Lunge is great for beginners since you can easily modify it depending on your flexibility. Backing off the depth of the front knee will give you a less intense stretch. You can increase the quad stretch by bending your back knee and pulling your foot toward your glutes.
Remember to keep your chest raised, your core engaged, your spine long, your chin tucked and your shoulders back as you drop your hands toward your heels.
Targets – Quadriceps, chest, abdomen, back.
Bump up your energy by bending back into the Camel Pose. Ustrasana counteracts slouching, improves your posture and relieves lower back pain with a generous, heart-opening stretch.
Targets – Hamstrings, calves, achilles tendon, oblique abdominals.
Here’s what to add to your basket to feel like a pro and kickstart your yoga journey!
Bored of the same old protein bars and shakes? This healthy homemade Wendy’s inspired frosty recipe is about to shake things up… literally! (excuse the pun)
Blend
Remember to release your heels towards the floor. Being on the balls of your feet will shift the trajectory of the pose forward instead of back.
Downward dog stretches and widens the hamstrings, the calves, and the achilles tendon. In downward dog, your head is lower than your heart, so it has the benefits of inversions and improves the blood flow through your body. When incorporated into a weekly yoga practice, it may even help relieve chronic back pain. The pose also helps increase the strength of the external oblique abdominal muscles.
1 whole cup of frozen banana (frozen is key)
2/3 cup of milk (soy milk makes it extra creamy)
1 serving of chocolate protein powder
1 tablespoon of cacao powder
1 teaspoon of nut butter
3 ice cubes (optional if you want an icier texture)
At Zantaria, we’ve created a more natural way to experience wearing perfume. Our fragrances are pure perfume, long-lasting on skin, and not diluted with alcohol. Our big vision at Zantaria is to try to end world hunger. For every bottle sold, we donate one nutritious meal to children in need via the World Food Programme. @zantariaperfumes | Zantaria.co.uk
Our top tips to have you feeling energised
Make sure you’re completely rested to wake up with a fresh mindset.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Proper rest is essential for restoring energy levels and supporting overall health.
Use shade, wide-brimmed hats, clothing that covers, and broadspectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 for sun protection. Use insect repellent and wear longsleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites and ticks.
Apply sunscreen before insect repellent. Reapply sunscreen after 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or towelling off.
Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust accordingly.
While a cold iced coffee or cocktail might seem refreshing, excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can lead to further dehydration and disrupt sleep patterns, ultimately leaving you feeling tired.
Get at least 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity every week.
Physical activity has immediate benefits for your health: better sleep and reduced anxiety are two.
Stay hydrated by taking a trendy water bottle with you to work or running errands.
You can also eat foods with high water content, such as fruits and many vegetables. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks if you’re feeling dehydrated.
Delicious fruits and veggies make any summer meal healthier.
Opt for lighter meals that include fresh fruits and vegetables, these foods are not only hydrating but also provide essential vitamins and minerals to keep your energy levels up.
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Highly regarded in the industry, Dr Natalie Haworth regularly speaks out in the media about the importance of the UK aesthetics industry needing to be regulated. As a qualified and registered doctor who spent many years in the NHS, she puts patient safety at the centre of everything her and her highly experienced team do.
She has opened three The Doctor & Company clinics in an impressively short expansion period, with her clinics’ USP being maintaining patient uniqueness whilst enhancing their features, ensuring they look like the best version of themselves, with enhancements you can’t quite put your finger on.
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It’s the
dawn of a new month. And with a new month comes a new story. I would love to report back on something exciting, but I’ve decided to talk about something a little closer to home, very real, and quite raw - dealing with grief and anxiety.
This isn’t my first rodeo dealing with grief. I was fortunate for most of my life to not have to deal with the loss of anyone close to me. I was empathic for others who did, and I always feared the day that I would lose someone of my own. It would be something I would constantly worry about and was always unsure how I would deal with it once it happened. Would I break down and lose hope? Would I withdraw into myself and lose focus on my own journey? Would it be the trigger, which would inevitably send me into a deep depression?
And then it happened. I lost two very important people in my life in quick succession of one another. I was floored by both but very quickly picked myself up and carried on. Surprisingly. As life went on, my battles became worse. Clinging on to everything that would make me feel loved and secure even if those moments were few and far between. I have mentioned previously that my grief for a man had me on my knees, collapsed and unable, sick and lost more so than the loss of my family. I disappointed myself in this moment because I put someone who was worthless above those who sacrificed their lives to make me who I am today.
I made a decision in that moment that I would never feel that way again and I began to harden. It was an unconscious decision to become closed off and guarded. I had convinced myself that being shut off and unobtainable was growth. In some ways it was, in others it wasn’t. I could protect myself but in the same breath, I pushed everyone else away.
My family were also victims of this detachment. I began to shut myself away and spent more time immersed in work and creating a fabricated happiness away from anyone who would eventually hurt or dissert me. It’s all well and good creating a forced bubble of happiness, forcing yourself to not
think or deal with any impending situations, until something pops it.
So, this month, life was good. Work is great, holiday planning has been superb, the healthy living is bearing fruits. And then I get a phone call. My Auntie has had a stroke, and it’s bad. My auntie and I have a strange relationship. We grew up together only 15 years apart. There is not a human who annoys me more, but I would walk through fire for her without hesitation. We have a different bond, a different love. My auntie is no stranger to illness, and neither am I. I have watched and supported her my whole life.
However, just as I have blocked out anything which would sadden me, I had blocked this out also. For a little while, I barely checked in to make sure she was ok, I just tried to build a surface level relationship with her and distance myself from pain. Watching her struggle, hurt me. When I heard the news, I was calm. I asked how bad it was and my response was ‘ok.’ I didn’t cry, I didn’t panic, I received the news, and I was numb. My coping mechanism kicked in and I just carried on carrying on. I reassured myself that she would be ok. As I drove home from work, calmly, I broke down into tears. Partly due to guilt for not making the time for her more recently, and partly because I remember her for who she was, not what she now is. She was always the life and soul of the party. She’d be up singing and dancing and the first one to shout in an argument and I remembered all those times that she would annoy me,
but all I wanted was for her to go back to that version of herself and wishing I spent more time with her and valued her more, when I could. So now I’ve woken up. I’ve realised that the longer I create distance between me and my loved ones, the pain will be tenfold if I eventually lose them.
So, I’ve made a promise to live in the moment with them and ignore my internalised fear.
I’ve only recently discovered that this is what is called emotional detachment. According to Healthline, emotional detachment can be a response to a stressful situation or, because of an underlying psychological disorder.
Typically, emotional detachment can stem from past childhood trauma, from post-traumatic stress disorder or from a string of stressful or abusive events; all of which have happened to me over the past 5 years.
2. Journal. I am very grateful that I write these columns monthly because they force me to acknowledge my feelings and actions continually. Writing has always been an escapism for me and where I struggle to sometimes articulate how I feel, putting pen to paper helps me to deconstruct and pull myself back together. Sometimes it’s less scary to write down your thoughts over speaking about them.
“I made a decision IN THAT MOMENT THAT I would never feel that way again AND I BEGAN TO HARDEN”
Emotional detachment takes form in many ways but a few of the cues I identified in myself were reducing my availability, no or terse communication, placing others before loved ones, reduced affection and reduced investment in relationships with those closest to me.
I’m not sure how many of you can relate to this but I wanted to suggest 5 ways in which you can deal with emotional detachment and how to overcome it.
1. Mindfulness. I have only just come to terms that I was detaching myself to stop myself feeling emotions which trigger me. Practicing mindfulness and identifying that it’s happening is one step closer to overcoming detachment.
3. If you’ve acknowledged that you have some emotional detachment and you feel you’re strong enough to talk about it, talking therapy is always a good idea. One of my regrets is that I didn’t continue with mine. Healing and personal development is a continual process. What better way to consistently improve yourself than to invest in a good therapist?
Professional navigation around difficult circumstances will help you to get to a resolution quicker and in some ways, less painfully.
4. Do not self-medicate. Sometimes to deal with pain, fear, anxiety and living in the confines of your own detachments, people will often turn to substance abuse to help them ‘numb’. To feel no emotion is to feel no pain. Relying on alcohol or drugs to deal with the complexities of emotional detachment could potentially trigger it further and lead to other long-term issues. I have always avoided alcohol when I feel myself withdrawing into myself because I know the outcome will be worse. My preferred self-soothing is exercise or hyper focussing on healthy habit and working more. These in themselves, in excess, are not the antidote either but try and pick up healthier habits to help you through.
5. Acceptance and acknowledgement of detachment issues is a great step in bringing your walls down slowly. The more you allow yourself to step into an uncomfortable situation and allow yourself to be more vulnerable, the easier it will be to build and maintain healthy relationships with others, and, with yourself.
Life should be filled with wonderful memories and remember, for us to appreciate the good, we also need to experience the bad. To try and maintain a constant state of controlled happiness is not sustainable.
P.S she is recovering well, and we are both happier that we have rediscovered our closeness. Some may say, I’ve helped her to become stronger, sooner. You never know what impact you’ll have on someone if you just try.
Take care,
Adoring
Dune
London
£120
Slingback Pump
Reformation
£298
Bellarosa
Steve Madden
£130
Blyth Bead
Pumps
Charles & Keith
£85
Freya Rose Lace And Favour
£295
Elevate your bridal glamour and discover the perfect pairing for your big day with the best of wedding shoes. From classic to contemporary, there is something for everyone.
Satin Shoes Rainbow Club
£99
Butterfly Flat Sophia Webster £425
Nadira Manolo Blahnik £895
Marie 45
Malone Souliers
£535
Jimmy Choo
Capturing a memorable confetti shot is a must whether you’re planning a big wedding or an intimate ceremony. The confetti photo is natural and candid as no posing or thinking about the photographer is required, and everyone loves to throw confetti, so your guests will be smiling with joy too! To help you get the best out of your confetti shot, follow our top five tips.
1. Choose the right confetti
Petal confetti is the preferred choice for most churches and wedding venues because it is biodegradable and not harmful to the environment. Delphiniums and wildflowers are perfect for a shower of confetti, as they are small, lightweight and fall delicately to the ground, allowing the photographer to capture the all-important moment. You can add a few rose or hydrangea petals to your confetti mix too for a pop of colour, but bear in mind they will fall quicker.
We grow baeautiful confetti on our family farm, it is made from real flower petals, so it is sustainable, biodegradable and the ideal eco-friendly choice for your wedding day. We grow a variety of different petals and colours, so there is plenty to choose from. Our top confetti mixes are Blush for a chic pink wedding; Tutti Fruity for a celebration of bright and bold colour; or Vintage Daydream for a whimsical pastel theme. Create your own bespoke confetti mix online Pick & Mix tool too. If you are not sure what colours to pick, request up to five confetti samples from our website delivered to your door.
2. Order enough confetti for your guests
Make sure to provide confetti for your guests as it is not advisable to rely on them to bring their own. The more confetti you have, the better opportunity to create some incredible shots. After many years of testing and throwing petal confetti, we find that 1 litre of petal confetti is enough for about 10-12 handfuls. So, if you have got 100 guests, 10 litres of petals will be enough for them all to throw and give you that complete shower of petal confetti.
You know your guests more than anyone else, so if you think there might be guests that won’t throw, you can always order a little less, but just make sure you’ve got enough for at least half your guests. If in doubt we have got a really handy confetti calculator on our website that will work out how much petal confetti you need for your wedding day.
Let your photographer know that the confetti shot is important to you as they will be able to offer great insight and advice on the right location, timing, and how your guests should stand. The confetti moment traditionally happens when the newlyweds are exiting the ceremony, but you can have it when you like. We are seeing more and more couples opting for a second confetti moment in the evening, so the evening guests can get involved too! Confetti cannons have become increasingly popular, especially if you are wanting to get an epic confetti photo with a smaller guests list.
Displaying your confetti to your wedding guests can be fun and creative, incorporating your wedding colours and theme into your confetti decor. From confetti cones to wands, sachets to baskets, you can get as creative as you feel. Enlist the help of your bridesmaids or groomsmen to make your confetti throw go smoothly. Your bridal party can offer guests a handful of confetti and remind them to throw high in the sky, to get the full shower effect. After all the higher the petals are thrown, the longer your photographer has to get your confetti snaps. Alternatively having beautiful signage to tell your guests what to do can be so helpful too.
5. Have an absolute blast
The confetti moment is the start of the party, so let it show in the shot. If you are walking down the aisle or through a tunnel of guests throwing confetti toward your wedding photographer, go slowly to allow your photographer to capture your guests in action and get lots of confetti photos.
Enjoy this moment and celebrate your new beginning with a smile, laughter, and a kiss.
www.shropshirepetals.com
My minimalistic style with the softness of calligraphy makes way for a truly special and sophisticated start to your big day, with your wedding stationery and invitations setting the tone and offering the first glimpse for your guests.
@elegantlymadeco www.elegantlymade.co.uk
Creating fancy flip flops with our exclusive strap charms. Customise a pair of your choice with one of our 40 charms. Want to personalise them to the next level? Five of our charms can be engraved with a name, date or special message. Be different, be fancy…
@idofancyonline | www.idofancy.com
Your hen night glamour starts here! Discover the perfect outfit options from bride-to-be elegance to afternoon tea chic. Explore dresses for every moment whether you’re a bride to be or attending a hen!
Embrace the delicate charm and dive into the daytime sweetness of floral summery prints and patterns for your bestie’s hen party! Infuse your afternoon affair with bright, joyful and girly colours –perfect for somewhere like an afternoon tea or day-time event.
It’s time to hit the town! Amp up the night with these sultry mini dress ensembles. We have rounded up a collection of dresses from chic silhouettes to dazzling details, these dresses are the perfect picks for a hen night out on the town.
Calling all brides, it’s your time to shine! Turn heads at your hen party with these gorgeous outfits. From skirts adorned with glistening rhinestones to sparkle at every moment to delicate sweet bows, there is something for every bride.
Reyah Lewis a British Designer Brand founded in 2013 and designed in Westminster, London. Celebrating 11 years in the making the brand has elevated the art of Jewellery to new heights, it has now positioned it self as a symbol of prestige and refined taste, making it an go-to destination for those seeking jewellery that transcends trends.
Introducing their new collection launching on June 1st 2024, La Maison and bringing in personalisation into their brand, for all new customers they are giving 15% off your first order on www.reyahlewis.com and an extra 5% by following them on instagram @reyahlewis. Use code: RL15 at checkout.
Katie Loxton’s Waterproof Necklace Collection is perfume-proof, sweat-proof, and life-proof. Choose from a variety of styles such as statement charm Necklaces, minimal chains and chokers, perfect for creating an instant layered look. From our Sentiment Carded Collection with each style adorned with a meaningful sentiment to our Estee Collection with diamond-shaped charms, sure to add some chic to every outfit.
We have rounded up the most adorable fashion picks for kids this summer. From smart linen shirts to stylish and cute accessories we have collected the best of neutral tones, ideal for summer.
PGHS is particularly proud of being an all-girls, all-through school and having pupils from 4-16 years old on the same site. The advantages to this are clear to us.
A recent review by Natasha Plaister for the FFT Education Data Lab found that girls in single-sex schools perform better at GCSE even after adjusting for background characteristics. This is no surprise to us at Palmers Green High School, where we have been proud to provide an excellent education to girls for 119 years. The school was founded in 1905 by a local resident, Alice Hum, who recognised a lack of education for girls. At this point, there were only 12 pupils; the school was located in a house on Osborne Road, just around the corner from our present site.
Fast forward to 2024 and we now have more than 20 times this number of pupils, from our youngest girls in the Nursery learning phonics and counting skills to those in Year 11, who are currently sitting their GCSEs. PGHS moved to Avondale Hall on Hoppers Road, a building that was famously home to Suffragette meetings –an apt setting for a school that prides itself on developing strong, independent girls who leave us ready to take on all the challenges of the wider world and able to stand up for what they believe in.
Schools talk about being a family, and this is most certainly the case here. While we run different timetables across the phases of the school, offering pupils opportunities to be solely with their peers and have age-appropriate experiences, we also allow for times for the whole school to work and play together. Older girls are known to the younger ones and give freely of their time to support small groups academically through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme as well as helping to negotiate some of the challenges that children experience through their lives. It is a common occurrence to see senior pupils playing with prep girls, and being outstanding role models for them to look up to.
Being an all-through school means that we can create genuinely enduring relationships, between children, staff and girls, and school and home. There is an African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”, and at PGHS we firmly agree with this. We aim to work closely with the important adults in a child’s life all the way through their education so that parents and carers can be reassured that their child is well-cared for, and pupils know that there is always someone they can turn to if they need help or reassurance.
Moving from primary to secondary school can be a difficult time for some pupils. At PGHS, girls have lots of consistency, eliminating those fears, while also having lots of new opportunities to look forward to, meaning they face Year 7 with excitement rather than trepidation. For those that do join us as new pupils in the Senior Department, they have peers that are experts in the school and who can support them with their transition.
If you are interested in becoming part of the PGHS family along with your daughter, please register online to attend one of our upcoming Open Mornings at www.pghs.co.uk/home/ openmornings or call us on 020 8886 1135 to speak to one of our lovely members of staff.
A warm welcome to Keble Prep. We understand the importance of choosing the right school for your child and one which will set them up for the future.
We offer a dynamic and well-rounded education that develops the abilities and enthusiasm of every child. We believe that the environment created at Keble allows all pupils to be academically challenged, whilst also instilling the social values and learning attitudes required to succeed in an ever changing world. Our pupils access a broad curriculum which places emphasis on the physical, creative, academic and personal development. It is delivered through traditional academic teaching, coupled with the latest technology.
All of this combines to make Keble a school where every pupil can achieve, succeed and grow.
Since 1929 Keble has been educating boys, but we were delighted to introduce a Nursery setting for pupils aged 3+ and became fully co-educational across all year groups in September 2023. This was an exciting change in our history.
Our purpose and school values remain the same; “Puritas, Veritas, Probitas” “being pure of heart, true to oneself, and honest”.
We understand that the choice of the right school is as complex as it is important. With this in mind, a personal visit is the best way to form a view as to what makes Keble School so special.
Come and see what we have to offer your child. We look forward to welcoming you warmly.
Mr Perran Gill HeadmasterA vibrant, forward-thinking education for pupils aged 3-13.
NOW OFFERING
• Term-time Nursery 3+
• Fully co-educational across all year groups
Contact Admissions: 0208 360 3359 admissions@kebleprep.co.uk kebleprep.co.uk
Follow us @KeblePrepSchool
Keble Prep Wades Hill, Winchmore Hill, London N21 1BG
7.35am6.00pm
SCHOOL CLUBS wide range on offer
Keeping up with all things life, love, family, kids and keeping it together! @keepingupwithkaterina @keepingupwithmyclassroom
I was watching an episode of TOWIE last night (yes, my guilty Sunday night pleasure) and one of the girls was talking about having babies and making sure you brace yourself for the changes it can have on your relationship. She actually said ‘Having a baby either makes or breaks your relationship’. And it made me think – 1. That’s so true 2. Why is that?
I think the strain of having an intense love for another person and ultimately sharing the love you had for one another is a major factor and the time you would have usually had for your relationship and your spouse becomes near enough non existent, or at the very least on the back burner. But the biggest thing for me is that, after you have children, you’re a different person. When you have a child your whole perspective on life changes, doesn’t it?
Things you found so important before seem unimportant now, how you use your time becomes different, your tolerance to people’s rubbish becomes less, your priorities change, your outlook changes and of course this means you also change.
I think marriages and relationships that break down because of these changes usually happen because you’re both no longer on the same page. Changing and adapting to parenthood shouldn’t just be for the mother to do, or vice versa, it’s about both of your priorities changing and evolving – but it’s important to remember that parenting doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and especially in the beginning, when you feel like all you have in life is a baby that cries non stop and raging hormones, and sometimes we all just need some time, to adjust, reset and get our heads in the right place.
So – I’m no love, relationship or marriage expert, but touch wood, me and Jamie have made it through! So here’s my top 2 tips for making your relationship after kids, not breaking it!
1. Make time for each other.
Not with the kids but just for you both. This doesn’t mean a fancy expensive date once a week, it could literally be anything!
A walk, a coffee, a movie, a fun art class, a football game or a Sunday roast at your local. Whether you decide on once a week, or once a month, stick to it, plan it and ENJOY the quality time – kid free.
2. Talk to each other.
Communication is the biggest factor for all areas in life. Remember to speak to your partner, open up, be honest with how you’re feeling, about yourself, your relationship, your child, the mum you met at baby sensory class, whatever it is that’s on your mind, and potentially bothering you, make sure you’re open and honest. Jamie is truly my best friend and having a non judgemental relationship with him where I can be honest and open makes understanding each other a lot easier!
Until next time lovelies
x
This months Business in Spotlight is TSK Business Services which is founded by Elena Tsikkini. With thousands of customers across the UK & Ireland and a team of specialist consultants that provide businesses with Card Machines, Booking Systems, Online Checkout, Business Funding & more. As modern day has it, more and more people pay by card leaving business owners to pay added costs to supply card machines in order for customers to pay via card, contactless & online. Elena’s team at TSK Business Services are known to give business owners better deals for this type of service. Any business owner is welcome to enquire for any of the services they offer. Quote my column to receive a free no obligation quote and one whole month free trial. If you want extra cash flow, you can also request business funding – they offer from £1000 up to £1,000,000! If you’re in the hospitality industry offering bookings for dine in customers, they can give you a free trial to a booking system too. There is no enquiry too big or small.
tsk.business.services@gmail.com • 07564160893 @tsk.business.services Elena Tsikkini https://dojo.tech/elena-tsikkini
As proud holders of the prestigious Green Flag with Distinction from Eco-Schools, children at Woodlands Day Nursery in Barnet are benefitting from an award-winning eco-education, which looks to set them up for the rest of their lives.
The accolade, which is the highest in the global scheme and given for exceptional environmental awareness and conservation practices, has been earnt by children at the setting on Orchard Road for their continued commitment to taking care of the planet, which includes a curriculum packed full of exciting and immersive experiences.
From babies using natural and recycled materials in their sensory play and exploring sea life themed water trays to learn about the impact of ocean pollution, to older children creating habitats for garden wildlife and embarking on litter picking missions around their local area, there is something for every child from six weeks to nearly five years to enjoy.
Activities, which also include growing herbs and vegetables for talented Nursery Chefs to use in daily meals, as well as nature walks, bug hunts, composting and gardening initiatives, are designed to promote the development
of personal, social and emotional life skills, as well as introducing the children to basic maths, science and environmental messages in preparation for school.
At the setting, pre-schoolers also enjoy an array of ageappropriate and imaginative indoor play and learning spaces, as well as state-of-the-art ICT, toys and equipment, messy play corners and ‘role play’ areas to further teachings, with days planned around their unique personal interests.
The nursery also boasts a comprehensive school readiness programme, covering topics from self-care to phonics, where children can develop fundamental skills such as using cutlery and writing and identifying their names, whilst families can take advantage of free parent masterclasses throughout the year, including paediatric first aid and speech and language workshops.
For more information, to arrange a visit or to register for a place please contact the nursery on 020 8447 1914 or email woodlands.barnet@childbase.com. Woodlands Day Nursery and Preschool, 1/3 Orchard Rd, Barnet, EN5 2HL • www.childbasepartnership.com
With its incredible bounty of free museums, free galleries, gorgeous greenspaces and pop-up events, London is one of the greatest cities in the world for free things to do. For sunny days there are so many beautiful parks, playgrounds, sandpits, paddling pools that even if you think you’ve done all the ones worth doing, you probably haven’t.
In 2023 Bethnal Green’s much-loved Museum of Childhood reopened after a biggish refurb, as the Young V&A. At the time of opening, Time Out’s favourite exhibits included an interactive Minecraft gallery, and an enticing collection of pop culture objects including Keith Haring’s artworks, microscooters and an Olympian’s skateboard.
If you spend Sundays munching bagels and rummaging for vintage bargains on Brick Lane, you’re missing a trick not to visit this free-entry urban oasis built in a former railway goods depot. There are many rare breeds of animals: stop by and visit characters such as Bayleaf the donkey and Bentley the goat, or pick your own veg. The farm also reaches out to local residents with projects like the Coriander Club for older Bangladeshi women, free cookery classes, a young farmers’ club and gardens growing produce and herbs.
An anthropological museum set in 16 acres of landscaped gardens, the Horniman Museum has a traditional natural history gallery – dominated by a bizarre, overstuffed walrus – where the exhibits are displayed in traditional cases with no computer touch-screens in sight. There’s also a state-of-the-art aquarium, a collection of around 1,600 musical instruments and an area where visitors can play some of them, as well as a permanent gallery dedicated to African, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian art.
These 32 acres on the Isle of Dogs make up one of London’s biggest farms. The farm – which is open from 9am to 5pm daily – is compact, with some animals just wandering about in the fields, plus a petting zoo, stables, and duck pond. Some of the best residents include a Manx Loaghtan named Juliet and a turkey who enjoys hearing ‘Old MacDonald Had a Farm’. Workshops cost extra, and include a forest school and arts and crafts. Over 7s can also join the Mudchute Young Farmers team, where for £40 they can learn how to groom, feed and care for all the animals daily.
If your kids like Harry Potter, taking them to see some of the famous sites in the movies could be a massive hit and an adventure to say the least. It would take a couple of hours at least to walk around all of the main spots and could start at Kings Cross Station and end at St Pauls Cathedral. The first stop is home to the infamous 9 ¾ platform from Harry Potter. In order to prevent visitors from crowding the platforms, King’s Cross have installed the “Platform 9 3/4” at the back of the station.
Hertfordshire Zoo is home to over 800 animals including Amur tigers, white lions, snow leopards, as well as penguins, red pandas, anacondas, sloths, lemurs, meerkats, camels, zebras, tapirs, and many more. Ideal for family days out, the kids can enjoy attractions like World of Dinosaurs, one of the best animatronic dinosaur adventure trails in the UK, a giant paddling pool, On Safari Adventure Golf, the ‘Rex Express’ train, and 5 adventure indoor & outdoor play areas.
Strawberry season is here! Graveley Fruit Farm offers top quality of Pick Your Own Fruit and guarantees a fun-filled day in the countryside for the family. To make the kids’ day special, the farm offers an adventure play area with a zip wire and a haystack, plus tractor and trailer rides on weekends. And you’ll get the chance to meet the farm pigs too!
London’s Sea Life Aquarium offers kids an unforgettable underwater adventure. They can stroll through the Ocean Tunnel, surrounded by sharks, rays, and sea turtles, and explore themed zones showcasing exotic marine life. Kids can enjoy engaging talks and feeding sessions, while the interactive rock pool lets them touch starfish and learn about marine habitats!
This commemorative play area is easily the best bit of Kensington Gardens for a child. A huge pirate ship on its own beach takes centre stage (take buckets and spades). Beyond this lies the tepee camp: a trio of wigwams, each large enough to hold a sizeable tribe, and a tree-house encampment with walkways, ladders, slides and ‘tree phones’.
Join snack queen Neha Gandesha as she unveils delightful and easy summer snack recipes for kids. Discover creative and tasty treats that will keep your little ones happily munching all summer long!
These watermelon pizza pops are a delicious snacktivity!
Load them with yoghurt and top with your favourite treats!
Simple slice your watermelon into circles and then into quarters. Slide in a lolly stick and get decorating.
We have added pomegranate with blueberries, chocolate chip and granola and rainbow sprinkles! These taste even more delicious when you freeze them!
These are so cute and a perfect summer snacktivity the kids will love making and I’m sure you will love eating! Try these!!
You will need:
• Donuts
• Smarties
• Pretzel sticks
• Melted chocolate or thick icing
Start by cutting your donut in half and turning it so the two outsides join the middle. Use melted chocolate to stick this. Now stick your smarties down on the the jointing bit. There should be some chocolate there that will secure them. Slide in your pretzel sticks to make the antennas. That’s it! Let set a little and Enjoy!!
Here’s a really simple cake the babies and big kids will love! Let the kids make these!
You will need:
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tsp Vanilla essence
• 2 heaped Tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp self raising flour
• Berries (any)
Start by mixing your eggs, Greek yoghurt, vanilla and flour together till you get a yummy batter. Pour into cupcake cases and top with your favourite berries. Bake for around 20mins at 180oc until they fluff up! So so yummy!
Pancake Tacos! Fill them with your favourite fruit and drizzle with chocolate or syrup!
You can use a ready made mixture or try this recipe.. it makes delicious fluffy pancakes
For the pancakes:
• 200g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 1 medium egg
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 300ml milk (I use big milk)
For filling:
• Chopped up fruit salsa
• Chocolate spread
• Smarties
Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a bowl.
Mix the wet ingredients in a bowl. Pour wet into dry.
Whisk until you get a smooth batter.
Cook pancakes in hot oil or butter.
Fold in half, spread chocolate and fill with fruit salsa. Squish them up so they stay upright.
These are perfect for sore gums and make a great snack for big kids too! Simple Greek yogurt and mango purée can make the most delicious frozen treat!
You will need:
• Greek yoghurt
• Mango / peach purée pouch
• Vanilla extract (optional)
Take a plate lined with baking paper.
Taking a spoon, spoon large pea size lumps of yoghurt onto the baking paper.
Spreading slightly to resemble egg white. Now take your fruit pouch and make small orange dots to make the yolk.
Freeze the fried eggs for around 2 hours. Enjoy!
(These can be made vegan by using a dairy free yoghurt)
Tip: You can also sweeten the yoghurt with honey for kids over 1 years old.
Another year of education is due to kick off so it’s time to get organised with all the back to school essentials again. You won’t forget a thing with our selection of school necessities!
Happily Ever After Princesses is a small entertainment company based in Liverpool.
Owned by Demi Leigh Wilson, 24 years old. Demi created Happily Ever After Princesses in 2019 mainly to make a change in children’s entertainment and make it more inclusive for those who are on ASD pathways or are vulnerable due to life threatening illnesses. We have worked with charities such as Young Lives Vs Cancer, Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Cancer Research and more.
“Every
@happilyeverafterprincesses | www.happilyeverafterprincesses.co.uk
Hi i’m Nanny Casey, an Early Years qualified Nanny providing ad hoc & temporary childcare in & around East Barnet. I have been in Childcare for 16+ years & have experience in a range of roles. What makes me different to other Nannies you ask... I bring along a tiny playmate in the form of my own son aged 10months.
A bit more about me: I am passionate about playful learning. I am a born & bred Londoner. I believe in lifelong learning through CPD. I was recently a sponsor for a Nanny Conference & soon to be featured in the History of a Nanny Exhibition.
@nanny_casey_ hello@nannycasey.co.uk
with pomegranate and lemon harissa
Jake Normal’s taco recipe brings big flavours together with prawns and a zingy, fresh pomegranate salsa.
Serves 2
Prep 10 mins
Cook 6 mins
Ingredients
165g pack extra-large raw king prawns • 2 tbsp Ottolenghi
Pomegranate, Rose & Preserved Lemon Harissa • 1 tbsp olive oil • 125g halloumi, cut into 1cm cubes • 6 Gran
Luchito Soft Taco Wraps, warmed, to serve • 170g tub guacamole, to serve • 150ml tub Essential Soured Cream, to serve • 1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve
For the salad
½ x 25g pack coriander, leaves only, roughly chopped • 1 tbsp lime juice • 40g pomegranate seeds • 1 echalion shallot, thinly sliced into rings • 1 large red chilli, thinly sliced (optional)
Method
Add the prawns to a small bowl with 1½ tbsp harissa, mix well and leave for 5 minutes, or up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, to make the salad, combine the coriander leaves, lime juice, pomegranate seeds, shallot and a pinch of salt in a small bowl, then set aside.
Add ½ tbsp oil to a medium frying pan and place over a high heat. Add the halloumi, then fry for 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until soft and golden brown all over. Add the remaining oil, the prawns and their marinade to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring and turning, until the prawns are pink and opaque and just cooked through.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining ½ tbsp harissa. Serve with the tortillas, guacamole, soured cream and salad, garnished with red chilli (if using), and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.
This perfect paella recipe is loaded with delicious seafood and fragrant spices. It’s sure to be a real crowdpleaser at your next party, bbq or mid-week dinner.
Serves 4
Prep 15 mins Cook 45 mins
200g Waitrose Whole Grain Rice • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 4 clove/s garlic, finely chopped • 2 tsp paprika • 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 1 pinch saffron (optional) • 800ml Cooks’ Ingredients Vegetable Stock (or water) • 400g frozen essential Waitrose Cooked Seafood Selection • ¼ x 25g pack parsley, chopped
Method
Put the rice in a bowl, cover with cold water, then set aside. Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the onion and soften for 5 minutes over a medium heat. Stir in the garlic, paprika and pepper and cook 4-5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Mix in the chopped tomatoes and saffron (if using).
Drain the rice and stir into the pan, then pour in the stock. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is almost tender. Add a little more stock or water if needed – it should be saucy, not soupy.
Add the frozen seafood and cover with a lid. Simmer for 5 minutes, turning the seafood until piping hot and the rice is tender. Scatter with parsley and serve.
These are a treat on the barbecue or simply cooked under the grill. Prepare in the morning, then cook just before eating.
Serves 4
Prep 10 mins
Cook 30 mins
Ingredients
12 Waitrose Jersey Royal Baby New Potatoes
• 4 tbsp olive oil • 2 clove/s garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary • 1 unwaxed lemon, zest and juice of ½, ½ in wedges • 4 British Lamb Leg Steaks, trimmed of excess fat • 90g pack wild rocket • 100g feta, crumbled
Chop the leaves finely, then stir into softened butter to serve on veg or steak. Or try adding a sprig to a glass of lemonade or G&T for a touch of herbal aroma and flavour.
If using a barbecue, fire it up. Put the Jersey Royals in a medium pan. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, then bring to the boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for about 12 minutes until tender; set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, mix 2 tbsp of the oil, the garlic, rosemary and lemon zest. Cut each lamb steak into 4 even chunks, add to the bowl and mix well. Add the cooled potatoes, stirring them into the marinade. Thread onto 4 metal skewers, alternating the lamb and potatoes (you want to start each one with the lamb); season. Discard any remaining marinade.
If using a griddle pan, heat it to a high heat. Cook the skewers on the barbecue or griddle for 10-12 minutes, turning regularly, until all surfaces of the lamb are thoroughly browned, and the potatoes are charred. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil with the lemon juice; season. Add the rocket to the dressing and gently toss to coat. Serve the skewers with lemon wedges and the rocket salad, scattering the crumbled feta over the top. Some broad beans would go nicely in the salad too, if liked.
1 Judges Hill, Northaw, Potters Bar EN6 4NL Tel: 01707 802104 or 07960 895479 Open: Tuesday to Sunday 12 till late www.judges-restaurant.com
25A Windmill Hill, Enfield EN2 7AE Tel: 020 8367 1414 Open: Monday to Saturday 12 till late www.judgesenfieldrestaurant.com
If you have leftover tomato salsa after a gathering, then stick it in a lidded container and get it in the fridge. There are so many ways to use it up and make it into something more substantial, says Elly Curshen.
Serves 4 to share
Prep 5 mins
Cook 5 mins
Ingredients
400g can Essential Mixed Bean Salad In Water, drained and rinsed • Leftover tomato salsa (2 tbsp-½ x 200g tub.
I used 2 tbsp) • 1 tomato, deseeded and diced (if using) • 1 tbsp smoked paprika • 2 tsp garlic granules (or 2 cloves garlic, finely grated) • 2 tsp ground cumin • 200g bag
Essential Salted Tortilla Chips • 270g pack mozzarella, drained • 3 tbsp Essential Soured Cream • 1 lime, juice of ½, plus wedges • ¼ x 25g pack coriander, leaves only • Few slices jalapeño, pickled or fresh • 1 salad onion, sliced
Method
Preheat the grill to high. Tip the mixed beans into a bowl and add the leftover salsa, the tomato, if using, and all the spices. Mix well.
Line a baking tray with foil or baking parchment. Place a layer of tortilla chips over it. Tear the mozzarella into bitesized pieces and scatter ½ over the chips. Spoon over the spicy bean and salsa mixture, then top with the remaining cheese.
Place under the grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are browning on the edges.
Whisk together the soured cream and lime juice, then drizzle over the top of the nachos. Rip the coriander and scatter it over with the sliced jalapeño and salad onion. Place in the centre of the table with the lime wedges, and dig in, napkins on hand.
Since 2014 our passion for food starts with the finest, freshest ingredients We partner with local suppliers and farmers to source the best produce, meats, and cheeses. Every dish is a testament to the flavors of Italy, made with ingredients that are at the peak of their freshness and quality
DISCOVER THE AUTHENTIC TASTE OF ITALY IN NORTH LONDON
Handmade Pasta: From our rich and creamy tagliatelle with chicken and mushroom to our hearty, rustic lasagna
- Freshly Baked Bread: Perfectly crusty and soft, straight from our ovens
- Authentic Pizzas: Made with hand-stretched dough, a blend of local and imported ingredients, and baked to perfection.
- Decadent Desserts: Tiramisu, panna cotta, and more, crafted to end your meal on a sweet note
with rhubarb
Serves 6
Prep 15 mins Cook 30 mins
Ingredients
300ml double cream • 100ml milk • 1 unwaxed lemon, 2 broad strips pared zest • 3 sheets Dr
Oetker Platinum Grade Leaf Gelatine • 3 tbsp icing sugar, sifted • 150g natural Greek-style yogurt • 2 tsp rose water, to taste
For the rhubarb
2 x 400g packs Cooks’ Ingredients Forced Rhubarb, stalks equal thickness if possible • 85g caster sugar • 150ml pomegranate juice (100% juice, not pomegranate juice drink)
• Diana Henry’s versatile, creamy dessert. If you don’t want to cook fruit to serve with the yogurt creams, offer raspberries, blueberries or sliced strawberries instead.
Method
Put the cream and milk into a small saucepan with the lemon zest. Simmer over a moderate heat for 5-6 minutes. The mixture will reduce a little. Soak the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes. They will soften and have a slippery texture.
Remove the cream mixture from the heat and stir in the icing sugar. Once dissolved, squeeze out any excess moisture from the gelatine and add to the mixture. It should be warm enough to melt the gelatine, but not hot enough to affect its setting properties.
Stir in the yogurt until smooth, then the rose water, to taste. Remove the lemon zest, then pour the mixture into 6 teacups and set aside. Once cool, cover and chill until set. Remove from the fridge 20 minutes before serving or they’ll be too firm.
For the rhubarb, preheat the oven to 180ºC, gas mark 4. Trim the stalks, cut into 3cm lengths, then put into a large ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the sugar over and add the pomegranate juice. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring gently halfway, or until tender but not falling apart. Uncover and leave to cool completely.
To serve, spoon some of the rhubarb on top of each cream and, if there’s any left, offer the rest on the side.
Chic and stylish serve ware is the perfect way to elevate your alfresco dining this summer! If you’re looking for a few new additions to add to your collection, we’ve pulled together a curated edit with everything you need to serve your guests in style - from the little details like napkins and serving boards to gorgeous outdoor furnishings that will suit the whole family.
Vie Naturelle 16
Piece Dinnerware Set Service For 4 Wayfair £113.99
Reactive Glaze Porcelain Jug Gisela Graham London £10.99
Pair of Napkins Avalon Home £28
Drinks Dispenser Ella James £30
Leaf Wrap Concrete Citronella Candle Bowls Gisela Graham London from £9.99
Serving Board Rowen Homes £24
Cutlery Set Casa by JJ £70
Barbecook
From Ancient
Greece
and 16-Century Spain, to 1950s America, this month we are filling our bookshelf with a timeline of page turning women’s stories, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the most splendid form of time-travel.
Inside the pages:
One of Greek mythology’s most complex heroines. Since childhood, Medea has been separated from her sister, shunned by her mother, and persecuted and tormented by her brother and father. All because of a unique and dangerous talent: witchcraft. But when a dashing young hero, Jason, arrives to claim the famed Golden Fleece that her father fiercely protects, Medea sees her opportunity for escape. But what follows is a dangerous journey – one that will drive Medea to a brutal act of desperation.
By Francesca De ToresInside the pages:
In a rented room outside Plymouth in 1685, a daughter is born as her half-brother is dying. Her mother makes a decision: Mary will become Mark, and Ma will continue to collect his inheritance money. Mary’s dual existence as Mark will lead to a role working in a grand estate, to sailing in the navy and fighting on the battlefields, Mary has not had a simple life. But her biggest adventure is yet to come as she embarks on her true calling – becoming a pirate.
Inside the pages:
A strikingly original and absorbing mystery about a white-passing bookbinder in Victorian England and the secrets lurking on the estate where we she works. The library is under lock and key. But its secrets can’t be contained. Born in Jamaica but raised in Victorian Manchester, Florence is thrown out of her father’s house and finds herself at the forbidding Rose Hall, tasked with restoring its collection of rare books. When the library is broken into one night, Florence discovers a halfburned secret diary. Does it hold the clue to her fate?
Inside the pages:
From the author of the Shadow And Bone series comes a tale of magic, survival and danger set in Spain’s Golden Age. In a shabby house, on a shabby street, in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But When servant Luzia Cotado’s magical skills are discovered by the disgraced secretary to the king, who is determined to regain power, Luzia’s life changes forever. She must do everything she can to survive.
Inside the pages:
When divorcee-tobe Lois befriends beguiling, wildly unconventional Greer her life changes in wholly unexpected ways in this page-turning and deliciously dark debut set in the midst of glitz and glamour of 1950s Rio. Lois Saunders thought that marrying the right man would finally cure her loneliness. But as picture-perfect as her husband is, she is suffocating in their loveless marriage. In 1951, though, unhappiness is hardly grounds for divorce – except in Reno, Nevada.
Medea
£14
Celebrate this Father’s Day with incredible gifts to make his day extra special. From personalised keepsakes to luxurious items, explore this curated selection of thoughtful presents guaranteed to make his day!
£36
Indulge in the timeless allure of Italian aesthetics as you infuse your living space with the vibrant charm of orange fruit inspired decor. From the delicate fragrance of orange blossom, to mugs and jugs adorned with orange motifs, every element echoes the essence of Italy transporting you to sun-drenched landscapes.
Give your wedding guests the gift of mindful moments as a wedding favour this year with a selection of beautiful home fragrances. A special occasion with your loved ones calls for a special gift. Candalia London’s trio sets offer a selection of six fragrances. From energising Fleur D’Oranger to the soothing notes of our Soie Lavande, we ensure there is a scent for everyone.
Candalia is a female-founded home fragrance brand from London focused on creating high quality, luxury home fragrances, that have the ability to bring a piece of wellness into our homes.
Candalia offers a curated range of hand-poured scented candles and reed diffusers inspired by founder Alia’s love of travel, fragrance, and wellness. Her vision is to enhance the wellbeing of our inner self through the ambiance of these aromatic scents.
Use Code CLOSEUP20 for 20% off our deluxe candle collection and candle trio sets.
All our candles are made from 100% natural wax using only lead-free cotton wicks, and our diffusers and room sprays are alcohol-free and high in fragrance oil to make them long-lasting.
Nestled in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius beckons travellers with its unrivalled beauty and diverse attractions. From pristine beaches and lush landscapes to vibrant cultural experiences, this tropical paradise offers an unforgettable escape for those seeking blissful relaxation and thrilling adventures alike.
Located just east of Madagascar – roughly a 12-hour flight from the UK – Mauritius is packed with volcanic peaks and picture-perfect beaches that call to be explored. Situated along the north coast is where you’ll find the popular resort town, Grand Baie, home to luxury hotels, upscale shops, and palm-dotted beaches that look like they’ve come straight off a postcard.
Beach Bliss
With powdery white sands lapped by crystal-clear waters, Mauritius boasts some of the world's most stunning beaches. Whether you're sunbathing on the iconic Belle Mare Beach or snorkelling amidst vibrant coral reefs in Blue Bay Marine Park, each shore promises a tranquil retreat for your honeymoon getaway.
Flic En Flac
Flic En Flac, located in the West Coast is home to one of the most renowned beaches in Mauritius. Stretching over 3km, this powder-soft beach is framed by palm trees and hosts plenty of sunbathing- not to mention the diving-ready lagoons that sit only steps away. If you're an avid diver, this is also the ideal place. Book a diving excursion to La Cathédrale, an underwater wonder of natural arches, caves and reefs brimming with tropical marine life. Or explore the town of Flic en Flac itself. Take a stroll through its streets to check out the typical souvenir shops and local eateries serving up the very best in Mauritian cuisine.
By far the most popular choice for tourists, Balaclava is a breath-taking destination. The sun-soaked beaches offer a mix of relaxation and exhilarating water sports, both of which you can experience while surrounded by crystal clear waters. For something a little different, seek out the Maritim Equestrian Centre where you can ride horses along the beach, take them for a swim in the water or simply learn how to get in the saddle if you're a beginner.
Bella Mare
With coconut white sands and a smattering of palm trees, Belle Mare is perhaps best known for its wide stretch of picturesque beach.
Catch sight of friendly stingrays and vibrant marine life on a diving experience or view these incredible creatures from above on a glass-bottom boat tour.
Immerse yourself in Mauritius' rich cultural tapestry, shaped by a blend of Indian, African, Chinese, and European influences. Explore the colourful markets of Port Louis, where fragrant spices mingle with traditional crafts.
There’s much more attraction to Mauritius than the beach, if you are seeking for a break away from relaxation, embark on thrilling outdoor escapades amid Mauritius' breathtaking landscapes.
Hike through lush rainforests in Black River Gorges National Park, home to rare endemic species, or chase waterfalls at Tamarin Falls. Being a volcanic island, Mauritius has several breath-taking summits and valleys to explore on foot. The island is well known for its natural beauty.
Mauritius offers many hiking and trekking tours in its parks and reserves, around the basaltic mountains, and in many other beautiful locations. Each peak offers a unique panoramic sight of paradise. For adrenaline junkies, try kite surfing and zip-lining over verdant valleys for an exhilarating experience.
When it comes to water sports, Mauritius is a paradise. The warm placid turquoise waters of the lagoon are a perfect playground for water sports and gentle beachside relaxation. Relax on a sailing boat as schools of dolphins ride the gentle waves beneath you or scuba dive or snorkel along one of the world’s longest unbroken coral reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish. The best dive sites are the Blue Bay Marine Park or the famous wreck of the SS Mauritius, where sunken treasures and abundant marine biodiversity await discovery. If you're an avid diver, book a diving excursion to La Cathédrale, an underwater wonder of natural arches, caves and reefs brimming with tropical marine life.
Mauritius is also a perfect destination for families, with an array of kid-friendly activities and attractions. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Mauritius Aquarium, embark on a thrilling safari adventure at Casela World of Adventures.
Mauritius isn't just for honeymooners; it's a treasure trove of family fun! Dive into aquatic wonders at Blue Bay Marine Park, where snorkelling unveils vibrant coral reefs. Guided tours are also available for families, offering an educational experience. For those new to snorkelling, you can enjoy a gentle lagoon that provides safe and shallow waters, perfect for beginners. And with equipment rental options available onsite, it's easy to gear up for an aquatic adventure the whole family will love.
For a land-based thrill, head to Casela Nature Park for an unforgettable family safari adventure as you journey through the park's diverse terrain, encountering majestic African animals like lions, zebras, and giraffes.
You can also opt for a safari quad biking tour, where you can explore the park's rugged landscapes up close. Kids will love the opportunity to feed giant tortoises and walk among friendly deer in the park too!
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.
The Oppenheim Group’s OC agents are back for a fiery third season with big homes and even bigger drama. In an office where betrayal and rumours spread like wildfire, you can’t put a price on loyalty – or reputation.
Katt Williams will debut his new comedy special, which will stream LIVE on Netflix from the YouTube Theatre in Inglewood, California, as part of Netflix Is A Joke Fest on May 4, 2024 at 7PM.
Atlas Shepherd (Jennifer Lopez), a brilliant but misanthropic data analyst with a deep distrust of artificial intelligence, joins a mission to capture a renegade robot with whom she shares a mysterious past. But when plans go awry, her only hope of saving the future of humanity from AI is to trust it.
Inspired by an unbelievable true story, a strait-laced professor discovers his hidden talent as a fake hit man. He meets his match in a client who steals his heart and ignites a powder keg of deception, delight, and mixed-up identities.
A skilled Special Forces commando (Jessica Alba) takes ownership of her father’s bar after he suddenly dies, and soon finds herself at odds with a violent gang running rampant in her hometown.
SUPACELL is about a group of five ordinary people who unexpectedly develop superpowers. They have little in common except for one thing: they are all Black South Londoners. It is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves.
Add a touch of self-expression through vibrant tones and eclectic décor within your home, inviting a lively mix of bold and bright colours that instantly infuse your space with joy, creativity and a new zest for life.
A Development of Contemporary Apartments in Cockfosters
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We caught up with Olivia Bowen on balancing motherhood, her equestrian passion, and an exclusive insight into building her dream home.
Your recent interior design projects have caught the eye of many. What inspired you to enter interior design?
I was never that confident in my interior, but when we took on a huge full house renovation project that required every single room to be reimagined, I realised I needed some knowledge. During lockdown I studied an interior design course and I think that alongside the renovation project just created this whole world of passion for interiors.
What defines your design style and what key elements do you incorporate?
My style has changed so much over the years, I think only now am I really coming into my own style and being confident with my choices. I would say my style is contemporary country, however I do love bringing in different eras and cultures into my designs - everything inspires me from hotels, to nature and bars.
Can you share a project that was especially fulfilling for you and why it stood out?
We are just about to complete our self-build home, which I took full interior design control on - I designed five bathrooms which was quite a task as they were just blank empty spaces. I designed each one to have a different feel and era, and they have turned out better than I imagined, which honestly is a surprise to me!
What’s a moment that really strengthened your bond with horses?
I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember and growing up in the countryside you see a lot of them. I started riding at around 10 years old, seeing my passion for horses when I got old enough to work at my local riding stables. I would spend
hours there from morning until evening helping to muck out, tack up horses and run around with the lead rein ponies. I spent majority of my summer holidays there and it will forever stick out to me as the best days of my young teenage years.
What are your future goals and aspirations in working with horses?
I really hope to become aligned with important charities that look after the welfare and lives of horses and ponies. I feel like there’s so much work that can be done and that I could really help create a positive impact for them. Personally, I would love to keep riding for enjoyment but also compete BSJA on my warmblood Dolly. I hope to keep Abel (my son’s), passion for animals & ponies alive too!
How has your journey into motherhood reshaped your priorities?
Motherhood makes you do a complete 180. I really struggled with my identity at first and didn’t really understand who I was becoming. I realise now that it’s given me a whole different meaning of life. I care for someone else way more than I’ve ever cared for myself. This little person is my whole heart! I definitely appreciate the little things more now and I have respect for what time we have on this earth.
Do you have any other exciting plans for this year?
Moving in to our new house is going to be one of the biggest things for us this year, as well as enjoying our two-year-old son. I want to make as many memories as possible. We have lots of fun holidays booked. I am also looking to extend my property portfolio and buy two new houses at auction to renovate, so that’s definitely a big moment for this year.
