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the golden rays of July's sun stretch long into the evening, we find ourselves enveloped in the warmth and vibrancy of summer. It's a season that beckons us to pause, to breathe, and to immerse ourselves in the simple, yet profound joys of life. What better way to embrace this magical time than by spending it with those who matter most, our friends and family.
In this special summer edition of Places&Faces, we celebrate the beauty of togetherness. Whether it’s a leisurely picnic in the park, a spontaneous road trip, or simply a cozy evening under the stars, the memories we create with our loved ones are the ones we cherish forever.
Our pages are filled with inspiring stories, practical tips, and delightful ideas to help you make the most of these sun-drenched days. Discover new recipes perfect for a family barbecue, explore activities that both kids and adults will enjoy, and find serene spots ideal for reconnecting with nature and each other.
As we dive into the heart of summer, let this issue be your guide to nurturing relationships and building moments of joy and connection. After all, the essence of summer lies not in the places we go, but in the laughter, love, and companionship we share along the way.
Andrew Hirst EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Hirst, Jade F Soanes, Mel Cook, Polly Coleman, Tom Strowlger, Francesca Armour-Chelu, Charlie Smith-Knight, Rebecca Bishop, Gemma Mathers
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at Chantry Place
20 July – 3 Sept 2024
Enjoy FREE sports activities and challenges every Tuesday and Wednesday with the Community Sports Foundation and Run Norwich. Highlights include a speed bounce challenge, being the ‘gaffer’, competitions and even a Lotus car on Chantry Square*.
Plus our FREE daily sports-themed trail and over 90 fantastic shops, cafés and restaurants to enjoy. There’s only one place you need to be this summer!
John Bishop 11-12 July, Regent Theatre
Ipswich
Comedy superstar John Bishop is getting Back At It – doing what he does best - with a new UK standup tour for 2024. After two years spent TV presenting, stage acting, podcast hosting, dog walking and decorating the spare room, John is getting back to the thing he loves most; standing on stage and making people laugh. www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk
out
Thursford’s Steam Gala Day 7 July
With over 100 exhibitors, live music, food vendors, BBQ, and an aerobatic display – this year is set to be the biggest yet! The Thursford Steam Museum will also be open, with vintage fairground rides, a selection of retail shops, and the Barn Café. From 11am5pm, £14 (under 12’s free). www.thursford.com
Cromer Pier Show runs until 28 Sept
The celebrated and award-winning Cromer Pier Show is back with a rip-roaring show for 2024. The production team are working hard behind the scenes to create an eclectic blend of the finest variety entertainment on the planet in one enthralling theatre show. Expect all the usual West End production values, including our jaw-dropping 8-meter video wall, traditional scene sets, bespoke costumes, spectacular lighting effects, and so much more.
www.cromerpier.co.uk/
Going out
Anita Klein: Holt Festival Exhibition
13-27 July, Bircham Gallery, Holt
Anita Klein’s work depicts the various activities and relationships of family life in paintings, prints and ceramics. She is drawn to the precious, tiny moments we sometimes forget to appreciate. Whilst partly autobiographical, Anita works from memory giving her figures mask-like qualities leaving the individual identities ambiguous. This subtle distance from figurative reality lends to a universal appeal and understanding of the work. www.birchamgallery.co.uk
Latitude Festival 25-28 July
Henham Park, Suffolk
Latitude Festival is back and better than ever this July, with the incredible tunes of Duran Duran, Keane, Rag 'N' Bone Man, The Zombies and upcomer Caity Baser. There's fun for all the family with the Enchanted Garden and Camp Greenpeace for the nature lovers out there!
www.latitudefestival.com
Sporting Summer 20July-3 Sept
This summer, we are partnering with the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation and Run Norwich to host a free family-friendly ‘Sporting Summer’ event at Chantry Place. Visitors will be able to enjoy a daily sportsthemed trail, plus a range of fun and free sporting activities at Chantry Place on select dates throughout the summer holidays. The Community Sports Foundation will host free activities every Tuesday on the lower ground floor of Chantry Place near Frasers, including toe tap challenges, skipping challenges, console fun and being the ‘gaffer’ and hosting post-match style interviews. www.chantryplace.co.uk
What is the name of the Wild Vibe Crew show at Colchester Zoo?
a. Club Colchester
b. Club Tropicana
c. Club Tropical
How to enter?
To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket consisting of 2 adults and 2 child entries to Colchester Zoo, simply complete the form with your contact details at: www.placesandfaces.co.uk/ competitions
or enter by post sending your answer and contact details to:
COLCHESTER ZOO
Places&Faces Magazine, Micropress Printers Ltd, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Suffolk IP18 6DH.
Competition closes 31 July 2024
WIN a family ticket to
Discover
African elephants, endangered Amur tigers and Malayan sun bears at Colchester Zoo, the No.1 outdoor activity in Essex according to TripAdvisor travellers as of June 2024!
This summer, from 20th July to 1st September, catch the return of the Wild Vibe Crew and their brand-new show ‘Club Tropicana’ with parties and parades taking place throughout the day. Pop by their Face Painting Station where both adults and kids are welcome to transform into their favourite animal or build habitats from sand at Discovery Den!
PLUS, on 10th and 24th August, you can enjoy even more value for your money as they remain open until 9:00pm with live performances from Steel Drummer, Ian Beckles and A Taste of Southern Africa, along with additional evening animal encounters. Don’t forget to journey around their BRAND-NEW Dinosaur Realm! Discover more about extinct species from millions of years ago, from gigantic carnivores to graceful herbivores!
Terms & Conditions: Prize details: 1 x Family Ticket to Colchester Zoo Tickets are valid for 2 adults and 2 children ONLY. Tickets are for standard admission entry only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Tickets cannot be used for entry into selected Colchester Zoo special events, including but not limited to, Trail of Terror, The Santa Experience or Enchanted Trail of Light. Tickets are valid for 3 months from issue date. Tickets will be issued to the winner via email. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Competition is open to UK residents only, over the age of 18 years old. The ticket prize has no monetary value and will be invalidated if found to be resold. Tickets cannot be extended under any circumstances and will not be reissued if deleted, lost or stolen. Your data will not be shared with any third parties. Your details will be added to our mailing list, but you will be required to verify your permission. For more information about how we use and store your data, please read our privacy policy on Colchester Zoo’s website. Standard entry terms and conditions apply.
Drama! It’s all about the
ART
10-14 Sep | Norwich Theatre Royal
The smash hit comedy returns starring Seann Walsh, Chris Harper and Aden Gillett. A seemingly simple purchase of contemporary art, an all-white painting, ignites a hilarious debate among three close friends. What begins as a lighthearted discussion about art quickly descends into a riotous exploration of the blurred lines between art and reality.
Murder on the Orient Express
17-21 Sept | Norwich Theatre Royal
A gripping drama of undoubtedly one of Agatha Christie’s greatest mystery novels. Our favourite Belgian Detective, Hercule Poirot, must identify the murderer on the Orient Express, which is stuck dead in the snow. Full of suspense and, oh, the twist—need we say more?
Katie Arnstein: The Long Run
22 Sept | Norwich Theatre Stage Two
When Katie’s mum is diagnosed with bowel cancer, her life grinds to a stop. But when she meets an elderly man in a radiotherapy waiting room corridor – everything changes. The Long Run is a tender, emotionally rich – and frequently hilarious – story about human connection, cancer diagnosis, and long-distance running.
From murders on trains to an epic Shakespeare tale played by an acting legend, Norwich Theatre is welcoming a range of sensational drama shows to its stages. So, will you discuss the merits of art, solve the crime, or travel the length of Britain with this incredible line-up of shows?
Player Kings
17-20 July | Norwich Theatre Royal
Sir Ian McKellen plays Sir John Falstaff in a new version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, adapted by the awardwinning writer and director Robert Icke. Bringing together Shakespeare’s two great history plays - Henry IV, parts 1 and 2 - into the theatrical event of the season.
The Pantaloons Present: The Merry Wives of Windsor
30 Sept | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Falstaff is back! Everyone’s favourite Shakespearean sleazeball has fallen on hard times. In order to fix his finances, he plans to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants. Instead of Sir Ian, expect silly slapstick and memorable music nestled amongst Shakespeare’s poignant poetry.
The Brief Life and Mysterious Death of Boris III King of Bulgaria
21-22 Oct | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Europe’s major powers are at war, and King Boris III must choose a side or be swept away. A raucous and poignant tale in which a bunch of underdogs use every trick in the book to outwit the Nazis and save nearly 50,000 Jewish lives.
Helios
13 Oct | Norwich Theatre Stage Two
A story about the son of the god of the sun, HELIOS transplants the Ancient Greek tale into a modernday myth wound around the winding roads of rural England and into the everyday life of a towering city. It’s a story about life, the invisible monuments we build to it, and the little things that leave big marks.
Going out
Black Is The Color Of My Voice
5-6 Oct | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live. Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father.
Going out
The Windrush Secret
31 Oct | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
The Windrush Secret, set in 2018, is about a young white far-right racist party leader, a black Caribbean diplomat, and a white Oxfordeducated Home Office government official who are giving speeches on the same day, at different times, in separate locations about a million people who migrated from the Caribbean to Britain between 1948 and 1973 (The Windrush Generation), and the British political scandal which began in 2018.
Notes
From a
Small
Island 4-8 Feb | Norwich Theatre Royal
Starring TV favourite Les Dennis, Bill Bryson’s smash-hit memoir journeys to the stage for the first time in a national UK tour. From Calais to Scotland, Bill travels the length and breadth of Britain. How can the nation that produced Marmite, Gardener’s Question Time and people who say “Ooh lovely” at the sight of a cup of tea hold such a special place in this American’s heart?
Birdsong
12 – 16 Nov | Norwich Theatre Royal
Sebastian Faulks’ epic story of love and loss returns to the stage to mark the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel. The critically acclaimed show tells the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War in a brandnew production.
An Inspector Calls
21-25 Jan | Norwich Theatre Royal
An Inspector Calls is a compelling and haunting thriller. The story begins when the mysterious Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on the prosperous Birling family home. Their peaceful family dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman.
To make your theatre experience even more memorable, book a table at their restaurant, Prelude. The table is yours for the evening, so you can return for drinks and dessert in the interval.
Did you know?
Norwich Theatre Friends get half-price tickets on the first night of most drama performances at Norwich Theatre Royal. You can join their membership scheme from only £25 per year.
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000
Start the summer holidays with a bang!
Norwich Theatre’s much anticipated Family Festival is returning this July with lots of free and low-cost activities and plenty of fun for families. The festival is packed with affordable bookable sessions at just £3 and a plethora of free activities for the whole family to enjoy during the first week of the summer holidays.
Drumming Circle (drop-in)
23 Jul | 2 - 4pm
Prelude, Theatre Royal | Free
Join musician Blake for a noisy, collaborative celebration of rhythm!
Drop in and join our drumming circle, and sample an exciting array of traditional African drums, and percussion instruments.
The Paper Allotment (drop-in)
25 Jul | 9.30am – 3pm
Prelude, Theatre Royal | Free
In this multi-sensory installation, families are invited to let their imaginations bloom! Join a team of Creative Gardeners to help their paper allotment grow.
Chat with the Director of Newest British Musical
We sat down with Adam Nichols, Director of the brand new musical
The Highwayman, which is based on Alfred Noyes’ classic poem and Is heading to Norwich Theatre Playhouse between 14 - 18 Aug.
Family Disco
24 Jul | 11.30am – 12.30pm
Stage Two | £3 per child
Get ready to move and groove your way into the summer! A fun, inclusive hour for the young and young-atheart to rave together like back in the day.
Family Singing
25 Jul | 11am - 12pm
Stage Two | £3 per child
A sing-along celebrating voices from across generations. This session will include vocal warm up games, a good stretch to get you in the zone to sing together as a family and even create your own family song!
Full list of events can be found at norwichtheatre.org where you can book your to avoid disappointment.
Tell us about the show.
The Highwayman tells the story of a doomed love affair between selfconfessed sociopath Duval and Bess. Along the way, we meet a cast of richly drawn restoration rogues and romantics – including a mysterious conquistador, a sadistic smuggler and a rip-roaring East End landlady. Not to mention special guest appearances by Nell Gwynn and King Charles II himself…
What can audiences expect?
An epic musical, uniquely British, but with the sweep and musical grandeur of Les Mis and the sass and humour of Hamilton.
Where do you get your ideas from?
I almost always get my ideas from music, so working on a musical is a dream for me! It’s been very interesting having some dramaturgical input into this show because there’s been a constantly evolving process of Kitty writing, us trying stuff out in the room with actors in development workshops and that then feeding back into the writing again.
Can you give us a sneak peek at your favourite moment in the show?
It’s changed over time, and I’m sure I’ll have a different answer once we’ve rehearsed the show and gotten it open. Right now, I’d probably say that the opening number still raises the hairs on the back of my neck - it’s the first bit of the show I ever heard, and I think it will blow the audience away.
Are you excited to come to Norwich Theatre Playhouse?
I can’t wait. The history of the building resonates with the story of The Highwayman, and it feels right that this show should open in East Anglia, given its setting and provenance.
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000
As we head into the second half of the year, here is my round up of some of the best things to do in Norwich and Norfolk says Melanie Cook of VisitNorwich.
www.VisitNorwich.co.uk
Norwich is the backdrop for some exciting entertainment around its historic city streets, the Wensum plays host to watery escapades, and we see a brand-new music festival with a social conscious. Further out in the county we picnic in the vines, glamp and camp in a stunning reserve and enjoy the only ‘end of the pier show of its kind’ in the world.
Norwich’s cultural and creative scene makes Norwich one of the most appealing cities in the East of England aside even from its historic pull. I feel blessed that on my doorstep this city gets that a diverse, rich, free and lowcost programme of culture is key to its identity. We don’t hold ourselves to our history, we grow from it.
Norwich Summer Sessions returns Thursday 11th July with free street
entertainment - music, comedy and more over four stages at Hay Hill, London Street, Gentleman’s Walk and St Gergory’s Alley until 25th July.
So, head into Norwich during the afternoon to find buzzing performance between 4pm and 8pm. Then from 4th August the programme moves to Sundays between 12.30pm and 4.30pm with the last date being 25th August.
This is the perfect interlude to a summer’s day, being able to move from one stage to another over a few hours. And this absolutely has to be done with a delicious gelato in hand. Café Gelato on Opie Street (much admired by Emma Thompson) makes authentic Italian gelato to write home about! Seriously. The pretty pastel ices – gelato and sorbet – sit perfectly pleated, shoulder to shoulder proffering tantalising refreshing flavours - some using local ingredients like Norfolk strawberries. Eat from a crunchy waffle cone or a tub
with a spoon and go wild – this is a real treat for the senses! Queues form down the street in the height of summer. Some things are worth waiting for.
Norwich Summer Sessions is a great excuse for a bite to eat too. On Thursdays, grab a table al fresco at Benedicts to sip a glass of wine and savour one of their small plates. Or get chips at The Grosvenor Fish Bar – dip them into a side of creamy homemade,
own-recipe garlic mayo! The Grosvenor is also opening on Sundays during Norwich Summer Sessions, so an added bonus!
Norwich is the only city in the country located in a national park. And that has to be celebrated, so its great to see how busy the Wensum is. Pub & Paddle have been operating for a number of years and people can’t get enough. Book a canoe or kayak and choose your route. From 2 hours on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening followed by a delicious pizza at The Ribs of Beef (2 hours on the river and pizza £24 per person) to seven hours on the water to Surlingham priced at £34 per person.
If you fancy a slightly gentler pace, then hire one of their rowing boats at £25 for two hours. Each boat seats four adults or two adults and three young children. You cannot row out of Norwich but can enjoy a lovely time on the
river going over to The Waterfront by Carrow Bridge then turning around to get to down to the old Bullard and Sons Anchor Brewery until you reach New Mill’s Yard.
Anyone familiar with Wild Paths and their multi-venue programme of music acts across Norwich city centre venues will be delighted at their latest offering. Wild Fields is a new socially conscious festival taking place in Earlham Park on 16 and 17 August with an eclectic genre spectrum line up.
This is a festival for the whole family including industry talks and climate discussions – there’s the Climate Live Bus to hop on board - offering opportunities to join climate-focussed panels and workshops, as well as see emerging new live acts.
Music performances on the main stage (from 11.30am – 10.30pm) will be
highlighting groundbreaking new acts alongside established names and there will be hosted stage takeovers and collaborations with regional and national partners too.
Food on offer is from some of Norwich’s favourite eateries including The Bodega (Norwich Market), Namaste Village and Disco Kitchen plus more and bars from Norfolk’s Duration, and Doxi cocktails (VIP area).
Performances at the main stage start at 12.30pm on Friday 16th August with Sam Eagle. Sam, now living in Norwich, was BBC Introducing in Essex 'Artist of The Year' and has performed at Latitude Festival, The Great Escape and played live sessions on BBC Radio 6Music and BBC Radio 2 Jazz Show. Sam and his band were signed to internationally successful indie label Cooking Vinyl (The Darkness, The Waterboys, Suzanne Vega and Alison Moyet) after playing in 2019 at SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
The day culminates with Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective at 9pm. I’ve been reliably informed they ‘put on a show’ and knowing that their music is ‘diverse and dancefloorfriendly jazz’ and having listened to them on YouTube – if you have tickets to see them you won’t be disappointed.
Saturday’s main stage commences at 12.40pm with a performance by
Chartreuse, a Black Country four-piece making intimate and emotional music. At 7.35pm see Kae Tempest who is a Sunday Times-bestselling author, poet and recording artist.
In 2013 Tempest won the Ted Hughes Award, was nominated for a Costa Book Award and a BRIT Award and has been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize twice and nominated for two Ivor Novello Awards.
Finally, at 9pm there is a rare live band performance from established producer and artist SBTRKT. Having been touring internationally over the past five years and with a global fanbase this will be another Wild Fields
performance to remember.
This new festival sounds pretty amazing and feels like good value too. This would make a thoughtful reward to anyone who has taken exams this year. And a great event to join up with friends, family and colleagues. Prices start at £50.60 for adults (inc fees) and £33 (4-12 years) for Friday or Saturday. If you want to go both days prices are from £72.60. There are also VIP tickets which get you into the VIP area which has its own bar. Book at wildfields.co.uk.
Other summer experiences include picnicking in the vines at Chet Valley Vineyard, ‘A Night at the Reserve’ glamping (prices starting at £120 a night for up to five guests) and camping (from £30 a night) at Pensthorpe (July and August) for the first time ever. Plus, the summer ‘end of the pier show’ at Cromer!
For ideas of where to shop, eat, stay and visit in Norwich and Norfolk go to www.visitnorwich.co.uk
One of the most recognisable
impressive three
This
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a refreshing dip in the sea. From building sandcastles with the little ones to enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline hand in hand with a loved one, the beach off ers endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
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inspiring women
Gemma
Mathers chats to another local Inspiring Woman
Rachel Whitaker
Instagram: @girlaroundnorthnorfolk
Who did you find inspiring in your childhood and who do you find inspiring now? Who would you say your role model is? How do you think those people have influenced you?
I know it sounds cliched, but my Mum is my inspiration, every day. I’m the youngest of four and she somehow managed to pull off the ultimate balance of making us feel like we were her main priority, whilst working and squeezing in time for the things she enjoyed too. My Mum and Dad owned a Bed and Breakfast in Wells for a few years, and she would cook the breakfasts for the guests in the morning and then walk down the road to the primary school and put her Teacher hat on for the day. It’s definitely where I get my ‘juggling life’ abilities from.
inspiring women
Sadly, my Mum passed away in December 2021 after a brave battle with a degenerative condition. I have a bracelet she gave me when I was going through a really difficult time in my life; inside are the words ‘Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remember whose daughter you are and straighten your crown.’ Before she died, she knew I was about to begin writing for a local magazine and I hope that what I do now would make her proud. I think we all need a strong figure that inspires us everyday to continue to be the best version of ourselves.
Teaching, photography, writing and maintaining a strong social presence, you’re always on the go! How do you balance the demands of work life with home life, travelling and raising two lovely children?
In all honesty I don’t watch a lot of television, so once the household jobs are done and the kids are settled, I can focus on e-mails, social media content, writing, or schoolwork. There are sometimes pinch point moments; perhaps one of the children falls ill, or I’ve underestimated the time I have vs the jobs that need to be done. I’ve learnt to schedule posts and create drafts that are ready to go, and I’ve adapted my approach to cut corners where I can; having a list which starts with high priority down to low priority really helps. Finally, building a strong community is fundamental; support with childcare,
help when things go wrong, or you need some advice. I firmly believe that if you find ‘your people’, then everything else will fall into place.
Can you tell us a bit more about your journey with writing. How did you make the transition in your career and what prompted that choice? I.e. was it something you always wanted to do?
After my Textiles degree I studied at the London College of Fashion and completed a PGC in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism. I always loved writing, and this felt like it would be a natural angle following my degree, but the fashion industry is pretty brutal and I soon decided fashion writing in London wasn’t for me. After a few different jobs and backpacking the world for a year, I retrained as a teacher. I have been working in a local high school as a Textiles and Art teacher for around 13 years now and love my job but a few years ago I felt that I wasn’t getting the time to be creative for me. I came up with the idea with a friend to
inspiring women
blog about my adventures in Norfolk and incorporate my love of writing and photography through Instagram. I was incredibly lucky after only a couple of months of blogging to be approached by North Norfolk Living magazine to be their children’s writer and have been with them two and a half years now.
What advice would you give to other women looking to branch into a more creative outlet such as writing and photography?
Start small. By that I mean put aside a small amount of time and use the tools you have available to you. If you are a writer, start off with journals or digital / social media platforms, if you want to photograph, go out with your phone to begin with. A greetings card company approached me to purchase a photo I had taken on an iphone, so you don’t always need the latest technology to get good results. As your confidence and experience grows, you can increase your time commitment and invest where appropriate.
You mentioned before that you work as a teacher, a role that has quite a creative aspect in textiles and as we can see from your Instagram, you’re a very talented photographer – what influenced you to begin photography, were you always interested or was it a passion that developed with your brand?
I’ve always loved taking photographs. My friends will all tell you that I’m the one constantly clicking away. As my Instagram has grown, so has my passion for capturing the very best of North Norfolk, and my photography has grown organically alongside it.
Favourite place you’ve been to – can you tell us a memory or moment that makes this trip meaningful for you?
My favourite place is Wells-next-the-sea; I grew up there and we have a family beach hut my dad bought when I was a child. It’s the place that holds many special memories of family gatherings. Coastal experiences always hold firm in the memory bank, and my top 3 places to visit at sunset are: Cley beach for swimming, Holkham bay for walking and Stiffkey marshes for creek jumping. Just ensure you check the tide times to stay safe.
What’s one goal on your bucket list you’re yet to achieve?
I’d love to write a book one day, maybe a type of travel guide for North Norfolk, that would be an amazing thing to achieve.
FullyBooked
by Gemma Mathers
It’s no secret that I’m always on the go for another great novel to read. Books really are the perfect companion for any weather. Raining? Stay in with a blanket and a good book. Sunny? Slap on a hat and get in the garden. Snowstorm? Well you know what to do. Here’s a collection of some upcoming pageturners and new releases set to hit the shelves!
A Song to Drown Rivers
by Ann Liang
In the village of Yue, a girl’s fate is to marry well and support her family. When Xishi draws the attention of a young military advisor, she’s drawn into a world of poltics and vengeance. Her mission: to infiltrate the rival kingdom of Wu and seduce their immoral king.
Trained by Fanli in all things from the art of seduction to the primal form of combat, Xishi is master of a deception only he can see through.
Inside the enemy’s stronghold, Xishi finds herself under the gaze of a hungry and brutal king, but as tensions rise and the attraction between Xishi and Fanli grows the only thing left for them to do is fall.
How to End a Love Story
by Yulin Kuang
Connected by the same tragedy that tore them apart, Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard haven’t seen each other since the accident thirteen years ago. But when well-liked screen writer Grant takes a job on Helen’s new pilot they’re thrown back into each others orbit.
Forced to confront the magnitude of trauma between them, Helen and Grant become reluctant colleagues. The last thing either of them expects is the budding chemistry exploding out of their writers room. Working together is messy and electrifying in ways Helen never imagined - and Helen’s parents who have never forgiven him don’t even know.
P.S Yulin Kuang just happens to be the screenwriter and director for the movie adaptation of Emily Henry’s Beach Read, and we all know how I feel about Emily Henry!
Before I Let Go
by Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan stuns with this decadent exploration of romance postdivorce and how the choices we make can lead us back to the place we’ve belonged all along.
Love wasn’t enough to save Yasmen and Josiah’s marriage, yet they can’t seem to stay away from one another. Between co-parenting, running a thriving business and the scorching chemistry they’re beginning to wonder if they’re truly ready to let go of what they had.
In this tale of love, loss and understanding, Ryan explores the paths in which one must take to find yourself and how if it’s the right kind of love, you’ll find your way back.
All the Colours of the Dark
by Chris Whitaker
In 1975 America is changing. The Vietnam War is at an end, Mohammed Ali is fighting Joe Frazier and in the small town of Monta Clare, girls are going missing. Saint and Patch have been best friends for as long as anyone in Monta Clare can remember, but when a devastating crime wrenches them apart Saint will do anything to get Patch back. But when Patch emerges as an unlikely hero it sets them on an obsessive search for the truth. Award winning author of We Begin at the End, Chris Whitaker is back with his next dark installment. A love story that spans decades, a serial killer crime and a thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. All the Colours of the Dark is set to be the most anticipated book of the summer!
Release: 25 June 2024
The Tainted Cup
By Robert Jackson Bennett
For fans of Sherlock Holmes and high fantasy this is the book for you.
In Daretana’s most opulent mansion, a high Imperial officer has been killed. Called in to investigate is Ana Dolabara, an eccentric but brilliant investigator and her new assistant Dinios Kol. Magically enhanced to possess a perfect memory Din is the perfect sidekick to this detective. As the case unfolds and Ana makes one impossible step after the other, Din realises Ana’s piercing intellect may start to chip away at his own secrets as the two close in on a scheme that threatens the safety of the Empire.
Brilliant and fantastical, The Tainted Cup employs a Watson-Holmes like duo with all the backings of a high fantasy murder mystery for the ages.
Open world games can create endless possibilities for how you experience a game, even when you have completed the story-mode the fun of exploring the map even further will definitely have you coming back for more, again and again.
Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdoms
by Nintendo
The sequel to Breath of the Wild retains its core elements while adding fresh layers. Every challenge offers multiple solutions, putting creativity in the player's hands. The standout feature? A new ability to fuse items, crafting inventive weapons and vehicles like cars or planes. However, the game remains strikingly similar to its predecessor. With the Switch nearing the end of its life, you might want to hold off on this one until its release date is confirmed.
No Man’s Sky
by Hello Games
With 255 galaxies and over 18 quintillion planets, No Man’s Sky offers endless exploration. It would take nearly 585 billion years to see them all. The thrill of discovering a planet no one else has seen keeps the excitement alive. Diverse ships with unique stats and designs add a sense of achievement when you find and repair them. The market varies by location, affecting item prices and adding another layer of strategy.
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
by Bethesda
Skyrim starts with a bang as a dragon interrupts your execution, thrusting you into a world of endless possibilities after character creation. Join diverse factions, each offering unique missions and characters, enriching the experience. NPC
Spider-Man 2
by Isomniac
In Insomniac’s third Spider-Man adventure, players swing through New York as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Harry Osborn, once plagued by a rare disease, reemerges posttreatment, while a group of hunters threatens the city's villains. Swinging is faster and more thrilling with the addition of web wings, and the map has doubled in size, teeming with new activities like symbiote nests, mysteriums, and side missions. Combat is sharper, with each Spider-Man boasting eight abilities, though only four can be equipped at a time, demanding strategic planning. The story, though predictable, sets up future villains and hints at a new SpiderMan. Miles, unfortunately, plays second fiddle to Peter, but Kraven’s portrayal as a formidable foe shines, delivering a tough boss battle.
interactions, though limited, add depth to the game. Players can mold their character into a wizard, thief, warrior, or any blend thereof. The repetitive dungeons, filled with similar enemies and themes, can feel monotonous. Wanted levels add a layer of risk, as law enforcement can intervene. Bugs are plentiful, from equipping multiple armors post-prison release to accessing hidden chests with entire shop inventories. Despite its flaws, Skyrim offers a vast, immersive world to explore.
Elden Ring
By From Software
From Software's latest, Elden Ring, plunges players into a brutally difficult world. Character creation starts with choosing a class, affecting your initial stats, weapons, and armor, though you can adjust these later. The game’s relentless difficulty is its hallmark, throwing enemies and scarce resources your way. Each boss fight, even after the 24th attempt, remains engaging. Online, you can invade other players' worlds for intense duels. The variety of weapons ensures diverse playstyles, making every encounter unique.
Richard Bainbridge's Lamb &
Samphire
Thisdish is a real celebration of a beautiful meat that uses lamb breast, which can be a neglected cut. It is simple to make, but has real wow factor when brought to the table. The addition of samphire that can be foraged on our coastal paths brings seasonality and salty punch. A beautiful summer dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Serves: 4
www.restaurantbenedicts.com
For the Lamb Breast:
• 1 Seasoned, Rolled Lamb Breast, Approximately 500g (Your Butcher Can Do This For You)
• 1Ltr Chicken or Lamb Stock
• 100ml White Wine
• 1 Shallot, Roughly Chopped
• 1 Carrot, Roughly Chopped
METHOD:
• 1 Stick of Celery, Roughly Chopped
• 2 Sprigs of Thyme
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1Tsp Coriander Seeds
• 1Tsp White Wine Vinegar
• 1Tsp White Peppercorns
• Salt & Pepper
Pre-heat the oven to 120°C. Place a large heavy based pot onto the stove and put all your ingredients except for the lamb inside and bring to the boil. Once boiling, add the lamb breast and cover with the lid or a sheet of tin foil. Transfer the pot into your pre-heated oven and leave to cook for 3 hours or until the meat is tender. Remove from the oven and allow to rest/cool at room temperature. When the lamb has cooled completely, chill in the fridge for a minimum of 2 days to allow the flavours to mature.
For the Samphire:
• 500g Samphire, Cleaned
• 1Tbsp Black Onion Seeds
• 2 Cloves of Garlic, Thinly Sliced
• A Splash of Good Quality Rapeseed Oil
• A Handful of Fresh Almonds, Cracked & Shelled or Flaked Almonds
• White Pepper
METHOD:
Drizzle the rapeseed oil into a frying pan on a medium heat and once hot, add the slices of garlic to cook off (without colour). Add the samphire to the pan and toss until warmed through, followed by the black onion seeds and almonds. Finally, season with white pepper - you do not need to add salt as the samphire is naturally salty. This is ready to serve.
TO SERVE:
Pre-heat the oven to 120°C. Remove the lamb from the pot and slice to your desired thickness. Put the pot with the flavoursome stock back onto the stove at a high heat and reduce to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Once this consistency has been reached, pass the stock through a sieve to remove any debris. Keep warm until ready to plate up. Place a frying pan onto a high heat and once hot, add a knob of butter and allow to melt. Carefully lay your slices of lamb into the pan and reduce the heat. Gently fry the lamb until golden brown on both sides. Remove the lamb from the pan and rest on a baking tray for 5 minutes or so.
Arrange the lamb on the middle of a plate, spoon over some of the warm jus and scatter with a few fresh almonds. Pour the remainder of the sauce into a jug for the table and serve the samphire on the side.
INGREDIENTS: Serves 4
• 4 tuna steaks
• 2 jars ART's Seaside Salsa
Tuna Steaks with seasonal veg
• Asparagus tips (4 per person)
• New potatoes (4 per person) - minted
• Baby carrots (4 per person)
METHOD:
Pre-heat the oven to 200°C. Place each tuna steak in a large piece of foil and generously cover with approximately 2-3 tbsps ART's Seaside Salsa. Encase each piece of tuna tightly like a parcel and place on a baking tray. Prep the vegetables: trim the stalks of the asparagus, wash the potatoes and carrots. Put each vegetable into a pan of salted boiled water. Put the tray of tuna steaks into the oven and cook for 20 minutes. At the same time put the potatoes on the hob to start cooking. After 10 minutes, put the carrots on the hob to cook.
Finally, once 15 minutes has past, put the asparagus on the hob to cook. When all vegetables are soft when pierced with a skewer and the tuna steaks are cooked, drain the vegetables - you will be ready to serve. Plate the vegetables around the tuna steaks and pour over the allocation of chutney for each person.
• Note: this recipe can be cooked on the barbecue if you wish. Use ARTs Seaside Salsa as a dressing once the food has been cooked.
Alice Rebecca Talbot owner of ART’s – Craft Kitchen
flavouLebaneseredLamb
with Chickpeas & Mushrooms
INGREDIENTS:
Serves 6
• 40g pot Cooks&Co dried mixed forest mushrooms
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• About 1.1- 1.5 kg half leg of lamb
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 3 cm piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp harissa paste
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 tsp Sumac
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 500ml carton passata
• 900ml hot lamb stock
• 2 x 400g can Cooks&Co chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 460g jar Cooks&Co roasted red peppers, drained and roughly chopped
• Handful of fresh Dill, for garnish
• Handful of pomegranate seeds for garnish
METHOD:
Preheat the oven to Gas mark 3, 160°C (140°C fan oven) Put the mushrooms in a bowl, cover with hot water and leave to soak for 30 mins. Heat the oil in a large oven proof heavy based casserole dish, add the lamb, season well and cook for a few mins each side until browned.
Remove and put to one side.
Add the onion to the pot, season again and cook for 2-3 mins until soft, then add the ginger, garlic and lemon zest. Cook for 1 min then add the harissa, lemon juice and spices,
stir, add the lamb back to the pot then pour in the passata and lamb stock. Drain the mushrooms and add, reserving the juice. Then sieve the juice to remove any gritty bits and add this. Tip in the chickpeas, bring to the boil then put a lid on and put in the oven for about 4 hours or until the lamb is really tender when poked with a sharp knife. If it starts to dry out at all, top up with a little hot water. When ready, shred the lamb using two forks to pull it apart
Jackfruit
Burgers Vegan
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 tin Cooks&Co Young Green Jackfruit
• 1 brown onion, sliced into strips
• 1/2 tsp oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• Burger buns and coleslaw to serve
METHOD:
Rinse and drain the Cooks&Co Jackfruit then add to a small saucepan and submerge in water. Bring to the boil then simmer for 15-20 minutes until the Jackfruit is tender.
Drain the Jackfruit then using your hands or a fork, rip apart the Jackfruit to form shreds.
In a saucepan, saute the brown onion in the oil until golden, then add the garlic paste, smoked paprika and cumin. Saute for a few mintues to cook the spices. Add the salt, pepper, tomato ketchup, vinegar and sugar along with 1/2 cup of water.
Simmer for a few minutes then add the Jackfruit. Cook until the sauce is thick and sticky.
Serve the seasoned Jackfruit on top of toasted burger buns along with coleslaw.
Curried feta & chickpea
Pasties
INGREDIENTS: Makes 6
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp medium curry powder
• 75g frozen peas
• 400g can Cooks&Co Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 100g feta
• 2 Cooks&Co Red Frenk Chillies, thinly sliced
• 500g shortcrust pastry
• 1 medium egg, beaten
• 1 tsp black sesame seeds
METHOD:
Preheat the oven to 200˚C, gas mark 6. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion for 4-5 minutes. Add the curry powder and cook for a further 1 minute. Stir in the peas and chickpeas and cook for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a food processor, add 2-3 tbsp water and pulse to give a coarse texture, crumble in the feta and add the chillies, season to taste.
Roll out the pastry on a floured surface and cut 6 x 18cm circles. Divide the filling between the circles and brush the pastry edges with water, fold into a pastie shape, pressing the pastry edges to seal. Place on a baking tray, brush with egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 2025 minutes until golden.
COOKS TIP
Great served with mango chutney. Swap the feta for chopped tofu and brush with a little water for a vegetarian option.
Made-to-measure (Max width 2500mm - Max height (2400mm) Wide range of colours. Old door & frame removed. Free quote. 5 year warranty included.
FESTIVAL �lam Essentials
Milan’s latest biotek PMU Trends:
Polly’s Vincent Top 5 Must Have Products
As summer heats up, so does festival season. There’s nothing quite like the joy of donning your best festival outfit, dancing to your favourite tunes, and, of course, looking fabulous while doing it. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a newbie, I’ve got some top tips and must-have products to ensure you’re festival-ready. Let’s dive into the latest trends from Milan and summon the summer spirit for some fantastic festivals ahead!
I recently attended the long established Biotek 2024 conference in the sophisticated Milan; joined by my squad of my permanent makeup (PMU) colleagues. We had a fantastic time. It was a weekend jam packed with business and pleasure, featuring authentic Italian meals and the latest PMU trends. Notable upcoming permanent makeup trends include “Male Lip Blushing” and the introduction of hybrid tattoo equipment merging rotary tattoo machines with PMU devices. Hair stroke eyebrows are making a serious comeback, favouring a more natural
look.
Biotek had an amazing opening party, with a Coachella theme, and we went all out glam with our outfits. The night was a total party, greeted in style, with complimentary food, unlimited cocktails and festival-themed entertainment. I enjoyed seeing everyone combining elements of makeup, adornments and
overall styling to create inventive and cutting edge looks. I embraced the vibe with a crochet fishtail dress, strategically placed face jewels, and a headdress. Talking of festivals, Latitude Festival is approaching us on July 25th, and I’m excited to take Penelope to her first festival. Serene lakes, world-class street food, luxe tipis and morning yoga classes… Latitude was an early pioneer of the boutique festival trend, but it’s lost none of its family-friendly fun factor, and is just down the road in Suffolk. Each year it grows in popularity, attracting over 35,000 people annually with music, comedy, poetry, and theatre. It’s a family-friendly arts and music festival showcasing local produce and
independent businesses. Sam has never experienced a festival before, so I will be showing him the ropes, Hunter wellies at the ready and attending together in a festival themed outfit (most likely matching) for Penelope and I, and of course some tiny ear defenders, super cute.
Here are my top five hero makeup products for festivals:
These easy to apply products are perfect for a light and natural boho festival look. The Farewell undereye concealer is creamy and blends seamlessly, ideal for early mornings. Pop on that concealer to make you look awake and ready for an early morning bacon butty after a late night music set. The Alumier Sheer Hydration offers SPF protection, hydration, and light coverage. It is three in one product, a must have! All these must have beauty brands fit into a tiny makeup bag, making them essentials to keep that ‘festie’ backpack light. Our clinic’s online shop now offers these products for purchase.
No festival is complete without face painting. My talented sister Lily has started her own business called Florence and the Facepaints, creating signature hand painted flower blossoms, 3D face painting designs for events. She’s been everywhere, from weddings to birthday parties. She is so popular
with her artistry skills at the moment. Recently you may have seen her at the First Light Festival in Lowestoft or even Southwold Flower Co. Of course she is my sister, however, her work speaks for itself, absolutely artistically beautiful, just like her. Check out her instagram page @florence_and_the_facepaints. Festival vibes are all around us, even within our PMU community. Holly, our Elite PMU artist, is having “Holly’s Hen Fest” with a yehaa cowgirl theme. With around 60 guests, live bands and a feast of food options, it promises to be a glamorous and exciting event, of course I’m thrilled to get glitzed up again! Time to dig out my cowboy hat and practice my best line dance routine!
RecentlyI headed down to The Hatfield Hotel in Lowestoft for a Summer Evening with delilah and Polly Vincent as a very gracious host.
As my colleagues will tell you, I am very (annoyingly) passionate about skincare and makeup, and so when Polly invited me to the product launch of delilah I simply had to accept!
First, delilah is a cruelty free and vegan makeup range powered by plants and designed to enhance your best features making you feel confident and beautiful in your own skin.
Treated to an evening of fizz, makeup and being doted on by Polly and her team - An Evening with delilah truly was a dream. I love the idea of being able to try the products before you commit to a purchase and that’s exactly what we did. From foundations to concealers to blushes, we were given a chance to swatch each shade in the range and see what we loved best. Each product, whether a liquid, powder or cream formula, melted into the skin like butter. Demonstrated by Polly who took on the title of MUA for the evening and her lovely model Charlotte (top right), Polly showed us the power of the products and the best techniques to get the most out of your makeup.
The final look on Charlotte was absolutely begging for a red lip - and Polly delivered using delilah’s Colour Intense Cream Lipstick in the shade “Floozy” for a pop of colour.
An Evening with delilah had one component that brought the entire event together: a room full of women empowering women. Reminiscent of the Spring Collective event in April where Polly, Evie and Bella brought us all together for a morning of fashion, style and enhancing the inner you. Polly managed to bring the exact same vibe to a smaller, much more intimate event where each and every one of us was cared for, doted upon and educated about delilah.
One of my favourite aspects of this event, aside from the prosecco, was being able to try before you buy. Each given a mirror, we were afforded the opportunity to test out various products and see how they worked with our skin tone!
My biggest pet peeve when it comes to foundation: the shade match. Getting your shade right is so important, it sets the tone for your makeup look and creates the best base for the rest of your products. I’ve fallen victim to the online guessing game of trying to pick the right shade - and who better to solve this problem than Polly Vincent herself! We talked through my foundation wants (light to medium coverage), my skin type (oily) and which would best suit my complexion. I settled on the Time Frame Foundation in the shade ‘Buttermilk’ as recommended by Polly who shade matched me perfectly!
Now, I am a big believer in putting makeup to the test and as I left the event, new foundation in hand, I went straight home to pack for a 5 day trip to Italy. Ladies, I’m sure we all understand the struggle of the carry-on toiletries bag. As a chronic overpacker it’s simply impossible to get it all in. That 100ml limit is a killer every time, and so I had to make a choice - what can I leave behind? I am a proud
member of the oily skin clan, my holy grail products are my primer and setting spray - it’s quite impossible to do my makeup without them. Alas, my trusted primer ran out and my setting spray simply didn’t fit. So, I stood in Stansted, carry on in hand, shaking at the prospect of my brand new foundation sliding off my face like a slip ‘n’ slide. However, and I do not say this lightly, delilah held her own against 30° heat.
I was amazed. It’s not often a foundation beats out my oily skin. But delilah did. Ladies I must say of course I came home and immediately resumed my marriage to my trusty primer and setting spray, but for all intents and purposes delilah more than did the job without them!
To me one of the best components makeup can have is when it feels like skincare and all of delilah’s products are formulated to enhance your natural beauty. The Time Frame Foundation has SPF in it which is a holy grail ingredient for me - I will not leave the house without SPF so to have it in my makeup doing the work for me is an incredible perk.
All delilah products can be purchased an Enhanced Cosmetic Clinic where they offer makeup trials for £25 - the price is redeemable against all products.
Bo eaking udoir Br
"ERHMAHGAWD."
That was my first thought. Then hysterical laughter. Which is essentially my only defence mechanism. Where squirrels will freeze on the spot when threatened, I laugh uproariously. And what, you might ask, could illicit this kind of knee jerk reaction from me? Two words. Boudoir. Photoshoot.
Maybe that doesn’t seem so scary to some of you but I instantly envisioned being stripped bare and forced to roll around on a fur rug like some Austin Powers-esque cheese-induced fever dream. This fear was further compounded by the tanyamayfieldboudoir.uk
sometimes her sessions feel more like therapy than just a photoshoot, with some clients returning regularly in order to maintain their newfound confidence.
realisation that people I love would end up seeing this including my dad who already jokes that I am indirectly responsible for his bald head and who I don’t want wishing he were blind as well.
And in all seriousness, I had doubts about myself. The last two years have not been the most glamourous in my personal history. I lost my hair, I put on a considerable amount of weight, my eyelashes fell out, my fingernails split and my body has been cut and scarred. I have been changed by my cancer experience and I can’t say I have fully embraced all the aspects of how I look now. Even before all of that, I held a more passable resemblance to Garth Algar than Kim Basinger. I feel a strong connection to Bridget Jones because I too, was not blessed with natural grace. I am not the sort of woman who turns heads in a restaurant, I am the sort that stacks it in front of everyone. And then laughs uproariously.
Even so, I said yes. Before my rational brain could talk me out of it, I just said yes.
That’s how I found myself on a video chat with Tanya Mayfield, the self-styled ‘Female hype photographer’. Who looks
nothing like Austin Powers by the way. Tanya exuded positivity. Despite my continued insistence that she did not know what she was letting herself in for, Tanya refused to be daunted by my awkwardness. I briefly wondered if, when we did meet, either she would convince me I wasn’t a total lost cause or I would break her optimistic spirit. Regardless, in that first conversation, Tanya managed to allay some of my fears. She was very quick to assure me that I wasn’t getting myself into some Christian-Grey-redroom-of-pain malarkey and that her approach is softer, more feminine and that I would have full control of how much, or little, I wished to show.
Three days later, I bumbled up her driveway with several sets of underwear in an overnight bag, like some perverted
Mario brother. In hindsight, I should have prepared better. There are some very useful tips on Tanya’s website including advice on hydration and having your hair and/or make up done so that you feel glowing and like your best self on the day. Of course, I did none of those things, in fact I drank a bottle and a half of rosé the night before in an effort to calm my nerves and I only remembered to paint my nails 20 minutes before I left the house. I did get eyelash extensions but quite frankly, I am scared of them. I daren’t touch them as it feels like there is something living on my face that I don’t want to upset. But I did turn up, so that at least was a start. And like a control subject in a science experiment, I was really going to test Tanya’s skills.
Tanya was on hand to greet me and immediately, I knew I liked her. She has a big, genuine smile and the sort of warm personality Jojo Moyes would write about. She invited me in and presented her studio, which is a purpose-built unit in her back garden. It’s light and airy décor, has a distinctly French bridal vibe that is much more affable than the Moulin Rouge black and red, lace and leather aesthetic I had been expecting. Straight off the bat, Tanya was very upfront about her personal situation and spoke freely about the struggles she has faced with her own insecurities. It put me at ease right away. And although these things are not easy to talk about, especially with relative strangers, Tanya opened a dialogue effortlessly and I found myself sharing my own selfdoubts about the shoot like I was a guest on an episode of Sally Jessy in the late nineties. I think I had known her
follow me on instagram!
about 5 minutes at this point. Another 5 minutes later and I was changing into a silk cami and stiletto heels, preparing to tetter right out of my comfort zone. The woman has got a gift.
In all honesty, in respect of the first few shots, it’s a good job she has a digital camera and didn’t have to waste any film. I was draped across a chaise lounge resisting the urge to say ‘draw me like one of your French girls’ and trying to suppress my natural instinct to look like I’ve been petrified by a Basilisk every time a camera is pointed at me. With some gentle nudges and the odd reminder to point my toes or stop gurning, I started to relax. The conversation flowed easily with Tanya explaining that although she also has a background in portrait photography, boudoir is her passion. She expressed with enthusiasm that being able to help woman see the beauty in themselves gives her a buzz akin to a good workout. And sometimes her sessions feel more like therapy than just a photoshoot, with some clients returning regularly in order to maintain their newfound confidence. We talked candidly about the way in which women are their own worst critics and that whilst we assume everybody sees the same flaws in us as we do, we couldn’t see those flaws in each other. When I asked why Tanya enjoys boudoir so much, she simply replied that ‘everyone should hold a little confidence in their heart because it helps with so many things in life’. I mean, amen to that. The session progressed naturally, and we flitted around the room, rearranging the furniture as we went, laughing while Tanya scaled step ladders and flattened herself on the floor in an effort to secure the best angles. The shutter snapped, the lights were soft and although I continued to grit my teeth and complain that I didn’t know what to do with my face, Tanya’s positivity radiated around the room and began to thaw through my uncertainty. The way she engaged with me was organic and coupled with
the informal nature of the shoot, I found myself leaning into it. My preconception that boudoir photography is rooted in purely sexual imagery evaporated and as though by osmosis, the idea that the point is to find the beauty in your own skin, began to replace it. I also found it quite liberating. Maybe not for the reasons you think, but because societally we are conditioned to be so protective over our own image. To edit, to filter. We even have camera phones that can remove objects and other people from photos, rewriting the truth of our own experiences. By relinquishing control of my image to Tanya, I felt freedom. I trusted her. I knew she wanted me to feel good about myself, my own fairy godmother working to turn this water into wine.
Two hours and a couple of outfit changes passed faster than this year’s British Summertime (so it would seem) and I realised we were finishing up. Just
in time for me to go home, put some joggers on and binge watch the latest installment of Bridgerton- because I’m still a work in progress and not about to act entirely brand new. But perhaps ready to be a little kinder to myself.
Would I have chosen to do a boudoir shoot, if it wasn’t proposed to me? Hell no. Am I glad I did it? Hell yes. And of course, I was nervous about receiving the pictures. Not least because there was the added pressure that they were due to be published. Nothing like a baptism of fire to test your mettle. But Tanya had promised me that I would be sent all the images, so that I could choose my favourites and that there would be plenty to choose from. In that regard, I knew the law of averages would be balanced in my favour.
And whilst I’m sure Clan Hadid are not about to quit their day jobs as a result, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t look at the photos and immediately see the battle scars. I’m not even clenching my fists in any of them. So, if you’re even halfway considering it, I would urge you to check Tanya out at tanyamayfieldboudoir.uk or on Insta @tanyamayfieldboudoir. She is singlehandedly waging a war on our collective negative self-image, from her own backyard, and dare I say it, she might just be winning. Join the revolution. Oh, and to my nephews, I know, I know, it’s still gross. Sorry not sorry.
First Impressions
by
Hallways can be the most neglected area of the home, yet it is the first space you see, whether it be yours or someone else's. Design and decor can be overlooked but with our hints and tips, we can make your hallway a meaningful, transitional and functional space, that links the to the rest of your home.
Space and Functionality: You have to work with the space you have in your hallway. If you have a larger space, a console/ sideboard is a nice way to create a feature wall with a mirror above. However, if you are working with a smaller footprint, shoe benches and coat hooks make the space work harder but allows organisation.
Also, it depends on how the space is used, do you store your outerwear and shoes in here or is it more of an entrance hall. Either way, there are some amazing beautiful shoe cabinets and storage solutions to allow a clean tidy look.
Colour and Texture: We have looked into a neutral colour scheme which encases a calming atmosphere. Equally if you love a splash of colour you can use paint, accessories and wall art to make your hallway pop.
Accent Lighting: Using a lamp throws out a subtle glow in the evening adding a warm welcome to your home.
Floor Coverings: A runner can elongate your hallway and give the impression of it being bigger that it appears. Additionally, it is great to use a rug/ runner in the hallway to add colour or texture to the space and soften the acoustics.
Senses: Walking into an enchanting aroma plays with our senses instantly allowing us to feel more at ease. We all have different scents that we prefer but once you find one you love it will make you feel at home the instant you step foot through the door.
John Lewis Norwich Home design would love to assist you with your home styling journey with our free service. Whether you're refreshing a room or rethinking your whole home, we can help you create a look you’ll love. Equally, you can follow us on Instagram @jl_lucyandanielle for more inspiration.
1. John James Audubon Birds Framed Print, Set of 3, 47 x 37cm, Multi £160
2. John Lewis ANYDAY Wilton Hallway Storage Unit, Linen £349
3. John Lewis Rectangular Seagrass Basket, Natural/White £25
4. Linear Bamboo Shoe Cabinet, 2 Tier, Natural £265
5. Array Wood Console Table, Oak £349
6. Halo Little Professor Leather Armchair, Antique Whisky £899
Lucy Heavens and Danielle Day
by Chloe Norman Personal Stylist at John Lewis Norwich
Instagram: @jl_chloenorman
Personal styling?
No, that's not for me! I don't have a special event to go to, I can't afford a whole wardrobe overhaul. I don't want to feel obliged to buy things after having an appointment, or pay for one.
All of these are just a few of the many things I have heard during my 10 years of being a personal stylist at John Lewis Norwich. However, all of these could not be further from the truth.
The personal styling session at John Lewis Norwich consists of two types. The key look, this is if you're looking for one specific item, a great pair of jeans, the perfect dress or an outfit for a specific occasion.
The second appointment we offer is the wardrobe refresh. This is if you need to overhaul your wardrobe, wanting to start from scratch or work with what you already have. Both of these appointments are absolutely free with no obligation to spend.
We also offer a drop in service when available, so if you're ever in store please do ask if a stylist is available, we are always more than happy to help.
We just understand that shopping can be really difficult sometimes, we often get stuck in a rut, or become creatures of habit going for the same items. That's where we come in to help inspire and guide, helping you to buy better.
Chloe’s Top picks for this season
1. Ro&Zo - Dash Print Wrap Midi Dress, Blue £79
2. John Lewis - Seychelles Textured Belted Swimsuit, Orange £32
3. John Lewis - Lace Trim Cotton Kaftan £49
4. John Lewis Large Jute Tote Bag, Neutral/Black £79
Please visit www.johnlewis.com/ our-services/personal-styling for more information or feel free to come and visit us at John lewis Norwich. You can also contact us via instagram @JL_chloenorman, @JL_ lydiaallen, @JL_andreaf, @JL_laurar
I have created a wish list of my favourite summer pieces
Festival Vibes
Festival-ready attire for the 2024 season!
Whether you're dancing the night away under the stars or simply enjoying the bright and vibrant atmosphere at festivals, shows and events across the country, my curated selection across the next few pages has everything you'll need to stand out in the festival crowd as well as a full page dedicated to the freshest new festival tees. From boho-chic ensembles to bold, statement pieces and even items to live your cowgirl dreams, discover the perfect outfits and accessories to make your 2024 festival experience truly unforgettable!
by Polly Coleman
ApricotCotton
Cropped Crochet SquaresTop
Black Studded Western Ankle Boots £45, River Island
501® Original High Rise Tahitian Blue Jean Shorts £60, Levi's
Herschel Supply Co Classic Hip Pack£30, JohnLewis
Pink Sequin T-Shirt £44, NEXT
Donnington Park, Leics. 14th-16th June
Isle of Wight
Seaclose Park, Newport 20th-23rd June
Glastonbury
Lytham
Lytham St. Annes, Lancs. 3rd-7th July
Worthy Farm, Somerset 26th-30th June Wireless
Finsbury Park, London 12th-14th July Latitude
TRNSMT
Glasgow Green12th-14th July
Henham Park, Suffolk 25th-28th July
Boardmasters
Boomtown Hampshire 7th-11th August
HoughtonKings Lynn, Norfolk 8th-11th August
Green Man
Brecon Beacons, Wales 15th-18th August
Reading Richfield Avenue 21st-25th August
Leeds Bramham Park 21st-25th August
Newquay, Cornwall 7th-11th August Creamfields
Daresbury, Cheshire 22nd-25th August
Above: 1460 Vonda Floral Rose Leather Lace Up Boots £180, Dr. Martens
Right: Cream Paisley Embellished Playsuit £45, River Island
Below: Blaire Hydro Leather Strap Sandals £110, Dr. Martens
Hunter Original Gold Tall Classic Boots £135, Sole Trader
Festival
Festival
Charcoal
Pure Class Vintage
A new, old shop is opening its doors in Sheringham in July. Pure Class Vintage o ers vintage and preloved clothing and accessories for men and women from their premises at 23 Waterbank Road, Sheringham.
Owner, Claire Brooks is thrilled to take on the shop, formally known as ‘Colour Me Vintage’ after waving the previous owner o to Australia earlier in the year. ‘I regularly shopped at Colour Me Vintage and became good pals with Jeannie, often helping out in the shop on the odd weekend. When Jeannie mentioned her plans to emigrate, I jumped at the chance to take on the shop’! Claire says.
The shop is a haven for vintage and preloved clothing for those that want something di erent, something special and for those that want to support the ‘slow fashion’ movement. ‘There is so much great quality vintage, designer and secondhand clothing available, why buy something brand new that everyone else has? At Pure Class Vintage, we want to show that you can shop more sustainably and search for those unique pieces that can be worn every day’.
Claire is passionate about textile sustainability, not only does Pure Class Vintage sell vintage and preloved clothing, it also buys vintage clothing. ‘We want to o er a full circle option. Instead of discarding your clothes, make an appointment and pop over to see us and we’ll help give them a new, longer life span with new owners. While you’re at the shop take a look and find something new, I mean old, to replace them with!!’
If you have never shopped vintage or preloved before, make a visit to Pure Class Vintage, Claire is on hand to help you find that special piece to start your vintage wardrobe. ‘I believe that there is something for everyone in the shop, whether it’s a vintage brooch, handbag, Harris tweed jacket, repurposed ties (these are quite special!) a hat, a tuxedo or evening gown. We want people to come in and enjoy the search for that special treasure. We want Pure Class Vintage to be more than a shop, we want it to be an experience’.
Pure Class Vintage is open Friday to Sunday from 10:00. You can double check opening times at www.pureclassvintage.co.uk as well as contacting the team to make an appointment. Pure Class Vintage also sells a variety of preloved items from their eBay shop: pureclassvintage.
Contact: Claire Brooks Tel: 07891 887414
Furniture, Beds, Mattresses, Soft Furnishings, Home Accessories, Lighting & More!
• Good selection of roll stock Trinity Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR31 1XJ 01502 516679 • 07831 275348 sales@guyscarpets.co.uk • w ww.guyscarpets.co.uk Family run business for 30 years Gosford Road Beccles NR34 9QP 01502 714008
"Nicholas Alexander" at Williams is a range of soft furnishings that are hand crafted with the highest quality materials & to the highest standards offering unparalleled luxury. Our bespoke designs are made to your exact specifications, ensuring your home décor is as unique as you.
01263 837611 www.williams-interiors.co.uk 5 Station Rd, West Runton, Norfolk, NR27 9QD
Interior Trends
Interior designers Laura Ruddy & Katie Bayfield, owners of the stylish Norfolk Luxury Furniture, gives us advice to keep our homes on trend this year.
Norfolk Luxury Furniture is an online company that specialises in suppling furniture and furnishings. We source beautiful, quality pieces for your home at competitive prices.
@norfolkluxuryfurniture
www. norfolk luxury furniture .com
Norfolk Luxury Furniture Showroom
Opening Soon!!!
We are pleased to announce that Norfolk Luxury Furniture will soon be opening its showroom very soon!! Please keep an eye on our social media for more details on the official opening date. We are extremely excited and we can’t wait to welcome you.
We L e
Statement Pieces
Wine and dine from the comfort of your own home! This drinks cabinet is one of our top picks at Norfolk Luxury Furniture. Lined with classy royal blue velvet, this bar cabinet is the finishing touch your chic interior needs. Coming to our showroom very soon!
Faux rustic florals
A classy, no-maintenance home addition that will add elegance wherever it’s placed. From the realistic root network spilling from the rustic stoneware pot to the variety of opened blooms and closed buds. This faux plant would look fantastic as a dining table or kitchen island centrepiece. www.norfolkluxuryfurniture.com
Herringbone
flooring
We have just had some beautiful flooring laid in our showroom and we love it!! Made from Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) renowned for its exceptional durability. We also have a border laid around the edge to give it more of a finished, premium look. Have a look at their website kerrys. uk.com or visit their showroom in North Walsham, where they have a large selection of beautiful flooring and carpets.
Introduce bold
florals
Floral wallpaper is one of the hottest home decor trends right now. Bold wall coverings are guaranteed to make an instant statement too. To bring a wow factor consider papering in a large-scale floral print wall to wall – you could even go full-on chintz by adding in matching curtains.
PAUL DICKSON TOURS
Gardening
with
Tom Strowlger
Tom Strowlger
@garden_with_tom
The middle of metrological summertime is with us, and so are the long and hot days turning our garden into a space for outdoor living. July is the month to fully embrace our green space and all it has to offer. We can invite our family and friends over to enjoy the green and floral surroundings, by sharing our work in the garden with others we will feel a real sense of achievement. We can delight in
and place mulch around the plants to help retain moisture in the ground. The hanging baskets, pots, tubs, containers and planters will need extra care as they can dry out within a day. We should water at the base of plants to ensure water reaches the roots rather than onto foliage where it settles on leaves and will encourage disease. A way to save tap water is to have a water butt, recycling rainfall into our gardens during hot and dry spells.
We should regularly deadhead our spent flowers, the process of deadheading will encourage new flowers and lengthen the flowering season that little bit more. In particular, sweet pea and dahlia require constant deadheading to get the very best flowering results. Our lupins can be pruned of their spent spear like flowers to encourage new flowers with a second flush. The more we deadhead the more flowers we will enjoy over summertime and into early Autumn.
If you notice any tired and brown perennial plant leaves then cut them back as it will keep borders neat and tidy. If plants are being nibbled on by pests, like blackfly, greenfly and aphids then early action and treatment is important to ensure the plant remains healthy and strong for the remainder of summertime. I use an old toothbrush to gently brush the pests off and the mist setting on my hose to spray the insects off the plants.
We should continue train the new vines of our climbing plants such as Clematis,
A newly laid lawn turf and self-sown grass seed should be watered more regularly to ensure the roots establish a healthy footing in the ground
the floral majesty of so many flowers including Rudbeckia, Zinnia, Verbena, Delphinium, Pansy, Geranium, Lobelia, Dahlia, Begonia, Petunia, Aster and Salvia to name but a few.
Many of our plants will be at their peak this month so we should be sure to keep them regularly watered, ideally at dusk
Jasmine and Honeysuckle, intertwining the new growth into trellises, onto a frame of a wall or fence. We can snip off the spindly new vines of the Wisteria to keep the rapid growth under control and prevent an unsightly tangle of new vines.
To keep our lawn grass lush, healthy and strong during hot and dry spells we should be watering it once a week and cutting it on the highest setting to allow the grass to retain its green leaf for as long as possible whilst experiencing drought conditions. A newly laid lawn turf and self-sown grass seed should be watered more regularly to ensure the roots
establish a healthy footing in the ground. If we have Ant mounds in our lawn, then we should sweep away the mounds of soil into the lawn before cutting.
The garden table and chairs are out so hopefully the warm weather will allow us to dine amongst our favourite plants and flowers. The garden is the perfect space to change the pace of life and with a little general maintenance we can enjoy it for a few more months to come. The garden is at its best so let’s sit back with a cold drink and enjoy our surroundings.
July
TOP TIPS
• If you go away on holiday remember to ask someone to water your plants
• Watch out for the little pests amongst your plants and flowers
• Weeds thrive in warm weather, so carefully dig up the root base
• If slugs are an issue, try crushed eggshells and seashells around the base
about you, but I spend most of the year being a bit mopey about the weather. And when I say a bit, I mean A LOT! When I was younger, I didn’t even notice it - I lived my life, and the weather was just happening in the background. I wouldn’t even say it was insignifi cant - it was more like - it didn’t even exist. But now, as someone in my forties, I’m doing that thing - that thing that “old” people did when I was younger… bang on about the weather ALL THE TIME. Every morning, as I open my curtains, I genuinely say these words, “Please be a sunny day”. I’m not even religious (maybe that's where I'm going wrong), but I say a little internal prayer. My girlfriend and I then have a fi ve-minute conversation about the damn weather. I
with you my top fi ve tips for getting in top shape so you can confi dently fl aunt your summer bod this year. It may feel like it's a case of too little, too late, but we can give it a good go.
The fi rst one is so simple, and most of us don’t even think about it, and it’s just walking. We often go to the gym, attend a fi tness class, or do a weekly Park Run, but the rest of the time, we barely move. I’m sure you’ve heard the recommended 10,000 steps a day. There is nothing magical about this number; it just encourages a decent amount of movement. I’d suggest setting yourself a realistic step target between 5,000 and 10,000, and make sure that you hit that number every day. To track steps, use a smartwatch, a clip-on pedometer, or
The first one is so simple, and most of us don’t even think about it, and it’s just walking. We o en go to the gym, a end a fitness class, or do a weekly Park Run, but the rest of the time, we barely move.
know, we're sad. 9 times out of 10, it's grey, overcast, and a little drizzly. I feel like I’m forever wishing my life away, longing for the summertime.
So, when the warmer months fi nally come around, surely it would be nothing but happy, positive vibes. You would think, right? What could possibly aff ect such a happy, exciting time of the year? But then, on that very fi rst day when the weather is above 10 degrees, and we go to the summer section of the wardrobe, we all have that moment… oh no, we should have started that diet in January when we made our New Year's resolution. We suddenly remember we can no longer hide behind our cosy winter clothes, and we now have to expose some fl esh. "God damn it, I hate the summer”, we'd say, plus one or two expletives that I can’t really include here.
But relax - don’t panic. I’m here to share
even your mobile phone, which should have a step-tracking feature. With my clients, the ones that move the most lose the most, so if you really want to ramp up results, get those steps up.
Often, when we get on a health kick, we aggressively cut calories, which may result in rapid weight loss, but if we are not including any form of resistance training, a large amount of the weight we lose will sadly be muscle. Losing muscle is the last thing we want, but it’s even more crucial as we enter our midlife years. Whether you use your body weight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym machines, aim to include squats, lunges, deadlifts, pushes, pulls, and core work in your routine at least twice a week. Use good technique with slow, controlled movements, and aim to challenge your muscles between around 8 and 15 reps.
Very similar to walking, this point
We all know that to lose a few pounds we need to eat less. But what we don’t o en
consider is our protein intake. In addition to resistance training, protein helps prevent muscle loss as we lose body fat.
is also too simple, and because of this, we don’t often see the value in it. And that’s to drink water. Drinking water can help reduce infl ammation and water retention, leading to increased energy levels and a leaner, less bloated feeling. Additionally, when reducing food intake, drinking water can create a sense of fullness, helping to control cravings and prevent overeating. It's a good idea to replace some or all of your calorie-containing drinks with water. Start with 2 litres a day and see how you go.
We all know that to lose a few pounds we need to eat less. But what we don’t often consider is our protein intake. In addition to resistance training, protein helps prevent muscle loss as we lose body fat. Protein also makes you feel fuller, reduces cravings, and requires slightly more energy to digest than carbohydrates and fats, which means you burn more
calories when consuming protein. Make sure each meal contains one of the following: eggs, meat or a meat substitute, fi sh, dairy, a protein supplement, etc.
Along with having a source of protein with every meal, aim to fi ll most of your plate with fruits or vegetables. These foods are packed with nutrients, have fewer calories for the volume, and are often very satisfying. To complete your plate, you can include a small serving of starchy carbohydrates like oats, rice, potatoes, pasta, or bread. However, if your goal is maximum fat loss, it's best to go easy on these.
So, now you are armed with these few simple lifestyle tweaks; this summer, you can ditch the mini tantrums before every social occasion and wear what the heck you want, feeling incredible.
