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Bieldside, Cults, Holburn Jan-Feb 2016
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A very warm welcome to our first magazine of 2016. Here’s hoping it is a year of continued low fuel prices, less redundancies, new and exciting job prospects and above all, health and happiness. So what’s in store for you in 2016? Resolutions made? Fitness campaigns underway? Healthy eating? New hobby? Or will it just be the same as last year? Well the only way to make a change is if YOU do it. Nobody else can do it for you. YOU are responsible for your life and how it plays. I’m certainly making this year one of change. Do you like our front cover? Now you know the secret to the maze! Imagesense/aerialsense are exciting new projects that my brother has started! If you take a wee peek I’m sure you’ll be blown away with some of his pictures both on the ground and from above... any feedback greatly appreciated to grow this new project. Are you fed up with cooking over Christmas then Ferryhill and Fourmile have got their offer back on. Indulge yourself over the next two months - it can still be a healthy salad! If you wish to walk off that extra pounds then there is a delivery route available at Earlswells, Cairnside, Marchbank and Springdale. Once every two months Mar/May/July/Sept/Nov/Jan. I hope you will manage to take some inspiration from the pages of the magazine, so refill your cuppa and read on... Until next time,
Sue
Delivered bi-monthly to : 6000 letterboxes in Bieldside, Broomhill, Cults, Holburn, Ashley and Woodland at Pitfodels Ad-hoc contributions from : Helen Taylor; James Baggott; Pippa Greenwood; Jane Robinson Distribution - thanks to : Sue; James; Mary; Benjamin; Lois; Amy; Bruce; Jessica; Abbie; Alison; Mitchell; Gayle; Holly and Daniel
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A Home fit for a Hero Local Not for Profit organisation Aberdeen Riding Club is seeking the support of the local community to help fund a new home for 32 horses and ponies. The campaign is led by Sid the horse who was voted the STV and RBS Animal Hero of the Year in 2014-15. Sid and his chums need to relocate after their fields and stables were released for development for a new housing complex in Miltimber. The new location is in Anguston, on the edge of Peterculter and Drumoak and will be an ideal home for Sid and his friends with 115 acres of grazing. Aberdeen Riding Club has achieved planning permission for the new centre and has secured a 25 year lease on the site. Sid is one of the longest residents of Aberdeen Riding Club, and his gentle, loving nature makes him perfect for disabled riders
and people learning to ride. He is the equine boss of the yard and loves nothing better than rolling in the sand of the outdoor arena in his spare time. Sid particularly loves carrots and mints and likes to beg for them by lifting up his front leg like a dog. He will reward anyone giving him his favourite treat with a loving nuzzle. Every week Sid works with 10 disabled riders and his youngest rider is only 4 years of age. He also helps with teaching people about horses and he lets himself be covered with sticky labels detailing the anatomy of horses. In his younger days he was a slightly wild horse, but now he likes to take it easy and look after his riders. He is such a trustworthy horse with disabled riders that he has become irreplaceable. To donate to the cause visit (www.aberdeenridingclub.com) and press the donate button. Information on our fundraising efforts and what the funds will be used towards is available on our website.
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PETS
The importance of brushing your dog’s teeth Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth from an early age can prevent serious medical issues such as heart, liver and kidney disease. Don’t expect them to thank you for it though. Most dogs dislike having their teeth brushed, but starting a routine while they are still young will help you both adjust. You’ll need to buy toothpaste specifically for dogs, as the fluoride in human toothpaste
is poisonous to them. Gain their confidence slowly It is a good idea to let them get used to the taste of toothpaste before brushing. They should lick it off your finger to start with, and then off the brush you are going to use. Once accustomed to the taste of their toothpaste and the sight of the brush, it won’t be such a shock when you first brush their teeth properly. What type of brush? There are various types of toothbrush on the market for your pet – some people prefer to use a ‘finger brush’ when their dog is young, as this type of brush is soft and small,
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giving you more control when brushing. As your dog grows, however, a larger brush may be more suitable, and these are available in various shapes and sizes. Initially, it is a good idea to only brush your dog’s front teeth – let them get used to that and then gradually try to brush more. Reassuring the dog will help, as will treating them to a game or a walk afterwards. http://uk.pedigree.com/health-andtraining/keeping-your-dog-healthy/howto-brush-your-dogs-teeth http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/ dog-health/7-tips-for-doggie-dental-care By Ann Haldon
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Who do you turn to when choosing the best home care agency? Usually, the best form of recommendation is through word of mouth and that’s exactly how ana has excelled since it began back in 1996. 19 years later, ana is recognised as Aberdeen’s no.1 healthcare agency and in October launched its own independent care @ home service. Following the same lines as our healthcare agency, ana care @ home understands that nothing beats being recommended, so when we received our first client’s assessment, we were delighted with their feedback. When asked if our clients were satisfied with the way their initial enquiry was dealt with, our clients have answered ‘yes, very much’. On a rating of 1-10, the quality of our carers scored ‘10’ (being the top score). ana’s care @ home service aims to breathe
new life into domiciliary care by doing away with crippling time restrictions. Our carers are not limited to 15 min or 1 hour visits, we instead have a minimum care block of 4 hours. Our bespoke packages are tailored around your needs, not ours. We offer round the clock care, a befriending service, hospital discharges and respite. We have also made sure that there is a service available for those of you who look after their loved ones. ana recognises that a break from the caring routine makes a real difference to your everyday life, that is why our carers are available to take over and give you the break you deserve. Rest assured, there is no other nursing agency in Aberdeen which has been awarded ana’s outstanding 5s and 6s throughout their latest Care Inspectorate report. If you would like further information on ana’s new care @ home service, please call Shona on 01224 648 567.
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“National Iyengar Yoga Day “ Saturday 16 January.
Free taster yoga classes will be held from 10-12 noon @ South Holburn Church Hall and from 2-4pm @ Peterculter Parish Church Hall . For more information contact Fiona
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Home & Interiors New Year, New Style?
Out with the old, in with the new, and if your New Year’s resolution is to refresh your home with a fashionable look, interiors expert Katherine Sorrell has some handy tips to help. Where do I start? Think about what parts of your home feel most tired and unloved. Perhaps walls could do with a wash of fresh paint, for example. Dulux’s colour of the year is Cherished Gold, a gold-influenced ochre that can be used on its own as a statement or as a highlight in combination with other hues. The overall colour palette for this year is muted, warm and soft yet also sophisticated. ‘Think coral, not orange; ochre not yellow and midnight, not blue. This is a friendly palette
By Katherine Sorrell
but with a dark, mysterious side,’ says Rebecca Williamson, Dulux’s senior colour design and content manager. Another of Dulux’s overriding themes for 2016 is ‘Heritage & Future’, in other words, the idea that one has to take inspiration from the past in order to design for the future. So, vintage and antique references support those of the modern-day in a palette that includes chocolate, sand, a deep, pinkish red, muted orange and spicy browns. Ideal for an overhaul in any style of property. More easy updates You may not be in the market for buying new furniture, but there are still ways to update your old pieces for a fabulous new look. Ikea has identified a key trend this year for personalisation – just look at what can be done with an inexpensive chest of drawers, spray paint and some imagination. On a subtler note, a change of paint colour, or even a wood stain, combined with new knobs or pulls will give wooden furniture a new lease of life, while for really on-trend attitude you could have a table top covered in
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marble, slate or zinc. The latter is the metal du jour, and keen DIYers can order a sheet of zinc online, then get how-to instructions from YouTube. Keep going around the house. Another way to add interest to dull walls would be with an eye-catching, stick-on-peeloff design, a metal-framed mirror or an oversized print. Boring floor? Time for a new rug – or there is always the option of either sanding back or painting old wooden boards. Looking for something simpler? Adding a sheepskin to an old sofa or chair will give instant uplift, as will a change of bed linen, towels or small accessories such as cushions, storage baskets or vases. And how about lights? A sassy lampshade can alter the look of an entire room, while popping in some filament bulbs will give your lighting a vibe that’s absolutely hot right now. How about a cool coat hook or new door knobs? Some kitchen canisters or a bathroom soap dispenser? The smallest things can make a surprisingly big difference. The high-street chains are brilliant at tapping into new trends and getting affordable products out there fast – so get browsing in your nearest department store. What other trends should I be keeping an eye on? While a striking monochrome
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palette of black, white and grey is going to be big in 2016, opulent metallic accents are also catching on fast, and work well with both modern and traditional decors. The look can be either industrial (more on this next month) or retroglam – as per Bemz’s ‘Deco Glam’ look, described as ‘cosy glamour with a Seventies twist’. ‘Many people who think back to the Seventies think of corduroy, brown, orange and wood panelling. Instead, we want to create a more glamorous Seventies style in our homes: think Charlie’s Angels, Studio 54, and Bianca Jagger,’ says Lesley Pennington, CEO and founder of Bemz. She recommends mixing plain fabrics in rose, steel, mineral blue and straw with geometric accents, plus
dark wood, shiny brass, fluffy cushions, small tables and statement floor lamps. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Scandi look that is all natural, textural, tonal and pared-back, including sheepskin, leather, wood and felt. If you prefer something with more colour, go for a folk-inspired style with brighter tones of red, orange and teal, combined with intricate florals, handicraft and woodlandinspired images. Last but not least, Graham & Brown have predicted four trends based around the catwalks at London Fashion Week: meadow prints, statement reds, intricate lace detailing and – you heard it here first – a throwback to the Eighties. You have been warned…
Top Tyre Care Tips Iain Betson goes tyre kicking Having just forked out £450 for three tyres on the car - no it’s not a Reliant Robin; fate being what it is I fully expect the fourth one to go pop in the near future - right now I am in a zone of “tyre care awareness”. Sad I know, but if it saves me having to replace tyres on a regular basis then so be it. So here are some nuggets of tyre wisdom I’ve learnt and pass to you: 1. Use the correct pressures, and change them depending upon your load (increase for heavy use, reduce for everyday journeys). Doing this will improve stability, save fuel and prolong the tyre’s life. 2. Tread wear: check the tread wear indicators – raised areas at the base of the grooves of the tread. If the tread is level with the indicator you have only 1.6mm of tread left. Under that
IMageS - Left: Ikea predicts a trend for personalisation, whether it’s using stains, stencils or freehand painting. above: One of Dulux’s key trends for 2016 is ‘Heritage & Future’, including reds that reflect our rich heritage, but also have a bright contemporary feel that points to the future.
and it’s a fine and three points per illegal tyre. 3. Putting nitrogen instead of air in the tyre increases its life and saves fuel as it lessens the rolling resistance by dispersing heat more effectively. 4. Avoid those kerbs: hitting them will damage the tyre side wall, with a cut or bulge raising the risk of a blowout. 5. Potholes: do your best to avoid them safely. Hitting these will damage the tyre and, quite possibly, the wheel too, especially if you have “run-flat” tyres as they have very little give in the sidewall, meaning the wheel takes more punishment. A replacement wheel is a lot more expensive than a tyre. 6. If your car has traction control, changing just one tyre can make the system behave oddly as it receives conflicting information from the different tread depths, and thus grip, on the tyres. In some cases it will even inhibit the car’s performance as it attempts to keep the car safe from what it perceives is a dangerous condition.
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Beauty New Beginnings
by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
January is the perfect time to give your beauty routine a shake up and try something a little bit different… Stuck in a make-up rut? You might want to consider booking yourself in for a make-up lesson. Some of the big brands offer mini makeovers, as it’s a chance for them to show off their products, but if you really want to get out of that rut, try a M.A.C. Full Make Up Lesson (£50), which lasts for 90 minutes and will give you bags of inspiration. Not quite ready to take the plunge? A new nail polish is a great baby step. Nails Inc have added four new colours to their NailKale range, each priced at £14. The NailKale polishes are designed to give your nails a vitamin and mineral boost, as well as colour, to leave them harder, stronger and healthier. The new colours include Regents Mews, a rich crushed damson. Fancy trying a different shampoo and conditioner? I’m loving the SuperFruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal Shampoo (£10) and Conditioner (£10.99), by SheaMoisture. SheaMoisture has been going for over 100 years in the States, but has only recently made it across to the UK. The 10-in-1 system is incredibly nourishing, so is perfect for this time of year, when our hair has to cope with the demands of icy winds and central heating. A complex blend of Shea butter, marula oil and fruit extracts works to hydrate, support elasticity and make hair more manageable. Look out for the brand in Boots.
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Tinted lip balms always summon up teenage memories of strawberry flavoured gloop in a tin. Thankfully, they’ve come a very long way, as the new benecos Natural Shiny Lip Colour (£6.95) proves. They’re wonderfully hydrating and can help prevent chapped, cracked lips, so are perfect for winter. They’re available in three colours, including Rusty Rose – a natural, subtle shade that suits most skin tones. If you have eczema you may well have heard of purepotions – a range of creams that have been specially formulated to soothe skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Personally, I think it’s a great range for most skin types. Each product is packed with nourishing natural ingredients, such as Shea butter, hemp seed oil and chamomile extract, and has none of the synthetic ‘nasties’ that can so easily dry and irritate skin. Try the Scar Oil (£18.99), which contains rosehip – scientifically proven to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven pigmentation and signs of ageing.
Now I do love a multi-tasker, so when I heard of a shoe cream that you can use as a lip balm, moisturiser, hair conditioner and massage oil, I really was intrigued! Po-Zu’s new Edible Shoe Cream (£7.50) is formulated from coconut oil and is so pure that you can actually eat it. It’s a really handy tin to keep in your handbag to treat chapped lips, dry patches of skin, flyaway hair and so on. (And, of course, it’ll keep your leather shoes looking great too.)
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Glad Rags and Cartridge Bags By Jane Robinson For those of us lucky enough to live in this glorious corner of Scotland, we know there are numerous means of enjoying the countryside. But one organisation is introducing an ageold outdoor pursuit to a whole new section of society with such success that a toast is in order as they celebrate their first birthday. Glad Rags and Cartridge Bags is Scotland’s foremost ladies’ shooting club, an organisation that is already proving to be hugely popular amongst a growing number of female enthusiasts. Founded by Mhairi Morriss of Jomm Events, it introduces women to clay pigeon shooting in a friendly, well-ordered and fun manner. An increasing variety of one-off experiences and intriguing events are proving a popular way for women to enjoy the changing seasons and heavenly scenery of Deeside and beyond. With its first shoot having taken place at Raimoir House Hotel outside Banchory in November 2014, Glad Rags has since held a variety of events at Kincardine Castle, Crathes Estate, Dessmuir Estate, Gordon Castle, Tullich Fishery, and Trump International. Other dates are planned for the New Year which are also intended to enhance our experience of
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the countryside – full driven day aimed at the novice shot on Castle Fraser Estate West of Dunecht, and a ‘doggie event’ where ladies can introduce their dogs to the basics of gun dog training. With the social side of these events being a key ingredient to the enjoyment of each day, various coffees, lunches, dinners and even champagne afternoon teas are arranged accordingly. As their first anniversary is marked, Mhairi admits she is thrilled at the success of this last year. ‘I am so proud of how Glad Rags has come on since our first shoot. So far, 269 guns have enjoyed a Glad Rags day with 144 individual ladies experiencing the fun and adrenalin rush of blasting clays at our events.’ Mhairi points out that many of the ladies who have taken part only started shooting with Glad Rags in the past year, often never having held a gun before. ‘All they have to bring to an event is themselves, we provide all the equipment. And by the end of the day, we are all surrounded by new friends.’ Judging by the plans Glad Rags and Cartridge Bags have planned for 2016, the fun looks set to continue. For more information visit www.jommevents.com
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Nicotine without the Nasties By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk Smoking is responsible for one in every five deaths in adults over 35 in England, and kills half of all long-term smokers prematurely. In light of these statistics and the research confirming the dangers of second-hand and third-hand smoke, it’s not surprising that many smokers are now seeking alternatives to tobacco. Nicotine is the addictive component of tobacco, and withdrawal makes addicts feel restless, anxious and depressed – hence the illusion that a cigarette ‘calms their nerves’. However, nicotine isn’t responsible for the majority of damage that cigarettes cause. Smokers want alternatives that deliver nicotine in a less harmful way and that don’t contain the arsenic, cyanide, tar and other toxic nasties found in cigarettes. Luckily, there are now more cigarette alternatives available than ever. E-CIGaRETTES (aNd ModS, VaPE STICkS, PERSoNaL VaPoRISERS) E-cigarettes have proved to be somewhat controversial, mainly due to the rapid growth of the industry and its lack of regulation. Some
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establishments ban them because of the uncertainty surrounding what chemicals they contain and may release into the air. Safety concerns include: • Safety of the supposedly ‘safe’ added ingredients, such as flavourings – experts point out that although some of these ingredients are certified safe to eat, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe to inhale into the lungs • The inclusion of dangerous chemicals such as aldehydes, and unspecified ingredients • Inconsistent, unspecified or unregulated quantities of nicotine • Throat irritation due to allergy to ingredients, such as nut flavourings or propylene glycol The NHS QuitForLife campaign advises: “E-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than tobacco cigarettes but are not harmless. Their long term health impact is unknown.” While some e-cigarettes are made to look similar to a normal cigarette, others don’t look cigarette-like in the slightest. However, they all contain a battery, an atomiser and either a cartridge or refillable ‘tank’
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containing the nicotine liquid. This ‘e-liquid’ or’ e-juice’ is suspended in propylene glycol or glycerine and water. When a user sucks on the device, a sensor detects airflow and the liquid is heated via a small heating element in the cartridge. The vapour created is then inhaled by the user. E-cigarettes are not currently licensed for prescription, but after May 2016, under the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TDP) any e-cigs containing over 20mg/ml of nicotine will require authorisation by the Medicine and Healthcare Products Agency (MHRA) in the same way as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NICoTINE REPLaCEMENT ThERaPy PRoduCTS These provide nicotine in a variety of different ways and strengths, in order to reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Patches Patches are a very popular choice. They release a steady dose of nicotine into the bloodstream and are very discreet. Patches come in a variety of doses and release times, so that you can gradually reduce your nicotine dosage.
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K
nockburn is a purpose built site for multi sports events, club training sessions, corporate activities and conferencing. The site includes a purpose dug loch, 650 meter tar cycle track, full size football pitch, over 5km of running, walking and cycling trails, full conference facility, sports academy building, on site cafe and direct access to the surrounding hills. We have a membership of over 400 people, including families that regularly use the site for training (Open water swimming, cycling, running canoeing and sailing), 5 affiliated clubs that use our site for club training sessions and events - mainly for their youth sections - a large number of scout, DofE, and school groups also use the site for cycling, canoeing, raft building and sailing.
• central heating installation • servicing • breakdown repairs • landlord safety checks • all domestic gas work & plumbing Ex Scottish Gas Engineers with over 20 years experience contact Paul & Kenny on
We are home to the Beast race, run by Fire Trail events, we have hosted the Scottish Sprint Triathlon Championships and have a number of other Triathlons during each season, every winter we host Cyclocross and Cross-country running events, this is along with corporate and conferencing events. 2016 is shaping up to be a busy year and we are very keen to promote our site and that of a healthy life style in the outdoors and sport. Knockburn Loch, Strachan, Aberdeenshire AB31 6LL T. 01330 822234 M. 07741314999 E. knockburnloch@gmail.com www.Knockburn.co.uk
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Chewing Gum Nicotine gum gives a burst of nicotine rather than a constant dose, just as a cigarette does, and can be used whenever you get the urge to have a cigarette. A variety of brands and flavours including mint, fruit and liquorice are available, and there are two strengths: 2mg and 4mg. The gum should be chewed slowly until a tingling or nicotine taste is detected on the tongue and then left in the mouth until the tingling has subsided, when it can be chewed again. This is repeated for around 30 minutes. You shouldn’t exceed the maximum quantity stated on the product, and you should space out your gum chewing or you may experience side effects such as heartburn or nausea. Lozenges and Soluble Sublingual Tablets Nicotine lozenges and
sublingual tablets dissolve slowly in the mouth, releasing their nicotine dose. The lozenges come in 1mg, 2mg and 4mg strengths and sublingual tablets come in a 2mg strength. Mouth Sprays 1mg mouth sprays are used to supply a burst of nicotine to reduce cravings. Inhalators 15mg inhalators release nicotine from a cartridge when you breathe in, and can be useful if you initially find the habit of holding and inhaling from a cigarette hard to break. One cartridge lasts for around 40 minutes of intense use. Nasal Sprays The 10mg nasal sprays may be best suited to heavy smokers, as they rapidly deliver a strong dose of nicotine. Research suggests nasal sprays may be
the most effective type of NRT, but they’re not the most discreet option. If these products don’t contain toxins, then I can use them indefinitely, can’t I? They’re harmless. No. While all these alternatives provide a safer way to get your nicotine dose than smoking tobacco, they are intended to help you reduce and ultimately quit smoking. Nicotine is an addictive drug with a range of mental and physical sideeffects. The NHS QuitforLife campaign warns: “Nicotine is classed as a poison in its pure form and, if ingested in high enough doses, can kill. It is toxic in contact with the skin in high concentration. It should be supplied in a clearly labelled, child resistant package and stored out of the reach of children and pets.”
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New Year’s Revolution Organise your life the electronic way and stick to those resolutions
In the 1980s, it was the Filofax; in the 1990s, the Personal Digital Assistant or PDA. Today, though, we’re more likely to stay on top of our lives using a mobile device. Whether you’re trying to get more organised or just want to stay on top of your New Year’s resolutions, gadgets can help. If your resolution was to get fitter or take better care of your health, there are stacks of devices that can accurately monitor your vital signs and your exercise routines. Firms such as Fitbit offer an entire range of fitness trackers ranging from the clip-on, £49 Zip to fully-featured smart watches such as the £199 Surge. Whichever kind you go for, the devices can track your activity to let you know how active you’ve been, how far you’ve travelled and how many calories you’ve burned, and they can send that data to a phone so you can keep track of your progress. If you’re interested in particular sports, Sat-Nav specialist Garmin makes a range of fitness trackers designed specifically for runners, golfers and other sportsmen and women. You don’t need to be active to benefit from smart gadgets, though. If your resolution was to lose weight, a set of smart
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scales - from around £29 for stand-alone scales to £150 for scales that communicate with phones or PCs over Wi-Fi, enabling you to store your progress in an app or even share it with others online - can show you not just how much weight you’ve lost but also how your body is composed. So, for example, if you’re replacing fat with muscle - which is heavier than fat - you’ll be able to see that you’ve made great progress even if the actual weight displayed by the scales hasn’t changed. Then again, you’ll know that by the way your clothes feel, so maybe you don’t need smart scales after all. We’ve mentioned phones a few times now, and that’s because pound for pound they’re the most useful resolution trackers and life organisers: the reason standalone electronic organisers are a rare sight these days is because smartphones do a better job for less money. A really good Android phone can be as little as £40, and for that you’re getting a smartphone with built-in calendars and reminders and the opportunity to use apps such as the superb MyFitnessPal, which can track your exercise and can use your phone’s camera to scan barcodes and work out
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nutritional information from them automatically. More expensive devices such as Apple’s iPhones include motion processors that can track your steps, flights climbed and distance travelled without requiring a dedicated fitness tracker, and Apple’s own Health app can record that data plus anything else you’d like to monitor. If you’d rather do most of that automatically, MyFitnessPal is available for Apple devices too. The other thing that smartphones do is enable you to join like-minded souls. Many fitness devices and apps - Fitbits, Nike Fuelbands, the MyFitnessPal app - also have online communities where you can compare progress, share your stories or just hang around chatting with people who are doing the same things as you. That’s useful, because while fitness devices and apps are great, there’s one thing that only human encouragement can provide, and that’s the motivation to stick to your plan even when you don’t feel like it - and someone to laugh with when you need a bit of a boost. Images left to right:Fitbit Zip fitness tracker; Garmin Forerunner smartwatch for runners; Withings smart scales; RunKeeper fitness app
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Cake and Bake Fruit & Nut Granola Bars If you’re worried about additives or extra sweeteners in shop-bought granola bars then why not try making your own? Packed with crunchy nuts and seeds and sweetened only with brown sugar and honey, these homemade oaty bars are perfect for a snack or as an after-school treat.
Ingredients: • 140g porridge oats • 50g unsalted blanched peanuts • 25g pecans, roughly chopped • 25g pumpkin seeds • 20g sunflower seeds • 100g butter, plus extra for greasing • 80g light soft brown sugar • 3 tbsp runny honey • 75g sweetened dried cranberries or jumbo raisins • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Makes 8 bars or 16 squares Ready in 50 minutes, plus cooling
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1. Preheat the oven to 160°C/Fan 140°C/Gas 3. Grease an 18cm square shallow cake tin and line the base and sides with baking parchment. 2. Spread the oats, nuts and seeds on a large baking tray and place in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until just lightly toasted, stirring once with a wooden spatula. 3. Place the butter, sugar and honey in a large saucepan and heat gently until the butter has melted. Tip the warm oat mixture into the pan and mix thoroughly, then stir in the cranberries or raisins and nearly all the sesame seeds. 4. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and level with the back of a spoon, pressing down firmly. Scatter over the rest of the sesame seeds. 5. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until just pale golden around the edges. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then use the tip of a knife to mark into 8 bars. Leave in the tin until cold then lift out, using the lining paper to help you. Peel away the paper and cut through the marks to make 8 bars.
TIP
You can vary the nuts and fruit you add to these wholesome bars. Try different nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts and replace half the cranberries with goji berries or chopped dried apricots or dates.
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What makes you tick?
We’ll take the time to help you build a future without compromise. Tel: 01224 264999 I www.russellgibson.co.uk
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Finance A Fresh Financial Start in 2016 – Begin the New Year with a Budget By Ann Haldon If you’ve overspent this Christmas, you might be wondering how to get your finances back under control. It’s easy to get carried away by the spirit of giving – the problem is, it can jeopardise your financial wellbeing into the New Year and beyond. So what can you do to get yourself back onto a firm financial footing? One of the first things is to analyse your finances and make a realistic budget. By taking a long-term view and identifying exactly how much you spend during the course of a year, you can take back control of your dwindling finances, and prevent spiralling into long-term debt. Why budget? A budget helps to establish whether you’re living beyond your means. This isn’t always obvious on a day-to-day basis but if you’re constantly spending more than you earn, at some point you might find yourself unable to keep a roof over your head. But there’s a secret to making a budget that’s fit for purpose, and that’s to incorporate every expense that you make during the course of the year, including Christmas, birthdays, summer holidays and more. Birthdays and Christmas Friends’ and family birthdays
may only cost a few pounds here and there, but over the course of a year, and in addition to Christmas expenses, constitute a significant chunk of annual expenditure. It’s going to take some time to calculate your total spend for the year, but once it’s done you’ll be able to use it confidently to improve your long-term financial situation, and set yourself up for a lifetime of control. Non-regular expenses, plus how much is coming in Motoring costs such as car insurance, tax, new tyres and the annual service are easily forgotten. Annual membership subscriptions are also often left out, as is one of the biggest expenses of the year - the summer holiday. When thinking about the money that comes in, don’t forget to include wages, benefit and pension payments, and any income from savings, investments or selfemployment. Once you’ve totalled the figures, deduct your expenses and hopefully you’ll be left with a positive number. Not a static document Your budget isn’t meant to be a static document. It needs to reflect your income and spending in the long-term, and this is likely to change often.
So make it part of your routine to update it regularly, and make sure new expenses and sources of income are carefully recorded. Having a clear idea of where your money goes will also help to meet specific financial goals such as saving for retirement, putting money away for a deposit, or simply avoiding debt. Achieving financial clarity in this way helps you to live the life you want, so don’t view it as a restriction on spending – it’s more like the road to freedom. So you’ve got all your figures – what now? There’s a great way to divide up your money called ‘piggybanking.’ It’s described in detail on the Money Saving Expert website, and essentially means opening a separate bank account for each of your main categories of spending. This allows you to allocate an amount of money to each one via standing order from the main account. The word ‘budget’ often implies having to go without, but knowing your spending patterns and gaining financial control can give you back your freedom – the freedom to enjoy life without the worry of debt. http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/banking/Budget-planning
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WHAT’S ON
Tickets from www.aberdeenperformingarts.com or tel 01224 641122
Wednesday to Saturday, January 20 to 23: Scottish Ballet presents Christopher Hampson’s Cinderella, in the European premiere of this most beloved fairy tale, complete with luxurious costumes by acclaimed New Zealand designer Tracy Grant Lord and Prokofiev’s powerful score, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, 7.30pm, with 2pm matinees on Thurs and Sat. Friday, January 22: Scottish Ballet presents Wee Cinderella, a speciallyadapted hour-long performance of Cinderella, with a presenter to guide wee ballet fans through the story and some audience participation, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, 1.30pm. Friday, January 22: An evening with three of Scotland’s leading singer/songwriters on tour together, James Yorkston, The Pictish Trail & Withered Hand, on-stage together throughout, sharing and joining in on each other’s songs, having a laugh and a blether, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated) 7.30pm. Friday, January 22: Whirl into the new year with an evening of traditional Scottish dancing with allgirl ceilidh band Danse McCabre in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 8pm. Saturday, January 23: One of the classical world’s fastest-rising stars conductor Antonio Méndez joins Scottish Chamber Orchestra with a programme which includes two powerful symphonies: Mozart’s compelling 25th and Beethoven’s Seventh, described by Wagner as ‘the apotheosis of the dance, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Saturday, January 23: A live acoustic set by dynamic duo Paul Jones and Dave Kelly, founder members of The Blues Band, playing not only their own original material, but also the work of the greats, ranging from Howling’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker through to Sonny Boy
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Williamson, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Sunday, January 24: Regular Music presents Canadian singersongwriter Lindi Ortega who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee and whose voice has been described as a blend of Dolly Parton's, Johnny Cash's, and Emmylou Harris, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing) 7.30pm. Tuesday to Saturday, January 26 to 30: A lavish new production of a classic Miss Marple mystery, Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced, starring Judy Cornwell as Miss Marple, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, 7.30pm, with 2pm Thursday matinee and 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Wednesday, January 27: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Culture Café series, a lunchtime performance by two of Scotland’s most promising and exciting talents, Alec Frank Gemmill (horn) and Alasdair Beaton (piano) performing together, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 1pm. Thursday, January 28: APA Scratch Night for script writers, on the theme Stars in their Eyes, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Tickets £5.50
show Playing with My Selfie in an evening of gloriously camp, noholds-barred comedy, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Tickets (16 plus age restriction) Saturday, January 30: As part of Manipulate 2016, Blind Summit presents The Table, with Moses, a cantankerous three-man operated puppet with a cardboard head who lives on a table and wants to tell an epic story about God and Moses, life and death, and puppetry, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Sunday, January 31: As part of Manipulate 2016, Theatre Incline presents Threads, a story of that spark of life which continues to burn brightly despite all the horrors endured by a broken land seen through the primal connection between a mother and daughter, in The Lemon Tree Studio 7pm. Sunday, January 31: Glasgow band De Rosa, comprising songwriter Martin John Henry (vocals, guitar), James Woodside (bass) and Neil Woodside (drums), in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing) 8pm.
Friday, January 29: As part of Manipulate 2016, Julian Crouch and Saskia Lane presents Birdheart, an intimate and stunning chamber piece of animated theatre created with a sheet of brown paper, found objects, shadows and a box of sand, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Saturday, January 30: MZA & CHiLL Productions presents Scotland’s favourite kilted comedian, Craig Hill with his new
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Musical Annie Anything Goes Cabaret Carousel Cats Chess Chicago Dreamgirls Evita Fame Funny Girl Gigi Godspell Grease Gypsy Hair Kiss me Kate
Mame Tommy Mamma Mia Show Boat Mary Poppins Oliver
Find the names associated with musicals in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase
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require careful consideration. The Society of Authors, for example, reviews contracts for its members and provides expertise and guidance. At the very least you should talk it over with someone who is knowledgeable and objective. Don’t be afraid to go back to the agent or publisher with questions. Remember, this is an offer of a business arrangement that could last for years.
Contract Killer
The Holy Grail of validation for writers, especially novelists, is a contract. First, the good news: they do exist, much like faeries and with similar capriciousness. The goldleaf lettering and lunch at The Savoy are an exaggeration though; one of my last contracts was delivered and signed electronically. Now the bad news: you can never take a contract at face value because some clauses have claws. Rights, remaindered stock, deadlines for final submission and publication, print-ondemand, translations and royalties - they all
Generally, if the contract requires you to put in some of your own money, put on your running shoes instead. I was once asked to contribute £5,500 by an established publisher because I was a new author and they wanted to mitigate their risk - with my cash. I did the maths and worked out the oodles of books they’d need to sell before I broke even, and I broke the deal instead. A good contract should be a win-win document that sets realistic expectations all-round. Once you’ve signed on the dotted line and popped the champagne (writers are sticklers for tradition!) the real work begins.
A little bit of Italy...
By Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.co.uk
...in Little Belmont Street
Compu-Care
We have been serving fine italian cuisine since 1977. Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.
Call Neil 07539-462-064 Laptop & PC upgrades/ Freshly baked home mode home made pizzas with lashings of toppings. Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, prime repairs/internet steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true Italian cooking! Collect & return service 7 Little Belmont Streetcomputers | Aberdeen | AB10available 1JG New www.poldinos.co.uk Laptop and PC training available £20 per hour 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall – special lunch and pre-theatre menus.
Open Monday to Saturday: 12 noon to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10.15pm
of Italy... A little bi A little Abitlittle of bit Italy... ...
in Little Belmont Street
...in Little Belmon
We have been serving fine italian cuisine since 1977. Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.
...in Little Belmont Street
We Hall have been serving fine italian c 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Reflexology by Gordon Extensive à la carte menu for lunch We761 have been serving fine italian cuisine since - special lunch and 1977. pre-theatre menus. T: 07769 519 Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner. W: www.reflexologybygordon.co.uk minutes walk from His Majesty’s T Freshly baked home-made pizzas with lashings of 5toppings.
– special lunch Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious creamand pre-theatre men Reflexology: 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall
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sauces. Seafood, prime steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra Freshly baked home mode home m Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingr steaks, chicken dishes, all with that e Open made Monday to Saturday 12 noon 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10.15pm Freshly baked home mode home pizzas with lashings of to toppings.
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Evening and Weekend Tender in pasta ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, primeGift Appointments yourdishes own full of tastyLittle Open Monday to Saturday: 12 n Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JGcooking! steaks, chicken dishes, all with7 that extra touch of genius which is true Italian Vouchers home Available Gift Vouchers Available 7 Little Belmont Street | A
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Open Monday to Saturday: 12 noon to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10.15pm
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7 Little Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JG
27 www.poldinos
Geocaching The new exciting “Explore Royal Deeside GeoTour” launched in the summer is proving to be a popular choice amongst experienced and novice geocachers. But what’s all this Geocaching about you may well ask? Well put simply it’s a modern day treasure hunt, using a GPS device or an app on your smart phone to find hidden containers. You can even download the general geocaching app for free! So what else do you need to know?
The real value is in sense of pride you get from finding the cache, and the challenge of the adventure and exploration. Geocaching is suitable for all ages and makes a brilliant family activity that gets kids out and about. Getting out in the fresh air exploring your local area, finding places you did not know about, so what are you waiting for? To find out more information about how Geocaching works and the “Explore Royal Deeside GeoTour” then please visit www.visitroyaldeeside.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Well the containers are known as caches and will vary in shape and size, but all should contain a log book for you to sign to confirm your visit/ find. Some will also contain a number of small items of low monetary value that you can trade, as long as you leave something of similar value in return. Often these are things like small toys, bits of stationary, key rings etc. Home-Start is a voluntary organisation that offers support, friendship and practical help to local parents in their own homes.
movement & strength specialist
We believe that children need a happy and secure childhood and that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life and helping them to achieve their full potential.
Contact us on 01224 693545 or email admin@homestartaberdeen.org.uk if you would like to volunteer.
Home-Start Aberdeen is all about families. Can you help?
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As a home visiting volunteer you will: ● Offer support to a local family in their own home
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Pilates
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● Receive training and ongoing support ● Help others develop their parenting skills ● Encourage families to engage with their communities ● Provide practical guidance on budgeting and household management ● Connect families with other relevant organisations and services. Home visiting volunteers need only commit to providing support for as little as 2–3 hours per week.
Our charity shop at 101 George Street Aberdeen always welcomes donations. Telephone 01224 622390 We can uplift your donations for you.
pilates and So much moRE SquaSh club monday: pilatES 10:00am & 6:00pm
SquaSh club i movE FREEly monday 11:00am
cultS chuRch cEntRE thuRSday: aERobicS 10:00am
www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk Sign up to FREE Ebook and REcEivE moRE inFoRmation. www.pRimEmovERpathway.co.uk Join uS on FacEbook pRimE movER pathway & ciRclE @ mannoFiEld. 1A Alford Place Aberdeen AB10 1YD T 01224 693545 E admin@homestartaberdeen.org.uk
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Motoring Best Small Cars By Rebecca Chaplin If you don’t need to transport your worldly goods with you every time you get in your car you don’t necessarily need a big vehicle. If most of your journeys are made around town and don’t include major motorway mileage, then you may want to consider one of the latest city cars. These won’t cost you the earth to buy or to run, are great to drive and the latest crop are stylish and comfortable for everyday use. Here we’ve picked five of our favourites.
Ford Fiesta - Price: From £9,995
The Fiesta has been the best-selling car in the UK for more months than we can remember – and that’s not without good reason. The latest small Ford has plenty to offer with a welllaid out cabin, fantastic handling that makes even trips to the supermarket exciting and a superb choice of specification.
VW Polo - Price: From £11,100
The VW Polo has an enviable reputation for being a bit of a tough guy – and in the city you need a vehicle that can withstand a few bumps and scrapes. The Polo is solid both inside and out with functional layout and built-to-last materials. Although it’s at the higher end of our price scale, VW’s wellrespected residual values and reliability make it a worthy investment.
Honda Jazz - Price: From £11,695
The Honda Jazz might not be everyone’s first choice in the small car sector – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a look. The Japanese car firm’s reputation for reliability is up there with the best in the world. Couple that with some funky looks, spacious interior and competitive pricing and it may be worth taking a trip to your local Honda dealer to try one out.
Dacia Sandero - Price: From £5,995
Some of you have probably spent more on a holiday than it costs to buy this brand new car – but don’t let this bargain basement price tag put you off. The Dacia Sandero, loved by James May of Top Gear fame, is the real deal, combining back to basics interior and no thrills styling with a functional engine and practical lay out. The fact you’ll get change from £6,000 makes it even more tempting.
Vauxhall Corsa - Price: From £8,995
The Corsa is soon to be replaced by an all-new model which means there are bargains to be had on the current model. A firm favourite with new drivers and pensioners alike, the Corsa might play second fiddle to Ford’s Fiesta in the sales charts, but it’s still worth a look. It’s stylish, has an impressive array of engines to pick from and is packed with plenty of features too. Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you
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Beer of the Month Remember that grand January detox we spoke about last time? Well, let’s forget it, shall we? I’ve just discovered that the average temperature in the UK is lower in January than in December – well, not that, exactly, because we all knew that, but by how much. The average daytime temperature in January ranges from 1.3-6.9°C compared to 1.9-7.2°C for December. So it’s much too cold to abandon those strong, warming, oxtail-soup beers in favour of something lighter and springier and zingier. So here are two absolute all-time classics for you. Fuller’s 1845 from Chiswick, West London, really looks, smells, feels, and tastes the part. At 6.3% alcohol, it rather defies conventional categorisation, with a rich ruby colour more like port than beer. The aroma is of all things comforting: caramel and toffee at first giving way to sharper notes of green fruit and citrus. The mouth feel is rich and luscious with yet more toffee from the crystal malt Fuller’s favours; but there’s still more than a hint of citrus fruit – it tastes like it smells, in fact. Finally the finish is short and sweet, without any lingering hop bitterness. Shepherd Neame 1698 from Faversham in Kent is marginally stronger at 6.5% but is a much less overwhelming beer than 1845. It’s slightly easier to buttonhole, for a start, being a descendant of the Burton pale ales that took the world by storm 200 years ago. It doesn’t have anything like the richness, either: rather, it has a Christmas cake fruitiness with aromas and flavours of vine fruits, candied peel and marmalade on a surprisingly light, subtle body. The finish is very much hoppier than 1845. This is a beer that demands respect: it doesn’t drink its weight and could easily creep up on you! Fuller’s and Shepherd Neame are two of the oldest breweries in Britain – in fact with the possible exception of the Blue Anchor brew-pub in Helston, Cornwall, Shepherd Neame IS the oldest brewery in Britain – and the numbers in the titles of these beers, as you’ve probably guessed, refer to their dates of foundation. Next time we’ll look at something very much more recent! By Ted Bruning
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