Inspired Magazine October Issue 18

Inspired LOCAL RELEVANT CHATTY

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INSPIRATIONAL:

Sophie Garner talks music and Lisa Clark is all about the SASSY!

SPA ROUND UP FASHION: Look good in leather

FASHION: Embellish yourself

DINE IN STYLE: Talking Thai

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18

GROOMING: Top tips from Rosie Orgles

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Horoscopes

Tracie - Magic & Glitter www.magicandglitter.co.uk Contact Number: 07956622279.

Libra September 24 - October 23 This month make sure you create a good impression at work, new projects and changes are coming your way, maybe even a promotion. Avoid being egotistical and arguing with loved ones.

Scorpio October 24 - November 22 Take special care with your health, possible contacts with hospitals, know your limitations, could a re think about your situation be in order. Avoid stirring up trouble and jealousy.

Sagittarius November 23 – December 21 This month is good for making new contacts, financial returns are looking good, make time for friends and family. Avoid mixing with the wrong people and stay away from half baked business ideas.

Capricorn December 22 - January 20 This month is good for your career, business will pick up and you will be very popular, mingle with important people. Avoid overreaching your limits and ignoring orders from those in authority.

Aquarius January 21- February 19 Distant relatives get in touch, there may be talk of a trip or long journey for early next year, time to write those letters or emails you have been putting off. Avoid making judgements and airing your views to early.

Pisces February 20 - March 20 This month it’s all about the money, maybe a move is on the horizon, make sure the accounts are up to date, check and check again. Avoid being possessive and emotional don’t let others take advantage of you.

Aries March 21 - April 20 Try to find time to concentrate on your partner they feel a bit left out, how about sending a sexy text, it’s all about teamwork make them feel special. Avoid demanding attention and neglecting your share of the house work.

Taurus April 21 - May 21 You have been working too hard and not enough rest, try and take more care of yourself and watch your diet, maybe some exercise would be beneficial. Avoid neglecting your health.

Gemini May 22 - June 21 Try a new hobby or put your creative talents to good use, see the grandchildren have a fun day out, fresh air and a good laugh will do you the world of good. Avoid Taking unnecessary risks know your limitations.

Stunning New Individual Colours

Cancer June 22 - July 22 This month is about the family and the home, maybe some gardening is on the menu or a few home improvements.

Avoid making unnessarary changes to do with security.

OUR SHUTTERS LOOK GREAT ALL YEAR ROUND

Leo July 23 - August 22 Have you been avoiding the neighbours and the gossiping, good for you, speaking your mind would not go down well, your far too busy places to go and people too see. Avoid speaking sharply to family members and getting over tired.

Virgo August 23 - September 23

For helpful advice and inspiration

This month is all about making money, bonuses and profits, all your hard efforts are paying off, now you can buy that expensive item you have had your eye on. Avoid any get rich schemes and leaving your possessions un attended.

Call 01245 200917 w w w.justshutters.co.uk

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COVER Origianal Art - Bill no mates (2010) Paper Size 80 0 x 150 0 Image size 60 0 x 130 0 A propos : Gouache See a selection of Dom’s original works. www.turnerbarnesgallery.com

Hello! …..it’s great to be here!

Welcome to October’s Inspired. Autumn is well and truly with us now, there’s no escaping the crisp cold air and smell of bonfires, so curl up with your copy of Inspired and enjoy an autumn evening or afternoon with us!

Hopefully we have plenty to keep you entertained in this issue.

Download a FREE QR Code reader app to see our offers and Competitions It’s so easy!

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CHATTY

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLBEING

LADIES FASHION

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DINE IN STYLE

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We’ve got some brilliant giveaways for you – copies of Lisa Clark’s amazing ‘SASSY’ book, a free hypnotherapy session and a VIP basket for two for anyone who fancies a Mind Body and Soul event in November. If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, try reading about our inspirational people… the wonderful Sophie Garner who didn’t let her own adversity stop her recording an album (which is due for release early in 2013) and setting up her very own support group for singers; and the fabulous 15 year old Essex lad Connor Mills who is winning award after award for his karting skills.

If you’re planning a wedding, be sure to read our tips and ideas first! We have the lowdown on wedding hair trends and some super-pretty accessories, plus wedding planning tips from Siobhan Craven-Robbins. And if a spa trip is on the agenda for your pre-nuptials (or just because, you know, you’re worth it) we have a round-up of some of the best local spas, and a review of the gorgeous Moroccan Muscle Melt treatment at Greenwoods… well, it’s a hard job but someone has to do it!

As usual we have great fashion for boys and girls, reviews, beauty and just for fun, we want to know where you stand on the wind-breaking issue! We just dare you not to find something to give you a warm autumnal glow.

See you in November….

All the best

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Inspired Magazine, a Leed Limited publication, is published on a monthly basis. The publisher, editors and contributors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be advertised or referred to in this issue or for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any such advertisements or references.

Twitter: @inspiredessex Sarah.clark@inspiredessex.co.uk www.inspiredessex.co.uk Editor

DIRECTORY

The views expressed in Inspired magazine are those of the respective contributors, not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction in part or full is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher

The material in Inspired is subject to copyright.

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2011 Leed Limited TA Inspired Magazine

Sarah

Sarah Clark - M 07799 777018 sarah.clark@inspiredessex.co.uk

Advertising Manager Inspired magazine is distributed in Essex FREE to selected homes, businesses, dentists, doctors, train stations, Spas, Hotels, Odeon Cinemas and Broomfield Hospital.

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OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 5

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OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Fresh wreaths

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OFFER

Back in January, we told you all about the fabulous SASSY Lisa Clark, positive princess and ‘Creatrix o’ her own destiny’. Well, Lisa’s words of wisdom, insight and magick have just been be unleashed on the world as her rather fabulous book, ‘SASSY’ was published in September.

To WIN your copy, just email sarah.clark@inspiredessex.co.uk

with your name and address, and tell me why you need this book!

Lisa’s mission is to make every woman a SASSY mistress of her own fate, and turn her into a fearless female who is totally badass, speaks her truth, makes money, follows her heart and has crazy-mad adventures. Sound good to you?

SASSY is a rather deliciously delightful cocktail of womanly arts, make-life-betterness and magickal chutzpah that will switch your ‘I am awesome’ levels right up to stun volume and give you all the tools and inspiration you need to seek passion and pleasure in your everyday life, crush on your own reflection and really, truly get to know and appreciate your own fabulosity.

Free Books!

Take inspiration from other kick-ass females like Pleasure Provocateur Sam Roddick and Queen of Burlesque, Immodesty Blaize, and find out how you can conjure up whatever it is you want in life, all while dancing to your very own beat and wearing completely inappropriate footwear.

On a similar note, but not as photogenic, if you’re a Kindle owner, why not share and lend your books to other Kindle users? Go to www.BookLending.com for an absolutely free Kindle book lending and borrowing community with over 55,000 members.

Watch Lisa unwrap the first copies of her very own book: http://youtu.be/cBkImqsujNY http://sassyology.com/

READER OFFER: VIP Basket For Two

An event for your mind, body and soul!

The perfect just-in-time-for-Christmas event; de-stress and inspire yourself with some of the latest ideas in holistic health and wellbeing.

This Mind, Body and Soul exhibition takes place in Elstree, and features interesting speeches and workshops; taster exercise classes; a variety of treatments to enjoy and an exhibitors’ hall filled with exciting health and wellbeing specialists offering their latest, must have goodies.

Lots of villages in the UK have turned red telephone boxes into mini libraries, just take a book and leave one behind.

We have three copies of SASSY to give away!

This is the event’s second year, and the first one was a huge success, so if you’d like to go, tickets are on sale now OR you could enter our competition!

18th November 2012 - Holiday Inn, Elstree Barnet Bypass, Borehamwood, WD6 5PU www.gateway2wellbeing.co.uk

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Enter our fabulous competition and you could be the lucky winner of a basket of deliciousness worth £200! Our lucky winner will win: 1. Two FREE entry tickets for the show 2. Access to the VIP Lounge/Room/Area (for winner and a guest) 3. Complementary welcome drink and nibbles in VIP Lounge 4. Two FREE treatments on the day 5. A FREE Tarot or Angel card reading 6. A FREE life coaching session (to be taken up to 3 months after the exhibition) 7. A complementary CD 8. Assorted products For a chance of winning this lovely prize, just email sarah.clark@inspiredessex.co.uk with your name, address and contact details, and make sure you’re around on 18th November to take up the offer!

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 7

Chatty

Get SASSY!

Chatty

Must Listen!

Muse – The Second Law

When the mighty Muse approached the making of their sixth studio album, it was a given that it would include lashings of choral support, copious strings and plenty of horn.

For the sixth studio album, Muse have added to the fantastically over the top guitar-shredding and piano-thumping of Matt Bellamy with songs written and sung by the band’s bass player Chris Wolstenholme (Save Me and Liquid State.)

The band took their time over the creation of the album, as for once they were all living in the same place, and used the relaxed approach and the experience born of self-producing The Resistance to make the album they really wanted to make. Of course, an album titled after and thematicall influenced by the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which concerns the inevitable wasting of energy within a closed system, does sound a little bit, well, heavy. But apparently not.

Have a Read...

I’ve known Lisa Clark and admired her down to earth brand of go-for-it positivity for years, so of course I was always going to pre-order her long-awaited work of fabulosity, Sassy. As luck would have it, the book was unleashed upon a sass-hungry public a little earlier than expected, and I’ve read it already. And now I’m re-reading it because it was so awesome!

Building on her performance as a take-no-prisoners teenager in Winter’s Bone, Jennifer Lawrence portrays heroine Katniss Everdeen in Gary Ross’s actionoriented adaptation of author-screenwriter Suzanne Collins’s young adult bestseller. Set in a dystopian future in which the income gap is greater than ever, 24 underprivileged youth fight to the death every year in a televised spectacle designed to entertain the rich and give the poor enough hope to quell any further

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Dom Howard says it brims with ‘wild’ sounds, and by all accounts we can expect some trademark big tunes. Madness, the album’s naggingly infectious first single, pulses with a grimy throb. It sounds nothing like Muse, and it sounds everything like Muse.

The great thing about a Muse album is that you never REALLY know what to expect. And when you do listen to it for the first time, it can be quite a delicious shock. I for one can’t wait…

Out 1st October…

Sassy – by Lisa Clark

I’m one of the girls who’s been asking the divine Miss Lisa to spill her secrets for years.

She did tell me what she did to attract her gorgeous beau into her life, and I thought it was brilliant, but she hadn’t told me the sparkle-filled tale of her trip to Paris, wishing under the Eiffel Tower and dreams coming true.

I mean...wow. I can’t stretch to a trip to Paris right now, but it really is the stuff of fairy tales.

The book is so authentic, and so Lisa - I could just imagine her actually sitting here with me, telling me all her secrets over a glass of pink fizz. Which is always awesome.

I loved it. Reading Sassy has really given me back some oomph, a bit of spark, or dare I say

Watch

“We all had a lot of great fun doing it,” says Wolstenholme, “and hopefully you can hear that on the album. There are some real moments of positivity in the songs. And I just think everyone personally is in a pretty good place at the moment.”

it, sass. It’s not so much a self-help book, but a ‘freakin’ get on with it, and be fabulous while you do it’ book. It’s made me think I can do anything, with a bit of go-for-it-girl attitude, Lisa gives some really down to earth advice about some things which you might have thought of as ‘woo woo’ before you read it and think “Yeah, actually that makes sense”. It’s all about raising your vibration, and working that inner confidence. Should you read this book?

Well, if you want to be inspired, get tips and tricks about how to ‘crush on your own reflection’ and raise your game. If you’re ready to get out there and kick some ass in your sexiest heels, and have your friends ask you what your secret is.....yes!

The Hunger Games

unrest-but not too much, warns Panem president Snow (Donald Sutherland), because that would be “dangerous.”

Hailing from the same mining town, 16-yearolds Katniss and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson, The Kids Are All Right) represent District 12 with the help of escort Effie (an unrecognizable Elizabeth Banks) and mentor Haymitch (a scenestealing Woody Harrelson). At first they’re adversaries, but a wary partnership eventually develops, though the rules stipulate that only one contestant can win.

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

For those who haven’t read the book, the conclusion is likely to come as a surprise. Before it arrives, Ross (Pleasantville) depicts a society in which the Haves appear to have stepped out of a Dr. Seuss book and the Have-Nots look like refugees from the WPA photographs of Walker Evans. It’s an odd mix, made odder still by frenetic fight scenes where it’s hard to tell who’s doing what to whom. Fortunately, Lawrence and Hutcherson prove a sympathetic match in this crazy, mixed-up combination of Survivor, Lost, and the collected works of George Orwell (Review by Kathleen C. Fennessy, on www. amazon.co.uk )

Trump That!

It’s a delicate subject, but one we are all familiar with. Trumping. Otherwise known as passing wind, gas, bottom burps, farting. Call it what you will, but in many relationships, it’s a bone of contention. Generally, I find that men seem to think anything to do with bodily noises is absolutely hysterical and endlessly fascinating, giving their trumps names, marks out of ten and even confessing to ill-judged attempts at lighting them. Not clever, boys…

Living with someone who is, shall we say, free and easy when it comes to sharing his noises with me, sometimes I wonder if it’s just a bit much. I have been known to make him sleep on the sofa after a particularly bad night (we realised it was Pepsi Max that was causing the

Chatty

Essex and the Not-so-Single Girl

escalation in emissions and quickly switched back to full fat Coke before I was forced to move out) but he thinks I’m weird because in all the time we’ve been together, he still hasn’t heard anything below the belt from me.

When it comes to wind, I’m perfectly capable of letting rip with a bubble-induced burp or two. I blame the gastric reflux, personally. I just don’t feel the need to share any other bodily functions with the class, if you know what I mean. I used to live with a man who thought it was side-splittingly funny to aim them right at me, and it used to get on my nerves so much that occasionally I’d try and retaliate, but I could never manage it. I guess trumping on demand is not something I’ll ever be able to master.

I’m also quite private when it comes to other bodily functions. Yes, we all do it, but I see no need to inflict my bathroom habits on anyone else. I’m not one of those happy-go-lucky let it all hang out types who sits on the loo having a chat with her boyfriend while he’s cleaning his teeth. Not great for romance, that!?

So, what do you think? Is it OK to fart with abandon once you’ve been in a relationship for a while? Is it cool for a man to have competitions with his 15 year old son, resulting in forcing his long-suffering girlfriend to threaten violence to the next person who pollutes her atmosphere? Or is it just plain weird to keep them to yourself?

Excuse me, I’m just off to get some Oust…

Celebrating Chocolate It’s national Chocolate Week in October, so we thought we’d bring you some of the best non-edible chocolate treats we could find.

Chocolate has inspired many a beauty product and if you can get your fix without the fat and calories, even better…

Smells heavenly If you want to smell sweet as chocolate, try Love Potion Eau de Parfum from Oriflame. It’s an oriental vanilla fruity fragrance, with refreshing tangerine, ginger and the cocoa flower. Sounds good? You can buy it for £20.95 from www.oriflamestore.co.uk Get a guilt-free chocolate fix with JASON Softening Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion, RRP £6.99 and Nourishing Cocoa Butter Crème, RRP £6.49. www.jasonnaturalcare.co.uk

Looking tasty

Shades of tea and chocolate feature heavily in this season’s makeup trends, so get in on the action with Too Faced Chocolate Soleil - Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa 10g - £23.50. The bronzer has a sheer, matte finish to leave your skin looking and feeling balanced and perfected. www.escentual.com Palmer’s Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Lip Butter will have you licking your lips! It contains Palmer’s trademark 100% pure cocoa butter and vitamin E for ultra moisturisation, with a bit of gloss. RRP £2.55 www.uk.palmers.com

Cover me in Chocolate

The Malvern Spa Chocolate Back Therapy is a scrumptious back treatment with Dead Sea Salts, Essential Oils and warm 100% Pure Cocoa Butter and leaves your skin feeling deliciously hydrated, and smelling utterly gorgeous. £40 for a 40-minute treatment. www.themalvernspa.com

It sounds too good to be true…but chocolate can actually be good for you - in the form of a Chocolate Therapy treatment at The Grange Spa in Lincolnshire. The one hour treatment starts with a chocolatey body exfoliation, followed by a self-heating Chocolate body wrap. Price: £50.00 per person at www.thegrangespa.co.uk

What about a Chocolate Retreat? Moddershall Oaks, a country spa in Staffordshire offers Chocolate Spa Days and Breaks. The Chocolate Spa Break Package includes an overnight stay in a 5-star suite with wine, dinner and continental breakfast, use of the spa facilities and a 25 minute Chocolate Treatment. Prices start from £280 per night based on two people http://www.moddershalloaks.com/

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 9

Chatty

I love the fact that the first song you sang live after the op was ‘Rehab’ – how do you think your positive attitude has helped you get through the difficult times?

Inspirational People

Sophie Garner Interview

If you admire passionate but down-to-earth musical artistry, Sophie Garner’s got a few things to sing to you. Sophie, originally from Suffolk but now living in London, is a singer with an absolute passion and dedication to her art. When illness and surgery threatened to get in the way of her musical ambitions, she fought her way through and then set up her very own organisation and support network for singers who have undergone vocal surgery.

Her eagerly anticipated album, Genes, reflects a lifetime of blood, sweat, tears and inspiration and Sophie can’t wait to unveil it on record and on stage. “I’m a live performer,” she says, delighted that the chance to share her new songs has arrived. “I like it up close.”

We spoke to the lovely Sophie about the album, VoxOp and exciting future plans…

The inspiration for the album sounds incredibly diverse and very personal – can you tell us a bit more about what influences you musically as well as lyrically?My musical tastes are very eclectic.

“Everything I have ever listened to has influenced this album on a conscious and subconscious level. I was a punk in my teens and didn’t follow what my school friends were listening too at all. While everyone was into Duran Duran I was listening to Siouxsie and the Banshees and Jethro Tull!

“My album is as diverse as my musical tastes.

Each song has it’s own identity and sound but the album as a collection works really well together. As this is my solo album my own life experiences are clearly played out in the songs I have written. I have deliberately avoided writing purely about love and relationships as often these can be really done to death, although clearly my songs contain such references.”

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You must have been scared when you started to have vocal problems – do you think this affected the tone of the album at all?

“My vocal problems didn’t affect the tone of the album. What it did do though is create a really stressful environment in the recording studio where we were practically living for a year. I can recall a very difficult day when I just couldn’t get the right vocal down on one of my songs ‘When the mourning comes’ due to my vocal problems and I was getting more and more stressed. I ended up asking my producer and my partner/ co-writer to both go for a walk for an hour and leave the record button on and let me do it on my own. I turned out all the lights and just sang over and over again until I felt focused. I ended getting the best vocal for the track this way.”

How did VoxOp come about? Can you tell us a bit more about the group and how it can help?

“VoxOp was a result of going through the experience of a vocal operation in April 2010.

Ask any singer what their worst nightmare would be and they will tell you having a vocal operation is top of the list. It was a terrifying time both emotionally and financially. My partner Paul and I nearly lost everything because we had invested our life savings in recording the album. VoxOp is the UK’s first and only singer support group for pre and post op singers and it’s a free service. We run meetings every month in London.” www.voxop.co.uk

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

“After my vocal op I had a very strict vocal regime to adhere to. I found this actually made me quite positive about the future. Because it was baby steps I wasn’t dismayed by the slow progress. My vocal teacher was incredibly supportive at this time even waving his fee on occasions because he knew how difficult it was for me financially. What I did find shocking was the total lack of support in aftercare for singers who have undergone surgical intervention.

Setting up VoxOp helped me to focus on creating something really positive out of a negative experience.”

How did it feel to be the first person to play the O2 Arena?

“It was an incredible experience. I was supporting The Sugababes and McFly at the time. The plastic was still on some of the seats it was that new! My agent said to me ‘You do realise you are the first artist to perform on the main stage don’t you?’ Apparently I beat Bon Jovi and the official opening by a week! It was a great feeling and one of the best live sounds I have ever had.”

Can you tell us a bit more about your other project, Sophie Garner Design ?

Where can we find out more?

“I can remember watching TV on a wet Sunday afternoon when I was about 10. I saw a film featuring the 1940’s star Carmen Miranda. She appeared singing in all her bright coloured jewellery. That was it, I was hooked. A few years later, I began to wear 1940’s and 50’s vintage clothing, this continued up until around 6 years ago. As a result I have accumulated a great collection of fabulous original clothes and jewellery.

“I decided earlier this year to start making my own jewellery for wearing on stage and after getting many comments from friends and total strangers about my designs I decided to start my own business creating deco inspired modern perspex jewellery. I have also created a unique collection called Dazzling Dorris especially for Drag Queens who struggle to find bracelets to fit their wrists. I’ve already had four boutique shops asking to stock my pieces!

Look out for the designs coming soon to www.sophiegarnerdesign.co.uk

FFER O WIN A FREE

Well, you can! Claire is offering one Inspired reader a free session of hypnotherapy. All you need to do is email sarah.clark@inspiredessex.co.uk or go to www.inspiredessex.co.uk by end of October and tell us in less than 100 words why you need a stressbusting hypnotherapy session.

SESSION WITH CLAIRE!

Good luck!

Hypnotherapy Maximises the Power of your Mind - By Claire Rich.

In the last two articles I talked about the difference between stage hypnosis and clinical hypnosis. The fact that there is ‘no hypnotised feeling’ and dispelled some of the common myths about hypnosis to reassure you that it is a totally safe and natural state, and that you always remain completely alert, aware and in control at all times. So now it’s time to talk about Hypnotherapy and how it could help you maximise your performance, wellbeing and success so that you can be the best you can be.

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy When hypnosis is used on its own, it does nothing more than provide temporary relief from stress and anxiety. It is the actual ‘therapy’ that is carried out whilst the client is in the hypnotised state – known as Hypnotherapy that is the really important part. So whether you are struggling with a particular problem, want more confidence or simply feel that you aren’t achieving your goals fast enough and realising your full potential then read on.

This amazingly powerful therapy can be lifechanging and could be just what you need to help you overcome problems and difficulties that have been holding you back for years.

The Subconscious Mind

The Key to Creating Positive Change

Hypnotherapy is totally different from any other therapy because it works directly with the subconscious part of your mind. This is the part that makes us think, feel and react to things automatically without us giving them much conscious thought, like breathing and swallowing.

So whether you want to be calmer and more patient with the kids, more confident and dynamic at work, cut down the amount of alcohol you drink at the end of a long, hard day or lose weight and exercise so you can get fit... it is essential that you get your subconscious mind working for you to ensure your success. It’s a bit like reprogramming a computer really! All the answers are up there in your subconscious mind, the Hypnotherapist simply works with you to help you get from where you are now to where you want to be.

The Belief and Expectation System Have you ever tried to change something about yourself only to find that you keep on reverting back to the same old negative, destructive ways? We’ve all been there and it’s so frustrating, isn’t it! So why does this happen?

Well its simple really, the subconscious and conscious parts of your mind are working against each other, so the harder your consciously try to change something about yourself, the more your subconscious mind resists.

It doesn’t even matter if what you are trying to achieve is logical, practical and possible not to mention positive and beneficial to your health and wellbeing - it will simply disregard the change and sabotage your attempts to achieve your goal in every possible way until you do give up and fail. Make no mistake; the subconscious is the most powerful part of your mind because it contains your belief system and all your programming.

In next month’s issue I’ll be talking more about exactly how Hypnotherapy could help you.

But if you are ready now to take the next step and improve your life for the better, call me on (01245) 444105 to book your ‘Free Initial Consultation’. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain! For more information visit: www.clairerich-therapy.co.uk / www.thewaytoaricherlife.com.

Until then... take care and remember to take time out to relax and recharge because you deserve it. Claire www.clairerich-therapy.co.uk www.thewaytoaricherlife.com

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 11

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

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How would you like to feel more positive, calm and confident, get a good night’s sleep, and have a feeling of well-being that lasts for a good while?

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

mix it with milk for extra protein and calcium.

You should be taking 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. If you work this out with your servings you will maintain your muscle mass while still losing body fat.

Supplements – by Stuart Holroyd While I am writing this I look outside my window with despair and joy all at the same time.

The ‘summer’ has gone but the perfect running weather has started, so even though the sky outside is grey the sky inside me is very blue.

Now onto this month’s topic – supplements.

There has been a huge amount of controversy with regards to this subject in the last few months. The first being the BBC’s documentary and the second being the government’s choice to put VAT on supplements from the 1st October.

These 2 subjects are not exclusive to each other. It is no coincidence that the BBC decides to discredit all supplements only two months before the government adds VAT to them for

the first time in this country’s history, especially considering how the government is ‘trying’ to clamp down on this country’s biggest health issue, obesity.

But this is a completely different subject altogether. All I want to concentrate on today is what supplements you should use to maintain a healthy lifestyle and this is not from scientific studies, this is from 20 years of experience and helping people.

The first thing we need is a good protein drink.

First of all ladies, you are not going to grow a beard and arms bigger than Mr. Schwarzenegger. Your bodies do not work like that. Gents also please do not expect these results either.

What they will do however is provide you with a healthy. Balanced meal replacement that will curb your appetite and give you more than enough nutrients to help your body recover from a hard workout or just take that eating plan to the next level without going over your calorie intake. Just remember to get a good Whey protein with low carbs, that way you can

As a Personal Trainer, I know that one of the biggest hurdles for people who either want to undertake or to stick with an exercise regime is motivation. Many start with good intentions – the annual New Year surge in people buying gym memberships is testament to that – but before too long many find excuses in order to get out of the routine of exercising.

So, what can we do to keep inspired & motivated?

There are several ways, such as;

Keeping motivated to exercise!

by Carly Humphreys-Surry

• Training with a friend & arranging set days / times every week, then you can spur each other on. It may be a bike ride in the park, an aerobics class or a session in the gym.

• Try to set goals for yourself to remind you as to why you are doing the exercise & what your long term aspirations are. Your goals could be getting in shape for an upcoming wedding, being able to run in the Dads race at sports day, or looking great for your holiday.

• Keep your training sessions varied to make them interesting & fresh. This is also great for

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OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Secondly you need to supplement your diet with your good fats. If you go to June and July’s issues of Inspired you will see that these are split into two parts; Omega 3’s and CLA. Now these together will help release stubborn fat while also stopping you taking on more fat. The only difference between them is that Omega 3 comes from fish and CLA comes from meat.

You can buy these in 1000mg capsules and you will need to take 3000mg of each every day.

Now I have only taken these supplements for years now and I have maintained a body fat level of 5-7%. Personally I do not feel that you would need anything else as supplements are the same as any new piece of technology; they are the greatest thing since sliced bread….till the new one comes out.

Stick with the basics guys and I promise you won’t go wrong.

If you need any advice on any kind of supplementation then please don’t hesitate to get in touch, you will always get a reply to any email you send.

Until next month…Stu www.thehomefitnessgroup.co.uk 0800 612 81 86 info@thehomefitnessgroup.co.uk www.winnersboxinggym.co.uk ultimate results......keep your body on its toes so to speak!

• Train with a Personal Trainer, even if it is only short term, to get your motivation going! Many clients tell me that because they make an appointment with me, they feel obligated to attend, plus they know they will be motivated to work harder by someone pushing them, than if they were exercising on their own.

Finally, at least with a professional, we will give you the training appropriate to your goals.

It is important to remember, keeping fit & active should be seen as an on-going part of your life for long term health, not just something undertaken as a “quick fix”, so make sure you choose activities you really enjoy! Now, surely having fun whilst exercising is MOTIVATION enough......

Carly (Personal Trainer – Inspired by Carly) Follow me on Twitter - @CarlyHS_yourPT www.inspiredbycarly.co.uk Image credit: www.flickr.com/photos/ beniciomurray/5757032251/

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There’s something about October that makes me think about nature.

Whether it’s the crossover between summer (what we’ve had of one) and autumn, the renewal of the seasons, the falling leaves, it all seems very earthy. Beauty products are looking to natural rather than chemical ingredients to tempt us in, and we’ve found some gorgeous, luxury beauty products that conjure up the essence of coming autumn in a really rather beautiful way.

£5

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Mirabella Beauty & Nail Salon

Mirabella Beauty & Nail salon in Chelmsford City was created to provide clients the high level of ervice they deserve.

From the moment you walk into the salon until the moment you leave, we strive to give you the best possible experience. Mirabella is the home of experienced professionals who will cater to all your therapy needs whilst you relax in our beautiful, homely 16th century building.

Our team of specialised therapists are passionate about what they do and keep up to date with their skills through ongoing training.

The treatments we offer: Oriflame’s Ecobeauty range has all the essentials for healthylooking skin, and it’s the first global cross category cosmetics range to be approved by four leading independent ethical, natural and environmental global organisations Fairtrade, Ecocert, The Vegan Society and Forest Stewardship Council. The range is gorgeous, features everything you need from a beauty collection and you can get it from http://gb.oriflame.com As the nights get shorter, the thought of a nice hot bath after a hard day at work can put a smile right back on your face. Just perfect for an evening in with a hot bath is Forever Living Products’ Aroma Spa Collection with Relaxation Bath Salts, Shower Gel and Massage Lotion, and don’t forget a good book and a big bar of chocolate….The luxurious three-piece aromatherapy spa collection with travel bag will help take the edge off the loss of your post-holiday tan.

Forever Living £60.44 www.forevershopnow.com

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pamper Parties for all ages Dermalogica Facials Gelish Nails Minx Nails Trendy Nail Wraps OPI Manicures and Pedicures Nail Enhancements (Acrylic and Gel) Nail Maintenance Make-up for special occasions Semi-Permanent Make-up Anti-wrinkle Injections & Dermal Fillers Laser Teeth Whitening Eye Lash/Brow Tinting Eyelash Perming Eyelash Extensions All Waxing Swedish Massage Hot stone Massage Aromatherapy Massage Indian Head Massage Baby Massage Sports Massage Reflexology Natural Face Lift Massage Back Facials Hopi Ear Candling Fake Bake Tanning Sienna X Spray Tanning Micro Ring Hair Extensions Clairvoyant/Medium Readings

www.mirabellabeauty.co.uk 154 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0LD.

* With selected therapists only. Offer does not include Botox/dermal fillers/Semi-permanent Make up/Sports massage/Pamper Parties.

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 13

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

It’s all good, and it’s all natural

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

The Only way to Spa is Essex Melted Muscles…

If you ever get an opportunity to visit

Greenwoods Hotel and Spa, in Stock, and sample one of the spa treatments on offer, grab it with both hands and run with it. Greenwoods Hotel and Spa is in a gorgeous location, and attracts a celebrity clientele – according to the taxi driver who picked up Lady Gaga from the hotel during last year’s V Festival.

The spa has recently introduced an option of having a one-off treatment if you just fancy a massage or a facial, so you don’t have to book an entire spa day or package to feel the benefits of a delicious bit of pamper-time. The

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two spa ranges, Elemis and La Sultane de Saba are super-luxurious, and Greenwoods is also the first UK spa to host the brand new La Sultane de Saba collection, ‘Journey to Malaysia’, which combines Malaysian healing

House’s day spa packages include use of the spa facilities, a selection of treatments, a two-course lunch and robe and towel hire for the day. www.claricehouse.co.uk

treatments with wellbeing remedies from the Malaysian Islands.

Lifehouse Spa in Thorpe-le-Soken has

I was lucky enough to try a Moroccan Muscle Melt massage recently and it was divine. The 50 minute massage with warm oils (which has a subtle scent of rose oil) relaxes your whole body from the horrid knotted bits around my neck and shoulders to the area in my lower back where I’d pulled a muscle swimming lengths the day before. Everywhere from your scalp to your toes and more or less everything in between gets the Muscle Melt treatment, and after almost an hour of massage, I was ready to roll off the couch and be transported back home again. It’s one of Greenwoods’ most popular spa treatments, and I can vouch for its deliciousness… www.greenwoodshotel.com

recently undergone its very own makeover, ditching its original spa range and going into partnership with upmarket spa favourites, Espa. Don’t panic if you haven’t got around to trying the signature Oriental Bathing Experience at Lifehouse yet though; it’s still on offer! The two-hour treatment is an absolute treat for the senses and perfect for all water babies, with its deliciously individual mix of hydrotherapy, reflexology and traditional cleansing rituals. Well worth a try… www.lifehouse.co.uk

Shellac NailsTM Revolutionary product changing the way women get their nails done.

Shellac NailsTM last up to 14 days without losing shine or shimmer. They are hard and do not scratch or smudge.

Contact Leann on: 07779 676570

14 PAGE |

Crowne Plaza Resort Colchester is the swanky spa in

Clarice House Day Spa at Kingsford Park, Colchester is a classic country house spa stocked with the very latest goodies from Spanish Beauty House, Germaine de Capuccini.

A lovely spa, and in fact the only spa massage I’ve ever had accompanied by my favourite piece of classical music ever, which also earned it brownie points, it’s a good one for an indulgent day that’s all about you. All Clarice

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Colchester it is an ideal distraction from the stresses and strains of everyday life. The spa boasts 12 treatment rooms and a whole list of treatments that last from 30 minutes to several hours. There’s also a private sun terrace and a Moroccan themed relaxation room. Most people tend to make a night of it and turn their spa day into a break – well there are 194 rooms to relax in! www.cpcolchester.co.uk

Don’t do anything until you’ve read the advice from Professional Colourist Donna Mitchell, Natur Vital Coloursafe Ambassador, who has the lowdown on colour trends for 2012/13…

“Colour this season is all about natural, organic looking tones. Colours should look ultrareflective and echo runway colour palettes; think subtle, deep couture colour with a high shine gloss. Healthy hair lies at the heart of the trend, so make sure that you keep your hair nourished, hydrated and glossy using weekly hair treatment masques.”

WINTER BLONDES Blonde goes slightly darker this autumn/winter with colours looking natural, soft and organic.

Golds, caramels and delicate buttermilks look great intertwined into tresses to enhance a flaxen base.

If you’re looking for a safe and affordable way to upkeep your colour, then when not try Natur Vital Coloursafe in Golden Blonde 7.3? This high shine shade gives maximum grey coverage and leaves blonde hair looking healthy, shiny and conditioned. Alternatively, if you’d rather visit the salon for your colour transformation, but would like an affordable up-keep option, then the new Natur Vital Colour Pack in Blonde will leave hair looking golden, nourished and ultra-shiny for up to five washes.

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Thinking of colouring your hair?

which will suit most skin tones. It’s free from irritants like PPD, Ammonia and Parabens and leaves colour vibrant for longer.

As worn by: Christina Hendricks

Want A New

HIGH-SHINE BRUNETTES

look

Natural, deep and glossy; this season, brunette hair should ooze sophistication and look both organic and unrefined. Think tones like chestnuts (Natur Vital Chestnut 4 is my favourite), chocolates, and mochas and you won’t be far off. Colour can be applied globally for intensity and depth, or try incorporating slices of praline shades through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to add interest and contrast. If your colour is looking a little dull, try topping it up with Natur Vital’s Chestnut Colour Pack for a chocolatey pick-me-up that even covers greys.

As worn by: Kelly Brook

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As worn by: Scarlett Johansson

a colour service Natur Vital Coloursafe £9.99 Natur Vital Colour Packs £10 for five sachets www.naturvital.co.uk

just mention inspired

Opulent Styling To book an appointment call:

01245 256 872 www.hairitage.co.uk

COPPER REDS

Kings Head Walk | Chelmsford | CM2 6FH

Reds take their inspiration from natural tones like copper, blush and strawberry this season.

Shades should stay sophisticated, opaque and stay close to their natural roots, where possible, so say farewell to pillar box reds and hot scarlet’s. Looking for inspiration? Natur Vital Coloursafe in Hazelnut 6.43 is a stunning tone

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 15

Ladies Fashion

Wedding hair 2013 According to New York’s fashion pack, the bun will be a big hit for weddings in 2013. The catwalks at the recent New York wedding runway shows featured highly detailed variations of the bun, and while a simple ballerina bun will always be a classic look, buns created from a bunch of individual twists and intricate braids are super-hot right now.

Sometimes it’s the small things that make an outfit, and as we all know, the wedding outfit is a pretty important one. If you can’t find the perfect hair accessory, don’t know whether to go with a tiara or a comb, have a look at the gorgeous range of accessories at Aye Do, where you’ll find more pretty things than you can shake a wedding list at…

Another classic and popular bridal hairstyle, the side chignon was another style the models sported Paired with a deep side parting; it’s the perfect combination of sleek, yet messy and casual style.

www.ayedo.co.uk

Pearl & Crystal Floral Leaf Wedding Comb - £79.99

Simple Diamante Wedding Hair Comb - £45.99

Large Clear Crystal & Diamante Wedding Hair Comb - £49

Fairisle Rabbit Scarf M&S £29.50

Organza Flower Bridal Hair Comb - £51.99

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OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Ladies Fashion

Planning the perfect wedding The UK’s leading wedding co-ordinator Siobhan Craven-Robbins was in the county recently, when she opened Barleylands Craft Village Winter Wedding Wonderland. Siobhan’s celebrity clients include Joan Collins, Ronni Ancona and Barbara Windsor, and she’s the wedding expert for Hudson’s Wedding Guide, writing for a variety of top wedding titles and appearing on TV regularly. Siobhan also has her own DVD ‘From This Day Forward’, a guide to planning the perfect wedding.

She believes that no two weddings are the same and keeps many of the studios at Barleylands Craft Village on speed dial to assist her to create that extra special bit of wedding magic.

Here she shares her tips for the perfect wedding with Inspired….

YOUR TOP 10 TIPS TO THE PEFECT WEDDING: WHATEVER THE SEASON!

Wedding Dress Credit: www.flickr.com/photos/iamdabe/4908071125/

SET A BUDGET. Your perfect day will

BE REALISTIC. If you will be travelling on

not necessarily be dictated by your spending parameters. However, as you start planning your wedding, you may discover expenses that you had not considered such as special bridal underwear and a hair and make-up trial. Create a spreadsheet of all your wedding ‘items’ and their estimated costs and this will help you create a realistic budget.

major roads to get to your ceremony location, a horse and carriage is not your ideal mode of transport! Similarly, if you are set on an outdoor wedding ceremony, choose a reliable month for fine weather but have a wet weather contingency plan.

CONSIDER THE SEASON.

The time of year can inspire many ideas for your wedding from what you wear such as winter-style velvet hooded cloaks to the skimpiest of beach-style bridal wear. Your wedding month will also offer a variety of seasonal flowers, which can inspire your colour scheme.

DECIDE ON A THEME OR COLOUR SCHEME. There is not just your dress to consider. Flowers, stationery, table linen and even the wedding cake can all be designed to compliment one another and co-ordinate the look of your wedding. You can take inspiration from your venue’s décor, your favourite flowers or the colours you would like your wedding party to wear.

DECIDE WHO WILL ORGANISE YOUR WEDDING. This can be a crucial and political decision! There will be no end of advice and offers, but ultimately it is your special day and the organisation of it should fall upon the best person to realise this. In the event of a possible permanent family rift, hiring a wedding co-ordinator is a sensible option.

DO YOUR RESEARCH. Prices and quality of service can vary hugely and the selection can be overwhelming. If you can go on referrals or friends’ experiences, these provide a safe bet.

ENSURE YOUR WEDDING DAY IS NICELY PACED. Although you would like your day to last as long as possible, this does not work in practice. If the day goes on too long guests will get bored or tired and leave early best to end the party before it fizzles out. Your drinks reception should be no longer than 90 minutes and dancing for up to 3 hours is plenty.

A successful wedding is one that flows with guests never being bored, hungry or thirsty.

CONSIDER THE VENUES. If your chosen reception venue is a long drive through narrow country lanes, your guests may struggle to find it and arrive late. It is always best to review appropriate reception venues within a sensible proximity to the ceremony location before you confirm your booking. If they are quite far apart or difficult to find, consider laying on coaches to transport your guests in comfort.

GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME. A wedding takes time to organise, a dress can take up to 9 months to be made, popular venues often have to be booked a good year in advance and invitations should ideally go out 6-8 weeks prior to the big day. Ensure that you have a realistic time period to plan your wedding and then you can enjoy all the preparation at a steady pace instead of in one mad rush!

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 17

Ladies Fashion

Crafty Fashion Corner – by Claire Robinson

Every month we bring you a new design idea from Elizabeth Mulholland, an easy and inexpensive way to update an outfit.

This month we’ll show you how to make sophisticated glove like sleeves, perfect for glamming up a plain outfit. Sleeves are great for transforming an everyday office outfit into something fit for a night out or for after work drinks. Take off your suit jacket to reveal a strappy or strapless top or dress and put on your sleeves for a very different look.

My favourite fabrics are printed and plain chiffon, jersey, velvet and lace, because these designs work better with softer fabrics which drape well. You could also use cotton, taffeta or silk dupion if you prefer a dramatic, more structured design.

You’ll need 60cm of (minimum) 112cm wide fabric and 60-80cm of 4mm wide elastic plus trims like lace, ribbon or braid (trimmings are optional): 1. Cut a pair, each at 60cm wide x 60cm long 2. Sew on any extra trims like ribbon or lace across the width, it’s useful to mark with tailor’s chalk to keep your sewing straight (leave the edging, top or bottom until the end)

3. Now, right sides together and matching either sides of your trim if you have used any, pin/tack then sew the sleeve up.

4. Measure the top of your arm (30cm of elastic is generally a good guide if they are a gift for an average size 12) 5. Mark both the sleeve and the elastic with a pin or tailor’s chalk in quarters then stretch the elastic to match the markings, you can either use a zig-zag stitch or turn it under like a hem and use a straight stitch, overlap the elastic at the end by about 1 cm and always back track to secure your seams.

6. For the wrist end you can hem it plain or zig-zag on some lace or a braid trim.

In these examples I’ve elasticated the sleeve in two places in the see-through chiffon sleeve before sewing the sides seam (see picture 2). The second design in stretch satin has a puffed head and fitted arm which works with jersey and stretch velvet too. Email me for free pattern details if you fancy having a go at this one, it’s a little more complicated so you’ll need some sewing experience.

You can buy them in kit form too; the kits include a selection of fabrics, lace, ribbon, elastic and more detailed instructions at £10…or buy them ready made at £20 from www.Elizabeth-mulholland.com.

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OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Ladies Fashion

Kelly’s Smalls Kelly Brook is helping women everywhere to work what they’ve got by launching another lingerie line, her second, exclusively for New Look.

The gorgeous sets are designed to flatter and highlight women’s natural curves, with a hint of vintage glamour to spice things up.

There are some flirty polka dots in evidence on high-waisted briefs which ooze 1950’s glamour.

Black lace is overlayed on nude satin and is the finishing trim to the animal print cami and shorts.

The romantic cream satin bra features New Looks signature cored eyelash lace and the matching briefs finish this classic look.

Contrasting bows and gorgeous rose gold branding are placed on every set with blacks and purples sitting against creams and nudes.

Classic lingerie spots and leopard print bring fun to the collection, while the vintage baroque rose print set screams sexy with its matching suspender belt.

Kelly said, “I am so excited about my second lingerie collection – It’s gorgeous and feminine with a few sexy pieces thrown into the mix. I hope everyone loves it as much as I do!”

This range caters for everyone with sizes available from 34B – 36F and prices starting from just £5.99.

The range is in-store now, find it at selected New Look stores and online. www.newlook.com

Trend Spotting: The Sneaker Wedge

Bring down the platform!

I’ve noticed this weird thing about sneaker wedges. They’re EVERYWHERE!!!!

Love heels but can’t quite bring yourself to part with the comfort of your pumps? Well panic over because Ash bring you these wedge heel leather hi-tops, featuring multi-buckle design and side zip closure; finished with contrast mid-sole and toe cap.

I think. There’s something chic about them.

Towering platform heels and stilettos have had their moment and the small heel is in the spotlight this season. The demi heel comes in all shapes, sizes, colours and materials; there are no rules how to wear this style.

Ash Black Leather Buckle Wedges £145.00 www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

These 1940s black velvet-like 3 buckle dance shoes feature beautiful cut work throughout the upper and the high heel feels more supportive than regular shoes. These are so wearable, they’ll go with absolutely anything.

The Eleanor from Revival Retro is a direct reproduction of an actual 1940s swing-era dress shoe.

Price £80 www.revival-retro.com

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 19

Ladies Fashion

Ten ways to update your wardrobe

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Because we can all afford to go all out and replace our wardrobes every season, can’t we?

We’ve captured some of the top trends that are hitting the shops and the fashion magazines right now, along with a few inexpensive ideas to help you adapt what you’ve got…

Tights: Who doesn’t look forward to being able to accessorise with warm, cosy tights as soon as the winter hits? Perfect for hiding less than perfect legs, and also a must for brightening up an outfit. Blend in, or stand out, it’s your call…

1. Primark: Jacket £21; Skater Dress £17; Blouse £10; Tights £2; Shoes £8 Go Gothic: Everyone needs a bit of drama in their wardrobe. Just add a t-shirt for a nod to the Goth look, perfect worn under a jacket for a touch of darkness without any real commitment. Or team it with skinny jeans and a scarf to wear your Goth-love loud and proud.

Finishing touches: It was all in the finishing touches at the international collections – hair clips and jewelled accessories look cute and can be mixed and matched for a different look every time.

3. Faux Fur Headband - £19.95 www.whatsabouttown.com 4. Crystal Ladybird Hair Clip - £6 www.Ebuni.com 5. Black leather - leather is back on the agenda again so vamp it up with a leather accessory or two, like the J by Jasper Conran fur cuff leather and suede gloves, £26 from Debenhams.

6. Or you could go all out and treat yourself to a jacket to go with everything and revel in your biker-girl chic. Leather biker jacket £160; Red Aztec print tunic £30; Navy Skinny jeans £28; Berry Ponyskin bag £38 all from Next.

2. Black Short Sleeve All Over Skulls Diamante Baggy Dip Hem Top – Pilot £13.99 20 PAGE |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

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7. Get a hat! Adding a hat can completely change how you feel! The hat is a huge style statement right now. Add a 1920s style purple hat to your wardrobe and you can feel elegant at all times…Fusions By East Buckle Trim Felt Hat - £26.50 Simply Be. 8. Or opt for a pretty little Alice Hannah sequin heart beret crafted from super soft, lamb’s wool and angora-blend and featuring an adorable sequin-embellished heart corsage – just £23.00 from www.asos.com Collars and cuffs - Collars are a great way to make one simple top seem like two very different ones. Check out the July edition of Inspired for an inexpensive way to make pretty cuffs, too, or check out www.etsy.com/shop/ ElizabethMulholland for more ideas!

Ladies Fashion

Forget any ideas about dressing down this season; we’re going upscale on the embellishments and adding more than a little sparkly something.

More is more 1

This is not a trend for the faint-hearted though, so forget any ideas about being able to jazz up a tired ensemble with a bit of bling, a few studs or a scattering of sequins. Wherever you look, jackets, trousers, skirts, even shirts and t-shirts, have been utterly drenched in the luxury of jacquard fabric and showered with jewels, gems and metals.

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Fashion magpies and lovers of anything glittery will jump for joy at the chance to legitimately get away with overdoing the adornment; maximalism is the new order of the day as the concept of ‘less is more’ is tossed gleefully out of the window.

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1 Accessorise Odyssey clutch £45 2 River Island Baroque High waisted Shorts £30 3 River Island headband 4 River Island Metallic Jacquard Tux Jacket 5 River Island Metallic Jacquard trousers £35

Taking the look to its absolute extreme on the catwalk was Balmain, which took inspiration from the decadence of Faberge eggs, and Dolce & Gabbana, where the most luxurious fabrics (lace, velvet and satin) were piled up with heavy gold threading and jewels.

Valentino downscaled slightly with a softer, more folk-inspired version of the trend, with jacquard detailing reminiscent of Russian dolls, while at Chanel there was a futuristic take on the look with metallics, angular crystals and a bold jewel colour palette.

heavily embellished and embroidered collection that could be taken straight from the AW12 catwalks. At a glance, the t-shirts could be Balmain, while the trouser suit will have you simultaneously working the masculine trend.

The key to working this trend successfully is to keep the basic silhouette classic and structured. Clean lines means that you don’t make the whole look a little TOO much, and you let the embellishment make its own statement without any fussy interventions.

And for statement jewels that can be layered up to add a unique edge to your embellished ensemble, check out Boticca and Accessorize.

Get yo’ sparkle on and work that bling!

6 River Island top 7 Diamond by Julien Macdonald dress £120 8 River Island 9 Mint Velvet Gold Metallic Sequin Jacket £229

Luckily for fashionistas on a budget, the high street has whole-heartedly embraced the trend. River Island has nailed it with a

Mint Velvet has updated the classic tux jacket in the spirit of the season’s luxe look, while Diamond by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams has taken inspiration from Dolce & Gabbana with a showstopper dress that will become a wardrobe staple come party season.

www.debenhams.com www.riverisland.com www.mintvelvet.co.uk www.boticca.com www.uk.accessorize.com

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 21

Gentleman’s Den

Oh iBallz

If you’ve got an ipad, you’ll want to protect it from the usual clumsiness and disasters that can befall expensive gadgets. iBallz are an absolute essential for looking after your iPad - they’ll protect it from falls, spills and dirty surfaces, as well as being rather useful in improving the ergonomics of it.

Simply attach the four soft balls to each corner and you’ve immediately got elevation and protection from dropping it, particularly useful if you’ve got clumsy children or slippery hands (or both, if you’re extremely unlucky). Relocating one ball to the back of your iPad props it up for typing or watching a movie, and it works both vertically and horizontally. Because the balls are connected by an adjustable cord, the iBallz work equally well with other tablet devices (Kindle etc). What’s more, you can hold your iPad by the iBallz’s cord, so mucky fingerprints won’t litter your pristine screen.

As well as keeping your iPad above the surface it’s on, the iBallz’s elevation allows heat to effectively dissipate, keeping your tablet nice and cool. No one likes a burning lap, do they?

So whatever your main use for the iPad is, you need protection for it and the ingenious iBallz are the ideal place to start.

Elevation, protection and ergonomics all rolled into one simple, brilliant idea. www.iwoot.com £14.99

22 PAGE |

Seeing Stars…

Find my Keys!

Finding it hard to sleep? This could be the answer. Gently lull yourself off to sleep with a soothing projection of stars, turning your bedroom into a haven of relaxation, and helping you to slip into a healthy, natural sleep.

The Star Projector Relaxation Sound Machine projects a gentle image of stars onto your bedroom ceiling, and also has a choice of ten soothing sounds including bird song, ocean waves brook, summer night, rain and dawn.

And when you’ve slept through a blissful night, this handy gadget will also ensure you wake up at the right time, as it is also a fully functioning alarm clock. £19.99 www.prezzybox.com

If you’re always losing your keys, man’s best friend is here to help. Attach Fetch My Keys to your keys and it will respond to your whistle, and alert you to where your keys are by setting off a beeper. This also causes the pup’s nose to flash which will also help you to locate your keys. No more ‘Have you seen my keys, darling?’ £5.99 www.iwoot.co.uk

Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Speakers Bowers & Wilkins are known for their very premium and stylish speakers and they have just released two more wireless speakers. They’re very well known for their Zepplin model which has been very popular since release.

The new speakers they have released are called the A5 and A7. The A5 is smaller of the two, priced at £399.99, it features two 20W tweeters and two 20W midrange drivers. The A7 costs considerably more at £699.99 but you get 25W tweeters, two 25W 3-inch midrange drivers and a 50W 6-inch woofer for some deep bass. These speakers are small but they’re packed with a punch. Of course as with anything from Bowers & Wilkins you’ll be given very premium quality sound and products.

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Gentleman’s Den

Leathered Up The high street is following in the footsteps of Paris, London, Paris and New York catwalks and going hell for leather (sorry about that) for everything, well, leather.

Don’t think that the trend stops with jackets and boots, either. Oh, no, this season we have the option of really standing out from the crowd with the introduction of the rather eclectic three-piece suit (not to be confused with a three-piece suite) Goth type Matrix-inspired floor length leather coats and more. Anyone shy of the full-on leather look, which is probably most of us, can still get in on the idea by searching out funky jumpers or garments with leather detailing and trim instead.

The catwalks really felt the love for leather this year, with esteemed designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Mugler, and Jil Sander opting to show head to toe leather designs, but it’s a look that most men are understandably wary of. The best way to wear the fabric is in moderation; avoid the dramatic catwalk-inspired overkill and head for the subtler influences that won’t make you look like a film extra.

The classic leather jacket is always a great investment, and there are plenty of design-led fashionable jackets in the shops this winter.

Leather jackets never seem to date as a fashion item (well unless you have a really old grey soft leather version circa 1988) and if you don’t already own one, there are plenty of designs to choose from as the winter collections hit the shops. One of the hot trends seems to be the blouson-style jacket, with a bod to the sport-luxe trend; or for something a bit different, try searching out the khaki leather hooded jacket by Marc Jacobs.

Topman is coming out on top in the affordability department with a great leather-look baseball jacket that ties in nicely with the Varsity and Americana trends that are also appearing in the shops now.

Leather isn’t just for coats and outerwear though; those in the know added it to t-shirts, tops and jumpers too. Leather accessories are key, with leather accessories, including gloves and even a boy-clutch, perfect for carrying a Kindle or a tablet in. If a man-sized clutch bag is a step too far for you, you could always take a slightly safer option and opt for a satchel or a classic leather-trimmed rucksack instead.

The versatility of leather lends itself to pretty much any fashion item, so you really can adapt the trend to suit yourself.

MIDDLE TOP- Leather look belted jacket £70 Topman www.topman.com FAR RIGHT - Marc Jacobs contrast leather jacket £2890 www.ssense.com TOP RIGHT - Leather Jacket With 4 Pocket Styling ASOS £145 www.asos.com

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 23

Gentleman’s Den

Groomed for winter

By Rosie Orgles

The thought of winter being just around the corner will trigger most men to think of the numerous things they need to prepare ready for the drastic change in weather conditions including checking the cars are ready for snow and ice, ensuring the boiler’s not about to pack up and fixing that drafty door frame in time for sub-zero temperatures. One thing that is not top of that list, but that should take priority, is your own health and wellbeing. You need preparing as much as the other things on the list. There’s no use having shiny new tools when the handyman is weary.

So in order to stay tough throughout winter, your skin and body needs some care. See it like an MOT if you wish, checking and ensuring everything is good to go.

Now you know the ladies like a pamper session or two, in fact they all have their own rituals and regular treatments, but believe it or not men need a bit of grooming too and there’s plenty of options out there.

It’s not because you need fixing, not because you’re not good enough how you are, and most certainly not to make you ‘pretty’ but just to give what you have got a bit of good old TLC. Grooming can be a masculine thing and lets face it, it’s all those really manly jobs you do that means you need a bit attention, much like servicing your car to repair any damage from day-to-day stress.

24 PAGE |

As the temperatures plummet, your skin suffers and unlike women, men are less partial to a daily cleanse, tone and moisturise. This neglect means skin starts hardening and cracking and as you know with your car, when things get ignored they only get worse and before you know it you’re down the garage needing a quick fix. So similarly your body may need a pit stop for an intense treatment to get you back on top form.

Whether your hands and feet are rough and dry, your face is sore and sensitive or your body is achy and muscles knotted, fit yourself in some time on your bodywork so you are tough enough for winter.

There are treatments available especially for Men that are specifically designed to repair.

They focus on the problem area and solve the issue instantly.

Problem: Cracked skin on fingers and heels.

Your partner is complaining your hands feel like sand paper and your feet look creature-like.

Solution: A manicure and pedicure.

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

It’s got MAN in the name, sounds pretty masculine right?

These treatments will include a combination of scrubbing, softening and moisturising of the skin on your hands and feet leaving them smooth and fresh. A massage of the feet and hands will relax and nourish these neglected areas whilst the products used will awaken and revitalise them so they’re feeling good as knew. These treatments can incorporate a tidy up of your nails too if you wish with absolutely no nail varnish in sight, promise.

Problem: Daren’t you admit it but your face is sore. You have dry skin and the red patches on your face make it look like you’re permanently embarrassed to be with your partner.

Solution: A facial.

The Urban Cleanse Advanced Performance Facial, which is available at Kavala Beauty, is recommended specifically for Men and will sort you right out.

Gentleman’s Den

Matalan, Egyptian Cotton Hand Towel £5, Bath Towel £9, Bath Sheet £12

Heatons (Home Lifestyle Imagery),

>

Word Border Towel - Hand Towel - £4.00 Word Border Towel - Bath Towel - £8.00 Word - Border Towel - Bath Sheet - £12.00 Herringbone Hand Towel - £4.00 Herringbone Bath Towel - £8.00 Herringbone - Bath Sheet - £12.00 Pebbles Bath Mat - £8.00

House of Fraser, Brown leather wash bag, £40

Sand Soap Dish - £3.00 Sand Soap Dispenser - £5.00 Sand Toilet Brush Holder - £10.00 Sand Tumbler - £3.00 Round Wall Mirror - £12.00

It’s a deep cleanse and complete skin detox.

This super-grooming facial works overtime to help eliminate blocked pores, rapidly accelerate skin repair and neutralise impurities. Fast-acting ingredients reduce sensitivity and provide long-lasting defence against the damaging effects of daily pollutants, leaving the skin visibly clear and squeaky-clean.

Problem: Body aches all over and feels very tense but a lavender bath is not happening.

Solution: A Massage.

Sports massages are very common amongst men but for a more relaxing and healing effect try a hot stone or deep tissue massage instead.

They intend to release and repair tissue muscle aches and pains by treating areas that are the most vulnerable to stress and tension, such as the back, neck and shoulders.

The hot stones intensify the massage by working ten times deeper than the hands. So depending on what you fancy, let the massage work its magic. It is the perfect treatment to battle those winter blues by relaxing and refreshing the whole body.

These treatments will give you the boost you need before and during the winter months and don’t feel you need to sneak in and out the salon, it’s highly acceptable for a man to look after himself nowadays.

You’ll really feel like a new man and if you want to impress your partner make it a couple’s thing and book them in too. I can assure you you’ll gain some brownie points, who doesn’t love a well-groomed modern gent?

Don’t threat though cucumber eye masks are optional. There is no big song or dance about it, you can book over the phone or at some salons you can even book online, then you simply go in get the job done and come out again. Just because you’re having a treatment

or two doesn’t mean you’re going to start wearing face packs when you watch the footie with the lads. Seek your inner metro-sexual self and fix-up.

Depending on how far you want to take it, male waxing is also available, but for now I’ll leave it at that.

Remember it’s not beauty, it’s just maintenance.

These treatments are available locally at Kavala in Chelmsford & Menace Male Grooming in Shenfield.

A full review of the Menace experience will feature in the next issue.

Salon details Kavala Day Spa & Beauty Salon 3 Dukes Walk Duke Street Chelmsford Essex Tel: 01245 287979 Email:info@kavalabeauty.co.uk www.kavalabeauty.co.uk/men.html Menace Male Grooming 1st Floor 196 Hutton Road Shenfield Brentwood Essex Tel: 01277 202448 Email: info@menacegrooming.co.uk www.menacegrooming.co.uk

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 25

Gentleman’s Den

Get the Robbie Williams look If you’ve been admiring Robbie’s style from afar and want to know where you can get hold of his collection, the secret’s out! To coincide with the launch of his brand new AW12 collection, there’s a brand spanking new online shop where you can browse, choose from and buy the latest designs. The entire AW12 collection designed by Robbie is available to buy, including all the outerwear and accessories. The website also showcases some exclusive video content, and the re-vamped Farrell blog. www.farrell.com

Not Just an ordinary bike shop…

There are bike shops and there are…really good bike shops. Steve Collins from Athlon Sport, the new store for everything a pro-cyclist could possibly want, was inspired to create this haven for cyclists when he took his beloved bike into a local shop and it was returned to him looking dirtier than when it went in. Upset by the lack of care his prized possession was given (hardly surprising as some professional bikes can cost more than a car) he worked with his two brothers on his idea for a one-stop bike shop in Chelmsford for two years.

Now his dream is about to be realised with the opening of Athlon Sport on Springfield Road, Chelmsford.

26 PAGE |

Athlonsport, which is set to open in October, is run by a family of triathletes, duatheletes and cyclists. The cycling-mad trio boast an impressive list of races and challenges, including L2P, Cape Rouler, Cape Argus, the Mud and Mahyem Duathlon. Steve recently competed in the biggest race in the world with over 37,000 Competitors …and finished 560th.

You can drop in and have your body serviced at the same time as your bike, as there’s a bike servicing zone and a Tri-Touch Sports Therapist on hand to make sure you’re both running at full capability. You can even have a Precision Hydration test, which tells you how much you sweat, and how many of your body’s essential electrolytes need to be replaced as you exercise, which should help The store is designed to be a real one stop shop improve your sporting performance whether for cycling fans. Steve explained, “We’ve even you’re a swimmer, a runner or a cyclist. got a coffee shop in the store, so that people can come along, chill out and watch the Tour de If you’re a cyclist, you’ve got a new place to France on our wide screen TV” be seen!

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Gentleman’s Den

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www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSUE 17 | PAGE 27

Gentleman’s Den

Apple v. Samsung: Battle of the smartphone behemoths

Have you been following the battle of the smartphones?

Apple and Samsung have been hammering it out in a court in Silicon Valley over the design of Samsung’s most popular phones. Apple has emerged victorious from the first round of the dispute over patents, but don’t expect it to stop there, this one’s set to run and run.

Apple sued Samsung for $2.5 billion because it said Samsung had infringed seven of its patents, basically complaining, “You copied our phones”. In a tit-for-tat action, Samsung countersued for $400 million. It took the jury less than three days to find in Apple’s favour, awarding them over $1 billion in damages and throwing out the counter-action while they were at it.

The chances are that after licking its wounds, Samsung will file an appeal, and rumour has it that they’re going to try and do it in a court that’s not quite so affiliated with the golden boys of Silicon Valley. It’s one to watch if you’re interested in global technology – and could end up affecting everyone who owns, or wants, a smart phone or tablet.

Why Apple sued.

They had to. They claimed a victory for innovators everywhere. Think about it – if it was considered OK for anyone to copy your design, would you put all your money into researching it knowing that anyone could come along and steal your idea, taking a slice of your profits with it?

In this case, the jury decided that the patent infringement by Samsung was blatant and to decide otherwise would have been a massive dent in the whole idea of patent protection.

very much like an iPhone or an iPad? There’s really no getting away from that. This means that you can bet Apple in’t going to stop at suing Samsung.

Although it’s very true that a global behemoth the size of Apple probably doesn’t need to resort to using the courts to protect its investment, you can hardly blame the company for doing it. Patent law is a minefield, and it can be a difficult process making any kind of patent claim, so Apple’s lawyers were clearly also the best money could buy.

Apple created the modern idea of a smartphone and a tablet and so the company has the law on its side. Every consumer electronics company now knows that if they don’t come up with their own brand new, patentable design of smartphone or tablet, Apple will sue the pants of them and probably win.

Why it’s a bad thing Competition is good for the market. Samsung’s devices mostly run on the Google Android operating system, which according to experts actually makes them technologically superior, and gives them better and more features than Apple phones and tablets.

It’s quite likely that the judge will tell Samsung to stop selling some of the products Apple complained about, which means that Samsung engineers will have to spend their time removing the infringing intellectual property, so they won’t have time to come up with any new ideas; and other manufacturers will start to flood the market with inferior products while they are busy complying with the ruling. This isn’t going to be great for consumer choice.

What it could mean…

Have you noticed that actually, every smart phone or tablet with a full glass screen looks

Steve Jobs allegedly called Android a stolen product – but Apple was sneaky and didn’t try to take on Google. Experts think Apple will systematically try and take down every manufacturer with a smart phone that uses iPhone-like technology and eventually this will render the Android OS a bit useless as nobody will want to use it any more.

Samsung has vowed to prove itself as the market leader.

Apple issued its own memo declaring that “values have won.”

Google issued a statement saying that most of the alleged infringements aren’t related to the core part of Android, but said “[t]he court of appeals will review both infringement and the validity of the patent claims.” The company went on: “The mobile industry is moving fast and all players—including newcomers—are building upon ideas that have been around for decades.

We work with our partners to give consumers innovative and affordable products, and we don’t want anything to limit that.”

Watch this space…

28 PAGE | SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSUE 17 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Cinema

YK

What to look out for at the ODEON this month...

Hotel Transylvania

Ruby Sparks

On The Road

Genre: Animated UK Release Date: 12/10/2012 Directed by: Genndy Tartakovsky

Genre: Romantic comedy UK Release Date: 12/10/2012 Directed by: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Genre: Drama UK Release Date: 12/10/2012 Directed by: Walter Salles

Who’s in it? Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Andy Samberg

Who’s in it? Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Annette Bening

Who’s in it? Garrett Hedlund, Sam Riley, Kristen Stewart

What’s the plot? Animated comedy ‘Hotel Transylvania’ invites us to Dracula’s very own five-star resort, a place where ghouls can take time out from troublesome humans.

What’s the plot? From the directors of ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, comedy romance ‘Ruby Sparks’ tells the incredible tale of a successful novelist whose latest character takes on a whole life of her own.

What’s the plot? Jack Kerouac’s Beat Generation bible is finally brought to the big screen by director Walter Salles (‘The Motorcycle Diaries’) in ‘On the Road’, with Garret Hedlund (‘TRON:Legacy’) as anti-hero Dean Moriarty and Sam Riley (‘Control’) portraying muse and travelling companion Sal Paradiso.

Created as a secret safe-haven for the Prince of Darkness and his beloved daughter, the holiday haven is a happy place where freaky friends such as Frankenstein and the Mummy can feel safe. That is until an unwelcome human guest arrives, bringing with him a threat of monstrous proportions.

When his latest literary efforts are hampered by a serious case of writer’s block and a complete absence of love in his life, he creates his ideal partner Ruby. But little does he realise his fictional creation will leap from the pages and straight into his life.

‘Hotel Transylvania’ features the vocal talents of Adam Sandler and Kevin James.

‘Ruby Sparks’ stars Paul Dano (‘Cowboys & Aliens’) and Zoe Kazan (‘It’s Complicated’).

‘On the Road’ also stars Kristen Stewart (‘Twilight’).

Hit And Run

To Rome with Love

Genre: Comedy UK Release Date: 12/10/2012 Directed by: David Palmer, Dax Shepard

Genre: Thriller UK Release Date: 12/10/2012 Directed by: Luis Prieto

Who’s in it? Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, Bradley Cooper

Who’s in it? Richard Coyle, Bronson Webb, Agyness Deyn

What’s the plot? Road comedy ‘Hit and Run’ hitches a ride with ex-getaway driver Charlie (Dax Shepherd) and his girlfriend as they embark on the drive of a lifetime to get to a better life in LA.

What’s the plot? Based on Nicolas Winding Refn’s 1996 cult novel, ‘Pusher’ documents the highs and lows of a climactic week in the life of a big-time London drug dealer.

However, leaving his Witness Protection Plan identity behind him means they pick up some most unwelcome travelling companions, including a troublesome ex-friend, a U.S. Marshal and various angry members of Charlie’s former gang.

‘Hit and Run’ also stars Kristen Bell (‘When in Rome’) and Bradley Cooper (‘The Hangover’).

Their rollercoaster journey through post-war America in search of freedom from convention leads them to discover true liberation and define a way of life that changed the 20th Century forever.

The fast-paced thriller charts his attempts to escape the forces of the law, along with other far more dangerous adversaries, as the hazards of his occupation catch up with him over seven terrifying days.

Directed by Luis Prieto, ‘Pusher’ stars Richard Coyle (‘Going Postal’), Bronson Webb (‘The Dark Knight’) and Agyness Deyn (‘Clash of the Titans’).

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 29

Junior

Fun and Games When you’re looking for something to keep the kids out of mischief, you want something that’s going to absorb and entertain them, but at the back of your mind there’s always the idea that they should be learning at the same time.

Toy manufacturers are definitely coming up with the goods, and have delivered a fast-expanding range of interactive, fun toys that teach your little ones as well as giving them hours of fun and indulging their creativity. Here’s ’ur pick of the latest crop…

For really little ones…

A little bit older…

Can you remember how you learned to tell the time? I know I can’t, although I seemed to pick it up quickly and my younger sister struggled.

Maybe if we’d had something like the ‘My First Clock’ from Scotchi we’d both have got the hang of it quickly? Scotchi is a colourful clock which develops the understanding of numbers and quantities, sequence skills and the concept of time. It’s part of a range of brightly coloured and comically illustrated games and puzzles with pieces that are not only washable and flexible but have a clever hook and loop fastening.

Remember Miffy the rabbit? He’s back (is it a he or a she, I don’t suppose it matters) well Miffy is back, anyway, and he’s still super-cute. The Miffy range has some fun learning toys for younger kids and the adorable white bunny character educational toys are available from www.miffyshop.co.uk Miffy Wooden Shape Sorter Price: £11.99

Miffy Stacking Rings Price: £19.99

The pieces are large and easy for little hands to hold and are a fun way for children to learn about everything from recognising first colours to understanding the world around them, playing on their own, with other children, or with their parents. Many of the Scotchi products are safe from 18 months up. www.halilit.co.uk

30 PAGE |

Already touted at this year’s must-have Christmas presents are the new additions from Leapfrog. The LeapPad2 (RRP £89.99), follows on from the hugely successful LeapPad™, which won lots of parenting and industry awards and became the number one selling children’s learning tablet in 2011.

The LeapPad is aimed at tots to tweens – suitable for ages three to nine, and designed for little creators. With a library of more than 225 learning cartridge games, apps, videos, music, eBooks and more to come, children can have fun whilst they get to grips with reading, writing, maths and science. The new LeapPad2 also features higher resolution front-and-back cameras and video recorders as well as a microphone. The LeapPad2 also includes apps for singing, art and directing your own cartoons – no, you can’t play with it yourself, it’s not yours!

Find a great range of educational toys at: http://www.alexandalexa.com

Puzzles that teach MyWorld puzzles and games from Gibsons have been created and developed with the input of Dr Amanda Gummer, a psychologist specialising in play and child development. Amanda worked with Gibsons to make sure that the puzzles were developmentally relevant, stimulating and educational, as well as linking them in with the EYFS and Key Stage 1 curriculum.

The whole range is designed to promote children’s natural curiosity about their world and encourage them to develop skills such as responsibility (the slot in the lid to make clearing up into a game is a real favourite with parents!) and communication.

Miffy Wooden Stacking Blocks Price: £16.00

Leaps and Bounds

Amanda told us: “The puzzles have been thoughtfully designed and have learning through play at their core. The range is aimed at children from 18 months (the heads and tails puzzles are a great introduction to the mechanics of a puzzle) up well into primary school.

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

“One of the strengths of the puzzles and games is that they are able to be played by children of different abilities and so each child can get the most out of their play time. They have unique features that make them especially relevant to the EYFS and Key Sage 1 curriculum e.g. the inclusion of the common digraphs th, ch and sh on the phonically accurate alphabet puzzle, the questions on My Farmyard to help children discuss a range of topics and the imaginative supported writing opportunities in My Stories. Developmental advice and play tips are included to help parents get the most for their children from these games and puzzles” Find out more at: www.gibsonsgames.co.uk/children/home

Junior

Essex Karting Champion – by Karin Ridgers At just 15, Essex based Connor Mills is an inspiration to young people everywhere. He is the British Open Champion in Rotax Mini Max class and we caught up with him and his father Steve after his latest win!

“Connor has just had a tremendous weekend, totally dominating at the weekend winning both races and final on Saturday in front of Anthony Hamilton and winning by a big margin.” Steve told me.

“He also won a heat and the final on the Sunday in the last round of the formula kart stars championship.”

“Connor’s successes also include winning the Golden Helmet Award which was across the field of drivers, this prize gives him a carbon fibre helmet, an expensive paint job for his helmet and he becomes an ambassador for the year for Stilo Helmets.”

Connor also won a chance to race at Brands Hatch on 24th November in a Smart car by having the most pole positions through the year, but as he’s not yet 16, he had to hand the race to another competitor. Connor has been guaranteed a race next year though, as he was the rightful winner!

He certainly is one to watch.

Connor took time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions.

When did you start karting?

“In November 2006.”

Does it take up a lot of your time?

“Yes – I’m racing most weekends and I train most evenings for fitness including boxing three times a week.”

Do you feel that doing this sport with your dad brings you closer together?

“Yes, Dad is my mechanic so I spend almost all of my time with him.”

Have you met anyone famous on the karting circuit?

“I’ve met Lewis Hamilton, his brother and dad, Jenson Button and Ross Brawn.”

What has been the highlight so far?

“I’d have to say it was probably winning the Minimax British Open Championship.”

What attracted you to this sport?

“My dad raced on the oval circuits in hot rods and some of his friends started karting - my dad bought me a kart and took me to the local kart track.”

What’s next for you?

“Hopefully winning the Minimax 2012 British Championship!”

What are your dreams for the future?

“I want to be able to make a living from some kind of motorsport.”

What advice would you give anyone thinking about karting or any other sport?

“Karting is a good sport to take up as it gives kids an interest and something to look forward to at the weekends and gets them away from hanging around the streets. They meet lots of people and make lots of friends at the various race tracks you go to.”

If you would like to find out more about Connor and even possible sponsorship possibilities for events that will be televised please contact Steve Mills VITAL IP LTD on 01268 596120.

Ridley Studios in Westcliffe-on-Sea was opened in 1955 for the teaching of speech and drama by Peggy Batchelor, and was named after Professor Frank Ridley, her teacher at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

A child-friendly school, Ridley not only offers part time classes to 3+ year olds in a variety of dance styles, singing, acting, various instruments, yoga and keep fit, the school is also encouraging local talent with the introduction of a brand new course - a BTEC in Musical Theatre for post 16 year olds.

The BTEC will cover lessons in acting, ballet, tap, Jazz, choreography, singing ensemble, singing, devising, music theory, and voice. Students will also be able to take part in any part time classes of their choosing for nothing.

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 31

Home style

Easy guidance on how to save energy

An energy supplier you can trust

Co-operative Energy’s parent, The Midcounties Co-operative, recently won the Business and Communities Environmental Leadership Award for successfully working with members and suppliers to save energy and protect the environment. Co-operative Energy now want to take this one step further. They have taken on the challenge to help every single one of their customers reduce their energy consumption over the next twelve months.

electricity as turning on 160 energy saving light bulbs. If you like your tea, use a tea pot to avoid frequently boiling your kettle.

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Sadly, millions of households in the UK waste energy unnecessarily. We’re all guilty. With just a few simple changes to our habits and daily routines, we could be saving hundreds of pounds on our energy bills every year. By following simple tips on how to be more energy efficient, reduceing the impact of rising energy costs on household budgets.

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1. Replace old light bulbs with energy saving bulbs

During summer people often forget to turn down their heating. Turning down your As part of its policy to tackle climate change, the thermostat by just 1 degree can cut your Government has introduced financial support heating bill by 10% a year, which is worth for households which install low carbon electricabout £60 to the average household. If all the ity generating technologies such as photovoltaic customers of Co-operative Energy were to do cells. The financial support takes the form of a this, theyFor could save enough electricity to heat Chelmsford Star Co-operative members guaranteed payment, known as a “Feed-in Tar5,000 homes for a whole year.

Visit www.cooperativeenergy.coop/chelmsfordstar iff”, for the amount of electricity you generate.

Owned by our customers. Working to save you money.

By replacing just one of your light bulbs in your home with an energy saving bulb, you can save on average £3 a year. If you were to swap all of your light bulbs in your home for energy efficient ones, you could save around £55 per year.

Energy from a firm with a conscience.

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Clarity of pricing, ethical policies and the ability Or even phone 0800 954 0693 to collect more member If you would like to know more about our FeedStar” points -quoting you can’t“Chelmsford lose. in Tariff scheme, please contact our Feed-in *Terms and conditions apply, see website for details.

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3. Only boil what you need Kettles use a lot of electricity to boil up your water quickly, so don’t overfill your kettle and only boil as much water as you need. One boil can use up the same amount of 32 PAGE |

off

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Owned by our customers. Working to save you money.

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Tariff team on 0800 781 1597 or email fit@ cooperativeenergy.coop

Join us today and receive

£25 off

*

Your first energy bill

For Chelmsford Star Co-operative members Visit www.cooperativeenergy.coop/chelmsfordstar

Or phone 0800 954 0693 quoting “Chelmsford Star”

*Terms and conditions apply, see website for details.

Home style

Perfect Bathroom Floor Today’s bathroom isn’t just a functional space, it’s a haven. Damp carpets and smelly bath mats have given way to stylish wet rooms and pristine tiling, and the floor has to come up to scratch if the bathroom is going to measure up in the style stakes.

trends will continue to see colour as a key theme yet with a more toned down approach to that we have witnessed during the spring.

Bold, eye-catching aesthesis will dominate during Autumn/Winter 2012 with individuals striving to create a place of beauty. 3-D appearances will also become increasingly popular with individuals striving to recreate an authentic and withered effect flooring on a budget.”

We asked the experts at Better Bathrooms what’s hot and what’s decidedly damp and smelly in bathroom floors right now.

the standard ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are more rugged, making then suitable for harsher applications such as flooring. With the colour running throughout the tile, their higher density means they are less likely to absorb moisture (less than 0.5%), giving them more solid durability and strain resistant properties. They are therefore suitable for any application from light to the heaviest of traffic.”

“Porcelain tiles are effectively the same as ceramic, both made of a clay and quartz construct, porcelain tiles however are more refined and purified therefore are denser than

“2012 has been the season of bright colours with individuals becoming more adventurous and creative in their interiors design using vibrant shades to create a pop in the home. As we continue into the autumn months, interior The Onix Marron is an Italian tile complete with a natural surface, thus helping keep the characteristics of the stone intact to highlight its splendid purity. Suitable for both wall and floor areas, the glazed porcelain tiles are available in packs of seven, 60 x 30cm tiles, overall covering 1.26 square metres at a price of £37.68 per pack.

The stunning Rays Black Floor Tile is a beautiful glazed porcelain option with a stunning matt finish. Measuring 33.3 x 33.3cm they are sold in packs of 11 for just £42.64.

The Calacatta Polished Floor Tile is a beautiful flooring tile suitable for use throughout the home. Suiting both traditional and contemporary styles, the ivory porcelain tile with a sleek polished finish sees it conform to any kitchen décor. Each tile measures 49.5 x 49.5cm and comes in packs of four costing just £46.95 per pack, thus giving a cost of £47.91 per metre squared.

The Kiwu Gris Floor Tile is a sleek and stylish porcelain tile with a smooth satin finish. Measuring 32.6 x 31.6cm they are sold in packs of 10 for just £15.95.

All the options are available from Better Bathrooms at www.betterbathrooms.com or via 0844 484 7678. www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 33

Home style

Cooking on Wood

What could be more homely than a wood burning cooker in your kitchen? If you’re blessed with a roomy kitchen and want the rustic, family feel, it makes a wonderful focal point and draws family and friends round with a whistling kettle and bubbling stew in the oven.

When you’re looking for the perfect stove for you, you need to think about it carefully: cooking and heating on wood can slow down the pace of your kitchen and heating somewhat, and it’s more of a lifestyle choice than a snap decision.

Old fashioned ranges were well known for being a little temperamental, hard to keep lit and prone to cooking at different temperatures within the oven, but the brand new models have dealt with these inconveniences, and on top of that, they are fuel efficient and economical.

34 PAGE |

Tips on wood burning stoves What size of stove and what type should you choose?

Kilowatt calculator - enter the dimensions of your room and this will give you an idea of what sort of heat output you should be looking for. We found a Stovesonline kilowatt calculator, which will give you a rough idea of the maximum heat output in kW needed for any room. If the room has stairs leading off it, is badly insulated, or has a lot of windows/doors then you’ll need to adjust the heat output needed upwards. http://www.stovesonline.co.uk/calculator.asp

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Should you choose a Wood burning stove?

A woodburner has a flat bottom on which the wood burns on a bed of wood ash.

Woodburning stoves are only suitable for burning wood, whereas multi-fuel stoves can also burn coal.

They are fitted with a grate to collect the extra ash-generated when burning coal.

Wood certainly burns slowly better in a wood burning stove than in a multi fuel stove, so a wood burner is better suited to burning wood.

They can cost a fair amount to install, but then they also save you loads, potentially, in fuel costs. You might also be entitled to a grant of £950 through the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme.

Some models can be connected to a back boiler to heat water for your whole house. You can also buy wood boilers as part of a wood or biomass central heating system. You can buy woodburning stoves from local fireplace and stove specialists, directly from stove manufacturers including Aga, Esse and Jotul and at online retailers such as Stoves Online.

Home style

For a selection of local Woodburners, take a look at Opie’s on The Street, Chelmsford: http://www.opie-woodstoves.co.uk , Billericay Fireplaces www.billericayfireplaces.co.uk and Woodburners in Brentwood www.woodburnersbrentwood.co.uk

For some ideas...

The Rustica from Ludlow Stoves is a lovely little wood burning cooker with a price tag of only £829. It has a firebox and ash tray, with an oven and a single steel lid which doubles as a splash back when it’s open. Max output 9.2 KW. The Altea wood burning cooker features beautiful Italian Majolica tiles, with handles and towel rail made of steel with gold or chrome finish. The glass firebox and oven doors mean you can see the logs burning and watch your food cooking too. Max output 11.4 KW – price £1555.

HM Chimney Sweeping

The Valentina wood burning cooker has a gorgeous curved front with glass doors to watch the food bubbling and the fire blazing, providing a great focal point to your kitchen. It has a single oven with room for wood and tools underneath and a cast iron top. The hot plate has concentric rings which can be lifted off if you want to cook diretly on the flames. Max output 8KW, price £1,855. www.ludlowstoves.co.uk

* Wood Burners, Flue Liners Supplied & Fitted * Traditional Chimney Sweep Service * Caps & Cowls * CCTV Chimney Surveys

Contact: 07522466184

www.hmchimneysweeping.co.uk enquiries@hmchimneysweeping.co.uk

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 35

Home style

I N T E R I O R T R E N D I N G etc...

With London Design Week & Art Fair Season kicking off in London, Soo Turner from Turner | Barnes | Gallery shows you some of the hot trends...

W H A T T O H A N G...

Use Vibrant Art on your walls to create visual interest...

“Dirty Sexy Marilyn” Limited Edition of 10 priced at £495 each

M I X I N G I T U P...

Combining feature walls by adding texture keeps things from being too stark...

Concrete Wallpaper, available through Interior Angle, Art & Design Consultancy service

A R T U N D E R £500...

The Affordable Art Fair once again brings together over 100 Galleries & Art Dealers from around the world to exhibit at Battersea Park, October 24 - 28 2012 - for half price tickets email us at info@turnerbarnesgallery.com Follow the fun trail of Art for sale under £500...

T O P T I P...deciding where to hang your art will dictate the materials you need to preserve it GALLERY & ART CONSULTANTS The only Gallery in Essex exhibiting established & emerging Artists at International Art Fair level

www.turnerbarnesgallery.com

S W I T C H O N...

Vintage finds Contemporary with these Porcelain Disc Pendant Lights, bringing an elegant warmth to your room. £485 each

T A K E A S E A T...

Interior Angle loves the soft curves of the beautiful solid oak frame of this design, occassional chair.

PICTURE FRAMERS CHELMSFORD since 1994 Archival Picture Framing advice & Specialist service Art Restoration

www.interiorangle.co.uk 36 PAGE |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Geometric patterns are a strong trend in home décor at the moment, one that’s been reported on by such style setters as Elle Décor no less.

If you’re looking for some geometry for your home, look no further than dwell, the latest addition to the shopping haven of Lakeside, for some strong pieces that you can add to any room.

Chiseled Cushion £39.95

Vertical feather-filled Diamond Cushion £39.95

Spiro Pendant £149 Gillan Armchair £299

Ceramic Cris Cross Platter £49

White wooden Coat Rack £89

Geo Ceramic Pendant £149

Curiosity

Plumage Throw - £120 www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

This winter we go back to the wild ones and bring the outside in to create a home full of stark white and wonder.

Interiors draw inspiration from all the curiosities we would have cherished as a child contrasted by the harsh whites and dull greys of the season. Light shades are adorned with wild feathers and trees have twinkling lights while cushions show the sinister stare of a lone wolf – it’s Hansel and Gretel’s walk through the woods.

Shelter from winter weather under heavy downy blankets and indulge in some escapism with fantasy prints and ethereal fabrics.

Delicate animal illustrations are given a melancholy character to create a woodland Angel Wing Feather Light - £275 theme appropriate for adults while clean www.sweetpeaandwillow.com colours and simple designs offer a neutral base.

Snow tree with lights - £21.95 www.homehomehome.co.uk

Don’t be afraid of layering and adding to the natural, animal influence this is all about escaping to somewhere both whimsical and comforting.

Bay Design Handmade Ruched 7.5” Lampshade - £32.95 www.barley-sugar.co.uk

Snow tree with lights - £21.95 www.homehomehome.co.uk

Wooden Heart Greeting Card - £2.25 www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.co.uk

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 37

Home style

Top of the class for geometry

The Garden

Hedging - by Grant Whitaker

October’s a fantastic time of year to plant new hedges. The ground is still warm enough and any subjects you choose to plant will have time to bed-in and set their roots before the cold weather sets in.

Hedging is the unsung hero of the garden.

People assume hedging marks a boundary and comes in one drab colour of mid-green. You couldn’t be more wrong! Hedging can create “rooms” in gardens, create the impression of space, hide untidy areas or simply enhance what is already there. We’re all familiar with the classic formal box or privet type hedge. These hedges have their place in the garden but privet can be boring and box can be rather expensive if you want to cover a large area.

There are plenty of other alternatives to consider when planting a hedge.

Photinia or Red Robin is now almost as popular as laurel. This is because it is a robust, fast growing shrub with the added benefits of beautiful red young foliage throughout the year.

Lonicera “Baggesen’s Gold”

Lavender – if the conditions in your

(a shrubby variety of honeysuckle) is brilliant!

This shrub has small striking yellow leaves and can be clipped as close as box to give a very formal hedge. It’s also as tough as old boots!

garden allow it – i.e. full sun and well drained – this popular Mediterranean shrub makes a striking and beautiful smelling informal hedge.

Not only does it look good but it’s great for bees and butterflies as well.

Escallonia

is becoming increasingly popular in hedge use due to its vigorous growing habit and beautiful flowers in spring. They vary in size meaning there is a variety to suit any planned hedge shape or height. Varieties to look out for include “Red Hedger” and “Peach Blossom”.

BRING IN THIS ADVERT TO RECEIVE A

There are plenty of other plants to choose for a hedge, get down to your local garden centre and pick their brains!

10% DISCOUNT! Open 7 days a week

Buy direct from the grower!

Shrubs Climbers Perennials Fruit Trees David Austin Roses Ornamentals Seasonal Bedding and much more!

We sell and accept National Garden Gift Vouchers Stock Village Nursery, Well Lane, Stock CM4 9LZ

Tel: 01277 841956 38 PAGE |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Dine in Style

Thai Tastes

THAI SCALLOP AND WATERCRESS BROTH

The delicate flavours and subtle spices of Thai food are perfect for a meal out – or in! we’ve put together some delicious do it yourself Thai recipes that will tempt you into recreating your very own South East Asian flavours in your very own kitchen.

Delicious, fresh, zingy and exotic – bring the excitement of the orient into your kitchen with Thai Taste’s selection of fusion recipes.

Perfect for entertaining or a cosy night in, this authentic range of pastes, sauces and specialist ingredients makes it even easier to enjoy authentic Thai food this season.

Ingredients (serves 4):

With minimal cooking time involved, Thai Taste’s simple recipes add a touch of creative flair to any party in a matter of minutes. If you’re throwing a fancy cocktail party Thai Taste’s delicious Mini Satay Chicken canapés are sure to get your tastebuds tingling and your guests talking. Or for a special mid-week

• 900ml chicken or fish stock • 1 lemon grass, cut in half and bruised by pressing the flat of a knife along its length • 2 cm fresh ginger root, peeled and cut into matchsticks

dinner, why not put a twist on the traditional Fish Pie and use Thai Taste’s Green Curry Paste to create an East-meets-West culinary delight?

And to end the evening on a high, try something different with the Sticky Rice, Mango and Palm Syrup dessert. Simple to make, this is guaranteed to impress those with a sweet tooth and complete your Thai dining experience.

Thai Taste’s range of products are made in Thailand, by Thai chefs and use only the finest quality natural ingredients. For full product listings, please visit www.thaitaste.co.uk

• 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced • 2 hot chillies, seeds removed and finely chopped

RED

INSPI

OFFER

• 2 spring onions, finely chopped • 2 bags of watercress • 30 leaves of fresh coriander

Want great food?

Want a discount loyalty card?

• 20 large scallops, cut in half • 2 tbsp fish sauce • Squeeze of fresh lime juice

Method

THE BAY HORSE

If you want a loyalty card, just cut out the one printed below and take it to the Bay Horse, where they will replace it with a nice shiny one to keep. We’ll see you down there!

Infuse lemon grass and ginger over medium heat in the stock for 10 minutes, add garlic, chilli and spring onions. After one minute, add watercress leaves, coriander leaves and scallops. Cook for half a minute, add fish sauce and lime juice. Remove lemon grass and serve.

Note: Prawns could be used instead of scallops.

For more delicious recipes, visit: www.watercress.co.uk

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 39

Dine in Style

Mini Satay Chicken Skewers

Method Soak 16 bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.

Cut each chicken breast into 4 long slices lengthways and then in half horizontally to give you 16 pieces.

Chicken Satay Sticks are always a firm favourite at any party and perfect for any celebrations. Alternatively you can make using turkey, beef or prawns, and if you like your food a little hotter add more sweet chilli sauce.

Ingredients (Makes: 16 sticks):

Preparation Time: 40 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes

• 2 tbsp Thai Taste Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce

• 2 - 3 chicken breasts, cut into strips • 150g Thai Taste Satay Peanut Sauce

• Lime wedges, to serve • Shredded spring onion and red chilli, to garnish

Sticky Rice, Mango and Palm Syrup This is such a delicious and easy dessert. It could also be served with spiced stewed plums in the autumn and a selection of summer berries in summer time.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes - Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Place the chicken into a large bowl and add 100g satay sauce and the sweet chilli sauce.

Toss until the chicken is evenly covered. Leave to marinade for about 30 minutes.

Thread the chicken in a zigzag onto the bamboo skewer.

Cook the chicken under a preheated grill for 4-6 minutes turning occasionally or until cooked through.

Serve the satay sticks with a squeeze of lime juice, sprinkled with the shredded spring onion and chilli, alongside the remaining satay sauce as a dip.

For the Palm Syrup: • 100g Thai Taste Palm Sugar • 4-5 mint leaves plus a few leaves to decorate

Ingredients (Serves 4): • 200g Thai Taste Thai Sticky Rice • 225ml Thai Taste Coconut Milk

Put the rice and 300ml of water into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.

Mix together the coconut milk with the palm sugar and stir until dissolved. Add to the warm rice, cover and set aside for 30 minutes.

• 3 tbsp Thai Taste Palm Sugar • ¼ tsp salt • 1 - 2 ripe mangoes • 8 lychees, peeled and stoned (optional)

Peel the mangoes and cut off the two outer cheeks of each fruit, as close to the stones as possible. Discard the stones and slice each mango cheek into thin slices.

For the palm syrup, place the palm sugar, mint and 50ml water into a small pan and boil for 3-4 minutes, until the liquid starts to thicken.

Allow to cool slightly and remove the mint leaves.

Spoon the rice into a darole mould or a coffee cup. Press lightly and turn out onto a plate to create a mound of rice. Top with the mango slices and lychees, drizzle with the palm syrup and decorate with mint leaves.

40 PAGE |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Dine in Style

Everest Gurkha Bar & Restaurant

Loch Fyne

The Bay Horse

The Alma

We would like to invite you into the

Situated on Bond Street, our restaurant

Situated in the heart of Chelmsford this

Come and soak up the atmosphere at

restaurant for a fine-dining and cultural

has a large bar area, restaurant seating

beautiful 15th Century Tudor Style

this beautiful & cosy pub, enjoy a light

experience with our truly authentic

for 120 guests. Come and join us for the

building, maintains all its original

bite or classic pub meal or see what the

Nepalese cuisine that is sure to give

freshest, most delicious seafood - we’re

features, with the decor and quirkiness

stylish air conditioned restaurant has to

you an exotic taster of the vibrant yet

open all day from breakfast through to

of a more modern, contemporary

offer, with a great menu offering a good

equally peaceful country. There will be

dinner for drinks, light snacks and

cutting edge establishment. The

selection of fresh fish along with regular

frequent dates of Live Jazz Night, with a

seafood feasts! We are delighted to

beautiful Bay Horse in Moulsham

daily specials all of which are freshly

cleared dance floor for our customers to

offer a first rate à la carte menu at our

Street has been transformed into an

cooked to order, using ingredients

catch the rhythm including special

Loch Fyne Chelmsford restaurant and

amazing upmarket eatery, combining a

sourced locally where possible. We pride

traditional performances of Nepalese

you will be treated to a great array

traditional wine bar and bistro concept,

ourselves on our quality cask ales and

folklore dancing. We hope you can come

of fresh and seasonal dishes that are

with exquisite yet contemporary tastes.

premium beers as well as our extensive

to enjoy the Nepalese atmosphere and

perfect for every palate - come down

The ultimate destination for mouth

range of wines and champagnes. Come

we look forward to welcoming you.

and see us soon.

watering food, refreshing drinks and

and enjoy everything your home from

exceptional service.

home has to offer.

European

British, Modern

Classic Pub

Finest Nepalese Cuisine

01245 493929 8-10 Broomfield Road www.everestgurkhabarandrestaurant.co.uk

01245 293620 Bond St, Chelmsford www.lochfyne-restaurants.com

01245 251 371 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford www.bayhorsechelmsford.com

01245 256783 Arbour Lane, Chelmsford www.thealma.info

The Lion Inn

Chiquito

Strada

Sapori Ristorante

The Lion Inn offers diners a unique

‘South of the border’ passion is always

Strada describes itself as ‘a group of

Located in the Atlantic Hotel. Translated

eating and drinking experience as well

served up at Chiquito. A menu of

stylish, contemporary Italian restaurants,

“Sapori” is italian for flavours. This es-

as hotel facilities and a new style to rival

bold Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine is

serving good quality, simple and freshly

sence has been incorporated in every

many. Our menu is based on good pub

prepared however the diner likes it.

prepared dishes’. Each outlet retains

detail of this elegant restaurant and

grub that’s been given a continental

Burritos, sizzling fajitas and tacos can

the feel of being a local neighbourhood

bar. The menu focuses on the region of

feel. We know you’d expect to find

all be customised for vegetarians or

Italian restaurant. The menu includes

Abruzzo on the Adriatic coast. Sapori

steak, fish & chips and a delicious

those wanting more spice. A kids menu,

pastas, risottos, salads, and fish dishes,

offers an a la carte menu, as well as a

shortcrust pastry pie but we also hope

games and entertainment add to the

but they are best known for their quality

bar menu for those who prefer a lighter

to tempt you with Thai style mussels

family-friendly vibe, and there is a great

pizzas. They present authentic Italian

meal. Specialising in fresh seafood,

and rotisserie garlic & herb chicken to

range of exciting cocktails, mocktails,

dishes in contemporary surroundings

home-made pasta with a variety of

name but a few of the freshly prepared

wines and tequilas.

and aim to use only the freshest and

mouth watering sauces, rustic breads

and cooked to order dishes on our

finest ingredients, imported from Italy

and flamboyant desserts.

menu.

to provide exactly the kind of rustic,

British, Modern

Mexican

Italian

Italian

traditional dishes.

01245 394900 Boreham, Chelmsford www.lioninnhotel.co.uk

01245 240800 Army & Navy, Chelmsford www.chiquito.co.uk

01245 491 991 Baddow Road, Chelmsford www.strada.co.uk

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

01245 268 179 New Street, Chelmsford www.saporiitalian.co.uk

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 41

Motors

ThinkING of changing your car?

NOW SELLING QUALITY USED CARS TO THE PUBLIC AS WELL AS THE TRADE OUR REPUTATION IS YOUR RECOMMENDATION ALL CARS ARE KEPT AND VIEWED UNDERCOVER LIKE FOR LIKE, WE ARE ONE OF THE CHEAPEST ON THE INTERNET.

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42 PAGE |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Motors

Best Apps For Drivers www.automotiveblog.co.uk

Motorway Walks and Breaks A charming idea that encourages people to take a break from the motorway and explore the countryside. Great for leisurely Sundays and family holidays, this app gives information on walks, sightseeing points and food outlets within 5 miles of motorway exits. Bouncy castles, nature trails, cafes and pubs are all noted in the app.

There are apps for everything these days, and there is no shortage of car and driving-related apps. Whether it’s a useful and practical app or one that’s for pure driving enjoyment, here are five must-have apps for any car lover:

Parking Aid If you’ve ever parked up quickly in unfamiliar territory and had to rush off, you will know how difficult it can be to locate your car when the time comes to go home. If this happens to you with any frequency, it’s worth investing 69p in this nifty app that uses your phone’s GPS to log the position of your parking space.

Live Traffic Info Ideal for anyone who is on the road a lot, this app checks your journey against current disruptions on the motorways and major A roads in England. With information coming direct from the Highways Agency National Traffic Control Centre, it’s a useful tool, and best of all, it’s free.

My Door Opener We’ve all experienced that moment of panic.

You’re somewhere on the other side of town

THE CAR – Essential To Modern Life www.automotiveblog.co.uk - by Geoff Cars. We’ve all grown up with them, driven them and loved them and now, thanks to the economic woes of the world, it is getting harder and harder to own them. According to an Auto Trader survey some fifty four per cent of those asked believe the economic situation has become worse over the last three months and motorists are amongst the hardest hit.

Paying the rent or mortgage or trying to ensure job security are high on everyone’s priorities but running a car is proving to be the most expensive worry of all. Rather than give up car ownership altogether motorists are looking to smaller, cheaper cars as their salvation.

Generally speaking, the car market is faring quite well but it is a bit of a mixed picture. The used car market has seen average prices drop recently but this is because a larger proportion of the national stock is comprised of older ve-

hicles. However as demand for newer vehicles rises, the price of more economical recently registered vehicles has increased. The value of vehicles under one year old rising by 3% quarter-on-quarter.

Running costs are what concern drivers today and, perhaps surprisingly, now is seen as a good time to buy a new car as the cost of running older vehicles becomes increasingly prohibitive.

New, small family cars like the Ford Fiesta or VW Golf benefit from the new technology that delivers good performance from increasingly smaller and more efficient engines. This new breed of supermini’s are sure to retain a more substantial portion of their value. For urban dwellers the rise of city cars – much better than they are sometimes given credit for – has been a bonus as they are easy to drive and park. For the more ecologically minded driver, hybrids and electric cars are increasingly being purchased.

when the question hits you: did I close the garage door? Luckily, if you are the owner of both a remote controlled garage door and an iPhone, this never needs to be a cause for concern again. This clever app requires a small amount of programming to get it communicating with your garage door, but after that, you will be able to control the door from wherever you are.

iWrecked It’s not a scenario anyone wants to think about, but when you’re on the road of course there’s a chance that you may be involved in an accident.

This thoughtfully-designed app is there to help you out in the crucial minutes after an accident – all your details such as emergency contacts and insurance are stored in the app, and it reminds you to take pictures, details and log all the particulars. It’s a useful aid for a moment where common sense might escape you.

Of course, you should never operate an app while driving a car – always pull over, or ask a passenger.

Do you have any great car-related apps? contact us via www.inspiredessex.co.uk

Car manufacturers have certainly responded to the economic conditions are certainly pulling out all the stops to try and keep us on the road.

If now is a good time to buy a new car, then owners of supermini’s under three years of age should also see this as a good time to sell to buyers who can’t stretch their finances to the new car market. The opportunity to get a very good price for your existing car makes the decision to buy new even easier. There should be some good offers around too, as the main dealers are anxious to increase their stock of fuel efficient cars for the used car trade.

The Auto Trader report gives a comprehensive picture of car ownership in Britain today. For example, younger people are predominantly concerned with the rising cost of car insurance and want cars that help bring down premiums.

Women are looking for the best deal and those living in more rural areas are naturally worried by the high price of fuel. What is clear though is that all groups of motorists are seeking out the small economical cars to try to stay on the road.

It certainly makes sense.

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 43

Business

A Month of Blog Ideas For Your Local Business Blog (No Excuses!

Blog On!) - Jan Kearney

Creating useful content and posting on your local business blog is a great way to build up trust and attract new customers and clients.

While many business owners agree in principle, the problem lies in generating enough blog ideas to keep the content flowing.

7. Review other non-competing local products and services that your readers may be interested in.

8. Local Bonus Tip – use your images to create a slideshow or video to share on your social networks and embed in your blog post

“I just don’t know what to blog about!”

Here’s 31 blog ideas to kick-start your creative juices

Questions and Answers Blog Ideas 1. Ask your customer facing staff to make a note of any questions they receive – answer them in your blog 2. Monitor your social feeds for questions and problems. This post started as a comment on the MLBO Facebook page 3. Check your blog comments and answer as a new blog post.

4. Borrow someone else’s questions. Get ideas from LinkedIn Answers, Yahoo Answers or Quora 5. Q&A Bonus Tip – create images of your Q&A’s and share on your social profiles – Facebook, G+, Pinterest and more. Link them back to your blog posts.

Make It Local 1. Take photos of events you hold or attend and blog about the event 2. Sponsor a local team or charity and blog about their progress 3. nterview a regular customer or a supplier 4. Follow a product from creation/stock to final sale, create a photo or video blog of the journey 5. Post photos of your business through the years and celebrate your success so far 6. What’s On in your local area and how will you be getting involved?

44 PAGE |

Get Others Involved 1. Create a survey and publish the results 2. Ask for photos and videos of your products in action, publish on your blog 3. Create a post from favourite testimonials and reviews and thank your customers 4. Ask for guest posts from local community members, customers and suppliers 5. Share your customers success with your products or services with case studies 6. Involvement Bonus Tip – Create an infographic of survey results to embed on your blog and share on your social networks

Reuse and Recycle 1. Publish your event presentations and PDF’s on Slideshare and embed on your blog 2. Create videos and slideshows from your photos, distribute and embed in your post 3. Republish your email newsletters to your blog 4. Do a round-up of last months most popular posts, add additional thoughts and ideas 5. Recycle Bonus Tip – Use other peoples content (with permission) and add your own spin

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

What’s Your Opinion?

1. Blog about your view on local industry news and events 2. Debunk some industry/sector myths 3. What does the future hold? Dig out the crystal ball and share your views

Trusted Favourite Blog Ideas 1. Share your top tips 2. Create “How to” guides for your products 3. Create posts tied into the latest holiday, celebration or national days/weeks 4. Share your business news and how it benefits your customers

Read more: A Month of Blog Ideas For our Local Business Blog http://www.mylocalbusinessonline.co.uk Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos futureshape/4977096245/ futureshape via photo pin cc

Business

Use Your Website To Grow Your Business Overseas – Levent Yildizgoren

No matter how attractive and ‘must have’ your product seems to be, a strictly on-shore market will always have a finite capacity, and once you have reached saturation point, what then?

You can, of course, continually re-invent your product and spend a fortune on new advertising campaigns, but wise business leaders are looking to go global and exploit the many international trade opportunities – after all, in the global economy; practically every country is a potential customer.

Export your products and your business can benefit from a whole series of advantages, some of which are summarised below: 1- Reduced dependence on your local market.

Your home market may be struggling due to economic pressures, but if you go global, you will have immediate access to a practically unlimited range of customers in areas where there is more money available to spend, and because different cultures have different wants and needs, you can diversify your product range to take advantage of these differences.

3- Increased efficiency Benefit from the economies of scale that the export of your goods can bring – go global and profitably use up any excess capacity in your business, smoothing the load and avoiding the seasonal peaks and troughs that are the bane of the production manager’s life.

4- Increased productivity Statistics from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) state that companies involved in overseas trade can improve their productivity by 34% - imagine that, over a third more with no increase in plant.

5- Economic advantage Take advantage of currency fluctuations – export when the value of the pound sterling is low against other currencies, and reap the very real benefits. Words of warning though; watch out for import tariffs in the country you are exporting to, and keep an eye on the value of sterling. You don’t want to be caught out by any sudden upsurge in the value of the pound, or you could lose all the profit you have worked so hard to gain.

development to solve problems and meet the needs of the wider customer base. 53% of businesses they spoke to said that a new product or service has evolved because of their overseas trade.

7- Growth The holy grail for any business, and something that has been lacking for a long time in our manufacturing industries – more overseas trade = increased growth opportunities, to benefit both your business and our economy as a whole.

if you are interested in finding out more, contact Levent for free, no-obligation consultation by calling 01245 216933 or email levent@ wetranslate.co.uk.

Follow Levent on Twitter @yildizgoren Blog: www.yildizgoren.wordpress.com

2- Increased chances of success Unless you’ve got your pricing wrong, the higher the volume of products you sell, the more profit you make, and overseas trade is an obvious way to increase sales. In support of this, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) claim that companies who go global are 12% more likely to survive and excel than those who choose not to export.

6- Innovation Because you are exporting to a wider range of customers, you will also gain a wider range of feedback about your products, and this can lead to real benefits. In fact, UKTI statistics show that businesses believe that exporting leads to innovation – increases in break-through product

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 45

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Business

Essential Business Knowhow – by Sarah Brockwell

As reported by the BBC, last month, a jury awarded technology giant Apple $1.05bn (£644m) damages from Samsung after finding it had infringed several of Apple’s design and software patents.

The jury rejected the South Korean firm’s counterclaims that the iPhone-maker had failed to license its technologies.

But Apple is seeking a sales ban on eight of the handsets involved in the case. The verdict has proved hugely controversial. Samsung plans to appeal, and has warned that customers face “fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices” if it fails.

For its part Apple has said the lawsuit was about values, and the verdict sent “a loud and clear message that stealing isn’t right”.

At Inspired, we wanted the lowdown on UK patents, copyrights and licensing so we asked our Resident Business Guru Sarah Brockwell of sarahBee marketing.

“In the UK, all matters relating to copyright, patents, trademarks and design protection are overseen by the Intellectual Property Office”, said Sarah.

At some stage most businesses will come across Intellectual Property issues and although the law sounds scary it is easy to ascertain the rights and wrongs.

“I recently met with a top Expert from the Intellectual Property Office, said Sarah, and the following is a summary direct from the horse’s mouth”.

PATENTS

COPYRIGHT

Patents protect the features and processes that make things work. This lets inventors profit from their inventions

Copyright gives the creators of a wide range of material, such as literature, art, music, sound recordings, films and broadcasts, economic rights enabling them to control use of their material in a number of ways, such as by making copies, issuing copies to the public, performing in public, broadcasting and use on-line. It also gives moral rights to be identified as the creator of certain kinds of material, and to object to distortion or mutilation of it.

(Material protected by copyright is termed a “work”.)

TRADE MARKS A trade mark is a sign which can distinguish your goods and services from those of your competitors (you may refer to your trade mark as your “brand”). It can be for example words, logos or a combination of both. The only way to register your trade mark is to apply to - The Intellectual Property Office. You can use your trade mark as a marketing tool so that customers can recognise your products or services.

Trademarks are acceptable if they are distinctive for the goods and services you provide. In other words they can be recognised as signs that differentiates your goods or service as different from someone else’s.

You may be familiar with the trade marks above. They don’t describe the goods or services, which is why they are good examples of registrable trade marks.

DESIGN

However, copyright does not protect ideas, or such things as names or titles.

For more information visit www.ipo.gov.uk

www. sarahbeemarketing.com enquiries@sarahbeemarketing.com 01371 859104

Design is all about the way an object looks: its shape, its visual appeal...it’s all in the design.

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Ideas and concepts for inventions are not patentable Trade marks must be distinctive for your goods or services Design protection relates to the appearance of a product

Copyright is automatic so there are no fees to pay or forms to fill in

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 47

Pets

A Big Hello How To Lower Your Vet Bill e i l l i M m fro

Veterinary charges are one of the biggest expenses that dog owners have to deal with.

The problem with vet bills is that you can’t budget for them in the way you can for food or other more fixed outgoings. A large vet bill can come straight out of the blue. But there are ways that every dog owner can reduce their veterinary expenses, from simple practices that you can do at home to smart money saving exercises that could be worth thousands of pounds. Holly Kernot explores the best ways to reduce that vet bill.

Basic Health Checks.

Performing a regular health check on your dog will enable you to keep on top of any new or recurring health issues. Potentially serious and costly health problems can be nipped in the bud before they escalate into something all together more sinister, which ensures that your dog will be getting a good level of health care.

Become familiar with your dog.

Become familiar with your dogs, and regularly check their body for any lumps which may have formed.

Grooming.

A healthy dog has a shiny coat, and you can help maintain this by partaking in a regular grooming exercise. Regular grooming gives you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with your dog and to carry out these checks.

Regular grooming not only removes unwanted hair and reduces the chances of the coat becoming matted, but can also indicate to you the tell tale signs of skin conditions such as dermatitis, which can be costly to treat.

Dermatitis is often indicated if your dog is scratching himself a lot, or if sores or rough areas appear on the skin. If this is the case, a vet should be consulted immediately.

48 PAGE |

Bathing your dog on a regular basis can ensure your dogs coat stays healthy, using specialist dog shampoo to remove unwanted dirt and grime. Trim those nails.

ligament issues, which can last for a lifetime. Be especially aware when exercising puppies, as they will always be willing to go an extra mile despite what their bodies are telling them.

Dogs nails do need trimming, and vets and grooming parlours do offer this service, but to save money, many owners buy clippers and do it themselves. However, if you exercise your dog regularly, on the pavement, this will keep the nails short anyway.

All dogs need exercise, so why not go to the park for free! Your dog will love socialising with other dogs, going out with their pack [that’s you] and their favourite games, such as fetch.

Dental Care.

As your dog is a carnivore, it is vital his teeth are kept in top condition. Keep a close eye on your dog’s mouth and conduct basic health checks to ensure there is nothing wrong. For example, smelly breath, red gums which are swollen and teeth that are loose could all be potential indicators of gum disease. Changes in physical behaviour such as a loss of appetite or unusual chewing habits are all causes for concern.

[According to Theresa James, of Dog Supplies Advisor.com.]

Vets do conduct teeth cleaning within the surgery, but to compliment this treatment and to maintain optimum oral health, you could invest in a specialised tooth cleaning kit for dogs, consisting of a toothbrush and toothpaste [poultry flavour available!] [Seek veterinary advice before starting programmes] Ear Checks.

A dog with healthy ears can be identified as having odour free ears free from dirt and grime.

If your dog is shaking his head or partaking in a lot of ear scratching, it could indicate there is an infection of some kind, such as haematoma of the ear flap, which is a build up of blood in the ear area, caused often by infection or mites.

Scratching of the ears can also indicate mites, which should be treated by a vet.

Eye Checks.

It is important to look out for changes in your dogs eyes. A clouded eye lens could indicate the presence of a cataract, while a an inflamed membrane covering the lining of the eye lid [and the eye’s white area] could signify conjunctivitis.

Exercise.

A good exercise regime is an excellent way to avoid obesity and mobility problems, which can both lead to serious and costly ailments. Ensure that the exercise regime that you provide for your dog is suitable to his situation. Over exercising a young puppy can lead to joint and

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

The benefits here are two-fold. You both get a good workout and your dog can behave in a natural way, chasing, hunting and ‘killing’ something [the ball in this case]. Providing your dog with toys does not have to be an expensive hobby, according to student dog trainer Alison.

She says: ‘‘Dogs need playing with, but don’t buy expensive toys, an old T. shirt or piece of string can be a good toy.’’

Having said that, do not over exercise an old dog as this can lead to joint problems which can be expensive to treat, so change your exercise regime so it is delivered in smaller sessions which are manageable for your dog.

Dog Food & Nutrition A balanced and nutritionally rich diet can be the difference between good health and poor health. It is the key to your dog enjoying an optimum quality of life. But good food does not necessarily need to be expensive, all natural diets, for example, can be prepared relatively cheaply if you have the time and inclination.

Life stage foods are also an excellent way for an owner to deliver the optimum nutrition to their pet.

Pet Insurance.

Pet insurance can be a real benefit when it comes to the long term savings on veterinary bills. We have found John Lewis Insurance to be really good!

Flea and Dog Worm Treatments.

It is possible to buy flea and worm treatments online or from other retailers other than the vets. By regularly cleaning your dogs bedding, you can reduce the risk of fleas. The RSPCA website asks the following questions to determine if your pets have fleas: ‘‘Is your pet scratching? Can you see tiny brown specs in it’s fur, are there small brown insects scurrying about, do you have insect bites yourself?

REF: www.dogadvice.co.uk

Local Mid Essex Hospital Services Support

If you would like to support the hospital through a community group or campaign, simply contact Mary Atkins at Mid Essex Hospital Charity on 01245 516462 or e-mail her at mary.atkins@meht.nhs.uk.

For more information about the charity go to: www.meht.nhs.uk/getinvolved

Remember a Charity

That’s why Remember a Charity approached the ageing stunt legend, Rocky Taylor to be the face of their new campaign. You may recognise him from his days as the Honey Monster. Or perhaps you saw him in a film, doubling for such dignitaries as James Bond - in his incarnations as Sean Connery, Roger Moore and …well, that other one.

This will be Rocky’s lasting legacy. Now it’s over to you to leave yours. So please, write your will today and consider leaving a gift to charity, because you never know, tomorrow might be too late.

Challenge Yourself!

Would you like to set your own personal challenge? Lose weight, get fit, achieve an incredible personal goal and raise vital funds for our charity at MEHT MEHT works with Charity Challenge which is one of the World’s leading fundraising challenge operator. Best known for organising the Comic Relief celebrity Kilimanjaro Climb, they organise over 100 expeditions each year and have run more international challenges, and have raised funds for more charities than any other company worldwide! So far they have helped thousands of people to raise over £35m for over 1400 different charities. You can choose from treks, bike rides, mountain

NHS Trust Mid Essex Hospital Services

NHS

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Claire horses around for Macmillan

The VERY best of British

You name it, Rocky’s done it. And together, Remember a Charity hope to raise awareness of the importance of wills, not just to friends and family, but also to the many charities that depend on legacy giving. Just a 4% increase in gifts left in wills would raise an additional £1 billion a year for good causes.

NHS

Remember a Charity is a national campaign which, every year, encourages people to make sure their affairs are in place and consider charities when doing so: www.rememberacharity.org.uk No one knows the importance of a will more than a stuntman. He wouldn’t put his life on the line for the sake of mere entertainment without knowing that everyone and everything he cares for in life is taken care of, should anything happen. The Co-op has teamed up with them this year and are offering free telephone advice to help you get your affairs in order.

Another opportunity to get your affairs in shape is during Will Aid in November www.willaid.org.uk This gives you the chance to make your will for a minimum charge of £90 which will be donated to a charity and you could leave a gift in your will to your favourite hospital charity.

Check the website above to find local participating solicitors.

climbs, rafting, sky diving, dog sledding, skiing and community challenges in more than 30 countries worldwide. This year the Geographic North and South Pole expeditions are included!

So whether you want to lose weight, get fit, experience new cultures, or just achieve an impressive goal, all whilst raising funds for your hospital charity.

Go to www.charitychallenge.com to find the right challenge for you!

Claire Turner is a Macmillan Uro-Oncology Specialist Nurse at Broomfield Hospital . She recently completed a twenty mile sponsored horse ride to raise money for Macmillan. There were 200 horses and riders taking part in the event, which was held at Newmarket Race Course. Claire said: “It is a well-attended event and I decided to take part as my position at Broomfield Hospital is sponsored by Macmillan and I wanted to give something back.

Macmillan have supported a number of posts over recent years at Broomfield and also have the Macmillan Carers project onsite, who continue to provide invaluable support to the carers of people with cancer.

Running for Phoenix Ward Well done to the Inverto team who ran the Cologne 15k Bruckenlauf for the Phoenix Ward at Boomfield Hospital. Daniel, from the Inverto Team based at Broomfield Hospital, said “We want to make the lives of children in Phoenix a little bit better by providing additional equipment and toys to make their stay more comfortable”.

The charity team here at MEHT can help your fundraising efforts by setting up online giving pages and guiding you in your fund raising efforts. Contact mary.atkins@meht.nhs.uk or call 01245 516462

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk |

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | PAGE 49

Local Support

Broomfield Hospital receives tremendous support from the community throughout the year. Below are just a few examples of how the generosity of local supporters has made a positive difference to life at the hospital.

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OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 18 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

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