Lifestyle Moray Magazine - December 2021 January 2022

DEC2021 / JAN2022

EF BEARDED CH O LUNCH FOR TW

BEAUTY BOXPY MASSAGE

UPPER BODY

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AROMATHER

S SHOW TICKET TO A SHOW

F TICKETS TWO PAIRS O UR CHOICE YO F O

WILD PHOTOREL PRINT

A BEAUTIFUL

F

RED SQUIR

S

FORTY WINK

£100 VOUCHER

BEAUTY | RECIPES | TRAVEL | LOCAL IMAGES LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL | WALKING WITH TRACY | WILDLIFE MORAY PLOUGHING SOCIETY | HEALTH & FITNESS | REMEMBRANCE

FEATURES 4

Remembrance 40 years Service to RBL

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MBW Elgin Moray meets Elgin Ontario

14 Road Safety

in North East Scotland

16 Road Safety Hacks Seasonal driving hacks

that could save you money

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BEST WISHES FOR 2022 FROM LIFESTYLE!

42 De-cluttering

With The Tidy Coo

18 Smiths Wild Photo

A photography business with a

social focus

46 The Prenatal Snug

Advice during Pregnancy

22 Your Images

More from across our

wonderful area 26

48 S T Law

Myths about not having a Will 52 Ryan PT

Break the cycle

Walks by Tracy Follow her latest route

28 Light The North

Clan Cancer Support

THIS MONTH’S COMPETITIONS

30 Menopause Mayhem

By Cllr Louise Nicol

•

AN UPPER BODY AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

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LUNCH FOR TWO FROM THE BEARDED CHEF

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TWO PAIRS OF TICKETS TO A SHOW OF YOUR CHOICE

•

A BEAUTIFUL RED SQUIRREL PRINT

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A £100 VOUCHER FROM FORTY WINKS

32 Recipes

More great recipes from

The Bearded Chef 34 Travel

Where is best for winter sun 38 Moray Ploughing Society Match

Back to Byres Farm after 90 Years

54 WIN, WIN, WIN...

Editor Rhona Patterson Creatives Eve Russell Advertising Rhona Patterson Distribution Gordon Duncan Ltd All material within this magazine is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertising artwork or any other content, without the publisher’s prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright. Intellectual copyright: Lifestyle Magazine.

To advertise in Lifestyle Tel: 07900 954134 and speak to Rhona Patterson or email: rhona@lifestylemoray.scot

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Christmas Menu STARTERS

Soup of the Day served with a Warm Roll Prawn, Crayfish and Smoked Salmon Cocktail Chicken & Apricot Terrine served with Oatcakes and a Spiced Apricot and Orange Chutney Pesto, Brie and Tomato Bruschetta drizzled with Balsamic Crispy Bubble Shrimp served with a Chilli, Honey & Sesame Dip and a Salad Garnish

*** *** *** *** ***

MAINS

Traditional Roast Turkey served with Roast Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Oatmeal Stuffing, Pigs in Blankets, Festive Veg and Gravy Monkfish wrapped in bacon served on a bed of Creamy Garlic, Crayfish and Mussel Tagliatelle Vegetable Wellington Slice served with Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Vegetables and Gravy Chicken Stuffed with Spinach, Tomato & Feta served in a Pomodoro & Olive Sauce Pork Steaks served with a Haggis Mash, Pepper Sauce and Festive Veg

*** *** *** *** ***

DESSERTS

Cheesecake of the Day served with cream Chocolate & Gingerbread Brownie served with Ice-Cream Mulled Fruit Crème Brulée served with Shortbread Raspberry, Orange and Amaretto Trifle Warm Cinnamon Waffles served with toffee sauce and toffee ice-cream

2 Courses £19.95 | 3 Courses £23.95

TO BOOK CALL 01343 812040 Stotfield Road · Lossiemouth · Morayshire · IV31 6QS info@gvlossie.co.uk | www.gvlossie.co.uk

PRIVATE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WITH COSIE BOSIE COCKTAIL & MINCE PIE CALL 01542 783044 TO BOOK

FROM 8TH NOV. TO 22ND DECEMBER Strathisla Brand Home - The Home of Chivas will be closed for Christmas and New Year holidays from the 23rd December 2021 inclusive and opening again on the 5th January 2022

There is no charge for booking your exclusive shopping time and we have lots of great deals on offer to make your shopping easy.

REMEMBRANCE

REMEMBRANCE: THE STATE OF BEARING

IN MIND; AN ACT OF RECALLING TO MIND

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very November we, as a nation, come together to remember those fearless men and women who have given their lives in the service of their country. They proudly gather for services throughout the country but, sadly, year by year, their numbers dwindle. We must never forget them as we owe so much to them.

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One person who never forgets is Ian Grant who, for the last 40 years, has been the proud standard bearer for the Royal British Legion at local, area and national level. It is, however, time for him to hang up his marching shoes and to pass the mantle on to the next generation of standard bearers. He will, of course, continue to support the Legion in any way he can and to

The 100 anniversary of battle of Arras in France 2017.

help other members who are willing to carry the standards. One could not wish for a better, more experienced tutor.

Ian came to standard bearing in a most unusual way. He was at a football match in Keith on a wet and cold evening and decided to go across to the Legion for a drink at half-time. He heard a fairly loud noise coming from an adjoining room and was told that it was the colour party practising for an upcoming competition. One thing led to another and, before he knew it, he was invited to join them. Being a mere three years out of the army the discipline and strict regime did not trouble him at all and he more or less fell into it.

All this happened in January 1981 and since that day he has represented the Royal British Legion at significant major events including events at the Edinburgh Tattoo and the Royal Albert Hall. Ian has also been involved with the Commonwealth War Graves and the services they hold at cemeteries throughout the world.

He has been involved with services in Naples, Solerno, Rome and Monte Casino in Italy; other pilgrimages he has done include visits to Holland and northern Germany, Belgium and northern France. Perhaps the most harrowing was a visit to Bergen Belsen, a place he will never forget.

Edinburgh Castle. Blue Hackles were added to the headdress in celebration of HM Queen’s Diamond jubilee in 2012 with gold hackles awarded to anyone who has won the national standard bearer competition.

In many ways, Ian’s life has seen a series of ‘firsts’. 2020 was a year of virtual services because of the pandemic – a first for all involved with the Legion. He won his first area competition in 1985 and came third in the national competition. Going up to receive his prize he discovered to his embarrassment and chagrin that there was no trophy for third place; a gentleman who was present at the

time and who worked for Bon Accord Glass in Aberdeen said he would get the company to donate a trophy – another first in the history of the competition. 1985 saw his first big event attended as a standard bearer when the top three standard bearers from the Legion were invited to take part in a service at Westminster Abbey to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War 2.

He won his first national competition in 1988 at the national conference in Kelso and in the same year took part for the first time in the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. Ian went on to win the area competition 13 times and the national competition 10 times. He retired after his last competition in 2001.

Lifestyle MAG

The national standard in Keith legion the first time I won the national competition in 1988 with old style Balmoral bonnet.

After the annual armistice parades there is always a raffle held and the proceeds are used to upgrade the participants’ kit. This raffle was instigated by Ian, helped by his wife and

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colleagues from the distilleries and is a great hit in the club after the parade.

It is not an understatement to say that Ian was influential in more ways than one. After he had attended the Royal Albert Hall a few times dressed as per RBLS dress code for standard bearers - in other words in a in dark suit - he met an old friend who he had served with in The 1st Battalion The Gordon Highlanders, who was attending the festival with The London Scottish pipe band. He asked Ian why he did not wear the kilt? That got him thinking and he asked for permission to do this from the national committee. After a couple of years he was given permission by the then national chairman, and because he was going to be out of dress anyway he thought he would go the full hog and got a glengarry made for himself with the blue and yellow dice. Other standard bearers, who had watched the programme on television, thought the glengarry was a great idea and at the next national beating retreat they got a petition signed up by all the standard bearers there to change the head dress from the Balmoral bonnet to the glengarry. That was also passed by the national committee and the head dress was changed.

During the time that Ian was competing he was still working full time and had to use his annual leave to allow him to attend events and parades.

With all the pilgrimages and events that were happening at that time he had to use about 10 days of his annual leave and this obviously had an effect on his family life but that was the choice he made.

Ian’s final parade was a most memorable one and something that he will always remember.

It was in London in March 2002 when he was invited to carry the national standard and to lead the Royal British Legion contingent at the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. A great honour indeed.

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Since retiring in 2001 Ian has been the Royal British Legion’s national ceremonial drill Legion national conference.

instructor and has had the honour of carrying out numerous ceremonies at sites of significant importance to the 100 year anniversary of battles during World War 1. Ever indefatigable, Ian has been instrumental taking bits of the TRBL Ceremonial handbook and writing a standard bearer drill instruction manual, that more suited him and his colleagues for RBLS ceremonial occasions.

At Keith war memorial with Glengarry.

There are not many who could claim to be the branch standard bearer for Keith branch; area Drill Instructor for Aberdeen Banff and Kincardine area; the area vice president and the national ceremonial Drill Instructor. Ian also volunteers for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, carrying out checks on the war graves around Keith, Buckie, Banff, Macduff and Huntly areas. He is a proud and dedicated man who probably would modestly say that he was only ‘doing his bit’ but no-one can take away the fact that he has had an illustrious career and has carried out his duties with dignity and pride.

He still continues to serve (in between rounds of golf) and is justifiably proud of the part that he has played over the preceding years. And it was all because of a football match on a wet and miserable evening.

At Stornaway on new years day 2019 in memory of the sinking of the HMY Iolaire.

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Lifestyle MAG

20 CLIFTON RD - LOSSIEMOUTH 9

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

MORAY BUSINESS WOMEN MEET ELGIN BUSINESS WOMEN IN ONTARIO

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hile many travel restrictions were in place and it was difficult to plan any journey overseas Moray Business Women set out on a Transatlantic Challenge.

Each year Moray Business Women choose a charity or local cause to work with and help fundraise for them through the year. Their partner for 2021 has been Moray Wellbeing Hub and MBW wanted to do their best to fundraise for them during what has been very challenging circumstances while face to face meetings and events were limited.

Better than that, when I found myself actually going to stay in Ontario Canada this October, before I was allowed to enter the US (long story), I couldn’t miss the opportunity to actually meet these wonderful ladies face to face.

It couldn’t have been planned better, I was staying in Port Dover with friends and the Elgin Business Women arranged to meet me at one of their members businesses in Port Stanley, just a few miles into the neighbouring County.

It was decided as a great way to motivate everyone and to fundraise for MWBH that they would undertake a Transatlantic Challenge.

They reached out and made contact with their businesswomen counterparts in Elgin, Ontario.

The Elgin Business Women were delighted to join in the challenge and a zoom meeting was held for all to connect.

On the 1st of April they all set out to cover the total distance of 6,777 miles from Elgin Moray to Elgin Ontario and back. Everyone signed into the App, My Virtual Mission and logged their individual achievements daily, be it a swim, walk, cycle run or steps. Every step counted and 81 days later they completed the challenge.

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It was fabulous to meet virtually and undertake this challenge with the ladies of Elgin in Ontario.

I met a few of the EBW ladies at award winning The Edible Journey, which is the amazing, health food restaurant, run by wholistic chef Ellen Lacroix. If you ever find yourselves in Port Stanley, this place is a must.

Women’s Award Dinner which should have been held on Friday 26th November, but Storm Arwen had other ideas. I don’t need to tell you the devastation caused to the roads and power lines on that Friday, needless to say the Awards Dinner has been postponed and the award finalists must wait that bit longer for the final announcement.

The next issue of Lifestyle will have the full story with all the results. Good luck to all the finalists.

Marna and Candice along with her lovely daughter Cortlyn made me feel so welcome.

It was the day before Thanksgiving in Canada, and it meant most of the ladies were really busy preparing for their family celebrations.

I took along a few gifts from Moray to the Elgin Business Women and coincidently a parcel of goodies the EBW had sent across to Moray arrived on the very day I met up with the ladies in Port Stanley. Their parcel had been posted over a month ago, so to arrive the very day we met up was quite a coincidence.

The contents of the Canadian parcel were being split up and were making up some of the amazing raffle prizes for the Moray Business

Lifestyle MAG

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Lifestyle MAG

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Lifestyle MAGLifestyle MAG

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NORTH EAST SCOTLAND

ROAD SAFETY

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artners from Road Safety North East Scotland (RSNES) and Getabout have launched a new campaign to encourage people to dress brightly when travelling in reduced daylight over the darker months.

The ‘Be Bright at Night’ campaign encourages those out walking, cycling, or exercising to wear something light-coloured, bright, fluorescent, or reflective.

The reduced visibility, coupled with more pedestrians visiting the city centre for festive activities, means that the number of pedestrian road safety collisions are at their highest during this period, increasing in November and staying heightened over December and January.

Chair of Nestrans, Councillor Sandra Macdonald said, “A lot of sportswear and children’s school bags come with reflective strips these days but in winter it can be easy to find yourself in a dark outfit. Dressing brightly doesn’t mean that you’re expected to be head-to-toe in yellow with reflective stripes. If your winter jacket is dark, consider a brightly coloured hat or bag. You

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can even get detachable reflective armbands to add to a dark coat. Adding something bright in your outfit is a simple way to help other road users to see you.”

The Highway Code notes that reflective materials ‘can be seen by drivers using headlights up to three times as far away as non-reflective materials’.

The Be Bright at Night campaign aligns with Police Scotland’s North East Division’s “light for dark nights” initiative. The project will see community officers from across the north east on patrol, engaging with cyclists and handing out sets of bike lights provided by Getabout.

As a legal requirement after dark, cyclists should be using a white light on the front of their bike, a red light at the rear, and a red rear reflector.

Drivers should be vigilant for vulnerable road users and making sure they themselves are following measures for poor visibility conditions.

This includes slowing down when conditions dictate, fully de-mist and de-ice windows, and making sure their eye tests are up to date.

All road users have a role to play in looking out for their own safety, and the safety of others.

A range of winter road safety advice can be found online at getabout.org.uk.

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WINTER DRIVING

WINTER IS HERE: SEASONAL DRIVING HACKS THAT COULD SAVE MOTORISTS MONEY

A

leading insurance comparison firm is revealing the top winter driving hacks that could help motorists avoid higher premiums and retain those all-important No Claims Bonuses.

Defrosting – It is tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes, and the car warms up. However, if an opportunistic thief takes the vehicle, many insurance companies will not cover the loss.

Quotezone.co.uk says many motorists overlook the winter conditions and can make unnecessary mistakes that will hit them hard in the pocket.

Leaving engines running is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Doing this is known as 'idling’ and is bad for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car's exhaust.

The firm, one of the UK's leading car insurance comparison websites, says even minor adjustments in behaviour could save hundreds of pounds. Here they lay out some of the pitfalls motorists can find themselves in this winter: 16

Don't use boiling water on windscreens - Glass can crack when it experiences a sudden change in temperature, and windscreen damage isn't

police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points – resulting in the loss of a driving licence.

Commercial vehicle drivers, where the car or van is owned by their employer – could land firms with penalties of up to £20,000.

Numberplate – Excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the numberplate isn't clearly visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000.

Floods - Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads and may specifically exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.

Avoid puddles - Soaking pedestrians by deliberately driving through large puddles can results in a £100 fine and three penalty points.

Greg Wilson, Founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk comments: "As winter approaches, it's not just the fines that motorists should worry about, points on a driving licence are noted by insurers as a sign of how safe a driver is and what the risk of a claim might be when calculating premiums.

always covered by a standard car insurance policy.

Simply using a frost guard, a defogger or even homemade de-icer - lukewarm water mixed with rubbing alcohol.

Clear your windscreen before you set-off Windscreens with inhibited views can land owners with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So, any leaves, snow, ice, mud or even condensation, needs to be fully cleared before setting out.

Check tyres - Motorists can be fined an eyewatering £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the

Lifestyle MAG

"Three points on a licence can add 5% to premiums every year until the points are spent after four years. Six points pushes premiums up by as much as 25%, and let's not forget No Claims Bonuses and what they might be worth if they've been built up over time and now have to be accrued again from scratch.

"Careful, considerate and patient drivers who plan for the winter weather and adjust their behaviour to meet the conditions give themselves the best chance of avoiding points and keeping their premiums low."

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products including car insurance, convicted drivers and breakdown cover.

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PROFITS FOR PROJECTS

A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS WITH A SOCIAL FOCUS

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“We came home with thousands of images and were buzzing. Having learnt so much about the difference between a memory shot and something a bit special, we began writing articles for magazines and entering competitions.”

“I still recall the sounds and smells of the Masai Mara as we stepped out of the tiny plane.

Africa had me under her spell right there” says Marie.

Then the pandemic struck. Overseas travel came to a halt.

Stephen and Marie live on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park. When the country went into its first full lockdown, they focussed on honing their skills with their local wildlife. Sitting for hours capturing their resident red squirrels.

Enjoying the roe deer, brown and mountain hares from their doorstep. Adding ever more to their archives.

mith Wild Photo is a husband and wife photography team based in Glenlivet.

When Stephen and Marie Smith first set foot in Africa, over 16 years ago, little did they know they would one day create a business, with a social objective, out of their love of photographing wildlife.

Stephen and Marie enjoyed photography as a hobby for years. But it was their last trip, a professional photograher-led tour to Chobe, Botswana in 2019, that got them wondering how to make more use of their pictures.

“But it seemed madness to have all these files stored on a cloud where nobody would see them. We began to look at them in different ways. Reprocessing them, giving them a more contemporary look. I remember we agonised over whether anyone would ever buy them. But it was keeping our hopes alive.”

Shortly followed a decision to create a website to showcase their prints and fine art. Months turned into a year, and along came Christmas, with an opportunity to create seasonal products too. Calendars and cards, as well as prints, began to sell.

“It might have been good for our egos, but it was only generating small amounts of income. We were on a webinar one evening.

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Two respected speakers were discussing how youngsters from disadvantaged communities, across the world, lack opportunities to get close enough to wildlife. So they don’t understand the impact of things like poaching, or farming conflict. Both speakers had facilitated programmes to enable young people to access wild places, and to explore career opportunities, through the power of using a camera. And that’s when it hit us. We could be part of this. Use our profits to support them. Profits that were of relatively small value to us. But to these kids, it could be life changing.”

‘Profits for Projects’ is the initiative of Smith Wild Photo. This year it will support causes in the UK and overseas.

Wild Shots Outreach is a programme for school leavers and unemployed youths in South Africa.

They are given a camera and taken into the Kruger national park.

Exposing them to the wildlife and to conservation activity.

They are mentored and tutored to take pictures that tell a story. Many go on to take up careers in photography, media or conservation.

Marie tells us “I volunteered in South Africa in 2018, working with 12 to 14 year olds. It struck me how they, the girls especially, had little expectation of a career. And despite their village being so close to the National Park, they had never been there or seen the wildlife. Living either in fear or enticed by the money poaching brings, they had no concept of the difference they could make by choosing a different path.

Even in that short period of introducing them to the possibilities, helping them to imagine a better future, it was the most powerful and emotional thing I have ever experienced. So for us, it was a no brainer to support a programme which builds on that and makes a real difference to a young person’s future.”

Lifestyle MAG

They will also be supporting the Scottish Wildlife Trust with donations.

“We are probably not alone in realising, as photographers, we have benefitted massively from Scotland’s wildlife especially the past 18 months. It has kept us going. So we think it’s time for us to give something back. To say thank you. Supporting even one of the many SWT projects will help keep it available to us all for the future.”

If you are interested in learning more about Smith Wild Photo and their Profits for Projects initiative then visit their website www.smithwildphoto.co.uk. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram using @smithwildphoto.

Prints ~ Fine Art ~ Greeting Cards ~ Calendars

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Don't forget your 2022 Calendar & Christmas Cards

Etsy shop : smithwildphoto.etsy.com Profits for Projects Sales help projects in the UK & Overseas

19

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

HOME DECOR

Large stock of Beds and Mattresses, Mobility Rise and Recline Chairs, Pictures and Gift Ware all available for immediate delivery.

ALWAYS NEW STOCK FOR YOU TO COME AND SEE FREE DELIVERY • WITHIN A 60 MILE RADIUS Follow us on Facebook for new products and updates at Fortywinks Furnishers Ltd

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Best wishes to you all during the Festive Season!

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Station Road - Elgin - IV30 1QW

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By tagging us and using #LifestyleMorayMagazine or email your images to eve@lifestylemoray.scot

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22

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Instagram @travelkattours Strathlene beach along the Moray

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WE’D LIKE TO WISH ALL THE USERS OF ELGIN TOWN HALL BOTH PAST AND FUTURE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. WE LOOK FORWARD TO GREETING YOU ALL AGAIN IN 2022.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR FRIENDS NEAR AND FAR AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND KINDNESS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. WE HAVE A TERRIFIC FIDDICHSIDE COMMUNITY AND ALL ARE WELCOME TO COME AND SHARE IN THE FUN. The fire is roaring again and the eclectic whisky selection is ever replenished.

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TRACY GOES OUTSIDE

Delgatie Castle and Woods

This walk from Tracy takes her approx 25 miles from her home in Keith to Turriff.

Tracy undertakes lovely walks all over our beautiful country and we are delighted she has agreed to provide Lifestyle readers with the inside knowledge that she has gleaned from her many adventures.

I hope you enjoy Tracy’s walks? Please do let us know and send us some photos.

Follow Tracy goes outside on Facebook (www.facebook.com/tracygoesoutside)

A

pprox 1 mile along the road there is a sign post for Delgatie Castle to the left take this road for approx 1 ½ miles.

The Castle is well sign-posted and can be seen from the road on the right. You will turn into the entrance to where the Castle is sign posted and

Distance: 2 ¾ miles Time - 1 ½ hrs Time: 1.5-2 hours Level: Easy with a little elevation Terrain: Well walked forestry paths can be a little wet under foot in places.

26

Access: Arrive by car. To reach the start of the walk from Turriff take the A947 towards Banff.

there is ample parking and a forestry information board. Delgatie Castle and Woods is a stunning walk that takes in not only a walk in the woods, you also go past Delgatie trout fishing pond where you can see ducks and swans, then round the grounds of the stunning Castle that dates back to 1030. What is visible today is from around 1570 with later wings added in 1743.

From the car park you will see some steps at the left, head up the steps following the red way markers. Just after the steps there is a path to the right that is worth a detour where you will find the hidden ice house which would have been used to store perishable foods in bygone years. Back on the main path there is another detour to the right, a great opportunity to get your camera out as there is a great view of the Castle. On the main path again continue straight

uphill and into the woods. The path will take a right then a left, keep following the main route with the marker posts. The path will curve to the right again and you will come to a junction, you take a left here following the blue marker post. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, along with plenty of other wildlife, while you are walking throughout the woods. I was lucky to see a large bird, possibly a buzzard as I left in the car. The path carries on through the woods until it will take a right and it will carry on close to the edge of the woods. To your left there will be great views of Bennachie, there is a small detour path where you can take great photos of not only Bennachie but if you look to your right, Ben Rinnes is also visible. The path eventually reaches a car park to the left, continue downhill until you reach a track, you take a left here on to the road. You will pass by the Fishing pond and keep a look out for ducks and swans on the water. Shortly after you pass the pond you will return to the carpark.

At the carpark you have now an opportunity to walk round the Castle grounds, please be aware no dogs are allowed around this area. If you choose to go round the grounds take a left in the carpark past the Cottage and Dovecot. Head

Lifestyle MAG

up the stairs, the road takes a loop right round the Castle grounds before you will come over the cattle grid then return back to the carpark.

You can extend your visit and take a tour round the Castle and treat yourself to tea and cakes in the Castle’s very own tea room the Laird’s Kitchen. Open 10am – 4pm daily.

27

CLAN Cancer Support

Light the North

T

By Tracy Chalmers

he CLAN ‘Light the North’ trail was the latest art trail in Scotland following the successful Dolphin and Oor Wullie trails from past years. Light the North initiative saw 50 large lighthouses designed by artists across the UK placed in Moray, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Orkney and Shetland.

Along with the large lighthouses local schools, community groups and local artists, decorated 90 mini lighthouse sculptures to go on public display throughout the area to widen the trail they were known as ‘Little Lights’.

The trail ran from August to October where members of the public could download the map and go on a lighthouse hunt. This encouraged people to go out and explore their local area and beyond by making it a family day out. Social media was flooded with people on days out using the hashtags #lightthenorth and #lighthousetrail showing the lighthouses they had found.

28

Once the trail came to an end all the lighthouses were gathered together at Gordon Barracks in Aberdeen for the farewell weekend. This gave the ‘lighthouse hunters’ an opportunity to finish off their trail maps, finding the lighthouses they were unable to get to or just a nice day out to look round the lighthouses all together as well as donating to the amazing charity.

Following the farewell weekend the 50 large lighthouses were transported to Thainstone Mart for the grand auction. Bids on the evening were taken from the floor as well as online where the auction was streamed live. The most expensive lighthouse was purchased for £13500 by the Portsoy 75 Club who raised the funds from a Crowdfund to enable them to return their Lighthouse back to Portsoy. Even a blank little lighthouse raised an amazing £1200. People really did dig deep at the auction as the final total that was raised came to an amazing total of £324,200 which will go a long way to fund the services CLAN cancer support provide to both cancer sufferers and their families throughout the North East of Scotland and the Northern Isles.

29

Lifestyle MAG

MENOPAUSE MAYHEM

BY CLLR LOUISE NICOL

Today I almost stole a turkey.

I

knew that one day, as a woman, I’d have to deal with the menopause, or “The Change” as it’s more often referred to. (Even the word menopause seems to embarrass some people) but I really wasn’t prepared for the complete upheaval that was in store for me. I thought that periods were bad. You have the week before where you get spots, turn into an emotional wreck and have a burning desire to clear out and organise the whole house. God help anyone that gets in your way. Then your actual period arrives and with it comes the stomach cramps and yet more mood swings and a certainty that only chocolate can make the world a nicer place again. Week three, the after week. A day or two of uncertainty as to whether it’s actually finished or not, followed by the need to diet because of all the chocolate you just had to eat to ensure you weren’t abandoned by all friends and family for acting like something from the exorcist.

Finally it’s over and you have a whole week of being yourself before it all starts again. I’m not going to lie, the thought of no more periods was very appealing, if that cost me some hot flushes during the night then it would be worth it. I thought, bring it on!! How wrong was I, how very wrong.

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It’s hard to tell when the menopause started or peri menopause, even that I’d never heard of until it happened, but I’m guessing it was about three years ago. The first thing that happened was suddenly, I started to get migraines. I’d never had one before but after a few weeks of wondering if I had a brain tumour, I phoned the doctor. He reckoned I was suffering from stress.

It seems that until you also have the irregular periods, menopause isn’t a consideration in a lot of the symptoms. I still had regular periods but I started getting the hot flushes and insomnia along with the delights of PMS. My periods

became erratic soon after that and common sense told me that it was menopause but there was that doubt at the back of my mind, was I pregnant at this age!! The shame of buying a pregnancy test in the supermarket was something I got used to over the months.

As if menopause symptoms aren’t confusing enough and each day thinking, oh is this dementia, is that how I go, or yep, it’s not stress, I’m sure I have a tumour, that’s how I go, along came Covid and lockdown. It was at that time I started to get palpitations, ah heart attack, that’s what’s going to take me or oh, is this Covid was my brain’s thinking at four am. FOUR AM is the time my brain now decides it’s time to wake up and solve all my problems and have some pretty genius work ideas. If only it would remember all those ideas when I wake up again, after finally getting back to sleep about half five.

Every morning, I wake up feeling like I’ve had a night out clubbing and have a hangover from hell and with the aching joints it feels like

I climbed a mountain on the way home. If only! Firstly, anxiety would stop me going. The stress of having nothing to wear because none of my clothes fit now that I have a real meno belly going on (yep, that’s a thing now), would leave me feeling depressed. Secondly, I developed a fear of going out alone. That’s the biggest change that has affected me. I used to take photos for a band and once things opened up again they asked me to tag along to their first gig. I couldn’t get out the door, I sat at home in tears because I was letting them down and myself.

I used to love gigs and meeting new people but instead I’d sit and binge watch the same series over and over again. I knew the ending, it was safe, that’s all I wanted. I found meetings got harder, if the sudden outburst of tears or anger didn’t make me want to run to Netflix then the inability to focus did.

It’s been months now since I’ve had a period and I’m hopeful that the end to this is in sight.

I may not look like the old me but that’s because I’m not! I have a new confidence emerging, one that doesn’t care what others think, although I still often have days where I think I’m useless. I’ve sold all the clothes that no longer fit and treated myself to some new things. I’ve researched the symptoms

Lifestyle MAG

of menopause and what eases them, giving up alcohol and caffeine seems popular with the experts but hey, I don’t fancy doing jail time.

I might need to give this HRT a try if things don’t improve.

Oh aye, the turkey. I saw turkeys in the supermarket today and thought I’d be organised for Christmas for a change and get one for the freezer. I forgot to scan it before I put it the trolley though and typical, I had my trolley checked.

I was mortified. I had to try and explain that I’m just at that age where I forget stuff and not a turkey thief. Just a normal day in the life of a menopausal woman.

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RECIPES

Mrs Chef's Easy Peasy Vegan & Gluten Free Christmas Cake INGREDIENTS •

1kg Mixed Fruit

•

1 Pack Glace Cherries (Chopped in half)

•

2 Cups of Chocolate Soya Milk

•

1/2 Cup Brandy

•

2 Cups of Gluten Free Self-Raising Flour

METHOD Soak your fruit in the chocolate milk and brandy for 24 hours.

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After your fruit has soaked, fold in your flour.

You will need a 9" cake tin, grease this with vegan butter. Add your mixture and bake in a low oven 100' for up to 4 hours. Low and slow is the name of the game. Perfect moist cake every-time.

Cocktail or Mocktail •

Winter Spiced Orange

•

150ml Orange Juice

•

50ml Rum (Optional)

•

Dash Cinnamon & Vanilla Syrup

•

Dash Gingerbread Syrup

Winter Roasted Potato & Vegetable Soup • • • • • • •

Little oil & Salt and Pepper 1 Medium Onion 3 Cloves of Garlic Crushed 1 tsp Turmeric & a Bay Leaf 1500ml Vegetable Stock About 1kg of Roasted Potatoes Roasted Carrots, Courgettes, Parsnips (Works well with most root vegetables)

Pop your oil in the pan to heat, add your onions and garlic and allow to soften. Add your turmeric and coat your onions. Once blended add your roasted potatoes and vegetables mix through your onions. Add vegetable stock & bay leaf and allow to simmer for 40 mins. For the best finish, remove the bay leaf and blitz using a hand blender. A beautiful warming soup made with left overs!

Lifestyle MAG

The Bearded Chef HQ 104 South Street, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1JB Tel : 01343 200240 | www.the-beardedchef.com

33

TRAVEL

Where’s best for winter sun?

“The nights are fair drawing in” is a sure sign that winter is a coming! Short days, long nights, salting the driveway, and keeping fires stoked.

It’s not all bad – winter is a time to get cozy, reconnect with the family, and blow away the cobwebs with some breezy walks.

However, with winters seeming to last an eternity, surely a couple of weeks in the sun wouldn’t hurt?

With the last 2 years meaning that a large proportion of people have yet to see a summer holiday, winter sun destinations are filling up fast!

But where should you set your sights for some guaranteed balmy weather this year?

Canaries

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With temperatures averaging around 15 degrees during the day in the Canaries Dec-Feb, it is the obvious choice to escape the plummeting climes of home. Tenerife, ubiquitous with Brits

generally, becomes even more so during this time, so if a slice of “little Britain” is what you’re looking for, you can’t really go wrong.

Food and drink is highly affordable, with a pint of beer costing around 1-2 euro and a three course meal, around 8!

The only down side this year is that due to its popularity, prices are increasing all the time, so if you are desperate to get away, don’t dilly dally – get it booked!

Middle East A couple more hours flying time than the Canaries, for a lot of people the likes of Dubai or Abu Dhabi is out of reach, but with direct flights from Glasgow to Dubai, and average temperatures closer to 26 degrees, that extra couple of hours in the air might just be worth it.

This year, prices to the middle east have stayed pretty reasonable. In fact, pretty much on a

class, some SCUBA diving or even a walk around one of the many areas of outstanding natural beauty, Flight times can be a barrier, with one stop journeys taking up to 18 hours. But again, with scheduled airlines such as BA or Emirates, this is still a very comfortable option.

Prices are going to be north of the other 2 options, but again, you do get what you pay for with these destinations. par with the Canaries. When you consider the standard of 4 star hotel inn Dubai, versus the likes of Tenerife or Lanzarote, it all starts to get more than just a little intriguing.

As with everything there is a trade off however.

If you enjoy evening walks, and exploring, then you are a little limited unless you choose a beachfront location. Taxis are a staple (although very affordable) for getting around.

There is a winter sun destination for everyone – you just need to know where to look. Your local independent travel agent will be perfectly placed to give you all the advice needed to navigate the visas, entry requirements and testing rules, leaving you to enjoy your well earned winter sun worry-free!

That being said, the hotels here really are something to behold. Not so much hotels as whole resorts, you can easily get yourself lost in the labyrinthesque colossuses, meaning that your daily step count is all to easy to hit.

Drinks and meal prices are in line with the likes of London, however there are regular happy hours and ladies nights where you will bag better value for your buck!

Indian Ocean/South East Asia The likes of Mauritius, Maldives or Thailand are possibly your best option for winter sun. With five star hotels, average temperatures pushing into the 30s, and exceptional hospitality at your fingertips, its makes for a much more indulgent break than something closer to home.

When you’re not resting on the endless white sands, while the time away with a Thai cooking

Lifestyle MAG

www.murraytravel.co.uk or head to @themurraytravel on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

35

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37

EVENT

Moray Ploughing Society Annual Match

N

inety years ago, in 1931, the Ploughing Society ploughing match was held at Byres Farm. The winner was one William Gordon, a salmon fisher on the river Spey for the Duke of Richmond and Gordon at Gordon Castle Estate. What his fellow competitors may not have been aware of, however, was the fact that during the winter months, after the fishing season had closed, William was a farm worker and he spent much of his time ploughing.

Back to Byres for the first time since 1931, this year the medal was taken along to the ploughing match by Jim Gordon, who inherited the medal. The Moray Ploughing Society Match took place on Saturday 13th November and was hosted by the Smith family at Byres Farm, Spey Bay. A very large turnout of people attended and enjoyed a fun packed day at the farm which included a tillage event and open farm day.

The tillage event proved to be a popular attraction, bringing a different group of

The ploughing match attracted over 40 entries.

The winners were:

38

Class 1 – Agrovista cup Class 2 – Bowlts Chartered Surveyors Trophy Class 3 – Frontier Trophy Class 3 – Classic Trophy, best classic rig Class 4 – Pentland Landrover Trophy Vintage Trailing – Gleaner Oils Trophy

: : : : : :

I. Macdonald G. Hepburn S. Alexander G. Mutch Wm. McDonald D. Stewart

people along to the ploughing match.

A number of local dealerships were present, including Ravenhill, Sellars, HRN, Scot JCB and Netherton. These dealerships all carried out working demonstrations of machinery within the green cover crops that the Smith family grow between arable crops. The dealerships paid the family by donating a pedal tractor to Byres Farm which will be a great asset for the farms Muddy Meetup nursery group.

A successful day was rounded off with a dance at Byres Farm.

To give you a little bit of background history, Byres Farm, situated near Fochabers, is a mixed arable and livestock farm on the banks of the River Spey in Moray. It is farmed by the Smith family as part of their farming business “J W Smith”, which was established in 1982 by John and Lorna.

Since then both the family and the farming business has grown. John and Lorna are now joined in the business by sons Bill and Alan, their wives Helen and Emma and they have three grandchildren, Eilidh, Marshall and Louisa, who are always eager to get stuck into farming life.

On the farm they grow malting barley for the Speyside whisky industry and produce beef and lamb for local markets. In 2016 they started welcoming the public onto their farm when Helen set up the original “Fun Farm”.

The family have thus created a unique facility on the farm to allow children and the public to see at first-hand what happens on a real farm. It is an opportunity to showcase Scottish farming to the public and to educate people in the food production process, from field to fork. It is a great way of engaging the community with the Scottish countryside.

Byres Farm offers weekly groups for preschool children and one off events for all ages. Farm tours, group outings and corporate packages are also offered and can be tailored to suit your individual requirements.

39

Lifestyle MAG

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

MARIE GOUGEON

CABINET SECRETARY RURAL AFFAIRS

A

s we approach the festive season, it’s good to look back on how far we have come in the last year. Some semblance of normal life has returned with our great track record on covid vaccinations helping make that happen.

It can be tempting to think if you live and work in an isolated rural area or business that you don’t need your vaccines or your booster but we all do so please go get them as soon as possible.

Things do still seem precarious though, not least with availability and cost of key foodstuffs, fuel, materials and equipment. This year, we introduced the loan scheme for farmers’ basic payments at the earliest ever point and we will start actual payments at beginning of December. Ensuring farmers have income helps cashflow and we always encourage them to put that money to work in local supply chains and businesses where possible. And we continue to liaise closely with farmers and food producers – especially in the fruit and veg sector, many of whom grow great produce here in Moray – and other food and drink businesses on supply issues, including labour shortages.

Part of our work is to encourage more markets for our great food and drink products. So we are currently consulting on a local food strategy to explore how to do this and last month, I introduced the Good Food Nation bill to Parliament. This bill will allow for national and local food plans to be developed, setting out how national and local government will ensure

40

that people from every walk of life take pride and pleasure in, and benefit from, the food they produce, buy, cook, serve and eat each day.

We are already taking action to be a Good Food Nation. One key way is getting more locally produced, healthy nutritious food onto the menu in school meals through the Soil Association’s Food for Life programme. And this month we were delighted to see Moray Council join the scheme.

The Scottish Government is also still supporting the Love Local campaign to help more local shops, businesses, trades and town centres recover from the pandemic. Many struggled due to the pandemic and we know are still recovering, and these businesses can often be small, independent and with strong roots and connections to the communities they serve.

So this festive season, we will be providing Love Local gift cards to encourage more people to shop locally.

So if like me, you’ve still to start your Christmas shopping, there are lots of great places to visit online and in person in Moray – some of them advertised here in Lifestyle. Things still seem tough right now but by looking out for each other, following the basic covid rules and trying to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the NHS, we will get through it.

I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and hope we can all raise a glass to a brighter New Year.

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Lifestyle MAG

41

DE-CLUTTERING

ROSIE BARRON IS THE TIDY COO An award winning Professional Organiser, who works with clients to help them Declutter and Organise their homes and live a more relaxed life. A Master KonMari Consultant and member of APDO (the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers), Rosie lives in Aberdeenshire with her husband, four Home Educated children, eight ponies, five dogs, three cats, two bunnies, chickens, ducks and fish which all Spark Joy.

Images: Laura Walter Photography

decorations together to check that we still love them. Most of our ornaments and decorations are old favourites, bought over the years on our travels, and many have specific memories associated with them, so I don’t have a beautifully put together tree and house, but

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s we come to the end of the year, our thoughts swing to Christmas. I love Christmas! I love spending time with my family. I love roaring fires, hot chocolate and mulled wine, and the excitement of the children as we build up to that day.

Decorations We decorate our tree and house on the first weekend of December and the first thing that we do is to get all our ornaments and 42

somehow it all works together. When the festive season is over, and I’m packing the decorations away, I’ll check them over again at that point to see if there are any that are broken, because there is no point in me storing something for the entire year, only to get it out next Christmas and discard it! As you are putting your decorations up this year, bring them all out, have a good look through them and release any that are broken. Any that you are not sure about putting up, ask yourself why, and if it is because you no longer love them, then let them go.

that people have received, again, it is not that unusual for me to find stacks of them reaching back into

Gift Wrap and Cards This is also an excellent time of year to look through your gift wrap. I frequently come across large stashes of paper, ribbon, bows and labels that will not be used, but that the owner does not want to get rid of because they feel it is wasteful. If you are not going to use it, it is a waste regardless of whether it clogs up your home. Let the excess wrapping go and enjoy the experience of wrapping without being buried by paper. If you truly cannot bring yourself to do this, then put a moratorium this year on buying any new paper until you have used what you have already and if this makes you sad, you know what I am going to say! I have friends who use fabric to wrap rather than paper and they do this for environmental reasons. Do make sure if you are going down this route that the fabric will be reused as if it is just used once and discarded, then the footprint is much higher than for paper – better just to use recyclable paper in that situation. The people I know who use fabric successfully send the same piece of fabric back and forth between them each year, or simply gather the fabric up once it has been used and take it back to use it again.

Christmas cards are similar to wrapping paper in the stashes that I find. Every year, people buy new ones and the excess from last year lies unused for the next decade. Either use these cards, or let them go. When it comes to cards

Lifestyle MAG

the past. Be honest with yourself when you take the cards down at the end of the Christmas period about whether or not you are actually going to look at these cards again, and if you are not, then let them go. I know that there are people out there who make beautiful tags or art out of their old Christmas cards, but the people who actually do this (as opposed to just intending to) are vanishingly rare. Please don’t let your legacy be piles of old Christmas cards!

Gift Giving and Receiving When it comes to gifts, regardless of your religion, it is worth remembering that Christmas is a time of celebration and family, rather than a competition to see how many gifts we can give and receive. The children are delighted to open their stockings from Father Christmas regardless of how much may have been spent.

We try to run to a saying ourselves that goes along the lines of: Something they want, Something they need, Something to wear, Something to read.

Now that doesn’t mean that they only get 4 presents, but it is a good reminder when the elves start running around panicking that there is not enough...

With gifts from relatives, we generally ask that they contribute to a larger gift, or an experience for the children, or a charity donation that the children have picked, rather than end up 43

with a hundred different presents for children who really already have an abundance of belongings. If you feel like the prospect of Christmas and being inundated is filling you with horror, do talk to your relatives about it. Most people are delighted to fall in with your wishes once they understand your motives behind the decision, but it is a subject best approached tactfully and with the understanding that the people buying presents are doing so out of love.

I come from a large family myself, and for the last decade or so, rather than everyone try to buy everyone else a gift, among the grown-ups, we do a Secret Santa, with each person being given another family member to buy for. It means that each person gets to open a thoughtful gift without adding too much of a strain to finances or homes that are bulging at the seams or minds that are already fraught with the pressures of the festive season.

Over the Christmas period, almost invariably we will end up being gifted something that we don’t love. The job of a gift is to show love and respect – if you don’t love the gift 44

you have been given, receive it with gratitude remembering that it has been given with the best of intentions. However, once it is in your possession, do not feel that you have to keep it! Whilst we should never intentionally hurt someone else, if a gift does not bring you joy, then you can (quietly) let it go.

This Christmas, do remember what it’s all about. Don’t turn yourself inside out trying to cook the perfect meal, or bankrupt yourself buying presents, or add excess to your home. Spend time with your family and friends and enjoy yourself.

If you are struggling for a Christmas Gift, my book, Easy Life – from chaos to calm with minimal effort, will be in all good online retailers before Christmas. To keep up-to-date with its progress, do feel free to sign up to news about it at www.thetidycoo.com.

Visit: www.thetidycoo.com www.facebook.com/thetidycoo

www.instagram.com/the_tidy_coo www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-barron-a93834173

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We also have Gift Vouchers available both in salon and online. We are here to help you with your Christmas list.

Wishing all our clients a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Thank you for all your support in 2021.

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THE PRENATAL SNUG

Pregnant?

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hances are you’ll have been buying lots and lots of stuff and decorating the baby’s room; these things are great, but don’t underestimate the value of emotional and moral support.

One of the biggest challenges new mums face is feeling lonely and isolated (pre and post pandemic).

I’ve worked from home for 10 years so spending hours on end on my own is no surprise, but if you’ve worked right up until your due date and then gone on maternity leave that’s already one massive life change.

You’ll be excited about meeting your baby and mat leave can feel a bit like being on holiday, but it will all change again when your baby is born and needs your constant attention and love. What will you do for support? It’s wise to start thinking about it now.

What sort of friendships do you have? Do you go out for lunch or walks with friends? Are you in and out of each other’s houses? Do you watch films together?

Who is your best friend? Is she pregnant or does she have young children? There’s no reason why you can’t still be friends but the dynamic will be different. She won’t want chapter and verse on the colour of your baby’s poop, and after story number four about projectile vomit and the realisation that it now takes twice as long to get ready to go out for lunch you’ll find your friendship is ‘different’.

46

Good friends will stay around, but you also need to find new friends; new mum friends who understand what you’re going through. If you are planning to be a stay-at-home parent it’s time to think about the classes available locally.

Are you the type of person who would enjoy a parent and baby yoga class, or baby massage, or a sensory development class? Is there a baby and toddler group? Is there much of a new mum or new dad social scene? If there isn’t, consider starting one and find ‘your people.’

Depending on how or where you live some of these people might be around you for life; your children might grow up together.

Online friendships can be wonderful, but, trust me, there’s nothing like a warm hug and a trusted pair of hands to make you a cup of tea or hold your baby for a few minutes. There’s a reason why we say it takes a village to raise a child.

Don’t be caught like a rabbit in the headlights; start to think about life at home with your new baby now and make plans for a happy and supportive future that supports your whole family. Good luck!

M: 07787 701 131 | E: Sophia@sophiahanson.com | Facebook.com/theprenatalsnug | Instagram: @the.prenatal.snug

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Lifestyle MAG

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MAKE A WILL

5 MYTHS ABOUT NOT HAVING A WILL

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Will is a legal document that sets out your wishes about what is to happen with your assets, and perhaps your children, when you die. It is your document – you can include any specification you want, leave whatever you want to whoever you want, and doesn’t need to be too formal to be considered valid.

If you don’t have a Will, or if your Will is considered invalid for some reason, the law sets out exactly how your estate will be divided.

Myth One – I’m married, so my spouse will get everything This depends on the size of your estate. If you are married, and die without a Will, and you don’t have any children, your spouse will be entitled, by law, to certain parts of your estate – part of the main property in which you lived, some of the furnishings of your home, and a cash sum. The values of each of these are fixed by statute. Once that has been paid over to your spouse, everything else gets paid out in a strict order – children are first, followed by your parents and siblings.

Not many married people would expect their siblings to inherit before their spouse, but if you don’t have children, that’s where your assets will go.

Myth Two – I’m separated, so my children will get everything

48

Even though you and your spouse are estranged, unless you have a separation agreement in place, in writing, or you are

formally divorced, your spouse will have a right to make a claim on part of your estate. Not only that, but if you are now living with a new partner, they may also be able to make a claim on your estate, so any funds left available for your children may be significantly reduced.

Myth Three – I’m living with a partner as if we were married, they’ll get it Absolutely not. Your partner, unless you are married or in a Civil Partnership, will get nothing automatically from your estate. The only exception to that is if you own a property together, with what’s known as “a survivorship destination” meaning it automatically transfers to the second person on the first death. For your partner to get anything from your estate, they would need to make an application to the Court, within six months from the date of your death. Even then, there are limitations to what they might get, and specialist legal advice will be needed, ultimately probably paid from your estate. This is the case even where there is no dispute and your family members agree that your partner should inherit.

Myth Four – if both my spouse and I die, my children will go to their grandparents Even if there can be some agreement about who will look after your children after your deaths, initially, the only “person” who has the proper lawful right to make any decisions about your children’s welfare will be your local authorities social work department. This could lead to disputes between family members or even between family members and the local authority if there is any doubt about the family member’s ability to look after the children. By making a provision in your Will, you can transfer your own parental responsibilities and rights to another person, to take effect immediately on your death.

Myth Five – My family already know who is to get what As mentioned above, the law sets out clearly how a person’s estate will be distributed if there is no Will. More than that, money can, sadly, make people do odd things, and there is no predicting how people will react if they think someone else is getting more than they should. Leaving the decision to your family to sort out themselves is unlikely to go well, and could lead to excessive costs and complications in winding up your estate.

The only way to be sure that your estate will go to the people you want it to, in the proportions you want, is to write your own Will, ideally after obtaining advice.

Don’t leave it to the law to decide what happens.

Laura Thomson - S T Law info@st-law.co.uk | 01309 752022

49

For all your health, beauty and pharmaceutical needs

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HEALTH & FITNESS

By Ryan Cruickshank (Reform By Ryan)

BREAK THE WINTER WEIGHT GAIN CYCLE AND KEEP IT OFF FOR GOOD REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU’VE TRIED IN THE PAST. I 'd just like to say a big ‘congratulations’ to all who have made it through another tough year.

It’s time to give yourself a ‘pat on the back' for all of your hard work. In fact, why not go one further than that? Kick back, put your feet up, stuff your face full of chocolate and enjoy some well-deserved ‘family time’ for yourself. You deserve it!

Ryan Cruickshank (Reform By Ryan) Email: ryan@reformbyryan.com Tel: 07972162233

Not the typical advice you’d hear from a PT but if you take the advice, I’m about to give you, your fitness and weight loss goals will ALL start chugging along nicely.

Why trying to be “good” at this time of the year is a one-way ticket to getting (dare, I say it) FATTER. Christmas is NOT a time to try and be "good" with our eating habits. Enjoy Christmas for what it is. I'm a Personal Trainer, and guaranteed I'll put on a good few UNWANTED pounds at Christmas. If you try and overcompensate and be "good" by restricting yourself, you'll simply just make it that much harder to stick to.

Because it’s NOT the "ah it’s Christmas, go on", that’s the issue.

IT’S WHAT YOU DO AFTER CHRISTMAS THAT’S THE ISSUE. Read that again ^^

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The number ONE reason why you should NOT start in January.

Do not aim for a quick fix as this approach never works. What you need is a little bit of hard work and to stay in a calorie deficit long enough until you become comfortable in your clothes again.

Going to the gym in January is about as much fun as trying to park outside Tesco's on Christmas Eve. It's jampacked and good luck trying to get anything productive done in there, because everyone has the same idea as you. This leaves most people in the PAINFUL cycle of...

Go to the gym, twirl their thumbs, not having a clue what to use, hop on a cardio machine that becomes available for 15 mins, break a mini sweat and then leave because the weights are too scary.

Trying to start a diet is 10 times worse and starting another FAD 'quick fix' is a TERRIBLE idea. It’s time to be sensible and pick one or two simple habits to start with. Maintain these simple habits (daily steps, eating fruit, home workouts) and eventually you can build yourself to hitting the gym in February or March when the craze has died down and you'll now be A LOT fitter and in better shape than most who start in January.

It’s time to change your mindset. Like many you start off SUPER motivated, convincing yourself that this time it's going to be different. And lo and behold you end up right back where you started. Frustrated. Confused. And pretty unmotivated.

Lifestyle MAG

Once you have achieved your goals you must maintain them and not revert back to your old habits. The sooner you realise that health and fitness will be a part of your life for the rest of your life....... the quicker you get those results and the quicker you'll keep them.

Ryan ‘Merry Christmas’ Cruickshank PS - Don’t forget that, even if you do end up eating your own bodyweight in Quality Street and Miniature Heroes…

(Much like I intend to, after the ENORMOUS Christmas dinner I’ve got planned.)

And you start to feel a bit ‘guilty’ about it? Don’t let it ruin your Christmas.

One day or two of ‘overindulgence’ isn’t really gonna do you any harm.

Besides, if it really DOES bother you that much?

You can always do something about it in the New Year. ;) 53

Closing dates: 25th JANUARY 2022 • Email: competitions@lifestylemoray.scot

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nother issue with another fabulous selection of prizes for you lovely readers from my generous advertisers.

The winners of all the amazing prizes from our Birthday issue last time were delighted.

The number of entries I received for all the champagne and whisky tells me something about my readers, enjoy!

Thank you again to you all for your entries, and all your kind messages and well wishes on our birthday.

Can I please plead with you to double check you have added all your contact details both on e-mails and postcards. I received a postcard again with a first-class stamp and no contact details In this issue you have the chance to win, as always, some more fabulous prizes.

54

Storm Arwen wreaked havoc across the Northeast on the 26th Nov and took many days to reconnect communities. I hope you are all ok. I felt for those without power and water but also for the poor workers out in all weather and all hours repairing the damage.

After all the stress of storm Arwen, I’m sure an aromatherapy upper body massage from The Beauty Box will be very welcome.

This will be the perfect pamper and for a while at least make you forget all your troubles.

Two pairs of tickets are available for a show of your choice at the Elgin Town Hall next year would also be a nice way to relax. Keep picking up Lifestyle or check their website for full details of coming shows.

The Bearded Chef are offering lunch for two at HQ in Elgin or opening soon in Fochabers, Bearded Chef 1776. Read all about this wonderful new venue in the next issue of Lifestyle.

I hope you didn’t suffer any damage from Arwen, but Forty Winks are offering £100 voucher towards any household purchase which might help. You just might want to treat yourself.

Speaking of treats, Smith Wild Photo have offered a beautiful Squirrel print called ‘Stocking up for Winter’ which will brighten up any room and put a smile on your face every time you see it.

Please remember all your contact details and good luck.

COMPETITION CODES BEAUTYBOX Upper Body aromatherapy massage from the Beauty Box, Keith.

SHOWTICKETS Two pairs of tickets to a show of your choice at The Elgin Town Hall.

BEARDEDCHEF Lunch for two at Bearded Chef HQ or their new venue in Fochabers Bearded Chef 1776.

FORTYWINKS £100 voucher to spend at Forty Winks furniture showroom in Keith.

WILDPHOTO Beautiful Squirrel Print ‘Stocking up for Winter’ from Smith Wild Photo.

Email competitions@lifestylemoray.scot with your name, address and contact number or send a postcard to: Lifestyle Magazine, 5 Green Lane, Newmill, Keith AB55 6NX

Remember your competition codes and please send multiple entries on one card.

Terms & conditions: All Lifestyle competition prizes are kindly donated by Lifestyle advertisers. There is no entry fee, one e-mail or postcard with the relevant codes is all that is necessary. Winners are chosen at random by a computer generated programme. There is no cash alternative available. Names of winners will be published in the following issue.

Congratulations to our Oct/Nov winners.

We receive hundreds of responses and love your letters and emails... Keep ‘em coming. Who knows... It could be you next time.

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