Manner | Issue 13

MANNER

LAUREN TRACHY

on customising sneakers and launching a business during a pandemic

The face behind

the shop GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL RETAILERS

Christmas gift guide

IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

THE WINTER ISSUE

IslandCollectionsInspired

The Jersey Crapaud

Jersey people are nicknamed ‘crapaud’ – the local word for toad. We’ve captured the cheeky character of these creatures in these cute designs. We hope you’ll find them as charming as we do.

18ct Gold

The Jersey Bean Designs created for true islanders

JerseyPinkGranite SetinSterlingSilver

The Flip Flop

A perfect reminder of strolls on Jersey’s beautiful beaches. Available in Jersey pink & black granite and set in sterling silver. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend but so are flip flops! So we have created this very cute design in 18ct gold with diamonds

18ct Gold

The Jersey Cow

Our inquisitive, good-natured ladies make the perfect subjects for this cute collection. A reminder of countryside walks and buttery afternoon teas.

Jersey Granite

La Corbiere Lighthouse

Our iconic landmark has come to life through the detail in this stunning necklace

FASHION

FEATURES

BEAUTY

CONTRIBUTORS

DIRECTORY

100% Health

Conway Street, St Helier / 01534 871588

Affinity

21 La Colomberie, St Helier / 01534 626880

Amelie

19 Bath Street, St Helier / 01534 610375

Aqua 24 Queen Street, St Helier / 01534 735595

Crème St John / 01534 862603

Chichi Boutique St Aubin / 01534 490021

de Gruchy

50-52 King Street, St Helier / 01534 818818

Harry Foster

9 Beresford Street, St Helier / 01534 888400

Nautilus 39 Don Street, St Helier / 01534 617976

Neptune Gorey Pier / 01534 851243

Pour Toi

45a King Street, St Helier / 01534 720110

Shelljon www.shelljon.com / 07797 916043

Stott & Willgrass

6 York Street, St Helier / 01534 735950

The Gooseberry Bush

Rondel's Farm Shop, Trinity / 01534 726224

Up and Above Don Street, St Helier / 01534 758808

Voisins 26-32 King Street, St Helier / 01534 837100

West Collections

6 Les Quennevais Precinct / 01534 491342

Editor: Sophie Wilkinson 07829 828033 / sophie@mannermagazine.co.uk

Sales: Mark Wilkinson 07829 838844 / mark@mannermagazine.co.uk

Products featured throughout Manner are subject to availability. Whilst all prices were correct at the time of printing, we cannot guarantee these prices haven't changed.

Liana Shaw is a freelance writer. When she isn't writing, she's off exploring far and exotic places.

Christian Gott is a full-time chef here on his fourth and favourite island and a father of two. Any spare time is spent writing about food.

Mark Stephenson is originally from Liverpool, but moved to Jersey in 2008 and is a passionate semi-professional photographer. He specialises in lifestyle, fashion and portraiture.

Chloë Bowler is a celebrity personal trainer and owner of Health Chef, which delivers freshly prepared, healthy and delicious meals straight to your door, three times a week.

Emily Smith is a freelance writer, marketer and charity shop addict. She loves cooking, meeting new people and creating hand-made gifts.

Ria Wolstenholme is a writer and journalist originally from Jersey and currently living in London, writing about women’s issues, culture and mental health.

ARealPieceofMadeira

Madeira - a shining gem in the North Atlantic. Madeira is named for its lush, tranquil forests but it’s forged from stone born in volcanic fire.

The beautiful pattern of Madeira’s grey granite is at the centre of our striking collection, where we have transformed the stone into jewellery as unique and special as the island itself.

Genuine Madeiran granite – polished by hand and lovingly set in Sterling Silver. Each stone has its own individual markings – making every piece truly unique.

Whether you’re missing home, or thinking of friends and family, this is the perfect little piece of Madeira - to cherish forever.

Editor's letter

In this issue we step away from fashion trends and focus more on individual style. Whether you’re super casual, a little bit punk or ere on the side of caution with a more refined look, we’re sure you’ll find plenty of pieces you’ll love throughout.

Jersey has some amazing independent boutiques, but I hear all too frequently that people are afraid or intimidated to enter at the thought of being judged or feeling out of place. We can’t stress enough that there is nothing to be afraid of! In the majority of independently owned boutiques, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome. You’ll also be surprised at how well priced and unique the pieces are. We have featured a few of the owners so you can read all about ‘the face behind the shop’ from page 36.

We have put together two editorials, both photographed by Mark Stephenson. Our first sees Toni Neil wrapped up warm in this season’s offerings of outerwear. The second is focused on decadence – shot at Bohemia. Beth looks simply stunning whilst diamond jewellery from Stott and Willgrass dazzles.

Our cover feature is on Lauren Trachy. Lauren launched her business, The Custom Ones, over lockdown designing and customising sneakers, all whilst running a second business and attending college. You can read all about her on page 34.

When it comes to Christmas shopping, you either love it or you hate it. Harriet Rouse looks at ways to shop well this Christmas, including buying local (P56). Our Christmas gift guide is jam-packed with ideas for the whole family from children to grandparents, from the ecoconscious to the house proud (P60).

In our lifestyle section Liana Shaw talks about greenwashing – a phenomenon a lot of companies have adopted to make us feel like they’re a little greener than they actually are (P73). Dani Ledo shares her tips on reusing candle jars (P79), Ria Wolstenholme discuses toxic positivity and why it’s OK to not be OK (P86) and Christian Gott and Chloe Bowler share their festive recipes. Students and staff at Highlands College share their lockdown experiences through art and short stories in our ‘Lockdown Reflections’ feature from page 94.

Whatever happens in the next couple of months, I hope you manage to enjoy the festive period as much as possible.

@sophlwilko

MANNER fashion FAUX FUR

Give your winter wardrobe the update it deserves with a stylish faux fur coat

£210, FRIEDA&FREDDIES AVAILABLE AT NEPTUNE

BOOTS

Shopping

The pieces on our wish list

SKIRT £49, CHICHI

DRESS £134, TED BAKER AT VOISINS

COAT £215, AFFINITY

TROUSERS £67.50, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

BAG £91.50, GUESS AT POUR TOI

COAT £210, BARILOCHE AT NEPTUNE

DRESS £180, SAMSOE & SAMSOE AT VOISINS

TROUSERS £62.95, ROBELL AT NEPTUNE

BLOUSE £57, B YOUNG AT NAUTILUS

CHLOE

ALBERTA FERRETTI

CELINE

BURBERRY

JW ANDERSON

REFINED

With elegance at the core, opt for rich tailoring, tweeds and silk.

BLOUSE £99, SAMSOE & SAMSOE AT VOISINS

SKIRT £49.50, FOREVER NEW AT DE GRUCHY

JACKET £405, LK BENNETT AT DE GRUCHY

TOP £94, MAJESTIC FILATURES AT NAUTILUS

CAPE £65, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

BOOTS £198, DUNE AT DE GRUCHY

BLOUSE £49.50, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

DRESS £266, MICHAEL KORS AT VOISINS

SHOES £81, DUNE AT DE GRUCHY

TOP £89.95, PART TWO AT DE GRUCHY

TROUSERS £175, LK BENNETT AT DE GRUCHY

SCARF £29, NAUTILUS

HEADBAND £59, GANNI AT VOISINS

JEANS £63, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

BACKPACK £171, VIVIENNE WESTWOOD AT DE GRUCHY

ALMEIDA

TOMMY HILFIGER

CHLOE

HOODIE £134, POLO RALPH LAUREN AT VOISINS

SNEAKERS £121, ASH FOOTWEAR AT NAUTILUS

RELAXED

Taking a casual approach, comfort comes first with cool cottons, athleisure and lots of layering.

Images: Simon Armstrong

BAG £49.50, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

TOP £32, CHICHI

TROUSERS £54, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

HOODIE £80, MINT VELVET AT DE GRUCHY

SCARF £14.99, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

REVERSIBLE HOODIE £144.38, TOMMY HILFIGER AT VOISINS

COAT £185, AFFINITY

HOODIE £62.95, BARBOUR AT DE GRUCHY

SNEAKERS £122, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

EARRINGS £25.50, CHICHI

BELT £74, ALL SAINTS AT VOISINS

BOOTS £251, ALL SAINTS AT VOISINS

JEANS £148, ARTICLES OF SOCIETY AT NAUTILUS

BALENCIAGA

DOLCE & GABBANA

GUCCI

SAINT LAURENT

GANNI

TOM FORD

REBELLIOUS

Not one for rules, punk and grunge rebellions rock freedom with black leather, chains and an anti-establishment attitude.

SHIRT £54, CHICHI

DRESS £288, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

PU LEGGINGS £54, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

JACKET £90, FOREVER NEW AT DE GRUCHY

BOOTS £99, CHICHI

DRESS £169, ALL SAINTS AT VOISINS

TOP £39.95, CHICHI JERSEY GRANITE RING £97, AQUA

Colours:

WORKING WOMAN

Whether you're working from home or returning to the office, add some structure to your day with bold accessories.

BAG £324, MICHAEL KORS AT VOISINS

BAG £535.50, ASPINAL OF LONDON AT DE GRUCHY

LOAFERS £265.50, GANNI AT VOISINS

PUMPS £27, ROBERTO VIANNI AT DE GRUCHY

HEELS £54, ALDO AT VOISINS

HEELS £34.20, ROBERTO VIANNI AT DE GRUCHY

My second-hand wardrobe

Buying second-hand clothes needs to be a lifestyle choice not a quick fashion

on

When was the last time you bought a new dress and really thought about the person who cut, stitched, and ironed the garment before it ended up in your wardrobe? Or what about the amount of water it took to make your new season denim? And I’m guessing you’ve never wondered whether a charity shop had the same top you were after before you purchased it from a high-street retailer.

It seems that people think carefully about what they put into their bodies because of both the environmental and health benefits, but why is it not the

Words by Emily Smith

same with what they wear?

The fast fashion industry is hugely damaging to our planet and the rate with which we, as humans, consume is destroying the very place we call our home. Despite countries in Asia having huge populations, the average Briton consumes four times more resources than the average person in India. And with consumption comes significant damage to the environment.

The fashion industry alone produces up to 10% of the world’s carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of the planet’s water supply.

Scary facts to take in as we scroll through reams and reams of clothes online and think about where our next outfit will come from.

We must act now, and we all have the ability to make small changes which will make huge high-street names, such as Topshop, Boohoo and H&M, change thewaytheydothings.It’scommonplace now that the retail giants are bringing out so-called ‘conscious collections’, recycled fabrics and donating to good causes, but take a closer look and many of them are still not paying their workers a fair, living wage.

statement to remain

trend.

For me, my journey to a secondhand wardrobe started last year when I took part in Secondhand September, a campaign ran by Oxfam. I love fashion. I love finding unique pieces and throughout my teens and 20s I was always buying new clothes. But buying second-hand doesn’t mean I have fallen out of love with fashion, it means I have made a conscious decision to try to limit my impact on the planet whilst still fuelling that interest.

Celebrities, magazines and social media do not help. We are forced to feel like we always need to be seen in the latest seasonal trends and we can’t be seen wearing the same outfit twice in one week, when, in reality, we can.

For me clothes are about showing my personality. I love wearing bold colours and prints and standing out from the crowd and I can achieve all of this by buying second-hand. Not only is buying preloved stopping clothes ending up as landfill, it will also have a massive impact on your purse.

There are so many ethical clothing brands out there now, one of my favourites is Lucy & Yak. It really pays to research a retailer before you purchase something from it. It’s very easy to have a quick internet search and see how much the people are getting paid, where its clothes are made and what materials they are made from.

For me, there is so much excitement about walking into a charity shop and not knowing what you are going to find.

I have managed to grab a Ralph Lauren dress for under a fiver, a Seasalt coat worth £99, in perfect condition, for £10. I bought the dress I wore for last year’s Jersey Style Awards on Facebook’s Jersey Buy and Sell page for £30. The best thing? No-one even knew.

We are so lucky in Jersey to have such a great range of charity shops, which often have new pieces and each time you buy something preloved from, you

are directly supporting those charities which help so many in need. What happens next to our planet and the rate of the damage we cause is up to every one of us. So please, next time you want to treat yourself, have a browse through our amazing charity shops first. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. 

Charity shops

Cancer Research, Halkett Place

Silkworth, Burrard Street

Jersey Hospice Care, Beau Pre St Ouen and Union Street

Autism Jersey Boutique, 13 the Parade

Durrell, Peacock Farm

Mind Jersey, New Street

Salvation Army, Minden Street

Company of Dogs, Victoria Street

Oxfam, New Street

Cry Jersey, New Street

British Red Cross Jersey, Queen Street

Acorn, La Rue Asplet Trinity

Headway Jersey, New Street

JERSKEN, St Clement’s Road

Age Concern, Windsor House

"What happens next to our planet and the rate of the damage we cause is up to every one of us."

HATS

WINTER warmers

Keep cosy and layer up with scarves, gloves and hats

SCARVES

GLOVES

BOLD KNITWEAR

Steal the show with bold knitwear. Throw on over a dress or wear with your favourite jeans for a casual look

CARDIGAN £69.95, CHICHI

CARDIGAN £96.25, TOMMY HILFIGER AT VOISINS

JUMPER £224, POLO RALPH LAUREN AT VOISINS

JUMPER £45, CHICHI

JUMPER £297, JUMPER 1234 AT NAUTILUS

PONCHO £34.99, AFFINITY

ROKSANDA

THE party EDIT

Not one for dresses? Jumpsuits are just as stylish, especially in rich tones and fabrics.

DRESS £187, ARMANI EXCHANGE AT NAUTILUS

DRESS £315, SELF-PORTRAIT AT VOISINS

DRESS £239, MICHAEL KORS AT VOISINS

JUMPSUIT £89, CHICHI

HEELS £89.95, MODA IN PELLE AT DE GRUCHY

SCARF £15,VOISINS

BRACELET £167, V BY LAURA VANN AT VOISINS

DRESS £215, AFFINITY

HAIR SLIDE £12.50, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

Team a bold necklace with a classic LBD for a fresh look

DRESS £117, SAMSOE & SAMSOE AT VOISINS

DRESS £143, ARMANI EXCHANGE AT NAUTILUS

DRESS £117, FOREVER NEW AT DE GRUCHY

NECKLACE £139.50, RIXO AT VOISINS

BANGLE £19.50, POUR TOI

DRESS £86, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

POUCH £28, ELIZABETH SCARLETT AT WWW.HARRIETANDROSE.CO.UK

HEELS £47.50, HEAD OVER HEELS AT DE GRUCHY

JERSEY GRANITE NECKLACE £118, AQUA

DRESS £385, LK BENNETT AT DE GRUCHY

Walking ART

If you’re looking for a cool pair of unique sneakers, then Lauren Trachy is your go-to girl. Whether you’re interested in block colours, butterflies and flowers or a particular marvel character, Lauren can create you your very own customised sneakers.

Lauren is 20 years old, fairly quiet, but incredibly passionate. She plays in the women’s football league and the women’s rugby team in her spare time, she's currently studying for a sports degree and has recently launched not just one, but two businesses. Lauren describes herself as very entrepreneurial. Like many other creatives, her business The Custom Ones came to her over Lockdown.

“I just wanted to do something useful with my time. I completed the Level 3 Art and Design course at Highlands which gave me the idea to create a business I would enjoy running.IloveshoesandIloveart,soIthoughtwhynotcombine them? It’s a fairly new concept in the UK, but people want something different, they want something unique to them.” The whole process takes approximately 6 hours, depending on the intricacy of the design. The trainers are prepped, hand-designed with leather paint and finished.

Lauren points down to her own sneakers, which of course are also customised. “Scratch them, it won’t come off” she dares me. I trust she knows what she’s doing though.

Having recently completed an online digital marketing diploma, Lauren was able to gain insight into using ads on both Facebook and Instagram. From here she was able to target people in Jersey and the UK who were interested in fashion and shoes. She has now customised over 30 pairs of shoes, which is impressive given the idea only came to her 6 months ago.

“The first pair I designed was for my brother. He needed new trainers so I thought it would be nice to buy and design

him a pair. He absolutely loves them and wears them all the time.”

Through Instagram, Lauren was contacted by Londonbased model Jack Harvie who has modelled for the likes of Vogue, Marni and St James. “He approached me after seeing the ads and loving what we do. After talking for a while, he decided he wanted a custom pair of Air Force 1's that showed the brands he had worked for as well as a cartoon version of himself. We worked on the design together and then I created them for him.”

It’s not just for adults though, Lauren recently created a pair for a young boy’s birthday. “They were spiderman themed with his name – they were so cute!”

The process is simple – message Lauren with the shoe you want, either share your ideas with her or let her help you come up with the design and leave it to her – she’ll source the shoe you’re after and turn them into a unique piece of art.

Lauren’s second business is a sports photography and media agency, Sportsplex Media. “I’m currently studying sports media, so I wanted to set something up to utilise my skills. It’s mostly sports photography and social media. The photography ranges from sports players wanting individual profiling and clubs wanting team pictures to footage of games. I recently had a short-term injury to my calf which meant that I was unable to train rugby or football for a couple of weeks however it allowed me to take some photos of the Jersey Reds Women during one of their tough preseason training sessions.” 

Ifyou’reinterestedinspeakingtoLaurenaboutacustom pairofsneakersorifyouneedanysportsphotography,youcan contactherthroughInstagram.

@thecustomonesor@sportsplexmedia

In March 2020, Lauren Trachy created “The Custom Ones”, designing and creating custom sneakers. Sophie Wilkinson met with Lauren to find out more about her business.

Clockwise from above: Mercurial football boots with bright pattern, Lauren wearing the Camo 90’s, Gucci inspired customs for a customer based in the UK

Clockwise from far left: Model, Jack Harvie with his custom Black Air Force 1's, A close up of Jack's customs, Butterfly design hand painted onto a Chuck Taylor all-star converse high-top, Louis Vuitton inspired pair of Air Force 1’s

"People want something different, they want something unique to them."

The face behind the shop

Jersey has a great selection of independent boutiques, but do you know who owns them? Here are a few of the faces behind our local shops

Charlie Van de Ruyter ChiChi Boutique

Being creative and having an eye for detail, Charlie started her career as a visual merchandiser. Charlie says she's always been a risk taker and in 2009 she took the plunge and opened her own boutique in St Aubins. Travelling around Asia and India gave Charlie the taste for one off pieces and unique designs whilst recycling and selling her travelling finds at car boots gave her the confidence and experience in sales. At ChiChi you'll find an array of pieces to suit most styles. The main theme throughout the boutique is stylish, bohemian and quirky with accessories and jewellery to liven up the most basic outfit. In the summer you'll find kaftans, maxi dresses and holiday-wear all in bold prints and colours. Over the winter you'll find everything you need for the cooler months including hats, scarves and gloves, chunky knitwear, coats and boots.

It isn't all about clothes though, you'll also come across one off gifts, stationery and greeting cards.

When Charlie isn't working she enjoys listening to music, spending time with her family and going on adventures with her daughter.

ChiChiBoutique StAubins

01534490021

Sam Gaudin The Gooseberry Bush

Sam Gaudin is a qualified Nursery Nurse NNEB with over 10 years of nursery education, in between having her own children, including running a Pre-school for 5 years.

Sam worked with her mother running The Gooseberry Bush at First Tower, taking over the reins 10 years ago when she retired. The shop then moved to Rondels Farm and expanded.

Sam says she is inspired by her customers; listening and watching what they do with the lovely pieces in their homes inspires her to create a look that is both Nordic and contemporary.

When she isn't working or looking for goodies for the shop, her hobbies include Pilates, her grown-up family and travelling (when permitted!).

TheGooseberryBush

RondelsFarm,Trinity

01534726224

Matt Harris Hapi Lifestyle

Hapi was born out of a love for island living; fresh sea air and enjoying the beautiful beaches and water that surrounds us. Hapi is made up of 2 stores that face each other in Liberty Wharf. The original store is made up of lifestyle brands like Animal, Billabong, Hey Dude, Mustang, Havaianas and the second store is dedicated to running and fitness ON Running, Oofos, Brooks, Lurv sport, Goldbergh, Stance.

Matt has always been interested in setting up his own projects and working for himself. Before Hapi, he and a best buddy had a business called Thrones, a luxury portable toilet business.

Hapi is continually evolving as Matt tries to create not just a shopping experience but a destination. They offer a 'try before you buy' with ON running shoes, enabling customers to not only try them on but take them out for a few days or a lap around the block.

Outside of work, Matt loves all sports but especially sports that enable him to escape from the day to day ups and downs, like surfing and running. 'I have been in the sea every day for the last 7 months, even if it's just for 10 minutes. Jersey lends itself to the outdoors and we are truly lucky in what we have around us.'

Hapi,LibertyWharf

01534498057

Susie Pingeon Neptune

Opened in 1959 by the Jesson family, Neptune is now run by their daughter Susie.

Susie endeavours to find styles that are a bit different and never has too many of each, thereby decreasing the risk of running into lookalikes. Sizes start at a 10 up to a 22 but selected styles are available in an 8 and 24.

Neptune has a fantastic range of Robell trousers (amazing choice and very comfortable), check coats and jackets from Spanish company Bariloche (superb quality), beautiful dresses and skirts from Pomodoro plus a fantastic choice of bamboo socks and gift boxes from Thoughtladies, men and children.

With a name like Neptune, Susie always ensures she has a great choice of swimwear all year round, ideal for all those far away holidays that at present we are just dreaming of. Susie by contrast can’t wait to hit the slopes once we're all able to start travelling again. However, in the meantime she'll have to make do with trying to rabbit proof her garden and keep herself fit.

Neptune,GoreyPier 01534851243

Deirdre West Collections

When you first enter West Collections, you’ll be greeted with a warm, friendly smile from Deirdre who opened the shop in 2007. After years of working in finance, Deirdre wanted a change, and with fashion being her passion it seemed only right to open her own boutique. The shop sells various fashions from casualwear right through to occasion wear – whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in West Collections. If you’re a little stuck, don’t worry, Deirdre prides herself on offering a personal shopping experience and will help find you exactly what you need - including the things you didn’t know you needed!

You’ll also find a fantastic range of jewellery and accessories if you just want to boost an outfit. Downstairs in ‘The Base’ ‘s where you’ll come across the home interiors. From shabby chic to sparkly and glamorous, whatever your home style, you won’t be leaving empty handed!

Deirdre loves working for herself and is always happy to see her loyal customers return time and time again. Outside of work, Deirdre enjoys socialising with her friends and walking her dog.

WestCollections,LesQuennevaisPrecinct 01534491342

Michelle O'connell, originally from London, launched Amélie 7 years ago. “I wanted to start up a gift shop that had an indie London feel, something like the shops in Covent Garden. I was starting from scratch with no business contacts in the field, so I went to a trade exhibition and collated my first collection.”

The star of the show is Snoopy, closely followed by Tintin and Snowy. “We have a massive fanbase for our Miffy collection too, but it's not all about licensed brands, as we also provide gifts in the categories of wellbeing,

fragrances, jewellery, homeware, lighting, dog lovers, interiors, stationery, greetings cards - basically treats that you don't need but can't resist.”

When Michelle isn't working, she enjoys cooking - everything from Portuguese canja through to fine dining. Michelle also loves art and interiors, and is known as the crochet queen, modern crochet though!

If you can't get down to the shop, don't worry, Amélie is now online with a fully functioning website, www.ameliegifts.je.

Amélie

19BathStreet,StHelier 01534610375

Michelle O’Connell Amélie

Sugar coat

From faux fur to classic coats, coveted outerwear will keep you cosy in the cold

MARK STEPHENSON PHOTOGRAPHS TONI NEIL HAIR BY STEPH WHITEHEAD AT SW HAIR

Jacket £347, Michael Kors Boots £117.27, Nine West at Voisins

Coat £247, Hartford at Nautilus

Coat £130, The Gooseberry Bush

Coat £140, Chichi Boots £117.27, Nine West at Voisins

Coat £171, French Connection at de Gruchy

Decadence

Glitter, sequins and beaded dresses are complemented with exquisite diamonds and gold jewellery

MARK STEPHENSON PHOTOGRAPHS BETHANY ELOISE AT BOHEMIA BAR & RESTAURANT

HAIR BY STEPH WHITEHEAD AT SW HAIR

Dress £99, Forever New at de Gruchy

Heels £122.73, Michael Kors at Voisins

Dress £333, Self-Portrait at Voisins

Pre-owned bangle £POA, Gold South Sea Pearls £17,500, Stott & Willgrass

Necklace £11,500, Stott & Willgrass

Diamond and emerald bracelet £7000, Diamond and emerald panther bangle £44,000, diamond bangle £10,000, Stott & Willgrass

How to shop well this Christmas

Taking part in a Secret Santa? Not sure what to buy for the person who has everything? Harriet Rouse has you covered

Christmas shopping… you either love it, or you hate it, there is no middle ground. No ‘quite good fun,’ or ‘yes it’s OK’, you’ve either been planning your gift giving since the 26th December last year, or you go for the last minute ‘everybody needs more socks, right?’ approach. Dear reader, we are here to help. If you fall into the latter camp, we have ideas aplenty and, if you fall into the ‘love it’, we feel certain that we have come up with some fresh new suggestions for you anyway.

2020 is going to be something of a different Christmas; we may not be sitting round the table with loved ones, rather awkwardly propping up our various devices against our bottles of wine and Zooming whilst we eat enough calories to see us through an average week. But perhaps this is the year where we let our gifting do the talking. It might sound silly, but if we can’t be with someone we had hoped to be, what if the gifts we send them can make sure they know how much we love them?

We’ve come up with a range of ideas for varying budgets. Whether you are cash poor and time rich, or cash rich and just want us to do all the thinking and legwork for you, all of our gift ideas are available here, in Jersey, enabling you to also support your local artisans, creators and small independent businesses while you save yourself the hassle of queuing at the Post Office at Rue des Pres.

The Secret Santa

When you pull a name out of the hat and feel a sinking feeling… what on earth are you going to get for Uncle Chris? Hmmmm, you know he likes chocolate.

Whether it’s for the office or for friends and family, a Secret Santa is meant to be a bit of fun. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself if you don’t know the person well enough. Make sure that the gift can be shared/used then perhaps some pampering goodies from Jersey Skin, or something edible. Candles get a bad rap, but you can never have too many and there are so many made locally that fall under the dreaded

‘under £10’ stipulation. Why not give some delicious gin miniatures from La Mare? Or a pack of delicious fudge from Sue’s Fudge, all made using local produce?

If you DO know the recipient well, then you’ve got much more of a chance to have some fun. Within reason. Christmas usually has some small children present, and whether they are yours or not, it’s always advisable to keep the gifts PG.

An alternative suggestion to put to your Secret Santa group is to add an element of competition. Perhaps set a challenge to buy the heaviest thing for £3. Or the most calorific chocolate bar under a certain weight. It’s all about getting together, talking and having fun after all. The gifts should really be secondary.

The DIY (or pay someone to do-it-for-you and possibly take the credit)

It’s the thought that counts right? Well sometimes it really is. There are some people who just don’t want more ‘stuff’. But they also don’t want to be left out when it comes to giving out gifts. For them, we’re going to moot you create something to give. Or you cheat and pretend you did.

A personalised cross stitch may sound old fashioned, but Nine By Five have brought an old art back to life. From personalised family portraits to sweary mantras, there’s something for everyone… and if you don’t see what you like, Cat can make it for you - to order!

Another idea is baking; a term that fills almost every kitchen owner with dread. Especially when it involves a small child. Consumables are a lovely thoughtful present, whether it’s a bag of cookies for a teacher at the end of term, or chutneys made from windfall apples from the garden, you can give a gift that shows you have given time and thought to the recipient, with the bonus that it can be eaten.

There are so many tutorials online suggesting DIY ideas. From photographs, to painting pottery; to planting up a pot with bulbs to sewing Christmas decorations, if you need to go thoughtful, it really needn’t cost you anything at all.

Shop Local

We know we know, shopping small and shopping local is so 2020. But actually and - for one moment - in all seriousness please do shop small and shop local. 2020 has not been an easy year for any business and if you can, head to your local shops and retailers rather than the big anonymous online ones and support Jersey’s local businesses.

The Small Business Pop up at Liberty Wharf is hosting nearly 40 artisan and local businesses and will be spread across three units from the 29th October. Pop down to find perfect, local gifts for literally anyone you need a present for. From candles to bags; from prints to ceramics; from jewellery to plants they will help you get things wrapped up (every Thursday, Friday and Saturday 105pm from 29th October and daily through December including Sundays).

LisaLeBrocqjewelleryhandcraftsbeautiful sterling silver jewellery here in Jersey. Many of her bracelets and necklaces can be added to, so you’ll never be short on ideas for a gift on birthdays or future Christmas’s.

How about night away at a hotel? A treatment in a spa? Any other year it might feel like a bit of a cop out, but this year (of all years), the hospitality and tourism industry need you more than ever. And frankly, there’s very few people who’d turn down a night away from home.

For the person who has everything, and wants nothing It’s time to look at what we’ve got on the island. And what you can give the person who has it all. You can give them something that they didn’t know they wanted but will treasure forever.

How about a family photo shoot voucher with Sophie Darwin? A voucher for a Seafaris RIB trip? A guided tour out to the Seymour Tower at low tide (keep it guided mind you)? You can buy a pottery lesson with Claire Haithwaite, or a DRIFT yoga retreat? Qualify to SCUBA dive at Bouley Bay Diving Centre (for diving in sunnier climes when we can travel again). If in doubt, buy something that no one would buy for themselves, but will treasure forever.

Most of all though, if your hand hovers over that pair of socks, or that scarf that you’d never normally buy, just think for a moment: does the person that I’m buying for really want or need it? So long as you keep the person you’re buying for in mind, the right gift will always follow. And if in doubt? Something that someone wouldn’t buy themselves. Be it some skin goodies, a bag or a pair of earrings, make them feel like they’ve been thought of when you buy their gift. It really is the thought that counts. 

"It’s all about getting together, talking and having fun after all. The gifts should really be secondary."

Shop small, buy local

BOHOHITCH

EMMA BURNS-DI LAURO

A budding artist who started her creative journey at the start of lockdown (hoping to design something unique for her daughter’s nursery), Emma Burns-Di Lauro creates personalised, hand painted, botanical initial paintings. Each piece is bespoke and created with a distinctive selection of floral and botanical elements and an initial of your choice. Multiple initials, pairings and customisable variations of Emma’s artwork are available upon request.

Instagram:@emmagracebdl

Fb:EmmaBurns-DiLauroArt

E:emmagracebdl@gmail.com

TINY TOTS HAND KNITS

Tiny Tots Hand Knits was founded by Beryl - a retired great grandmother who turned a pastime into a small local business. Beryl knits toys, hats, mittens, cardigans and much more. You can find Tiny Tots Hand Knits at St Peter's indoor market every Wednesday and Saturday between 9 and 3. Alternatively you can view the Facebook page Tiny Tots Hand Knits.

Bohohitch handmade macramé is an unintentional success story born from a single ball of cotton. Chantal Le Goff, the creator of Bohohitch discovered her love and talent for creating modern macramé designs during lockdown. “One evening I’d really had enough of watching endless TV, and remembered I had bought some cotton months ago but hadn’t gotten round to giving it a go. After spending the evening hitting pause and rewind on a tutorial I discovered my passion for creating macramé."

Macramé pieces are created using recycled cotton. For queries and orders please email Bohohitchmacrame@gmail.com

Bohohitchcanalsobefoundon InstagramandFacebook.

AIDA DE LA HERRAN

Aida de la Herran makes sterling silver jewellery using traditional jewellery making techniques. All pieces are handmade from scratch by Aida at her studio, adding the pottery shards found on the Jersey beaches, sea glass, pearls and/or gemstones. Each piece is unique in pattern, colour, size and shape, made just for you. Aida makes earrings, pendants, cufflinks, bracelets, rings, keyrings and brooches, she also welcomes commissions.

Formoreinformationcall07700888999or emailaidadelaherran@gmail.comtoarrangean appointment.Buyororderonlineatwww.aida.je

Whether you're buying for friends or family or simply treating yourself, support our local artisans and shop small this Christmas

DANI LEDO

Dani Ledo is an ethical home fragrance brand, based here in Jersey, where Dani makes all of her candles, diffusers and room sprays herself. All Dani Ledo products are 100% vegan and crueltyfree. Dani’s products also have as little packaging as possible and where it is needed, she uses environmentally responsible packaging that is all 100% recyclable or biodegradable. Dani only uses 100% soy wax for her candles, to ensure that they are clean burning and uses a soy base for her room sprays and diffusers to avoid any nasty chemicals. She uses a mixture of essential and fragrance oils to create her unique fragrances and most are her own bespoke blend, completely individual to Dani Ledo.

FollowDaniLedoonInstagramandview herwebsiteatwww.daniledo.co.uk

ORIGINAL ART BY ANITA EASTWOOD

Anita Eastwood is a watercolour, mixed media and acrylic painter who was born in Somalia and travelled extensively until settling in Jersey in 1991.

Anita paints original designs on local slate and recycled wood, which make for unique gifts.

Anita uses acrylic paint on the slate/heart to create original images and then glazes over to prevent chipping. The hearts are pre-fixed with cord to enable hanging. The wood pieces are sanded, cleaned, painted with acrylic paint and then glazed.

ROCQUE PAPER SCISSORS

Complete your gift or table with handmade paper this Christmas. Turning discarded packaging and card into pulp, Kat Read of Rocque Paper Scissors, presses and dries every sheet of paper in her Grouville Studio. The paper is then carefully cut down into gift tags, place cards and stationary. Each of these can be personalised. When she is not pressing paper, Kat loves to create custom paper cut prints, such as houses based on a photo of your own home.

MADE BY A HUN

Toorderorlearnmoreaboutthe papermakingprocesspleasegoto www.rocquepaperscissors.co.uk

Made by a Hun is the brain child of Jade Conneely. Jade designs and handmakes each pair of earrings here in Jersey. The Bowie collection is an experiment of shapes, layers and angles - it's all about being bold and retro! Like all the earrings, these babies are made of lightweight polymer clay and finished with sterling silver plated studs.

CheckoutmoreamazingdesignsbyMadebyaHun onInstagramorviawww.madebyahun.com

ABI OVERLAND

Illustrator Abi Overland creates uniquely intricate illustrations to create otherworldly landscapes to get lost in, a perfect form of escapism without ever having to leave the house.

Anita’sworkcan befoundonlineat www.anitaeastwood.comor madeinjersey.jeorviaFacebook atAnitaEastwoodArt

The ethos of the brand is quality over quantity and everything is created with an air of mindfulness and is carefully considered. The idea is to work parallel to but in harmony with trends so as to maintain a timelessness that results in longevity with style. With the prints locally produced and glass/ fine bone china coming from Stoke-on-Trent, the production journey is minimal and helps to support industries in both Jersey and the UK.

FollowAbiOverlandonInstagramandviewherwebsite atwww.abioverland.com

NOTEPAD £5.95, AMELIE

For her

SCRUNCHIE

GANNI AT VOISINS

ZODIAC

THOUGHT

MUG

KEITH BRYMER JONES AT AMELIE

DOUBLE MIRROR LIPSTICK CASE £59, GUERLAIN AT VOISINS

TRINKET DISH £16.99, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

EYE MASK £22, ELIZABETH SCARLETT AT WWW.GIFTS.JE

REVERSIBLE HOODIE £76.50, BILLABONG AT HAPI

COIN PURSE £16, ELIZABETH SCARLETT AT WWW.GIFTS.JE

SOCKS £29, CHICHI

LOBSTER PIN £12, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

NECKLACE £26.50, AMELIE

PLAQUE £14.50, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

COASTER £3.50, AMELIE

BAMBOO SOCKS AND CUP GIFT SET £22.95, NEPTUNE

SLIPPERS £40, CHICHI

£12.50,

MAKEUP BAG £20, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

THOUGHT SLIPPERS £14, NEPTUNE

RECYCLED FOLDABLE BACKPACK £16.19, DE GRUCHY

£18,

COIN NECKLACE £50, RACHEL JACKSON AT VOISINS

For him

ONE SKETCH A DAY JOURNAL £14.99, WWW.GIFTS.JE

GRANITE BEARD OIL £25, MADD BEARD CO AT WWW.GIFTS.JE

SAVING JAR AND BOTTLE OPENER £15.99, WEST COLLECTIONS

CAP £12.99, ANIMAL AT HAPI WALLET AND BOTTLE OPENER £16.99,WEST COLLECTIONS

THOUGHT BAMBOO SOCKS AND CUP GIFT SET £22.95, NEPTUNE

COASTER £3.50, AMELIE

TRAVEL ORGANISER £40.49, TED BAKER AT DE GRUCHY

COOKBOOK £8.09, DE GRUCHY

BEARD BUDDY BIB £8.99, DE GRUCHY

THOUGHT BAMBOO SET OF TWO SOCKS £11.75, NEPTUNE

MAN CAVE MAGNETIC BOTTLE OPENER £35, AMELIE

LAPTOP BAG £296, KNOMO AT DE GRUCHY

HAT £27, SELECTED HOMME AT VOISINS

BELL £5.95, AMELIE

WATCH £209, GUESS AT DE GRUCHY

CHEESE AND WINE SET 27, VOISINS

TATTOOS £3.99, CHICHI

BOOK £9.99, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

MIFFY PLUSH £17.50, AMELIE

KATIE LOXTON BABY HAT AND MITTEN SET £22.99, POUR TOI

Children

ASTRONAUT SOFT TOY £18.99, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

CARD

£10.79, DE GRUCHY

THOUGHT BAMBOO PACK OF 4 SOCKS £18.95, NEPTUNE

90CM BUBBLE LAMP £35.99, DE GRUCHY

MONEY BOX £18.99, AFFINITY

DE

UNICORN £47, CHICHI

WOODEN STACKING RINGS £16, CHICHI

PUZZLE £8.99, DE GRUCHY

CARD GAME £7.19,

GRUCHY

COLOUR AND LEARN PLACEMAT £14.95, AMELIE

GAME

TUTU £45, CHICHI

FACIAL CLEANSING MASSAGE BRUSH £12.59, DE GRUCHY

LA CURE TREATMENT £659, SISLEY AT VOISINS

BEAUTY CRACKER £12, BENEFIT AT DE GRUCHY

ALL OVER SALVE £12, WWW.GIFTS.JE

HAND CARE KIT £11.50, AMELIE

BATH BOMB £2.65, DE GRUCHY

SPACEMASKS £3, WWW.GIFTS.JE

Beauty

PERFUME £53.50, GUERLAIN AT VOISINS

12 DAYS OF BENEFIT £51.50, DE GRUCHY

BRUSH

MIRROR £75.50, VOISINS

HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING EDIT MINI 49.90, FEEL UNIQUE MOR MARSHMALLOW DROP BAUBLE GIFT SET £7, FEEL UNIQUE

GIFT SET £26.50, L'OCCITANE AT VOISINS

MUSLIN CLOTHS £12.50, EVE LOM AT DE GRUCHY

£17.50, PHILIP KINGSLEY AT DE GRUCHY

LIPSTICK £44, TOM FORD AT DE GRUCHY

Home

UTENSILS POT £39.50, AMELIE

SOUP BOWL AND SPOON £9.99, AFFINITY

SET OF 4 BOWLS £15.99, WEST COLLECTIONS

ANTIQUE ROCKING HORSE £48.99, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

CLOCK £45, AMELIE

LARGE VASE £58.50, AMELIE

LAMP £135, AMELIE

SNOOPY WALL ART £24.50, AMELIE

REED DIFFUSER £29.50, AMELIE

MARTINI GLASS £10, WEST COLLECTIONS

FELT DOG £19.50, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

WALL PLAQUE £11.99, WEST COLLECTIONS

CUSHION £14, DUNELM

Hobbyist

BOOK £21.99, WWW.GIFTS.JE

STAMP £4.50, AMELIE

ON RUNNING SHOES £120, HAPI

FLOWER PRESS £19.95, WWW.GIFTS.JE

SUNDIAL £18.95, WWW.GIFTS.JE

GARDENER'S DIARY £5.95, WWW.GIFTS.JE

PUZZLE £24.50, AMELIE

CANDLE MAKING KIT £15, AMELIE

WOODSTOCK AMIGURUMI CROCHET KIT £38.50, AMELIE

CURRY SET £13.49, DE GRUCHY

BIKE BUDDY TIN £11.69, DE GRUCHY

ORGANIC SOAP MAKING KIT £26.99, CRAFTYARTS.CO.UK

SET OF 48 COLOURING PENCILS £115, CRAFTYARTS.CO.UK

MANNER beauty

ZERO WASTE

With a plethora of plastic alternatives available, it’s time to make your bathroom that bit greener and more sustainable.

DEODORANT £8.99, 100% HEALTH

BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH £3.59, 100% HEALTH

TÊTE SHOWER/ SHAMPOO BAR £4.99, JERSEY SKIN

NETTI SHOWER BAR £5.99, JERSEY SKIN

PÂUMÉ HAND LOTION BAR £3.99, JERSEY SKIN

BAMBOO COTTON BUDS - 1000 PIECES £8.79, BAMBUDS

Protecting your skin against maskne..

Maskne is the name given to acne and breakouts which are caused by wearing a mask. To help prevent skin problems, board-certified dermatologists share their tips.

Cleanse and moisturise daily

Gentle skin care can prevent skin problems. When washing your face, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and follow it up with moisturiser to add a protective layer to help reduce dryness. You can prevent breakouts from your moisturiser by using the correct one for your skin type:

Oily skin: Gel moisturiser

Normal or combination skin: Lotion

Dry to very dry skin: Cream

Protect your lips by applying petroleum jelly

You can prevent chapped lips by applying petroleum jelly to your lips after you was your face, before you put on your mask and before bed.

Skip the makeup

Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If makeup is necessary, use only products labelled “non-comedogenic” or “oil free” and concentrate more on the eyes.

Avoid trying new skin care products

"Wearing a mask for even a short time can make your skin more sensitive. To reduce skin problems, avoid trying harsh products, such as a chemical peel, exfoliant, or retinoid, for the first time," says board-certified dermatologist Daniela Kroshinsky.

Use less of certain skin care products

When you cover your face with a mask, some skin care products that you’ve used in the past may irritate your skin. If this happens, Dr. Kroshinsky recommends cutting back on products that can irritate

your skin, such as leave-on salicylic acid, Retinoid you apply to your face and aftershave.

Wear the right mask

To reduce skin problems, look for masks that offer a snug, but comfortable fit and made with soft, natural, and breathable fabric, such as cotton. If the mask feels too tight or slides around on your face, it can irritate your skin. You’re also more likely to adjust a poorly fitting mask which transfers germs. Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours. Health care workers on the frontline have found that this helps save their skin. Of course, only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands. 

"To reduce skin problems, look for masks that offer a snug, but comfortable fit."

ALL EYES ON ME

For many of us, face masks have become an essential part of everyday life resulting in a drop in lipstick sales and a boom in eye makeup trends. A bold line, a full lid of glitter, over the top colour - the choice is up to you.

Andreia Magalhaes photographed by Mark Stephenson for Manner issue 6. Makeup by Jessica Shelley

Ella Hanley photographed by Marc Whitehead for Manner issue 10. Makeup by Kate Morrison

GLITTER £17.50, MAC

EYELINER £19.25, CHARLOTTE TILBURY

EYE BRICK IN TWEED £50, VICTORIA BECKHAM

MANNER lifestyle GREENWASHING

We all want to try and be a bit more eco conscious, right? I certainly did – and this year I’ve made a focussed effort to ditch a lot of brands and products that were not seen as eco friendly or sustainable. I’m really trying to be a conscious consumer; you know, less waste, recycling and reusing, going plant based etc. And whilst I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved in this lifestyle so far, I’ve certainly learnt a few things. Getting through the minefield of greenness is becoming more difficult to navigate because of a fairly recent marketing phenomenon – greenwashing. What is greenwashing? I felt Will Kenton’s article on Investopedia had a great definition: “It is the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company's products are more environmentally sound. Greenwashing is considered an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company's products

are environmentally friendly.”

This style of rebranding, promoting or advertising something to make it seem more green or sustainable than it really is, is actually extremely clever (as in, it’s working). The days of brands trying to get our devotion is growing ever more intense – in the decade I’ve spent in marketing, we’ve never been as swamped with choice than we are now. Big brands know that we are starting to look for more transparent and eco-friendly companies that are championing the environment and appearing to think more about their practices in environmental and ethical issues. More and more shoppers are looking for companies with soul, brands that we can see are talking the talk and walking the walk.

But here’s the catch – how do we weed out the companies and products that are actually adding to the world’s problem whilst masquerading as a thoughtful eco company, from those that are really trying to be a force for change? 

As we focus on environmentally friendly alternatives, companies are adapting and creating green products, but are they as eco friendly as they seem? Liana Shaw discusses greenwashing.

The packaging and branding switch up is a first red flag, or at least warrants enough to do a bit more research on the product. Toiletries and food and drink products are a key culprit – you’ll see a lot of greener shades and muted earth tones, designs with leaves and trees or nature inspired motifs. Items might be packaged in ‘cardboard’ or brown/ neutral colours. Yay, that means it’s recyclable and good for the environment? Not necessarily. Plenty of natural looking packaging is designed that way to make you think you are going to be helping the environment. But turn it over and check the label, unfortunately, more often than not, it can’t be easily or at all recycled (cough, cough, Jersey Dairy!)

The power of words in selling have always been extremely important. But the kicker here is that you’ll find more vague marketing buzzwords than ever that are telling you your shampoo, laundry detergent, stationery, reusable cups, clothing etc are ‘green’. Key words include: allnatural, bio, pure, clean, simple, eco, planet, life, honest, conscious... All-natural sounds great, except that uranium, arsenic, mercury and formaldehyde can also be included as all-natural products.

Looking for third party accreditation is really helpful when sussing out the ethics of your products, such as the Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, the Leaping Bunny etc. Our eyes and mind are drawn to the familiar circular shape and often green colour of well-known stamps, so when we see something similar, we are likely to think that it symbolises an eco-conscious ethos too. Many brands are cottoning on to this advertising ploy and in the same way they use words and packaging to make us think we have a legit eco product, they use these ‘green’ style stamps or symbols to try and give sway. If a reusable water bottle says it’s made from recycled plastic bottles, if it’s got a big green recycled stamp on it, then it may help to look further. Reading the label or doing research may show that it’s only 10% recycled plastic. Whilst any recycling

is helpful and it’s not illegal to advertise in this way, you’d still be buying a product that is mostly new plastic.

It’s so easy to pick up eco looking products from brands that we love and trust, or be excited to try new, innovative looking companies. However, it’s always good to do a bit more research. Many newer companies and brands are owned by the Top 3 plastic polluters: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Nestle. Trying to be a caring consumer, many people are nowadays more likely to buy products if we think they are owned by smaller, independent, family run or local companies. Again, a quick look into the company often shows links to other companies who are less than savoury in their ethics.

So what do we need?

Whilst I’m all for choice, what we simply need is less.

It’s great that many clothing brands are bringing out eco lines of clothing, but do we really need another line of basics, even if it is 100% organic cotton? The cotton is more than likely to have a huge carbon footprint, have used the 20,000 litres of water needed to produce that one t-shirt and a pair of jeans (true fact!) and be made in a sweatshop in Vietnam, but hey, it’s organic, so it must be ecofriendly – nope, that’s greenwashing for you. What would be better is the company taking their old clothes that end up in landfill and recycling the fibres into new clothing instead. Reduce and reuse. Have less.

Greenwashing is dangerous, because it’s telling us that we are doing a good job as a society. But if anything, we’ve never been in more danger.

Hopefully you’ll be able to spot a few key greenwashing ploys. It may seem cumbersome, to do a bit of research of your own before you buy, but once I did, I couldn’t believe how many products and companies I thought matched my values, were actually doing the opposite. It’s not about a few of us doing it perfectly, we need everyone to just do it, even imperfectly – and it’s time to show brands that they can’t fool us.

"The power of words in selling have always been extremely important. But the kicker here is that you’ll find more vague marketing buzzwords than ever..."

T LIGHT HOLDER £22.99, WEST COLLECTIONS

LED CANDLE FROM £9.50, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

SNOW GLOBE £24, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

BAUBLE £5.50, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

HANGING DECORATION £5.50, AMELIE

FRAMED METAL SCENE £44, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

NATIVITY SET £28, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

Festive decor

CHRISTMAS THROW £39.99, WEST COLLECTIONS

SET OF 3 CERAMIC GNOMES £18.99, WEST COLLECTIONS

SET OF 3 £11.99, AFFINITY

LED HANGING STAR £17.99, AFFINITY

HANGING DECORATION £14.99, CHICHI

HANGING DECORATION £13.99, CHICHI

NUTCRACKER £19.99, AFFINITY

CANDLE £8.99, AFFINITY

BAUBLE £3.99, AFFINITY

HANGING DECORATION £14.99, CHICHI

BALLERINA £5, AFFINITY

5 ways to reuse your candle jars

Do you have a bunch of empty candle jars lying around that you're not too sure what to do with?

Dani Ledo shares 5 ways to reuse them...

When reusing candle jars, the first thing you'll have to do is remove all remaining wax. The easiest and most effective way to do this is by freezing it, simply place your candle jar in the freezer for several hours. Once frozen, the wax should pop right out of your candle jar (use a butter knife or spoon if it needs a little help), then just give the inside a wipe with a damp cloth.

Cotton buds/ balls / pads

Not only will they be protected from dust by the lid they will also be conveniently out on your dressing table while discretely hidden away.

Makeup brushes

Makeup brushes scattered all over your dressing table or just thrown in a drawer?

Add some organisation to your life by using your empty candle jar to hold your makeup brushes. Simply fill your empty candle jar with beads (or not, it works just as well without) then pop the handle of each of your makeup brushes into the jar and there you have it, some beautifully organised makeup brushes displayed in a gorgeous jar.

Earrings

Earrings all fallen to the pits of your jewellery box never to be seen again? Bring those hidden beauties back into the spotlight using your empty candle jar. Take any dangly earrings, hook those ones onto the sides of your empty candle jar. Turn the larger part of the earring to the inside for a more subtle look or turn it to the outside to show them off. Then just pop any studs into the jar itself and you have yourself a nifty earring holder.

Food storage

As soon as I hear 'airtight' the first thing

I think of is food. Our new jars will make perfect food containers, you know like the ones you see on Pinterest in beautifully organised cupboards. So, whether it's rice, raisins or chocolate chips, any of your cupboard essentials will go perfectly in these - especially if you do your food shop package-free.

Loose-leaf tea

Jars are perfect for storing loose-leaf tea. Most people don't know that tea bags actually contain plastic, so switching over to loose leaf is better for you and better for the environment. 

"Most people don't know that tea bags actually contain plastic..."

Winter recipes

Christmas slaw

Cranberry smoothie.

Nothing says Christmas in a kitchen more than cranberries, but did you know they pack quite a nutritious punch? They're an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C, copper, manganese, vitamin E and fibre.

Recipe by Christian

Gott

INGREDIENTS

60g fresh cranberries

60g frozen raspberries

2 oranges, peeled

1 firm banana

2 tbsp maple syrup

120ml mineral water

METHOD

1. Blitz all ingredients in a high powered blender until smooth.

Christmas meals can be quite indulgent, so I love to serve cold cuts of ham or turkey in some thick doorstep sandwiches with this tasty alternative side dish. Recipe by Christian

INGREDIENTS

200g white cabbage, finely shredded

Gott

200g peeled Brussels sprouts, finely shredded

2 large carrots, peeled and shredded

1 small bunch of radishes, finely diced

1 small red onion, halved, thinly sliced

120ml of freshly squeezed orange juice

3 tbsp sour cream

2cm piece ginger, peeled, very finely grated

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

1. Combine cabbage, sprouts, cabbage, radishes, and onion and in a large bowl. Season well.

2. Whisk together the sour cream, orange juice, and ginger until thoroughly combined then mix into the slaw mix.

Coconut & toffee fudge

A delicious vegan style fudge with the rich toffee flavours of muscovado sugar. Makes a great festive treat or a wonderful gift. Recipe by Christian Gott

INGREDIENTS

2 x 400ml cans of coconut milk

400g muscovado sugar

160ml coconut oil

2 tbsp glucose syrup

2 tsp quality vanilla bean paste

2 tsp coconut flakes to garnish

METHOD

1. Butter and line a deep-sided baking tray with non-stick baking paper.

2. Gently heat the coconut milk and the caster sugar in a large heavy-bottomed pan. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved and starts to simmer gently. Simmer the mixture for about thirty minutes, stirring regularly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

3. Lower the heat and add the glucose, coconut oil and vanilla. Cookout for a few more minutes. You may need to beat the mixture quite vigorously at this stage to incorporate the oil. Increase the heat and reduce the mixture again until it thickens, stirring continuously, for around ten more minutes. Do not allow the mixture to catch or burn on the bottom of the pan.

4. Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared tray, it will be very hot, and spread level. Sprinkle with the coconut and allow to cool and set for four to five hours. Cut into small squares and serve.

Spiced butternut squash, feta & broccoli quinoa

This is such an easy dish to make, and is a lovely wintery version of a salad, full of flavour and warmth, good enough on its own or as a side dish. Recipe by Chloe Bowler

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

4 good size butternut squash (or 800g pack of cubed squash)

100g quinoa

300g feta

3 broccoli crowns

1 tsp crushed chillies

1 tsp ground cumin

4 tbsp olive oil

20g pumpkin seeds

METHOD

1. Start by peeling and chopping the butternut squash flesh, discarding the seeds. Chop the broccoli into small florets.

2. Mix the squash and broccoli with the olive oil, crushed chillies and ground cumin. Place on a baking tray and cook at 180C for 30 minutes or until cooked through.

3. While this is cooking, simmer the quinoa in water for 15 minutes until softened.

4. Transfer to a serving dish and crumble feta all over.

5. Season well and serve with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.

Smoked salmon sushi

Sushi is a great party piece that is always a favourite, and looks like you’ve gone to great effort, but you can make it in advance and is just as delicious with cooked fish than raw. Recipe by Chloe Bowler

INGREDIENTS

(Serves 8)

200g sushi rice

4 nori sheets (available in big supermarkets)

4 tbsp soy sauce

200g smoked salmon

4 tbsp marie rose sauce

½ cucumber

Handful fresh chives

50g frozen shelled edamame beans

METHOD

1. Start by simmering the sushi rice for 10-15 minutes until cooked. Let the rice cool completely.

2. Place the nori sheets shiny side up, and roll some of the rice out, leaving a 2cm gap at each side. Spoon a little marie rose sauce on to the rice, then place the smoked salmon on top. Line with some cucumber slices, and a little soy sauce, then roll up really tight into a wrap.

3. Wrap the rolled up maki in some cling film as tightly as you can, then place in the fridge. Once it has been in the fridge for an hour, take it out of the cling film, and cut into slices with a very sharp knife.

4. Meanwhile defrost some edamame beans under hot running water. Serve with chopped chives on top, and some edamame beans and soy sauce on the side.

How to protect your marriage from Covid-19

Words by Jamie Orchard,

Do you remember a time when you had no idea what “social distancing” or “lockdown” meant? They were simpler, less stressful times. As it comes to nearly a year since Covid-19 was first given its name, we take stock and consider the social impact of the virus in terms of family life.

In China, there was alleged to have been a spike in divorces shortly after the initial lockdown period and some other countries have reported similar trends. But has there been a mass exodus out of homes into the divorce courts? What actions could be taken to soften the blow of a potential retightening of restrictions as we enter the unknowns of the winter months?

First of all, has Jersey seen a spike in divorce rates since lockdown? We have to bear in mind that any increase in divorce cases, (if any) may be due to couples being unable/ unwilling to issue divorce proceedings until after lockdown which meant there was a delay in divorce cases which would otherwise have been filed earlier in the year. In Jersey there are six sittings of the divorce court each year to hear new divorce cases. They sit roughly every two months. Typically, there are between 30 and 40 divorces every two months. However, in the June 2020 sitting, in the middle of lockdown, there were only four divorces that were heard, meaning that there were, potentially between 26 and 36 cases waiting in the wings to be filed. In the August sitting there were 37 which is within the norm. Similarly, there were only 34 divorce cases in the October sitting, therefore it appears that “dormant” divorces have not emerged yet. They may not. Generally, it will likely take some people time to process and come to terms with the fact that they want to take the step of divorce so it may be that the divorces which are resultant from lockdown stresses may not be felt until early next year. However, so far, it doesn’t appear to have had the same impact in Jersey as it has in other places in the world.

From my own, (personal as opposed to professional) experience of families in lockdown in Jersey, I have noticed a real sense of togetherness. I have lost count of the number of people that I speak to who would usually be working long hours during the week, or flying around the world on business who have been able to spend quality time with their families.

There have been some very positive impacts of everyone taking time to slow down. This does not mean, however, that we can all give ourselves a big pat on the back and complacently sleepwalk into the winter months.

If restrictions are resurrected in the winter, then with it will come that layer of stress. If lockdown is reintroduced, then this may lead to financial problems for some people as employers cut salaries or potentially impose redundancies under a second wave of financial strain and uncertainty. The weather won’t be as enticing, meaning that it will be less appealing to do your exercise outside of the house. Children will become frustrated and restless leading to added stress in the home. General stress will inevitably play its Machiavellian part in trying to disrupt relationships.

We are, therefore, living in a difficult and stressful time and it is important to bear in mind that at some point this will settle down and normality, (by and large) will return to our homes. Given that we see what happens when relationships do, unfortunately, breakdown we thought that it would be helpful to give some guidance as to how you might be able to work through the stresses of the current climate:

1. Try to work out what is really bothering you. Is it your relationship or is it another external stressor?

2. Be specific about what you need and what you expect from your other half.

3. Devote time to your relationship and try to work through what you are experiencing.

4. Try and set specific “goals” for what a better relationship will look like and plan (together) about how you can achieve that.

5. Talk to a professional.

If you have difficulties in formulating a plan for how to get your relationship back on track, there are agreements called “Reconciliation Contracts” which can assist you in focusing your minds to trying to make your relationship work. They will also allow the two of you to look at what will happen if you were to divorce but this can be done at a time when you are both trying to make things work which can often lead to a “fairer” outcome. 

If you would like to discuss your individual situation, please contact the team at Viberts on +44 (0) 1534 888666

"General stress will inevitably play its Machiavellian part in trying to disrupt relationships."

Partner, Viberts

Toxic positivity

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Having a bad day might not mean you have a bad life, but there’s nothing worse than someone telling you to ‘just think positive’ as a way of getting past it. Because whilst our thoughts indeed have power, not everything we face in life can be fixed by simply thinking positively. If it were that easy, none of us would have down days and just be smiling like the Cheshire cat for the rest of time.

Toxic positivity is something that reared its ugly head during lockdown when people started sharing messages such as ‘just change your mindset’ or ‘bring the positive vibes’. The idea that an extremely challenging and scary time for so many could be fixed by simply thinking positively was both deluded and damaging.

The thing with toxic positivity is that it can take on many forms. You might not even realise someone is doing it, or simply think it’s someone’s way of helping you get out of a slump. It could be something as menial as a family member or friend acting frustrated at you expressing your feelings about something, rather than listening to why you’re upset. Buzz phrases to watch out for are 'just change your outlook' and 'just be grateful for what you have'. As if it’s that simple to effectively address and resolve your negative feelings or mental health issues.

You might be wondering why it’s important to look out for these things, and why they’re potentially detrimental to your mental health. The best way to describe the impact of toxic positivity is to imagine you’re dealing with something very personal and difficult. Perhaps a death in the family, the loss of a job or an episode of bad mental health. These are all serious, potentially life-changing and scary experiences for people, I’m sure we agree on that. Now imagine, instead of listening to how you’re feeling and accepting that this negative experience will come with negative thoughts you need to share and express, the person you turn to for support simply tells you to “think positive” to feel better about it. That feeling scared and worried is a waste of time and won’t help. In reality, you addressing those feelings of distress and upset is important for your mental process. And more than anything, it’s normal. So how can we block it out or change the narrative around us? The best thing to do is be honest. If someone isn’t acknowledging or allowing you to be honest and express your negative emotions - tell them how it makes you feel. Sadness, anxiety and loneliness are all human emotions we are all entitled to feel, and they shouldn’t be ignored. These

positive'?

negative experiences, thoughts, feelings and expressions are what make us human. We’re not superheroes, we don’t have to have it together 24/7, and we should never be made to feel so. It’seasytothinkthat,whilsttheworldisinanegativespaceitself, that we need to counteract it with overt positivity and “good vibes”.Butsometimes,seeingpeopleonsocialmediabeingsuper productive, super positive and not honest about their down days is detrimental to our own mindset. Because it opens the door to comparison, making us look at how others are handling this weird part of life and thinking it’s better than what we’re doing. Now more than ever our personal space and safety bubbles are so important. If you feel mentally better, safer, calmer offline and away from the people pushing the message that positive mindset trumps authentic feelings, take yourself out of the situation. If they’re people in your day to day life, try and talk to them about how their words are impacting you, and if that doesn’t work just give yourself some space for however long you need to.

Don’t let other people push you into a corner where you begin to believe that repressing your emotions will solve your problems. Not allowing yourself to feel what you feel will just result in this toxic cycle where you’ll end up feeling angrier, resentful and lower than you were to begin with. Don’t 'just get on with it' and fail to give yourself a chance to unravel. Don’t feel guilty for feeling how you feel. And don’t brush off experiences with the notion that 'it is what it is'. It doesn’t have to be hard. You

don’t have to be strong all the time, give yourself a break and do what’s

Have you ever been told

'just think

If so, you've been a victim of toxic positivity. Ria Wolstenholme explains

Staycation

During these uncertain times and with travel limited, why not treat yourself or the family to a staycation over the festive period?

The Old Court House Inn

The iconic heart of St. Aubin, the Old Court House Inn provides a vibrant pub and restaurant atmosphere in one of Jersey's best boutique hotels.

Relax & unwind in the Westward Pub and enjoy a classic pub dish, complemented with a pint of locally brewed ale. If you're looking for something a little more formal, the restaurant is housed in the original court house building, overlooking the bay or the courtyard. Here you can sample the a la carte menu and enjoy one of the many wines from their extensive list.

Make the most of the night and book to stay in one of their charming rooms. The rooms are delightful and quirky, however what they all have in common is the ultimate in style & comfort including Hypnos beds, power showers with drench heads, wifi and wired internet access and a safe for valuables, large enough to take a laptop.

Staycations are available from £130 and include dinner, an overnight stay and breakfast for two.

To make a booking please call 01534 746433 or email oldcourthouse@liberationpubco.com

Festive breaks

A warm welcome awaits you this Christmas and New Year at The Atlantic Hotel

Situated on Jersey’s west coast with dramatic views of the ocean, The Atlantic Hotel provides a unique setting for your winter staycation. Why not take the opportunity to put your feet up and relax this Christmas and join us for something really special. The festivities commence on Christmas Eve with champagne and a sumptuous dinner in our Ocean Restaurant. Begin Christmas morning with the renowned “Atlantic Christmas Breakfast” before visiting a local church, taking an exhilarating coastal walk or even a swim in the sea. Traditional Christmas lunch is served with all the trimmings followed by an informal and casual light supper in the evening. After a relaxing Boxing Day we draw the festivities to a close with a three course gourmet dinner.

Alternatively, join us to ring in the new year in style with an Atlantic New Year Break. Kick your evening off with one of our signature cocktails or a chilled glass of champagne and then indulge in a magnificent five course dinner before

seeing in the New Year at our exclusive house party. New Year's Day begins with a hearty Atlantic breakfast, after which you are free to relax in the Palm Club or discover the beauty of Jersey with an island walk.

For a shorter break this winter, try our Champagne Overnight Stay which includes full English breakfast, a three course Market Menu dinner served in Ocean Restaurant and a half-bottle of Taittinger Champagne. 

To book a Champagne Overnight Stay for just one night or a two or three night Festive Break, just call our reservations team on 01534 744101 or email reservations@theatlantichotel.com. Visit www.theatlantichotel.com to find out more.

Moving in a pandemic

When you think of moving away, you probably wouldn't think to do it during a pandemic - that's exactly what Ria Wolstenholme did though. She shares her story

They say the biggest changes happen outside your comfort zone, and that comfort zone gets a hell of a lot smaller when you throw a global pandemic in the mix. It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a whirlwind for us all; whether it’s meant losing a job, missing out on holidays or seeing loved ones, or unexpectedly having life as we know it turned upside down.

I seemingly took the approach to beat corona to the punch and shake up my world on my own. In September, I packed my life into two suitcases, two cardboard boxes, and moved to London. I had saved enough money to get me by until the new year, I handed in my notice at work, and I was ready for a change of pace and a new chapter in life.

A lot of people called me crazy or asked, 'why now?' - but I never had a convincing answer other than, 'it just feels like what I need to do'. Once I’d made the decision and signed a lease for a flat, the tidal wave of questions hit - But what will you do for work? Where will you live? How will you afford to live there?

Since I graduated from University two years ago, I have had it pretty easy. A steady job, happy living situation, friends and family on my doorstep and no real worries. Everything was pretty smooth sailing. But, to me, that brought no challenge. It didn’t set my world alight; it didn’t make me want to work hard. It made me complacent, lazy and frankly uninspired.

I understand why people think I’m crazy to move away from my family with no solid job in the middle of a pandemic, but I’m not a believer in waiting for the right moment, because by waiting for it to feel comfortable, you’re already too late. Feeling excited, nervous, anxious and maybe a little apprehensive comes with any big life change we make. It comes when we’re having our first day of school and our parents leave us at the gates waving goodbye. It comes on that first date with someone you really like. Because it’s a sign we’re about to start something

new, jumping into the unknown and trusting the process that if it’s meant to be, it’ll work out.

So that's what I’m doing right now - I’m living with friends and embracing being 23 without a mortgage or any responsibilities for anyone or anything other than myself. I’m taking a chance and trusting myself to make it work because there’s no other option. And while I miss the ocean air and my friends and family who are back home, and there’s a pressing concern that there may come a time again where I can’t just go home; it’s still worth it to be somewhere I feel at home. I feel at ease, there’s more opportunity to make a change and chase /the dream, as cliché that sounds.

Whilst moving away from home during a pandemic is less than ideal, I am also incredibly lucky to have the means to do so. Being able to work and save and having the skills to work for myself has given me the flexibility I need to give it a go and see where I end up. I’ve learnt through trial and error that your greatest achievements won’t come along when you’re feeling comfortable and calm. Feel the fear and do it anyway, because the only impossible journey is the one you don’t begin. 

Easy

MANNER culture

Pain, survival and recovery

Local artist, Lisa MacDonald, recently presented her solo exhibition, ‘Heart in a Jar’: a painted exploration of pain, survival and recovery.

Provoked by her own experience as a chronic pain sufferer and how, through the local Pain Clinic, she found a language to articulate this pain, locate its source and ultimately, heal from it, this exhibition is the culmination of over two years’ worth of work.

Lisa works half of the week on her own homeware and design business, MollyMac, which she runs with graphic designer Joanne Preston, and half the week as a painter. This collection brings together both Lisa’s wealth of experience as an illustrator and her fine art practice.

Boasting 30 to 40 canvases, the artist has constructed myriad worlds, each of which orbit around the central theme of how we as humans strive to find calm amidst the chaos. Fascinated by the

idea of ‘safe spaces’ and the instinct to compartmentalise and contain feelings which are by their very nature boundless and all-consuming, the work plays with enclosure, fragmentation and release. Each painting examines interior and exterior spaces which are contained and re-contained before bursting open, unleashing an outpour of what might be love or grief, anxiety or pain. The glass bottles and vases which become a motif running through the collection could well be windows to the soul, or display cases, freezing a more macabre scene in time, suspending it in negative space.

It’s this duality which make Lisa’s

work so rich and yet so bittersweet. With every chirruping bird, there’s a ghostly figure seemingly trapped behind the glass which haunts the scene - have they been imprisoned there against their will or does it just feel safer to keep the outside world out?

Begun in 2018, this work may seem prescient in an era where lockdowns and shielding have entered our common parlance, but Lisa’s own experiences of chaos and chronic pain illuminate how these dimensions of control and mayhem have been a reality faced by many long before the pandemic hit.

Commenting on this, Lisa said: “This work started at the end of my journey with the Pain Clinic and whilst this was my personal motivation for making the work, as the idea developed the paintings revealed to me a more universal truth. Everyone has had times in their lives where they’ve felt overwhelmed by something they cannot control; whether that was this year during the Covid lockdown, or during struggles with illness or mental health.

“Whilst we cannot control everything, this work explores how our ability to control one small part of our lives – a physical location, a relationship, or one aspect of our busy, daily routines – brings us solace in times of upheaval.”

The show was kindly supported by ArtHouse Jersey who provided the exhibition space and seed funding to make the exhibition possible. 

The artist’s website can be found at www.lisamacdonaldart.com

"We as humans strive to find calm amidst the chaos."

Lockdown Reflections

Students and staff at Highlands College share their experiences of lockdown through various art forms

At Highlands College we believe that positive relationships underpin everything that we do. It is these relationships that create a feeling of community within which students feel safe and develop the confidence to learn, and it is this same sense of community that encourages our staff to take pride in what they do.

As a college we were well equipped to meet educational needs during lockdown; we were ahead of the curve having adopted Teams back in 2017, so although moving to online teaching was new to us, the concept and technology certainly was not.

Our main concern at the start of lockdown was actually around wellbeing. We had strategies in place that included: surveying students, their families, and staff to ensure that their needs were being met; telephone calls home; our ‘Student Life’ team remained available to offer support throughout the lockdown and Summer break; wellbeing sessions and workshops were introduced, along with online forums...

... But we also understood the importance of maintaining the Highlands College sense of community: finding ways to engage with staff and students from a distance was another concern.

Students and staff were encouraged to get involved with College-led activities or to share with others what they had been doing. The level of engagement was astounding, with Friday afternoon socials scheduled onTeams, sport challenges, cook offs and bake offs. We had students who composed their own music and performed through video, we had others who sent in makeup and hairdressing tutorials.

The art department challenged their students to choose one positive and one negative lockdown experience each. They were given blank postcards and asked to represent their experiences through art.

The English Department introduced ‘Bright Writes’ - a writing exercise that was open to everyone and required participants to submit a short story based on that week’s theme. The exercise was launched with the theme ‘My New Skill’.

Overall we feel the relationships we have built within Highlands College, and with the students, their families, our other colleagues and the wider community, have been enhanced during this difficult time, enabling us to offer more students than ever a chance to study and aspire.

llikS weN yM

My twins are zooming up through the single figures now. Already their jaws have breached the midway marker of my beer gut, and – given the amount of food they’re shovelling down these days – show no sign of slowing their ascent.

Sure, I hear you: at ground level sound travels too fast for the naked ear to tell the difference. But trust me; things change after seven weeks of home schooling. Physics starts to wilt. Your eardrums are… raw. You start looking for solutions. A zeptosecond of silence here, a Planck length of peace there can make all the difference.

And it has! Okay so the blood-rush to the head is discomforting at times, and hand-standing to the door to gaze up at the socially distant postman takes some doing (pro tip – roller-skate on each hand, padded facemask strapped to the crown of your head), but in the main I’m happy. My children’s mouths (and all accompanying arguments, wails or whinges) are now just that little bit further from my lugs than they were before, and receding by the week. My new blog, Headstand for Happiness, is gaining readers by the day. I’m saving on shoes. Life’s good.

Paul Bisson

ALWAYS

The new skill I have developed during lockdown is the ability to recognise that I am always right. Not that I know when I’m right, but really that I am, quite simply, always right. This has delighted not only me, but also my wife and children. How reassuring it is for them to know that they don’t need to question any opinions I state or facts I draw their attention to!

If, for example, one of them says, “It’s 5 o’clock” and I correct them by saying, “Actually, it’s 3 minutes past 5”, they can feel a glow of reassurance in getting the data 100% accurately. Or if I express an opinion on a burning political issue, none of them needs to question or doubt either the opinion or the strength of feeling I adopt in expressing it! The flat has become very calm, even silent over the last few weeks; even though it is quite a small flat, surprisingly, I don’t often meet members of my family during the day.

But I am now happy in the knowledge that my wife can be so reassured: that having married Mr. Right, it is now clear his first name is Always.

Andrew Wilson

THE ENFORCER

Arriving in Jersey just hours before lockdown, I immediately grasped that here lay enormous scope for my existing talents, and ample opportunities for developing new ones.

First, the daily two hours of exercise lacked structure and it was left to my ingenuity and organisational skills to ensure that walks were more interesting. I felt that spontaneous games of hide-and-seek, when I vanished unexpectedly into the undergrowth, added a delightful unpredictability, although my family seemed less enthusiastic and I never managed to persuade them to join me in chase-the-rabbit.

However, even rabbits pall eventually, so one morning I decided it was time to conquer the large expanse of blue water I had noticed over the wall. Accustomed as I was to a sluggish English river, this seemed daunting but I am always ready to learn a new skill. Imagine my fright when an enormous wall of water reared up at me just as I was retrieving my ball, completely engulfing me. Sea and sky somersaulted, but I struggled ashore and looking around noticed a huddle of people on the beach. My duty was clear. I bounded amongst them and with a thorough shake found my vocation: an enforcer of social distancing.

Jane Martin

MASTERCHEF

He flicked through the cookbooks, marvelling at the pictures. The terminology was a whole new lexicon, and he revelled in the sounds: Bouquet Garni; Soffrito; simmer; coddle; broil.

“Don’t worry, love. I’ll make dinner,” he said.

Proud of his new skill, he considered what he could pull together from the store-cupboard ingredients they had. Possibilities rolled through his imagination.

He put the ingredients on the side, placed his tools in an orderly fashion and began. His wife would no doubt have used a wooden spoon, he chuckled to himself, shaking his head – he found a plastic spatula more effective as it didn’t destroy soft ingredients as he stirred.

Heat low, but not too low, he set to work. He was using salted butter – supposedly worse for you than margarine, but worth it, as seasoning was key. He grated Double Gloucester; nuttier than Cheddar, he found. As the sourdough bread grilled, he added haricot beans and a pinch of pepper for good measure. Eventually he layered each element carefully on the plate. Finished with a sprig of Flat Leafed Parsley. Presentation was important.

It was a simple dish, but flavoursome. “Beans on toast is ready,” he called up the stairs, proudly.

Dreena Collins

TIME OF MY LIFE

Boring. Boring. Boring. Bored of board games. Cardboard. Cupboard. Boardroom. Keyboard. Surfboard. … Skateboard.

That’s it… skateboard! They’re always banging on at me about learning new stuff, why not give it a go? Show ‘em what you can do?

Finding it in the garage wasn’t easy. A million years’ worth of useless and outgrown toys were stacked in a long forgotten dusty corner. Found it by pulling the rusty wheels out from behind a box of dismembered Barbies; it looked ok. Fairly steady I’d say. How hard can it be eh?

It took some doing I can tell you. A full week. Every day, practice, practice, practice. On the weekend I was ready, I’ll show ‘em, making their crafty plans for me. They were all there; in the living room gormlessly glued to their latest gadgets.

It was all worth it. Never before have I seen such panic and horror in their eyes as I smoothly skated past the window up and down.

‘Grandad, what the hell are you doing?!’ Staying out of a home that’s what.

Carol Tyrer

AYIANA PANNETTER Level 3 Extended Diploma

Art & Design

Although the College was unexpectedly closed for months, this did not mean that learning simply stopped. New and novel ways were developedtoengagewithourstudents and to ensure that their education continued; lessons moved online and projects were still completed. For Ayiana the lockdown period proved to be one of reflection and inspiration. With the various restrictions in place, her art became a way to express herself. She soon embarked upon her own project inspired by facemasks.

Following an essential trip to

Glasgow, and after experiencing the far tighter restrictions in place there, Ayiana began to reflect on the erosion of identity caused by the use of facemasks. She developed a very real sense that in many places people were ‘no longer people, they were numbers instead’.

Interactions in St Helier had changed, they were awkward, distant and at times faceless. Ayiana began to take note of where face coverings could be commonly observed preCOVID, and her project evolved into one that explored people’s perceptions of face coverings and those who wear them.

Ayiana’s project is still a work in progress but is testament to the fact that inspiration is all around us.

Index

THE OLD FORGE

Virtually anything in iron or steel can be made to order by Paul Biddulph and his team of craftsmen at The Old Forge, who provide a customised service from the initial design to the installation of the finished product. Products include garden or driveway gates, balustrades, gazebos, spiral staircases, arches, fire escapes, fire baskets, stainless steel and glass balustrades etc all made to measure. Quotations are free.

01534 862637

theoldforgepj@gmail.com

La Route D`ebenezer, Trinity JE3 5DS

LITTLE STAR

Shop for nursery necessities as well as the latest children’s products from international brand leaders in a friendly environment with fully trained staff on hand to advise and help. With a host of industry awards and thousands of happy parents to prove it, Mamas & Papas solve the needs of new parents and babies with advice on everything from car seats to cot beds. Here at Little Star, we stock everything from prams and pushchairs to moses baskets and a wide range of nursery furniture.

01534 862114

Liberty Wharf, St Helier

HARRY FOSTER

Eyes deserve the best care and the team at Harry Foster provide this. This family run business is now in its 34th year and pride themselves on their customer service. We have a ground floor testing room available and wheelchair access. Brands we stock include Guess, Lacoste, Carerra, Boss, LK Bennett, Kate Spade, Jimmy choo, CK, Nike and David beckham.

01534 888400

harry.foster@hotmail.co.uk

9 Beresford Street, St Helier

STEPHEN COHU ANTIQUES

More than just antiques, at our showrooms in St Lawrence we have an unsurpassed range of fine quality antique and mid century furniture, paintings, pre-loved jewellery and objets d’art. We are always interested in buying items to compliment our stock and our offers will usually surpass your expectations. Our warehouse near the shop covers 7000 square feet and it is rare that we cannot find something that meets your demands. Plan a visit soon, you’ll wonder how you’ve never found us before and you’ll never go anywhere else again.

01534 485177

La Grande Route de Saint-Laurent JE3 1NJ

DAVE'S REMOVALS

Whether you're moving house, office, internal moves, off island relocating or just collecting and delivering specific goods or furniture, we offer a quality and professional service.

Our service is flexible and can be tailored to your individual needs. We offer a fully insured and guaranteed move. We are equally happy to do small moves as we are the larger and we also offer house and rubbish clearances.

Call Dave Robinson 07797 771889

ST PETER'S INDOOR MARKET

The Indoor Market has been selling all manner of goods and raising money for charity for over 30 years. There is a diverse range of good available across the many stalls including hand knitted baby clothes and toys, homemade biscuits, men and women’s clothing, dog treats, tabards, bric-abrac, greeting cards, gift bags and wrapping paper, homemade jams, bird seeds and potatoes. When you’ve finished shopping, enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake and chat with the other shoppers.

01534 481170

Every Wednesday and Saturday in The Rifle Range behind the parish hall.