The Urban Fox March 2013 by Steve Lenaghan

THE

march 2013

www.theurban-fox.co.uk

WIN

A Clarins Spa Day

For you and your Mum

Catherine the Great

Catherine Zeta Jones Exclusive

Mother’s Day Gifts What will you choose?

Ten Essential Items for every Mum’s wardrobe

FOOD

HOMES

FASHION

HEALTH

BEAUTY

ARTS

Woodland Avenue, Stoneygate Offers over £650,000

South Knighton Road, South Knighton Price £249,950

Macaulay Street, Knighton Fields Price £142,500

An Edwardian double fronted property in the heart of Stoneygate

An impressive modern three storey town house

A contemporary two bedroom duplex apartment

Five double bedrooms Grand design Spacious living accommodation New double garage Substantial gardens Close to train station

Three double bedrooms Breakfast kitchen Living room with balcony Master en suite Integral garage Off road parking Access to A6/City Centre No upward chain

Two double bedrooms Two en suites Large living area Contemporary kitchen Allocated parking Close to City No upward chain

Fothergill Wyatt were both

friendly and professional

and had our

best interests at heart, great service. Mr and Mrs F. (Glenfield)

T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com

Facers Lane, Scraptoft Price £130,000

Cotton Mill, City Centre Price £165,000

Downing Drive, Evington Offers Over £465,000

An immaculately presented contemporary coach house

Newly refurbished to provide an exceptional specification

Two double bedrooms Coach house maisonette Contemporary styling Integral garage Delightful views Large living dining room Easy access to City

Second floor Open plan living/dining Two double bedrooms Bathroom Lift Additional WC Secure allocated parking

An impressive elevated detached dormer bungalow, extended and refurbished Dormer bungalow Large plot Rear annexe Six bedrooms Four bathrooms Luxury fittings Double garage Substantial off road parking No chain

From keeping our clients up to date on every aspect of their sale and marketing, to spending time understanding the needs of potential buyers, we know that talking to people is the most important part of what we do. We continually ensure we listen to sellers, purchasers, property searchers and tenants so that we have a full knowledge of how best to serve our clients and react to the market. This allows us to be accurate and tailor our service to the needs of our vendors. Don’t hesitate to call our office and ask what our clients say about us; and speak with an agent who is committed to delivering service as well as results.

your local estate agent.

bedrooms studies living spaces

For a free consultation call

0800 783 1454 O r v i sit our fabulous showrooms at: 1 5 7 L ondon Road . Leicester . LE2 1E G C u t t ers Close . Narborough . LE19 2F Z

w w w.heming waydesign.net

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ISSUE 28 Martina Lenaghan Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Steve Lenaghan Sales/Marketing Director 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk SALES TEAM sales@theurban-fox.co.uk DESIGN TEAM design@theurban-fox.co.uk ACCOUNTS accounts@theurban-fox.co.uk Printers: Spectrum Printing Services Design: The Urban Fox Media Group Distribution: Leicester Leaflets 08443 579302

Disclaimer:

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, this month we’re devoting much of our editorial to Mums. As a relatively new Mum myself, I know how difficult it can be to find comfortable and practical clothes which are stylish too. But we think we’ve found the solution with our 10 Essential Items for every Mum’s wardrobe Envious of those women that arrive at the school gates looking glamorous and polished, then makeover your morning routine with our 5 Minute Makeup tips, plus get advice from other Mums on the beauty products they can’t live without. Or if like me your post-natal body needs an over-haul then follow my personal journey each month in Fitness SOS. I shall be telling it how it is! If you dream of running your own business and having the ultimate flexibility in life-work balance then check out “Why I became a Mumpreneur” featuring three local business women who have taken the plunge. It’s not as easy as you might think! Finally don’t forget to leave our “Because you love her” gift guide lying around at home. You may even be lucky enough to receive one of our handpicked gifts.

p14

From all us here at TUF, have a magical March.

Martina

p10

Editor

p30

Our Contributors:

All text, images and design in this publication are subject to copyright. Any unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it in this publication.

Lucy Cufflin

cover image: Ann Harvey Red Boucle Funnel Coat, £120.

other Contributors: Paul Banks, Mark Goddard, Jake Harvey, Simon Manley and Duncan Murray.

Cookery writer, caterer & retailer, Lucy covers all things foodie.

Debbie James

Monthly recommendations from our resident bookworm.

Peter Wyatt

Estate agent keeping you in the picture on the local property market.

MARCH

Contents Wining & Dining 23 Sticky Chicken

Simple family supper

24 A Year In The Vines

From grape to glass

26 Why I Became A Mumpreneur

Three inspiring stories

29 Nanny Knows Best

Hiring Mary Poppins

Fashion & Beauty

Properties & Interiors

8 10 Essential Items…

30 Woodland Trail

14 Because You Love Her

33 Carpet: A Lifestyle Choice

16 5 Minute Make Up

36 Buying Your Family Home

17 We Can’t Live Without…

40 Tips From The Potting Shed

Health & Wellbeing

Arts & Entertainment

18 Fitness SOS

42 What’s On

48 Indulgent Spa Days

21 Financing Fertility

44 Reviews

50 My Way

for every Mum’s wardrobe

Mother’s Day gift ideas

School gate glamour

Miracle makeup products

Post-baby workout

Budgeting for baby

Room with a view

What will you choose? Top 6 considerations

A little gardening know how

Activities for the whole family March’s recommendations

Competitions

Stylish P11 Win Accessories

from Velobici’s Paris Collection

A Family P43 Win Ticket to Ben & Holly at De Montfort Hall

46 Catherine the Great

Catherine Zeta Jones exclusive

People & Places

The perfect treat for Mum

Helen Johnson on life & law

a Clarins Mother P49 Win & Daughter Day at the award winning Ragdale Hall

FASHION & BEAUTY Cable Cardigan, £49.95, Landsend

Hudson Bootcut Jeans, £195, House of Fraser Funky T-Shirt Even the most high maintenance . fashionistas have jeans and t-shirt days Perfect Jeans In blue denim or this season’s colours. There’s a pair to fit every shape.

Stylish Cardigan Layers say you’ve made the extra effort.

Tartan Hare TShirt, £29.95, Barbour

10 Essential Items

Rossie Sandal, £189, Hobbs

Killer Heels You will leave your house without children sometimes...promise!

for every Mum’s wardrobe

Looking for an update to your everyday look? From the supermarket, to a play date, to the school governor’s meeting, we’ve picked 10 pieces that will instantly pep up your wardrobe. Mindie Shoes, £65, Bertie

Limited Collection Shirt, £25, M&S Flat Shoes Comfortable to walk in for hours, whilst still looking pulled together.

Crisp White Shirt Effortless when teamed with jeans. Look for a wrinkle-free variety.

Tailored Blazer Adds that ‘grown up’ feel when you need to run errands.

Thorntons Blazer, £185, Crew Clothing

Whilst baby Windsor is yet to arrive, the Duchess of Cambridge already has ‘the look’ nailed.

Gok Wan Multiway Bodyshaper, £34, Simply Supportive Underwear Good underwear can solve a whole host of body image issues.

Vest Top A vital part of the layering technique and an easy way to add colour.

Vest, £12, Boden

Functional Bag Baby bags can make a fashion statement as well as be practical.

Coromandel Changing Bag, £195, PacaPod

O FF

10 A %

N AK wh al EX E en rea yo dy TR ub d A rin isc g t ou hi nt s a ed dv p ert ro to du th c t s es to re.

HERE’S OUR BOTTOM LINE:

ALL MEN’S & WOMEN’S TROUSERS, NOW £9.50

Take advantage of our special reductions and add some new looks to your wardrobe. You’ll find a wide selection of dress and casual styles for him and her.

Sale starts Friday 8th March and ends Sunday 24th March. *Offer excludes full price merchandise and catalogue orders.

Lands’ End Way, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6US Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday, Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm

OUTLET STORE

Simple, Natural,

Individual An exciting new collection has launched at EAST. The Purest Collection is made up of casually elegant pieces in 100% natural fabrics; a compilation of beautiful, simple and unstructured separates. Neutral colours provide the base for classic stripes and eastern inspired prints on silk, cotton and linens. The styles are easily combined to give versatile outfits with a contemporary feel and a touch of everyday luxury. The EAST Design Team told us “The use of print was inspired by a trip to Istanbul and the way the arts there combine both eastern and western influences. The oriental prints have been reworked in a neutral palette and used in deconstructed modern shapes to give a contemporary feel while staying true to the essence of East.” In ‘Purest’, TUF sees chic and effortless shapes that can be styled to create the signature EAST look but with an individual feel. Prices range from £30 for a striped cotton T-shirt, to £95 for a printed silk tunic dress and are available in stores and concessions nationwide and at www.east.co.uk

Win these stylish

accessories from the vb ella Paris Collection Courtesy of cycling fashion store Vélobici, we’re giving one reader the opportunity to win accessories from the vb ella Paris Collection, worth £90. The set including arm warmers, warm collar and hat is made from 100% EXP organic South African merino wool. Ideal for those early spring walks. To enter: simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to editor@theurban-fox. co.uk inserting ‘Vélobici’ in the subject bar. Alternatively postal enteries can be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD. Closing date is 29th March 2013.

To view more of the Velobici clothing range visit www.velobici.cc or pop into their store at 19 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2BE.

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TLBBSUFOXMAR2013:Layout 1 04/02/2013 11:33 Page 1

Celebrate with us 15th & 16th March It’s our 3rd birthday over the weekend of 15th and 16th March and we’d love you to celebrate with us.

Your Diamond Specialist

Lower Mall, Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester. Tel: 0116 253 8726 First Floor, West Orchards Shopping Centre, Coventry. Tel: 02476 520040

On Friday 15th: Launching a specialist bra-fitting service to those ladies effected by lumpectomy and mastectomy operations. Saturday 16th: Launching our brand new loyalty card to thank our customers for their support over the last three years. There’s lots more going on too so we look forward to seeing you there.

4 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT Tel: 01858 465592 www.thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk

Fenn Wright Manson Launches Spring/ Summer Collection

ast year former Matalan head of ladies wear, Maxine Hargreaves-Adams bought Fenn Wright Manson. As owner and now Creative Director, this season Maxine has applied her 22 years retail experience to inspire a new contemporary collection, put together by her newly appointed design team.

wants a contemporary wardrobe that fits and flatters and we’re confident that our Spring Summer 2013 collection delivers exactly that.”

Fenn Wright Manson was originally launched in 1974 and quickly became known for occasion wear dresses, prints, superior fabrics and above all else, quality. The new collection Maxine explains “Fenn Wright re-imagines the brands original ethos Manson is such a great British Brand, whilst updating it with exclusive with an incredibly loyal customer digital prints, textured laces, luxury base, I feel very excited about its knitwear yarns, rich vibrant pops of future potential. Spring/Summer 2013 colour and modern silhouettes. marks the beginning of a new journey for us; we have embraced the brand’s heritage whilst updating it to fit in with today’s fast-moving lifestyles. The Fenn Wright Manson woman is not a slave to fashion, she simply

“The Fenn Wright Manson woman is not a slave to fashion”

Lourdes Dress, £249.00

The collection is available now in selected John Lewis and Fenwick stores, independent retailers across the country and online at www.fennwrightmanson.com

Casablanca Coat, £299.00

Eloise Blouse, £99.00

Lysanne Cardigan, £99.00

FASHION & BEAUTY

Daisy Vest £15, Fat Face

Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles, £11.95, www.charbonnel.co.uk Personalised Sterling Silver Link Charm Bracelet, £70, www.babatude.com Dior Lip Expert Palette, £44.20, www.escentual.com

Neon & Nude Nail Polish Collection £22, nailsinc.com Recycled Leather Ipad Folio Case, £29.50, www.oliverbonas.com

Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé, £41.99, Waitrose

Gatsby Sleep Pants, £28, Fat Face Spring Posy, £10.00, M&S

Chiltern Tote Bag, £129, Radley

Chantelle Vendome T-Shirt Bra & Shorty, £55 / £36, Little Big Bra Shop, Market Harborough

Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil, £30, www.renskincare.com

Personalised Family Silhouette Print, from £45, www.catsprintshop.com

Because you love her

Say thank you this Mother’s Day with one of our handpicked gifts.

Pure Evoke Mio DAB Radio, £129.95, play.com

Orla Kiely Gardening Fork, £21.50, www.berryred.co.uk

Mum Alphabet Votive Giftset, £20, www.lilyandlime.co.uk

Selection of Journals, from £8, Paperchase

5-Minute

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The

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17:14

Don’t have the time to do your makeup before leaving the house with the kids in the morning? Then try our 4 steps to put the yummy back into mummy:

pply a tinted moisturiser to the face, smoothing and A blending with the fingertips from the centre of the face out towards the hair and jaw line.

2. Using a subtle bronzing powder and a big fluffy

brush add contour to the face by lighting sweeping colour around the hairline, under the cheekbone, on the apples of the cheeks and just under the jaw line. Without adding any more powder, finish off with a quick flick over the eyelids.

3. Open up your eyes with a couple of coats of mascara.

Get right into the roots and lift the lashes upwards and outwards for maximum effect and to emphasise the lash line without using eyeliner. Brush the brows into place and see how they frame your face.

54 London Rd, Oadby, Leicester

0116 271 7183 theretreatbeautysalon.com

4. Complete the look with a lip colour. A sheer balm or gloss in a mid-tone pink or peach works well for all skin tones and balances out the look.

...Voilá - you’re ready for the school gates!

We can’t live without…

The morning routine in any household is hectic and as Mums it’s easy to forego applying makeup in place of making packed lunches, plaiting hair and retrieving inevitably missing school books. In this month’s TUF we ask six Mums their must have makeup item, which keeps them looking and feeling great all day. “I can’t live without Clinique Airbrush Concealer. Lack of sleep, and probably too much red wine, has taken its toll!” - Julie, Homemaker, South Knighton

“My must have is Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base. It’s a light cream-gel bronzer which gives a flawless finish and can be worn on its own or on top of a foundation. I love the peachy fragrance too”. - Nikki, Student Nurse, Oadby £30

“MAC Studio Tech every time for me. It provides even coverage without being too heavy and there’s a handy mirror and sponge included in the compact case. - SueEllen, Teacher, Leicester

£17.50 £24

£19

£17

“I can’t live without MAC Pro Longwear Lustre Lip Colour. One application and it stays on all day and doesn’t stain my lips. There’s gloss on other end which is yummy”. - Ali, Midwife, Leicester

“I adore Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick. It covers blemishes, spots and broken veins perfectly”. - Erica, Accountant, Rothley £26

“I always carry Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch in my makeup bag. It’s like magic, smoothing away my facial lines and wrinkles.” - Nina, Civil Servant, Kibworth

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Fitness SOS

Is your weight getting you down? Follow our Editor’s journey to become fit and healthy in this month’s Fitness SOS.

hen I had my daughter Grace 16 months ago, apart from being excited that I was a new Mum, I was also delighted that I weighed less than my pre-pregnancy weight and my ‘tight’ jeans actually fitted. However, 7 months later when I stopped breast feeding the weight slowly started to creep back on, until I’m now at a point that I’m at my heaviest weight ever! I’m 40 this year so ‘Fat and Forty’ is not a great prospect to be facing. Having read Rebecca Watts’ advice in last month’s TUF on boosting your metabolism, I decided to pay a visit to the Metabolic Weight Loss Clinic to find out what they could do to help me lose weight, maintain a long term weight-loss and most importantly with a toddler, boost my fitness levels. When we met, Rebecca explained that in simple terms the metabolism is how many calories we burn each day. Whilst our resting metabolic

rate (RMR) is the amount of calories our body uses at a state of rest, just to keep going. She also described that whilst gender, age and genetics play a role in our metabolism, the food, exercise and lifestyle choices we make can have a significant impact too. Rebecca went on to say that as metabolic rate is unique to everyone, a one size fits all approach to diet and exercise doesn’t work for most people. Two people with the same eating habits can experience very different results, solely because their metabolic rates are different. For that reason, the Metabolic Weight Loss Clinic uses your metabolic profile to set an individual weight loss plan (nutrition and exercise) and get the most out of your efforts. Excited by the prospect, I arrange to come back for my initial assessment...

ASSESSMENT: On my return I’m hooked up to a machine and asked to breathe through a mask for 5 minutes which will detect my RMR. My lung function is tested, blood pressure and blood taken. I’m weighed, measured and body fat calculated. The results as I suspected weren’t pretty.

Current 1186 RMR Lung function 280 158lbs Weight 29.2 BMI 40% Body Fat

Target 1500 384-403 133lbs 24 28%

On the upside my blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol results were all within the normal range. Thank goodness for small mercies!

. . . t h g i e w lose e do w s g n i h et

Shake it baby! Wouldn’t it be great if a crazy machine really could shift extra pounds? But sadly, we know the answer. And yet, all we want to do is to lose weight so we can lead our lives to the full.

years of life-changing weight loss

We know exactly how you feel. At LighterLife, we’ll help you understand why you eat the way you do. Because we know that if you want to change your body, you need to start with your head.

And that’s the real secret to life-changing weight loss.

To start living YOUR LighterLife, contact:

Sanjaya Rakha 07725368388 Leicester - 0116 2547333 Wigston and Enderby 0116 2001939 sanjaya.rakha@lighterlifecounsellor.com

www.lighterlife.com Visit our Social Media pages

select an icon to visit the relevant page

Financing Fertility W hilst financing fertility is undoubtedly difficult to plan, it can also be notorious to stick to, particularly when the emotional lure of a family means the heart overrides the head.

But if you can agree on a timeframe and points along the path that you won’t go past, then the aspect of financing for fertility needn’t be the scary monster that is sometimes portrayed. Budget Just as you budget for your home, food, travel and holidays; fertility should be no different. Costs will largely depend on the type of treatment and fertility testing involved and you won’t know what really lies ahead until you see a fertility specialist in order to understand what treatment is necessary and the fees involved. Fees may include fertility tests, diagnostic (advanced)

procedures, fertility medications, fertility procedures for malefactor fertility and assisted reproductive procedures, and don’t rule out additional sums, such as hospital fees, consultation costs, plus screening charges prior to infertility treatment. Your fertility specialist may be able to refer you to an appropriate financial counsellor.

to afford. Speak to your fertility specialist about possible options.

decrease fertility costs, as well as other treatment fees. This means that there could be a decrease in the total Others’ Experience cost of infertility treatment It’s never been easier to gain packages including the cost insight and intelligence of fertility drugs, scans and from other people, thanks consultations. to the internet. Financing fertility does require a lot Family Ties of research, but talking to Finally family help is others who have undergone often the solution for infertility treatment can many couples. If you are be done quickly and comfortable doing so, effectively, and may lead to express your financial Health Insurance some considerable savings difficulties and your needs It is important to undertake along the way. with family members. research and look into Know your facts before you any financial coverage or NHS v Private do - including how much assistance that may be Infertility treatment money you would need for available to you. IVF is available under the NHS fertility treatments, and for rarely covered by health will largely depend on what length of time. Then, insurance policies, but the criteria presented by see if anyone is willing to rather than assume that the respective Primary help. avenues are blocked, it’s Care Trust in the region. worth researching the Fertility financing by Good luck and remember possibilities. the NHS still varies, and the cost of fertility is dependent largely on treatment is only ever Clinical Trials location. You’ve not doubt a rehearsal to the everYou may be eligible to heard the term ‘postcode increasing cost of raising participate in clinical trials. lottery’. It is because of this children! These trials are closely that about three quarters of monitored by doctors infertile couples choose to For support, advice and and can be a great way to go private. understanding on infertility receive treatment that you Partial treatment coverage issues, visit www. might otherwise not be able by the NHS can still infertilitynetworkuk.com

Sticky

Ingredients:

Chicken

n n n n n n n

This month’s recipe by Lucy Cufflin from Lucy’s Food.

Note: this dish can be made with boneless skinless thighs if preferred.

8 chicken thighs 2 tablespoons honey 1 spring onion chopped 2cm cube fresh ginger grated 1 clove garlic grated Good pinch chilli flakes (optional) Salt and pepper

Method: Chicken thighs are my favourite part of the bird. They are succulent, juicy, tasty and if BBQ’d or oven baked the skin is crispy and utterly delicious! This dish takes only 5 minutes to prepare and once in the oven can be ignored and ready to eat within 45 minutes. It’s a perfect family weekday supper after a hectic day at work.

1. Chop the onion and add to the saucepan with the rest of the marinade ingredients. 2. Warm together until the honey is melted. 3. Meanwhile score the thigh meat and put the thighs into an ovenproof dish. 4. Pour the marinade over and cover with foil. 5. Bake at 190C/375F for 30 minutes. 6. Remove the foil, spoon marinade over thighs. 7. Finally bake for 15 minutes uncovered to crisp up the skin.

Serving Suggestion: We eat it with baked potatoes which we bake in the oven alongside the chicken, but rice or pasta works well too.

WINING & DINING

A Year in the Vines Ever thought how wonderful it would be to make wine? This month, local wine merchant Duncan Murray, finds out how the past 12 months have shaped up for wine maker Robert Cripps from Domaine du Poujol in the Languedoc region of Southern France...

March: After the coldest winter the vineyards had ever seen (-14oC several nights in February), the first buds broke through in late March. These first signs of life always raise the wine maker’s spirits and as a small, family-run organic producer, this is the first stage of the year-long process that will see Robert do his utmost to keep his grapes healthy.

possible in the vineyard ensuring the nine grape varieties he grows truly reflect their microclimate, soil and landscape.

June & July: June saw the

grapes, it looked as if an early harvest was on the cards. Deciding when to harvest is one of the biggest decisions of the wine maker’s year as you want the grapes to be at their optimum - just the right balance of tannins, sugar and acid.

bottling of Poujol’s white, red and rosé and by July it was time for the ‘vendange verte’ or ‘green harvest’. This involves trimming the crop You also need to keep so the vines can concentrate a very close eye on the all their energy into the weather forecast. Hail

April: As Spring took hold “Deciding when to harvest is one of the biggest and the days got longer, decisions of the wine maker’s year” the buds began to flower. This started earlier than expected so it was a little panicky as vines are very susceptible to disease during flowering.

May: A time of watching and waiting. As Robert produces his wine organically (no chemical fertilizers here), he intervenes as little as

fruit that’s left. To an observer it probably seems crazy to pull off perfectly good grapes, but to a quality-conscious grower it makes a lot of sense.

August & September:

With very high temperatures in the first two weeks of August and wild boar ravaging the

and rain are definitely unwelcome as they can expose grapes to the risk of rot. With the intense heat speeding up the ripening process, the first grapes were harvested on 17th August, but just when it seemed harvest was going to be a mad dash the weather turned cool again and Robert and his

DMWUFOXMAR2013:Layout 1 15/02/2013 08:34 Page 1

“Try our new, exciting Spring wine exclusives” Exclusive to Duncan Murray Wines, try these fantastic wines this Spring.

Our classic Picpoul de Pinet

Ro bert & Kim Cripps team ended up harvesting most of the fruit later than usual. Everything is hand harvested and 2012 saw Poujol’s first collaboration with ‘WWOOF’ - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms - which brought lots of interested young people to help out during harvest.

first. The winery must be kept squeaky clean and so long days are divided between nurturing the wine and donning Marigolds.

Two happy consequences of the variable weather were that Poujol had a leisurely harvest and the resulting wine is an enviable mix: concentrated and soft (as the August heat burned off much of the acid) and elegant, juicy and fresh from the later ripening grapes.

then pruning. Pruning is cold, back-breaking work and can send a person doolally - believe me, I’ve been there and got the t-shirt! Pruning over, it’s time to watch for signs of new life… and the wine maker’s year starts again in earnest.

October: The focus shifted

to the winery. The red grapes were put straight into fermentation tanks while the white and rose grapes were slowly pressed

November: A time to

take stock and see how the wines go down.

December, January & February: First festivities,

Well, the life of a wine maker certainly has its highs, but as you’ve heard there’s a whole lot of graft and more than a little luck involved in getting grape to glass.

With refreshing lemon and apple fruit flavours this South of France stunner is perfect with seafood and fish.

Easter weekend’s Saint Chinian

Bags of spicy dark fruits plus rich meaty notes, it has a delightful freshness to accompany your Easter lamb dish on Good Friday, Easter Sunday or any other day!

10 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7LT Tel: 01858 464935 www.duncanmurraywines.co.uk

Wines, beers and spirits with personality 25

LIFE & WORK

Why I became a

Mumpreneur

The thought of being your own boss and running your own business, for many Mums sounds like heaven. But being a Mumpreneur often comes at a price. This month TUF speaks with three Mums about what inspired them to start their businesses and how they’ve managed that all important life-work balance.

Images: Joanne Withers, Nine Photos

“My life is pretty much non-stop and a constant juggle” Having worked as a specialist midwife helping Mums with drug and alcohol problems, Michelle Goldie opened her floral gift boutique Knighton Flowers in 2008. always had a strong interest in flowers, so decided to attend night school to learn how to do it properly. It was a scary decision to leave a well-paid job but I thought it’s now or never!

has affected the business but in all honesty I’m not sure, as I have nothing to measure it against. The flower industry is huge but people’s shopping habits have changed and more and more flowers are bought in supermarkets. Yes it does make it difficult but I think one of the biggest mistakes florists make is to try to compete with them on price. You can’t but you can beat them hands down on quality and service.

The credit crunch really had only just started when I opened the shop, which added to the anxiety. People often ask me if it

Having a successful business does come at a price. I really only have Sundays off which at times can be a real problem. I have four

children and although two are now at university, I still have one in secondary school and another in primary school. My life is pretty much non-stop and a constant juggle. Luckily I have a very supportive partner; I couldn’t do it otherwise. This year I’m planning to take on more staff which should mean I can have more time off with the family. If thinking about starting your own business, do your research, make sure you have a sound business plan and learn all aspects of your business even the bits you don’t like!

Sanjaya Rakha has been running her weight management consultancy business since 2006 and now manages Lighter Life practices in Leicester and Enderby.

eing made redundant made me realise that people are dispensable and that having my own business would give me back control. I had personally experienced putting on large amounts of weight after having my children going from a size 10 to a 24. After reading an article on weight loss, I decided to retrain as a weight loss consultant, offering solutions which would permanently change people’s mind set to food.

“...first and foremost I’m a parent.” My children wave goodbye to me at the school gates and say "See you tomorrow mama!" That’s because I work until 10.30pm most nights. It’s important to me that I’m creative in my working life and seeing people move forward with their lives as a consequence of weight loss is amazing. But first and foremost I’m a parent.

the business, particularly if it’s viral and they all go down with it one by one. It can take weeks sometimes for them all to recover. Thankfully my own Mum is a million Maintaining work-life boundaries is important. Because dollars, she’s someone I trust and is safe for the children to be with. I work late in the evening I don't answer any phone calls until midday. This gives me chance to read, exercise or meet with some friends before I go to work. I love lists For readers thinking about starting their own business, and planning, which keeps me focussed and productive don't overthink it otherwise you can procrastinate and years and opportunities get missed. Live in the HERE so I manage my time and energy well. School holidays and NOW! and child illnesses can impact the smooth running of Dawn Gregory is a qualified beautician and since 2002 the owner of The Retreat beauty salon in Oadby which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

set up my own business. He would be so proud of me for having invested wisely.

I wouldn’t say being a Mumpreneur is easy. It’s taken me 10 years to y career path has always been learn not to take work home. My son in the beauty industry. I started Morgan is 13 and growing up fast, so at Ragdale Hall training in all major it’s important I use my time at home brands, before leaving to work in to do things with him. Sometimes London for the Decleor flagship he comes into the salon with me. He salon in Knightsbridge. It was a truly enjoys making drinks for the clients amazing experience. I returned to and answering the phone and we get Ragdale Hall as their Decleor account to spend extra time together. therapist and had an opportunity to create a beautiful treatment called the Achieving a life-work balance is ‘velvet exfoliation’. I learnt the ropes possible when you have great family of managing a beauty salon whilst and friends. If it wasn’t for the help repping for Gatineau & Ionithermie I’ve had from my mother-in-law and and later put my experience into friends I wouldn’t have been able to practice as the regional business commit as much time to my business. manager for Livingwell Sensory. My advice to other Mums wanting to The ambition to set up on my own set up their own business is to have came from my late step-father. He passion for what you’re doing and was a big businessman and if it wasn’t trust your gut instinct. Go for it! for him, I wouldn’t have been able to

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Nanny Knows Best T

here comes a time when many Mums need to go back to work. This often raises the agonising dilemma of the best type of care for your child - nursery, childminder, grandparent, a nanny, and in more and more cases Dad. Whether it’s Mary Poppins, Nanny McPhee or Peyton Flanders (aka The Hand that Rocks the Cradle) most of us will have a view on nannies and whether they are a suitable childcare option for our little ones. In this month’s TUF we look at whether hiring a nanny might be the best option for you. Nannies are employed by parents to look after children in the family home either on a live-in or liveout basis. Most nannies work a five-day week and are covered by the Government’s Working Time Directive which limits a working week to 48 hours. They are usually responsible for feeding, washing, clothing, educating and providing activities for your child but not for general housework or chores.

When TUF spoke with four families that have nannies, they told us:

“Our nanny offers us flexibility, which is particularly useful as my husband and I have to work long and flexible hours.”

So if you are interested in hiring a nanny, here are a few things you should consider before doing so:

• P aying for your nanny to be registered with Ofsted. • E nsure your nanny has up to date CRB “She’s a godsend. The morning routine is checks and follow up references. much calmer now I don’t have • Confirm they have training in the stress of getting my children to paediatric first aid. nursery before I start work.” • C heck that their views on TV, sleeping and feeding habits etc, match yours. “It’s so much easier to build relationships. • Work out the entire cost including She’s like a member of the family.” wages, tax, NI, increased household bills, etc. “I know my son is getting excellent one- • Your responsibilities as an employer. to-one care.” Sick pay, maternity leave and holiday should all be included in your However there are disadvantages to nanny’s contract in accordance with this form of childcare, namely: employment law. • U se a childcare agency such as 1. If your nanny is sick, on holiday or www.tinies.com to guide you through decides to leave. the process. 2. Your child’s access to other children. Finally if you like the idea of a nanny 3. The legal responsibilities of being but are ultimately concerned about an employer. the cost, consider a ‘nanny share’ 4. There isn’t a national register with another family. This can be a or any legal requirements for cost effective solution and fun for qualifications for nannies. your child as they have a readymade 5. The costs can be prohibitive. playmate.

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Carpet:

left to soak into a patch of wool carpeting, it would eventually seep past the natural oils inherent in the wool, and stain the fibre permanently. Whereas, on a synthetic carpet such as polypropylene, if a spill last a lifetime, and if you big part in determining went unnoticed for some do have the worry of young its durability. The wool’s time, you could probably children or pets causing natural resilience permits be able to remove the stain spills in your house, wool the carpet to withstand a lot with a heavy duty spot can be made more practical of foot traffic. Combined treatment. What’s more with an added stain care with a good quality synthetic fibres have come treatment. underlay a wool carpet a long way in recent years, should recover easily from and many will have a long Grade the unsightly crushing lifespan as long as you However, buying a wool caused by everyday use & choose carefully. carpet does not mean that furniture. The resilience “buying a good quality you are getting a quality of each wool fibre makes wool carpet is a sound carpet. There are various an important contribution investment” grades of wool and some to the carpet’s appearance carpets are made using retention. Finally whether you decide cheap reclaimed wool. on wool or synthetic, it Similar to a cheap jumper Protection is imperative to have the that loses its shape and pills If your main concern is carpet fitted on a good on the elbows, a cheap wool staining, i.e. from children quality underlay. High carpet is a bad purchase. and pets, then a synthetic density underlay, not Conversely buying a good fibre carpet would most only improves underfoot quality wool carpet is a likely serve you best, as it comfort, but also increases sound investment. comes with stain-resistance, appearance retention and from very basic synthetic reduces pile flattening. It’s Pile fibres, to those treated with like having a good shock When choosing a wool Teflon and other solutions. absorber in your car; the carpet, pile weight and No carpet is 100% stainride will be a lot smoother construction also play a proof but if a spill were and more comfortable.

a lifestyle choice

f you’re investing in a new carpet, the question of wool versus synthetic fibres may well arise when making your decision. Both options have their advantages but like any other decision in life, the answer will depend on your situation and the quality of product you choose. Like fibres used in clothing, there are good and bad products, so this month we spoke with flooring specialist Simon Manley at Michael John Flooring to understand what we should consider before making our final choice: Durability If your main concern is lifespan & durability, wool is the natural choice. Good quality wool carpeting can

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PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

Buying Your Family Home

ith the average age of the FTB (First Time Buyer) getting higher and higher, naturally the knock on effect is that your first family home purchase is also made later than in years gone by. Some SITCOMs (Single Income, Two Children, Outrageous Mortgage) may be outgrowing their homes and looking for the space, or maybe you are DINKYs (Double Income, No Kids Yet) and planning ahead. The demand for family homes is huge as our population continues to grow, but as that makes good homes seem more scarce, the decision to make that first big family purchase is all the more important.

1. School Catchment Probably the most important factor and closely linked to the price of the property. You need to research local schools availability and view their OFSTED reports. You then need to know the relevant catchment area. Once you shortlist the schools, your home needs to fall within that area. You can find out more information from goodschoolsguide.co.uk 2. Crime and Safety

You will want to know your family is growing up in a safe environment. For new build homes, has the development a ‘Secured by Design’ standard? What is traffic like? Much of this sort of information you can find out from the local council or sites such as zoopla. With this in mind, we asked co.uk. There’s no substitute Peter Wyatt of Fothergill however for visiting the Wyatt Estate Agents for his area at various times of day, advice on what to consider and having a chat with the when choosing your family neighbours for peace of mind. home.

3. Transport You may need to know the school bus route or you have teenagers who want access to public transport. You may just want to know that the places you like or need to get to, such as the shops and the swimming baths are easily accessible. 4. Living Space It goes without saying that a family home tends to have at least 3 bedrooms but have you thought about the living accommodation? Most families desire some degree of open plan living, and whilst that family space is valuable, having separate living and playing areas is an important aspect in happy family living. 5. Storage Whether it’s toys, clothes, bikes or garden furniture, storage space is crucial. Make sure you consider whether a home has adequate storage for your needs.

This is important for the future value of your home, as well as your sanity! 6. The Garden You may have a park nearby which satisfies kids’ desire to run about, but if not, is there a secure garden that fits the trampoline, as well as the patio set and barbecue? Gardens have been shrinking but many locations do compensate with green open space. Before you begin to search for your home, sit down with your partner - and children - and get your criteria in order. What is essential and what is nice to have? Finally try to strike a balance between knowing what you want and being open to compromise. You may even find that your priorities change as you view more properties.

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PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

Tips from the

Potting Shed This month’s tips are courtesy of Mark Goddard, Retail Manager at Coles Plant Centre.

I’d like to grow my own fruit and veg, but don’t really know where to start. Is now a good time to plant?

Spring is the ideal time to plant the majority of all fruit and veg; the ground is still nice and soft, the plants are just about to start to grow and we have (hopefully) seen off the last of the frosts! Apples, Pears, Cherries and other hard fruits are available this time of year bare-rooted (not in a container); this is far more economical than purchasing container plants. You can buy a fruit tree or bush at an age that is ready to fruit from your local garden centre, plant it in your garden, and harvest the crop this autumn! If you’d like to grow a few potatoes, then now is the time to plant any early croppers. They’re normally available to buy in weights such as 2.5kg bags, which usually contain around 25-30 tubers, and if planted now will be ready by June/July (weather dependant). Onions, garlic and asparagus are also readily available at the moment, and should be put in from now until mid-April to get a nice full crop over the summer.

There’s a spot in my garden where nothing seems to thrive, is there anything I can put in there that will flourish?

The first step to take is to find out what sort of soil you have in this spot. Dig down into the ground a foot or so to see what sort of conditions you will have to deal with - is it heavy clay, sand or does the hole begin to fill with water? No matter what the soil type, there is always a plant for the job!

Dogwood

HEAVY CLAY: If you find heavy clay when you dig down, it is often a good idea to try to improve the soil by mixing in some coarse grit or even leaf litter. Plants that will grow in clay include Japanese

Maples, Laburnum Vossi, Buddleja and Mahonia. Sand: If sand is the problem then you could mix in some green manure before planting, to give the soil a bit more organic matter. There are many plants that will thrive in sand, such as; Berberis, Carex, Cytisus and Fig trees. Water-logged: If your spot is water logged then the best thing to do is add drainage. If you put 6-8 inches of pea shingle below where your plant will sit in the ground, you’ll help the water to drain away freely. Plants will cope in a wet spot include Dogwoods, Bamboo, Hosta and Liquidamber. Shade: Shade tolerant plants generally don’t come in particularly bright or exciting colours, but as always there are a few exceptions! Why not try a Spotted Laurel, Viburnum Tinus or Ophiopogon?

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Arts & ENTERTAINMENT

What’s on

LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND MARCH 2013 Richard III The Leicester Connection

Sat 9, 16, 23 & 30 March The Guildhall Adults £3.50, Concessions £3.00 www.leicester.gov.uk/ museums

BalletBoyz

Fri 15 - Sat 16 March Curve, Leicester Adults from £12.50, Children £10 www.curveonline.co.uk

Make some noise. Make some room. Here come the BalletBoyz®. Following A guided walk starting triumphant UK and from Leicester Cathedral international appearances, and looking at the this phenomenally popular significant sites including company presents an the Bow Bridge, the exhilarating evening Newarke, the site of the of explosive dance. Blue Boar Inn, the recent BalletBoyz® is one of the excavation site and the new most cheekily original Richard lll exhibition at The and innovative forces in Guildhall. The event runs modern dance. Led by from 11am and booking is former Royal Ballet lead essential. dancers, the company thrills audiences with its Mother’s Day distinctive style, fusing at Barnsdale spectacular dance with Gardens stunning music and film. Sun 10 March Barnsdale Gardens, Exton, Greenlight Rutland Festival Adults £6.50, Children £2.50 Sat 16 March www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk Queens Building, De Montfort University Free Event Treat Mum to a wonderful www.greenlightfestival .org day out at Barnsdale. With hundreds of bright The Greenlight Festival spring blooms, the scent is ready to spring out for of flowering shrubs and a the third year in a row. friendly tearoom serving The festival is organised luscious clotted cream by a team of passionate teas and hand-made cakes local volunteers and who could resist? Plus showcases the best of all free entry for Mums when things green in Leicester accompanied by children. through a series of talks,

richard iii, Various dates at The Guildhall.

workshops, performances, kids’ activities and a whole lot more. In addition Leicester’s huge range of environmental community projects are on show, and the event shares lots of ideas for action that you can take at home, in business and in your local community. The event runs from 11am to 6pm.

Spring Craft Fayre

Sat 16 March Leicester High School for Girls Adults £1, Children 50p

The Friends of Leicester High School are holding a Spring Craft Fayre. All the stalls will be run by craft people from around Leicestershire selling jewellery, children’s clothes, knitted items, greeting cards, preserves, toys, cakes and confectionary. Refreshments will be

available. Event runs from 10am to 2pm.

Moliere’s ‘The Miser’ Mon 18 - Sat 23 March The Little Theatre Adults £12.60, Children £11.40 www.thelittletheatre.net

Harpagon is a pennypinching money lender who rules his household with a miserly grip. His two unhappy rebellious children, Cléante and Elise, who are afraid to tell him of their own romantic attachments, are suddenly dismayed to discover that he has marital designs of his own. This is a rollicking 17th century French farce, where after comic misunderstandings and unexpected revelations, true love prevails and Harpagon is at last reunited with his one love.

Holi Festival

Tue 26 March Spinney Hill Park, Leicester Free Event www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

Holi, sometimes known as the festival of colour, marks the season of spring as the time of renewal, rebirth, hope and the victory of good over evil. In the evening, bonfires are lit and people gather to offer prayers as well as take part in the traditional game of smearing each other with coloured dye. The event runs from 4pm.

the worst, the weirdest and the unbreakable world records ever attempted. Join the Official Guinness World Records adjudicator and team of presenters in genuine audience record attempts; unleash your inner skills, understand the world we live in and see if you too can be a record breaker!

Easter at Rockingham Castle

Sun 31 Mar - Mon 1 Apr Rockingham Castle Adults £9.50, Children £5.50 www.rockinghamcastle.com

Guinness World Records A wonderful family fun Wed 27 March De Montfort Hall, Leicester Adults £15, Children £13 www.demontforthall.co.uk

From the producers of ‘Brainiac Live!’ and ‘Science Museum Live on Tour’, comes a new family show which explores the best,

for the Easter Weekend at Rockingham Castle. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt (tokens in exchange for eggs), children’s ‘witches and wizards’ search and a family quiz. Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) available at a discounted price of £24.50.

BALLETBOYS, Fri 8 - 15-16 March at Curve

Win A family Ticket

to SEE BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM!

From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation for the first time ever live on stage! You can win tickets for a family of 4 (minimum of 1 adult) to attend the show at De Montfort Hall, on Tuesday 2 April at 4pm. Join Ben, Holly and their friends on this exciting musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter, on an enchanting journey through the Magical Kingdom. With actors, masks and colourful costumes this beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family.

TO ENTER: Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to editor@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Ben & Holly’ in the subject bar. Alternatively postal entries can be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD. Closing date is 22nd March 2013. 43

Arts & ENTERTAINMENT

FILM Review Song for Marion

Classification: PG Showing: Fri 8th - Thu 21st MAR at THE PHOENIX BOX OFFICE: 0116 242 2800 www.phoenix.org.uk Terence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave star in this moving family drama. Arthur is a pensioner, a habitual grouch and married to cancer-sufferer Marion - a caring mother and grandmother with a passion for her local choir. Against Arthur’s wishes she throws herself into her choir’s rebranding as the OAPZ (the Z is to add a dash of street-cred) as they try to qualify for a prestigious competition in London. With Marion

weakening, will Arthur step-up and take her place for the solo? Despite offering no huge surprises, Song for Marion packs an incredible emotional punch. Redgrave imbues Marion with optimism and a zest for life, whilst Stamp is superb as Arthur - a complex character stuck as a miseryguts who just might have a heart of gold. Director Paul Andrew Williams also elicits nice supporting turns from Christopher Eccleston

as the couple’s hardworking son, and Gemma Arterton as spunky choir instructor Elizabeth. There are some slightly cringeworthy moments (a group of old men attempting to ‘robot-dance’

book Review dear mum by Alison Morgan

Constable and Robinson (hardback) - £7.99 When Katy Simmons packed all three of her daughters off to their Grandmother’s house for a few days during their school summer holidays in order to get some work done in peace and quiet, she expected to talk to them on the phone, she knew that her eldest would send her a text now and again, she was even thinking about getting Granny to set up Skype - but she never expected them each to send her a letter. She realised that Granny was responsible. Letters are such old-fashioned things,

after all... or are they? Talking to her friends, she soon realised that writing to Mum wasn’t such a rare occurrence for other kids who were away from home. Some were encouraged to do so at school and others even liked to leave notes around the house for their mothers to find. Of course, when embarking on the huge task of writing a letter, you don’t waste too much time on trivia. Letters are for important stuff - and it’s what these children found important enough to write in their letters, that makes them so fascinating to read.

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springs to mind) which depending on your sense of humour will have you rolling in the aisles or rolling your eyes, but the choir’s desire to ‘not go gentle into that good night’ is infectious and inspiring.

DIRECT FROM A SOLD OUT SEASON AT LONDON’S SADLER’S WELLS

★★★★★ ‘Sumptuous dramatic eerie captivating ,

, and : the list of approving adjectives could go on and on. A many-splendoured thing’ THE SCOTTISH HERALD

★★★★

‘WONDERFUL.

‘Exuberant re-imagining. An action packed evening, greeted with cheers’

Bourne’s clever gothic rewrite,

beguiling and true’

THE TIMES

THE GUARDIAN

‘Luscious, dramatic and smart. Visually sumptuous’

‘Rendered in absolutely exquisite style’

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Arts & ENTERTAINMENT

Catherine

the Great N

o-one can ever accuse the ‘JonesDouglas’ household of being run of the mill, but one assumes it comes with the territory when Mum and Dad are a dynamic, Oscar-winning powerhouse couple. Still, it must be somewhat unusual when young Dylan and Carys come home from school and learn that mum was kissing Dragon Tattoo actress Rooney Mara while Dad was necking Matt Damon!

“It’s a little left of centre, I’ll admit,” Catherine Zeta Jones feverishly giggles, “but a job is a job at the end of the day.”

“She’s not funny. She’s not pretty. She can’t act. Surely Steven (Sodebergh, Director) could have done a little better for me?!”

The Welsh beauty, 43, stars alongside Mara, Jude Law and Channing Tatum in psychological drama Side Effects where, during proceedings, the aforementioned embrace takes place.

At the same time, hubbie Michael Douglas is currently shooting Behind The Candelabra, portraying Liberace alongside Matt Damon as his lover.

“I just wish she was prettier,” Jones laughs.

“If my husband’s going to kiss anyone else in the world, I’m so happy it’s Matt Damon and not

Rooney Mara” says Jones “It’s funny, when Matt was kissing Michael, he told me he closed his eyes and pretended it was me. That was one of the biggest compliments I’ve ever had! It’s so screwed up.” An Oscar-winning screen goddess, Jones has carved out a diversely successful career since her debut on The Darling Buds of May. Crossing the Atlantic, Hollywood fell for her sultry dark features, which

Catherine relaxing with hubby Michael Douglas

was pregnant in Traffic, and that’s the only reason why I keep coming back. He looked after a pregnant woman so well and I just knew I’d always be in good hands.” After working together on Ocean’s Twelve, the pair have teamed up again for Side Effects, as Jones plays a psychologist in nail-biting thriller which sees a young woman (Mara) become dangerously addicted to experimental medication prescribed by her doctor (Law).

“when Matt was kissing Michael, he told me he closed his eyes and pretended it was me”

helped the young star land the lead opposite Antonio Banderas in The Mask of Zorro. Other show-stopping performances in Entrapment, Intolerable Cruelty and High Fidelity cemented her place in the A-list. And one director in particular has always held a soft spot for Jones. “I’ll always come back to Steven,” she says. “He rubbed my feet when I

It was well publicised that Jones has coped with her own psychological stresses in the past after it was revealed in 2011 that she suffered from bipolar disorder following her husband’s throat cancer battle. And Side Effects gave her a chance to examine the medical perspective. “I’m thrilled that Steven cast me as a doctor because I never went to college and I always wanted an MD after my name. I’m really quite flattered that he fulfilled my mother’s dream.”

When asked ‘Why this script?’, Jones explains, “It takes a lot to leave my kids and my husband and my dogs, so this had all the elements that got me straight on a plane the moment that Steven asked me to do this. All of the elements just fell into place. It’s a fantastic script; it’s a roller coaster ride. To work with Steven for the third time was an absolute treat and to work with the calibre of actors that he cast so beautifully was a slamdunk for me really.” Jones, who won the Oscar for Supporting Actress for Chicago while heavily pregnant with her daughter Carys in 2003, took some time out recently to focus on her family and health, but last year witnessed a blistering return to form in musical Rock of Ages. And audiences can also look forward to seeing her in Broken City, and the highly anticipated sequel to geriatric spy comedy, Red. “I look for those movies that I can surround myself with great people and I know I’d love turning up to work every day.”

PEOPLE & PLACES

Indulgent Spa Days Looking to spend some quality time with your Mum this Mother’s Day but stumped for ideas? Why not try relaxing at one of England’s finest spas. Here are just 5 of TUF’s favourites. RAGDALE HALL

Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire

Ragdale Hall combines state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture to create one of the most luxurious and relaxing health spas in the country. The Spa area features 12 luxurious and unique heat and water experiences; the candle pool and outside waterfall in particularly are not to be missed. They also offer a wide range of new, innovative, holistic, and traditional spa therapies, as well as unique signature treatments. It’s not surprising then that Ragdale Hall has won a steady stream of awards over the last ten years, many of which have been voted for by previous guests and readers of leading publications such as Condé Nast. Star Package: Clarins Mother & Daughter Day, £209 for two.

ESPA Life at Corinthia, London

Underneath the five-star Corinthia hotel, on the edge of the River Thames, ESPA Life is glamorous in black marble. There are 17 treatment pods, a futuristic lounge, private spa suite, nail studio and Daniel Galvin hair salon. Most dramatic of all is the ‘thermal floor’, where there is a black mosaic steam room, dramatic amphitheatre sauna, a steel swimming pool and an invigorating vitality pool. Every sense is indulged. The ethos of the spa is to integrate a holistic outlook with a luxury beauty experience. As well as luxurious facials and massages, the therapists carry out intensive detox programmes, fertility treatments, marathon training and orthopaedic rehabilitation, all tailored to suit the client. Star Package: Spring to Life Spa Day, £200 per person CORINTHIA

The Spa, Coworth Park, Berkshire

Eco-sensitivity is at the heart of the spa at Coworth Park. The building is designed to allow as much natural light to flood in as possible, and the materials used to build it are locally sourced. Guests who wish to go organic can choose treatments using Dr Alkaitis products. Built over two floors, the upper floor has eight treatment rooms, a manicure/pedicure salon, relaxation room and The Spatisserie, serving light meals, afternoon tea, wine and champagne. On the lower level, there is a heated indoor swimming pool with underwater music, a relaxation area around the swimming pool and a sun terrace with luxurious loungers, an aromatic steam room and experience shower. Star Package: Heaven on Earth Spa Day, £120 per person

Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire

Hoar Cross Hall Spa Resort is a Grade II listed stately home retreat in Staffordshire which combines period style with modern luxury. Their spa facilities provide headto-toe relaxation for both body and mind. While away the hours in the revitalising hydrotherapy and saltwater vitality pools. Allow the comforting water therapies to wash away your cares and release tensions and revive the senses in the detoxifying saunas, steam rooms and saunariums. Discover essential oils, nourishing masks and hypnotic aromas with a range of more than 40 spa treatments from world-renowned product houses Clarins, Elemis, Spa Find, Thalgo and Jessica. Star Package: Luxury Spa Day, £129 per person

WIN a Clarins Mother and Daughter Day

AT RAGDALE HALL

HEALTH AND HYDO THERMAL SPA

(WORTH £209, VALID MON-THU) The prize includes Clarins Serenity Facial, 3 course buffet lunch, choice of Beauty Flash Balm (30ml) or Eau Dynamisante Fragrance (50ml) worth £15 each, Clarins skincare consultation, plus full use of all the Hall’s services and facilities. To Enter: Simply email your name, address and telephone HERB HOUSE

Herb House Spa, Lime Wood, Hampshire Set in a lovely location in the New Forest, the Herb House Spa offers treatments inspired by natural ingredients, many of which are grown in the rooftop herb garden and surrounding grounds of the Lime Wood hotel. The spa is simple in design, treatment rooms feel Scandinavian, and pretty pots of herbs and lavender are dotted about. Facilities include the caldarium, hydro pool mud house, forest sauna, steam room, indoor pool and a steaming hot outdoor pool. After treatments, enjoy the splendid rooftop view or tuck into home-grown food and frighteningly healthy juices at Raw and Cured. Star Package: Mother & Daughter Day, £180 per person

number to editor@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Mother & Daughter’ in the subject box. Postal entries should be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD. Closing date for entries is 31st March 2013.

If you’re not the lucky winner, then why not treat your Mum to a Ragdale Hall gift voucher. Available in monetary amounts from £25, or for day or overnight breaks, they are the ideal Mother’s Day gift. All vouchers are valid for a year from the day of purchase and are dispatched upon receipt of full payment

To make a purchase or for further information, please contact Voucher Sales on 01664 434831 or visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk

PEOPLE & PLACES

My Way... This month we chat with Helen Johnson, President of the Leicestershire Law Society and Managing Partner at Emery Johnson Solicitors. I always had an interest in law but had applied to university to do a History of Art degree. I changed to law at the last minute when I decided I wanted to do something with a more vocational route. After I qualified I took a year out to go travelling. While I was away England entered a recession. When I got back it was a difficult climate in which to get a job. I was offered a job in Leicester doing criminal advocacy which I had never done before. Once I started the job I realised that I was suited to criminal defence law and I never looked back. Leicester has become my adopted city and my three children have all been born here. Emery Johnson Solicitors was established in 1995 when I was 29 and a single parent of a 3 year old. I hoped that it would allow me a greater degree of flexibility in terms of raising my son and subsequently my other children when they came along. It has! I have always worked long hours but not necessarily during core business hours, finishing in time to get to school and picking up work again when the children went to bed. Running a business and raising a family is a challenge. Like most working parents it doesn’t take much for the wheel to come off, a sick child or a bad day at court leaves you thinking you are doing a bad job at work and at home! Now my children are older it is easier but I try not to forget they still need me. Last year I was shortlisted for the Business Executive of the Year award and I was proud to be recognised by the business community. I am also proud of what I have achieved as only the fifth female president of Leicestershire Law Society. EJS now have over 30 staff, with offices in Leicester, Loughborough and most recently Coalville. We are always looking for ways to develop and improve and standing still is just not an option.

In a nutshell: What’s your favourite restaurant? “My family are all curry lovers so it’s got to be The Tiffin on London Road.” Where in the world would you most like to visit? “Africa, I’d love to go on safari.” What’s the best Mother’s Day gift you’ve received? “The handmade cards and poems are alwaysthe best and I treasure them.” How do you relax? “Zumba or a large glass of Prosecco with friends.”

Image: Joanne Withers, Nine Photos

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