Urban Fox - July 2017 Issue

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July 2017

WIN

Hamper from John Lewis Giftset from Rituals Shakespeare at Curve

31 REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

Little things that mean a lot

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

HAPPY FAMILIES?

REVIVE YOUR BOHO MOJO

KEEP

SMILING The best makeup a girl can wear

WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU…

Sofia’s choice

Kirsten Dunst interview

5 WAYS TO FENG SHUI GO WITH THE FLOW

Pendene Road, Stoneygate

Guide Price ÂŁ750,000

Stunning Victorian family home in prime location Five Bedrooms & Self Contained One Bedroom Annex Wealth of Period Features Throughout Fascinating Local Historical Connections Large Rear Garden & Double Garage Scope for Development of Second Floor into a Master Suite Scope for Development of Basement into Entertaining Space Close to Renowned Private & Public Schooling Good Access to City Centre & Train Station EPC rating D

T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com

Ratcliffe Road, Stoneygate

Guide Price £625,000

Cleverly extended home in exclusive private development Sought After Large Detached Four Bedroom Home Spacious Accommodation Throughout High Specification Fixtures & Fittings Stunning Master Suite with Feature Bathroom Ensuite to Bedroom Two Plus Family Bathroom Driveway & Double Garage Private Rear Garden Charming Tree Lined Road in Stoneygate EPC rating C

Hello

Work, home, family relationships, it’s easy to find reasons to grumble. So for our Be Happy edition, we’ve taken up the challenge to choose ‘happiness’ instead, packing your Urban Fox with hundreds of ideas to help you grab a bit more seasonal cheer.

COVER SHOT:

Gauzy Boho Top, £50, Boden

Interact with us

First up some retail therapy to enhance your wardrobe, and your mood. Jump for Joy in a goanywhere one-piece or say Hip Hip Hooray for SS17’s most playful trend…the pompom. For all you festival lovers, revive your boho mojo with a touch of Bohemian Rhapsody and join the Shiny Happy People wearing this season’s funky flatforms…they’re good for the sole.

theurbanfoxmediagroup

Next, shrug off those beauty blues, and say goodbye to bad hair days with Gianni Greco’s guide to stress free locks. And follow in the steps of style icon Marilyn Monroe, who said “A smile is the best makeup a girl could wear”, with our pick of lip wear in Keep Smiling.

urbanfoxmag

We know that happiness isn’t all about appearances, but did you know that you really can eat yourself happy? Discover Rebecca Watts’ good mood foods in Natural High; then head over to our recipe pages to discover the fatigue fighting, stress-busting (and totally yummy) dishes, that are putting a smile on our plate.

@TheUrban_Fox

The kitchen may be the Heart of the Home but we’re going with flow, and spreading happiness throughout in 5 Ways to Feng Shui. And from flow to glow, Bathe in Glory, with a little enviro-friendly home styling.

Like us for regular features, competitions and more great stuff about Leicestershire

Follow our boards for what’s influencing the creation of our magazine each month

Advertisers: be first to hear about forward features and promotional opportunities

URBANFOX

Finally it’s the small things that we do that have the biggest impact on how we feel. So take time to appreciate your Reasons to be Cheerful, and if you’re going on holiday this summer, although you might dream of Happy Families, just remember that what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger!

We’ll be back in September with our Fall Fever edition. Meantime, join the happiness movement and share your happy activities with us on Facebook all summer long.

MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk STEVE LENAGHAN Head of Sales & Marketing 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk

21

46-47 17

Handmade by Senegal artisans Natural Charmer Basket, £89, Loaf

Cornelia Mirror, £270, Decorative Mirrors Online

LISA ROTH Head of New Business Development 07843 851132 lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk KATIE TURNBULL Designer katie@theurban-fox.co.uk

Meraki Body Wash Linen Dew, £15.95, Abode Living

Lene Bjerre Judith Flower Pot, £24, Sweetpea & Willow Mikawa Waffle Towel, From £29, Urbanara

BATHE IN

Fashioned from natural cactus sisal bristles

Aromatherapy Associate s Body Brush, £21, Harvey Nichols

Created from recycled plastic bottles

GLORY

Feel warm inside with styling. Experiment a little enviro-friendly home with recycled, reclai restored, organ med, ic and ethically sourced materials for a quirky eco vibe #littlething s.

Vinxel Bath Mat, £39, Urbanara Close Up Mirror Natural Oak, £69, Abode Living

Arena Towel Rail, £98, Amaroni Home

Short Teak Stool Water Hyacinth, £68, Puji

Made using reclaimed teak

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.

Copyright: 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.

Distressed Chinese Sideboard, £2,495, Orchid Furniture

15

Mezza4 Round Caddy, £137, Abode Living

13 39

CONTRIBUTORS: Kirsty France, Gianni Greco, Jake Harvey, Zoe Hubbard, Sarah Mettrick, Rebecca Watts

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 5

Life, intensified.

The Porsche Macan.

To discover more about the Porsche Macan, please call us on 01162 764488 or visit www.porscheleicester.co.uk

Fuel consumption in l/100 km (mpg): urban 11.8–6.7 (23.9–42.2), extra urban 7.8–5.7 (36.2–49.6), combined 9.2–6.1 (30.7–46.3), CO2 emissions: 216–159 g/km. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

Porsche Centre Leicester Fletton Close Thurmaston Lane Leicester LE4 9LP info@porscheleicester.co.uk /porscheleicester /porscheleicester

July 11

21 Keep smiling

The best makeup a girl can wear

51 48

HEALTH & WELLBEING 23 31 reasons to be cheerful Little things that mean a lot 25 Natural high The ultimate mood booster

WINING & DINING 27 The sunshine plate

Healthy summer recipes 31 Merry berry

The cheery way to start your day

FASHION & BEAUTY 10 Bohemian rhapsody Revive your boho mojo

LIFE & WORK

43 5 ways to feng shui

Go with the flow

33 W histle while you work How to stay happy in your job

46 Bathe in glory Feel warm inside

34 Sofia’s choice

Kirsten Dunst interview

51 Heart of the home

Cook, eat, love

37 Right here, right now

Live in the moment

57 B looming marvellous Get the ‘Chelsea’ look

HOMES & GARDENS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

39 Wanderlust

The world in your living room

59 Reviews

July’s recommendations

13 Shiny happy people

Sandals that are good for the sole

61 What’s on

Entertaining the whole family

15 Hip hip hooray

3 cheers for pompoms

PEOPLE & PLACES

17 Jump for joy

Jumpsuits: they’re groovy baby

65 Happy families?

What doesn’t kill you…

19 Holiday hair hacks

Guide to stress-free hair

66 My way

Local spotlight on Andrea Patel

31

WIN FOOD HAMPER

WIN REVITALISING

WIN MND TICKETS

30

40

60

from John Lewis

GIFTSET from Rituals

at Curve

T R OP ICOO L RAN G E U P T O A HH C U P. AVAI LA B LE T O PU R C H A SE F R OM L EI AL I N G ER I E. COM , FEN W I C K, FI G L EAV ES , HO US E OF F RA SE R , LI T T LE WO OD S, N E XT AN D AL L G O OD I N DE PE N DEN T ST O R ES .

FREYA SWIM IS PA RT OF THE

GR OU P

Fringe Suede Jacket, £325, Whistles

Aubrey Woodcut Tassle Dress, £80, Whistles

Jill Platform Wedge Sandals, £135, Michael Kors

Alexander McQuee n

And/Or Tote Bag, £69, John Lewis Lace Trilby, £28, Fat Face

Vanessa Embroidered Dress, £55, Fat Face

Bardot Maxi Lace Back Dress, £45, House of Fraser

Fossil Kendall Across Body Bag, £97.30, John Lewis

Kliff Studded Leather Sandals, £89, Carvela

FASHION & BEAUTY Striped Embroidered Dress, £79, Mint Velvet

Chambray Embroidered Top, £55, Mint Velvet

Wendy Gunmetal Stud Sandal, £89, Mint Velvet

Bohemian

Moto Embroidered Straight Leg Jeans, £65, Topshop

RHAPSODY Revive your boho mojo with textures, tassels and a tonal palette for a feminine yet fun-loving vibe.

And/Or Bella Jacket, £199, John Lewis

Chloé Faye Braided Shoulder Bag, Net-A-Porter

Queen Alexander Mc

B R O W N S Lingerie & Beachwear Cup sized Swimwear Kaftans & Cover ups Lingerie

Sizes from 28-50 Up to K Cup

Work Out Wardrobe Flattering Activewear

T: 0116 2707188 35 Francis St Stoneygate Leicester LE2 2BE www.BrownsLingerie.com

FASHION & BEAUTY

SHINY

Sporty yet stylish, get happy feet in this season’s funky flatform sandals.

HAPPY PEOPLE 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1 Pull&Bear Metallic Platform Sandals, £17.99, Asos 2 Editor’s Pick: Stylish silhouette, available in silver and gold Logo Flatform Sandal, £55, Dune London 3 Ilse Jacobsen Poppy Slide, £27.50, Figleaves 4 Leather Flatform Slide Flip Flops, £29.50, M&S 5 Keller Velcro Footbed Sandal, £169, Whistles 6 Rita Gem Gold Flat Sandal, £44, Miss KG 7 Bumble Toe Thong Sandal, £63, FitFlop 8 Metallic Flatform Sandals, £59.50, Oliver Bonas 9 Gunmetal Penelope Slider, £59, Mint Velvet

DODES 50%

SUMMER SALE NOW ON OSKA OUI MARC AUREL SARAH PACINI TWO DANES THOUGHT MAC JEANS UNISA & CAPRICE CASUAL SHOES

Opening hours Tues-Fri 10am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 5pm 36 High Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, LE8 0HQ Tel: 0116 2796588

NEW AUTUMN 2017 STOCK NOW AVAILABLE

Clothes for the individual lady Accessories, Shoes, Handbags Lingerie, Dresses, and much more.

We offer individual style, in a friendly and professional environment

4-6 Chapel Street, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5AD Tel: 0116 271 4430 www.jeanneofoadby.com HOURS OF BUSINESS Monday - Friday: 9:30am to 5:30pm Saturday: 9:30am to 4:00pm

OUR RANGES INCLUDE Ann Balon Anvrdie Betty Barclay Bianca Capollini Condici Dents Doris Streich Dynasty Emreco Eugen Klein Faber Frank Lyman Frank Walder Georgede Godske Gollehaug Habella Just White Lebek Maria Bellentani Michaela Louisa Naya NYDJ Jeans Olsen Passioni Rabe Sommermann Turnover Van Dal

HIP HIP

FASHION & BEAUTY

Miku Hand Woven Pom Pom Hat, £235, Yosuzi

HOORAY 3 cheers for SS17 most playful trend. Colourful, fun and cheerful, pompoms are an essential in any holiday wardrobe.

Pitusa Pom Pom Festival Dress, £80, John Lewis

Savanna Pompom Bracelet, £57, Rebecca Minkoff

Pom Pom Chambray Linen Scarf, £40, Boden

And/Or Pom Pom Mirror Clutch Bag, £40, John Lewis

Snapdragon Pom Pom Sandal, £85, Boden

Boden

Kate Spade New York Marketa Bag, £185, House of Fraser

Ida Embellished Leather Sandals, £150, Net-A-Porter

Statement Pom-Pom Necklace, £16.50, Topshop

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 15

NEW Aveda Pramāsana™ scalp care, the foundation for beautiful hair

MICHAEL GRUNDY Jeweller • Designer • Goldsmith

Jewellery restoration & repairs Remodelling of jewellery A full design service All work carried out in our in house workshop

A beautiful selection of hand crafted and bespoke jewellery designs.

Email: Mick@MichaelGrundyJewellers.com Phone: (0116) 2745968 | 64 Queens Road, Leicester, LE2 1TU

www.MichaelGrundyJewellers.com

FASHION & BEAUTY A carefree ‘70s vibe Yasmin Strappy Jumpsuit, £175

Delia Embroidery Jumpsuit, £235

Ivor Crossover High Sandal, £189

JUMP FOR

JOY

Your one-stop style solution.

We love love love this ‘70s inspired jumpsuit range from Whistles. Easy and effortless, they’re groovy baby!

On-trend cactus print

Tangerine Dream Jumpsuit, £155

Nadia Citrus Silk Jumpsuit, £249

Take from day to night

Sigrid Ruffle Jumpsuit, £159

Ring Firth Footbed Sandal, £175

Cactus Print Jumpsuit, £179

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 17

Scan for Offers

3-5 Gallowtree Gate | Leicester | LE1 5AD www.modagreco.co.uk | 0116 2629201

Boden

HOLIDAY

HAIR HACKS For frizz-free beach days and glossy sunny highlights sans effort, Gianni Greco of Moda Greco Hair Designers reveals his secrets to happy holiday hair.

Check out my lazy-girl guide to stress-free hair this summer…

New Do, New You

The summer’s perfect for experimenting with new styles. For longer lengths a messy braid will keep hair under control and minimise sun exposure; while shorties should try the slicked back look using a UV protection gel. It looks amazing and will help avoid tan lines on your forehead.

Got it Covered

Wearing a hat is one of the best ways to protect your hair in the sun.

Choose something which matches your beach look. Scarves, floppy hats and trilbies are all in vogue this summer. Bear in mind that the sun can shine through some fabrics, so wear a protective product underneath.

Hot, Hot, Hot Protect to Perfect

Whether your hair is coloured or all natural, sunlight can bleach it. Use products formulated to shield your hair from the sun. I love the Kérastase Soleil range, it helps prevent chlorine and salt build-up, while your hair colour and fibres are protected from the sun’s damaging rays.

Less is More

If you’re already very blonde, have only minimal highlights before you go away. Even taking the extra care I describe here, your colour is likely to lift slightly and the last thing you want to do when you get back is pay for a full head of lowlights!

Indulge your hair with a homemade hot-conditioning treatment.

Simply apply a generous amount of conditioner, lounge by the pool and let the sun do the rest. Wash out before you hit the local night spots for hair with ultra-shine. Try Kératase Soleil Masque UV Défense Active for soft, radiant hair.

Under the Sea

Swap your sea salt styling products, for the real thing. After swimming in the sea, braid your hair and leave to dry. For the evening, un-braid your hair, give it a quick shake and a spritz of spray and you will have perfect mermaid waves.

Extra Air Time

Your hair will be exposed to heat throughout the day so prevent it drying out further by minimising how often you blow-dry. If you can’t travel without a hairdryer, then try to air dry for a while before blow drying to reduce the impact.

Recycle, Revive, Revamp

Good news! You can still use your ghd styler just remember to apply a heat protection cream or spray first. And avoid overdoing it by opting for a style that can be recycled. Structured curls one day can be manipulated to create tousled beach waves the next.

Smooth your Troubles Away Finally you could even consider a smoothing treatment before you go away. With the promise of frizzfree hair you can even leave the straighteners at home. Your hair will look great with the minimum amount of drying, curls will be more defined and less frizzy than before.

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 19

Dermacare Advanced Skincare offers the latest non-invasive skincare treatments to target specific skin concerns such as pigmentation, premature ageing, acne and oily skin, sensitivity and redness, scarring, skin tone and texture.

LA FEMME BELLE

Spa packages • Decleor Salon • Hair & Beauty Botox & Filler • HD Brows • Shellac Nails • LVL Lashes LOREAL COLOUR TROPHY FINALISTS 3RD YEAR RUNNING

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T: 0116 271 5056 M: 0780 110 1022

www.lafemmebelle.co.uk

Available with Aesthetic Therapist Emily only

TICALS Book Pigment a course of 3 and rec Balancing Peels eive a 4 th one F Book a cREE o urse of 3 GL Peels a A 4TH Ond receive NE FREE

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Stoughton Grange Farm, Gartree Rd, Oadby LE2 2FB

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BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR TEAM Dermalogica & Crystal Clear Facials, Massage, Shellac Nails, Waxing & Intimate Waxing Full range of treatments visit www.stoneshairandbeauty.co.uk

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01509 621162 STONESHAIRANDBEAUTY.CO.UK 10 STATION ROAD QUORN LE12 8BS LARGE FREE CAR PARK

W E W E LC O B OTH O LD A N DM E C U STO M E R S TO N E W N E W R E VA M P ETH E D S A LO N

ELIZABETH ARDEN SHEER KISS LIP OIL, £18 A lip oil that pairs the hydrating benefits of an oil with the pigment of a gloss, bridging the gap between colour and care, to rejuvenate lips so they look healthy and plump, with a non-greasy feel.

CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT LIP COMFORT OIL, £19 A lip care treatment infused with all the power of plant oils to nourish and enhance your lips' natural beauty.

Leaves a shiny, non-sticky finish on the lips with a subtle sweet taste.

CLINIQUE CHUBBY PLUMP & SHINE LIPGLOSS, £18 This light-reflecting, highshine gloss enhances the appearance of lips, making them appear plump and smooth. Moisturises, wears for hours and feels refreshing and cool upon application.

KEEP

CLARINS EXTRA-FIRMING LIP AND CONTOUR BALM, £31 Soothing balm that visibly repairs, replenishes, softens and moisturises chapped lips. Smooths the appearance of fine vertical lines and wrinkles on the lip contour area.

SMILING “A smile is the best makeup a girl could wear”, said style icon Marilyn Monroe, and we have to agree. Keep a smile on your face with our pick of lip care and cosmetic products.

HOURGLASS PANORAMIC LONG WEAR LIP PENCIL, £22 The creamy formula glides on smoothly, and resists smudging or feathering. Intense colour payoff delivers continuous all-day wear, while the blending brush ensure an even application.

DERMALOGICA NIGHTLY LIP TREATMENT, £47.50 Say goodnight to lip lines, this rich overnight formula firms, hydrates, and restores skin on and around the lips, improves skin elasticity, and helps control ageing before it starts.

CLINIQUE SWEET POTS SUGAR SCRUB & LIP BALM, £15.50 A sweet indulgence lips can't resist. Clinique's 2-in-1 pampering treat is a sugar-smoothing scrub on one side; tinted moisturising balm on the other. Together, it's the sweetest way to soft, kissable lips.

LANCÔME JUICY SHAKER LIP GLOSS, £18 It’s time to ban the boring and get fruity with Lancôme’s new Juicy Shaker lip gloss. Pairs nourishing lip oils with beautiful pigments for plump but natural looking, glossy lips.

DIOR ADDICT LIPSTICK, £27.50 Available in a collector's summer version, Dior Addict Lipstick combines lipcare and vibrant colours. The most addictive Dior lipstick reveals a white core, ultraconcentrated in lipcare oils.

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 21

CG

Culver&Glass Optometrists

Quality care Designer frames

Precision lenses Come and experience the individual care and first class personal service that makes our patients feel special.

Stockists of Porsche Design | rocco by Rodenstock | Maui Jim Llindberg | Tom Ford | ChloĂŠ

stockist

Culver & Glass 3 High Street, Loughborough LE11 2PYY 01509 212 704 www.glassandglass.co.uk

Images: Boden

E B O T S N O S A E 31 R

CHEERFUL Little things that make you smile.

Mostly free. Go on, count your blessings.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Waking up ready for Monday and realising it’s Sunday A summer pedicure - this season’s toes are watermelon red & palm tree green Seeing your new dress flagged in the fashion pages A hug from your teen - even if they do want something Traffic lights turning green as you approach Peeling a tangerine in a single strip A pre-haircut head massage 3-minute relaaaaax

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

When the (non-creepy) barista flirts with you Singing along with your kids’ in the car This month’s issue of Urban Fox

A really good hair day See page 19 The first al fresco prosecco of summer Actually, just prosecco

Finding the perfect swimsuit

Getting into a bed with freshly laundered sheets Getting off work early on a Friday ... and the sun is shining Mumsnet talk board round-up

Slipping into this season’s funky flatforms…bliss New cushions for an instant interiors update A freshly mowed lawn

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Dad bods - for comfortable cuddles you still fancy Sunday + sofa + blankets + pillows + snacks + favourite film + family Riding your bike like a kid

The first sip of the perfect flat white

Cat videos on YouTube inexplicably cheering Fairy lights, not just at Christmas

Your first glimpse of the sea as you near your holiday destination Ice-cream in the park. With a flake.

And sauce Posh scented candles

Girlie weekend break sans other halves Feeling invincible for 5 minutes post-workout

Well that’s July sorted, now hop over to Facebook and help us reach a reason to smile for every day of the year.

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 23

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And because your brain is not working on overload, it will be free to do other tasks, like remembering more of your conversations. Oticon Opn is the smart choice for effortless, more natural hearing.

Call 0116 271 7444 now!

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Freephone: 0800 413 132 Helpline: 0116 271 7444 sales@exclusivehearing.co.uk

For more offers visit www.exclusivehearing.co.uk

HEALTH & WELLBEING

NATURAL

HIGH

How many times have you told yourself you’ll start a healthy diet or exercise regime on Monday, only to give into temptation 2 days in? It could be your Dopamine levels stopping you from achieving your goals, says Rebecca Watts from The Studios40.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control reward and pleasure and can be responsible for our focus and motivation. It also helps regulate movement and emotional response, plus stimulates the metabolism. When you’re functioning on insufficient dopamine you’re more likely to suffer from a range of health and wellbeing problems, including depression, lack of motivation, inability to concentrate, fatigue, low libido, apathy, mood swings and weight gain.

So how do you keep your dopamine levels up? Here’s 10 ideas to get you up and running…

1

CALORIES

Studies have shown that ongoing mild calorie restriction helps boost dopamine activity. Calorie restriction has also been associated with longevity and increased lifespan, so by reducing calories you not only get a motivation boost, you also get to live longer and lose weight.

2

PROTEIN

Food does not contain dopamine; it’s our body that creates dopamine, with the aid of amino acids, in particular L-tyrosine and antioxidants. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, so eating quality protein sources supplies the amino acids required for your body to produce dopamine.

3

VEGETABLES

Fruit and vegetables also aid dopamine production through their amino acid profile, folate content, and other antioxidants. Good sources include broccoli, spinach, kale, cauliflower, beets, avocado, bananas, berries and apples.

4

GOALS

Setting goals and achieving them triggers a dopamine boost.

If you struggle with motivation, set lots of smaller goals (or easy ones to start) rather than one big one. Each small goal will release dopamine making you want to achieve the next one.

5

EXERCISE

There’s still some debate as to the link between exercise and dopamine levels; that said by being active you’ll feel the benefit of an increase in other ‘feel good’ hormones and transmitters such as endorphins and serotonin, as well as dopamine.

6

MEDITATION

Meditation isn't for everyone and may take a bit of practice to master, but there is evidence to suggest that meditation increases dopamine levels, so it’s definitely worth a try. You never know it might be your thing.

7

MASSAGE

8

MUSIC

9

STIMULANTS

Massage therapy has been shown to increase dopamine and serotonin by 30% as well as reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) by 30%. Having regular massage can help to keep your dopamine levels up. A great excuse to get a massage off your partner!

Listening to music has been proven to have an effect on dopamine levels.

Try building a feel good playlist of your favourite tunes to turn to when you’re having a tough day, or better still as a daily dopamine boost.

It’s easy to get addicted to quick hits of dopamine from stimulants such as alcohol, coffee and cigarettes; sugar also has a similar affect. However short-term artificial boosts can have a long-term negative effect on dopamine levels. For a steady, more natural release, make healthy changes to your lifestyle instead.

10

STRESS

While short-term stress increases dopamine, ongoing stress depletes it; so by managing your stress levels you are also improving your dopamine levels. Getting enough, good quality sleep, engaging in exercise and yoga have all been shown to reduce stress and increase dopamine.

Finally, let’s keep it in perspective, increased dopamine levels aren’t the answer to all your problems; a good chunk of willpower is also required. Nothing comes easy, but you’re worth it!

COFFEE

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LUNCH

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Fridays All of our fresh fish is delivered direct from Cornwall twice a week Join us for one of our special evenings at the

Catch Fish Specials Every Friday

Main Street, Leire Lutterworth LE17 5HE 01 455 208923 crabandcow.co.uk

Probably the best Fish & Chips in the whole wide world Who really knows! What we do know is that ours are super fresh and super tasty. If you haven’t tried them already, you need to, soon.

OPEN FOR DINNER Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm 0116 2796260 lighthousekibworth.co.uk

THE

SUNSHINE PLATE

Put a smile on your plate, and get set for a healthy summer. Delicious and light, serve your catch of the day in 30 minutes or less.

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 27

HONEY MUSTARD SALMON Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 2 tsp clear honey 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, thinly sliced 40g fresh breadcrumbs 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley 2 boneless Scottish salmon fillets 200g baby pearl potatoes 90g assorted green vegetable, trimmed

1

reheat the oven to P 200˚C, gas mark 6.

Whisk together the honey, mustard, vinegar and olive oil.

2

ip the onion slices T onto a non-stick baking sheet and spoon over a tablespoon of the honey dressing. Stir to coat and bake for 5 minutes.

3

tir together the breadcrumbs, dill and S remaining dressing and press on top of the salmon. Sit the salmon on the baking sheet alongside the onions and cook for a further 10–15 minutes until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through.

4

eanwhile, cook the potatoes and green M vegetables according to instructions then toss together with the baked onion slices. Divide between two plates and serve with the salmon fillets on top.

COD SALSA VERDE Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 300g baby new potatoes 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing 200g cherry tomatoes, halved 2 x 260g packs skinless & boneless cod fillets 2 tsp Dijon mustard 4 thin slices of lemon 25g flat leaf parsley 1 clove garlic 2 tsp Nonpareille capers, drained and rinsed 6 anchovy fillets in olive oil, drained & roughly chopped 2 tbsp lemon juice

1

Preheat the oven to 220˚C, gas mark 7.

Cook the potatoes in a pan of boiling water for 10–12 minutes until tender. Drain and slice.

2

rush an ovenproof dish with oil and place B the sliced potatoes and halved tomatoes in a layer in the base of the dish.

3

Spread the cod fillets thinly with 1 tsp of the mustard and place a slice of lemon on each.

Sit the cod on top of the vegetables and brush lightly with oil. Grind over some black pepper and bake for 15–20 minutes until completely cooked through.

4

Meanwhile, place the parsley, garlic, capers and anchovies in a small food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the remaining 1 tsp mustard, the oil and lemon juice, and pulse once or twice until just blended.

Images and recipes: Waitrose

TROUT & DILL FISHCAKES Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 Scottish trout fillets 400g mashed potato 5 salad onions, finely chopped 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and roughly chopped 35g cornichons, finely chopped 10g dill, snipped 2 lemons, 1 zested and juiced, the other in wedges 1 tbsp olive oil 220g round beans, steamed, to serve 150g baby broad beans, steamed, to serve

1

reheat the grill to medium-high.

P Place the trout on a foil-lined baking tray and grill for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool, then thickly flake, discarding the skin.

2

I n a large bowl, mix the mashed potato with the salad onions, capers, cornichons, dill, lemon zest and 2 tbsp juice. Fold through the trout, shape into 8 cakes and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.

3

eat the oil in a non-stick pan H over a medium heat. Gently cook the fishcakes in 2 batches for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and warmed through.

4

erve the fishcakes with the S steamed vegetables and lemon wedges.

WIN!

AFTERNOON TEA HAMPER from John Lewis

This John Lewis elegant hamper has afternoon tea all wrapped up.

Presented in a traditional picnic basket, it contains a selection of sweet and savoury delights which has something for everyone.

Key highlights include: Zonin Rosato Vino Spumante Brut Italy 75cl, 11% vol Belinda Clark Handmade Natural Raspberry Marshmallows, 85g Sally Williams Soft Nougat Pieces with Roasted Almonds & Cranberries, 150g Belvoir Fruit Farms Elderflower & Rose Pressé, 750ml Elegant & English Honey & Almond All Butter Biscuits, 125g Elegant & English Chocolate & Raspberry All Butter Biscuits, 125g Macarons de Pauline Fraise, Pistache, Citron Macarons, 72g Gold Crown 4” Decorated Genoa Cake Lessiters Raspberry & Champagne Milk Chocolate Truffles, 95g The Cocoa Bean Company Eton Mess Broken Chocolate, 200g The Fabulous Fruit Co. Raspberry Preserve with Amaretto, 227g Cartwright & Butler Classic Earl Grey 15 Leaf Tea Bags, 45g Cartwright & Butler English Breakfast 15 Leaf Tea Bags, 45g

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Afternoon Tea Hamper’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Monday 31 July 2017.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn after the specified closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time. Entrants must be 18 and over.

Images and recipes: Waitrose

WINING & DINING

Merry

BERRY Not to be confused with GBBO’s glamourous Gran, get-up-and-go with these vitamin rich berry breakfasts.

The cheery way to start your day.

Berry Brioche Serves: 4 Ingredients: 100g raspberries 100g blueberries 100g strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped Âź tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp maple syrup 4 slices brioche 250g Alpro Simply Plain

Method: Put the fruit in a bowl and sprinkle over the cinnamon. Roughly crush with the back of a fork and drizzle over 1 tablespoon of the maple syrup.

Set aside for 10 minutes to let the juice run from the fruit.

Toast the brioche slices on both sides until golden. Fold the fruit through the Alpro Simply Plain and spoon on top of the toasted brioche slices. Drizzle over the remaining maple syrup to serve.

Smoothie Bowl Serves: 12 Ingredients: 2 tbsp porridge oats 2 tsp clear honey 200g frozen Love Life Berry Smoothie Mix 200g Yoomoo Vanilla Frozen Yogurt 150ml apple juice or coconut water 200g raspberries and/or strawberries, sliced 2 tbsp dried blueberries 1 tbsp poppy seeds Method: Toast the oats in a small non-stick frying pan for 1-2 minutes until golden. Stir in the honey, then tip onto a piece of baking parchment and leave to cool.

Place the smoothie mix, frozen yogurt and apple juice or coconut water in a strong blender and whizz until smooth and thick. Divide among bowls and top with the toasted oats, fruit and poppy seeds.

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 31

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WHISTLE WHILE

YOU WORK? With research showing that happy employees are more liked by their colleagues, earn more money, are seen as performing better and as having more fresh ideas; we share some simple things you can do to change those work woes into weekday whistles.

You and your boss can thank us later…

Exercise before work

It helps increase energy and more energy means more productivity. So forget about bringing your extra work home tonight, it’ll already be done!

Tidy your workspace

Desks strewn with paper, dirty mugs and Krispy Kreme boxes can be distracting and hinder creativity. Get your colleagues involved too for an impromptu bonding experience.

Buy some flowers

Apart from brightening up a drab office desk, flowers can make you feel happier, more enthusiastic and help promote creativity. So go on, grab a bunch.

Meditate, mediate, meditate

It may sound clichéd but the results will amaze you. So shut your office door, set a timer for 5-10 minutes, close your eyes, and just breathe.

Take a walk

Enhance your mood with a brisk walk around the block. Grab that colleague you’ve been meaning to talk to about your project, and have a proactive meeting outdoors.

Eat good mood foods

You may be in a rush but skip the fast food lunch and opt instead for foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. They’re super healthy and help increase happiness.

Reward yourself

Give yourself a pat on the back for work completed, “If I finish this report, I can have an extended lunch break with my colleagues”.

Track your achievements

Step back and think about past projects and achievements you’re proud of and how they’ve changed the company in a positive way. Remember you are valued.

Create new goals

You should always have a goal (or three) to keep you motivated. Think about how you can bring more value to your company, as well as your CV. The latter is vital if these tips don’t work!

Help a colleague

Helping others makes us feel happier. So go on, take 10 minutes out of your busy schedule to help them with that difficult project, and feel the lasting effects all week.

Work hard, play hard

Drink more water

Be grateful

Staying hydrated will keep you alert and focussed, help you avoid feelings of fatigue and from suffering with headaches, which can impact your mood.

Spend your commute thinking of 3 things you’re grateful for (boss’ recognition, achieving a deadline etc.) and reap the benefits - better sleep, less sickness, and increased happiness.

Create a playlist

Simply smile

Switch up your routine

OK well maybe not too hard, but taking a few minutes to fiddle with a finger spinner (or a Rubik’s cube if you’re old skool) could help clear your head and spark innovation.

If you’re having a bad day, music can boost both your mood and productivity.

So put on your headphones and use the beat to keep you going throughout the day.

Smiling, whether natural or forced, is construed by the brain as a positive physical reaction and it’ll think whatever activity you’re doing (even that dreaded presentation) is enjoyable.

Finally if you’re stuck in a rut then change something. From the way you travel to work, to where you grab lunch, it can give your work day a fresh, new perspective.

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 33

SOFIA'S

CHOICE In a triumphant return to the big screen, Kirsten Dunst reunites with long-time collaborator Sofia Coppola for a stunning remake of The Beguiled, and the actress couldn’t be more delighted‌

LIFE & WORK

Having worked with some of Tinseltown’s top directors, for American sweetheart Kirsten Dunst there is one collaboration she cherishes above all – with indie visionary Sofia Coppola.

Casting Dunst in The Virgin Suicides when she was 17, followed by Marie Antoinette, and now what is arguably the finest film of both their careers – The Beguiled – it’s a relationship on a par with those of Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale, or Tim Burton and Johnny Depp: the artist and their muse.

Man franchise, she appeared to spiral downwards – a period which ended in a spell in rehab for depression.

“We’re very close and Sofia is someone who has always helped and supported me,” gushes Dunst in her characteristically chatty manner. “She was like a big sister to me on The Virgin Suicides at an age when I was still insecure and trying to figure things out.

Working with her again meant so much to me and it’s especially gratifying to work with a very talented director who’s also such a good friend.”

As you get older, you discover what’s truly important in life and you have to do things that are right for you.

At the recent premiere of the picture at the Cannes Film Festival – where it earned positive reviews and a coveted best director award for Coppola – Dunst appeared to grow emotional as she stood next to co-stars Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning. But it is her 17-year friendship with Coppola which seems to mean the most to the actress.

“I’ve always looked up to her and I’m proud that she as a director keeps wanting to work with me,” smiles Dunst.

“I think it makes for a better film when you share a bond with the people you collaborate with and I think that’s particularly true when I work with Sofia.”

The 35-year-old has every reason to be proud, considering her spectacular career turnaround in the past few years.

Having begun working as an actress as a child, making her film debut in Woody Allen’s Oedipus Wrecks short, followed by a hauntingly brilliant performance aged 12 in Interview with the Vampire, Dunst’s career had the kind of peak-andplummet we have come to expect from young stars. Then after experiencing enormous success in films like Mona Lisa Smile and Sam Raimi’s Spider-

Blaming the relentless pressure that’s piled on actors, Dunst has never fully returned to the spotlight. When asked what lessons she has learned during her career, she grows philosophical, explaining that one ought to ‘feel good’ about who they are and what they’re doing according to their own ‘instincts’.

“When you’re younger and wanting to make your mark as an actor, you try to fit in and often it’s hard to say no to projects. I wanted to make everyone happy and that wasn’t always the best thing for me,” she explains candidly. “As you get older, you discover what’s truly important in life and you have to do things that are right for you.”

Certainly her ‘choices’ have been impeccable over these last few years, starting with her decision to star in hit TV show Fargo in 2015. Not only were critics bowled over by her turn as plucky daydreamer Peggy Blumquist (receiving both a Golden Globe and Emmy nomination), but she also found love and is now engaged to her co-star in the show, Jesse Plemons.

A far cry from her days of messy partying and boozing in North London pubs with ex-lover, Razorlight’s front man Johnny Borrell, Dunst appears much calmer and more in control, selecting those projects which bring her joy rather than basing decisions on commercial potential. It’s a process she much prefers. “I’ve been working in front

of a camera since I was three years old and I don’t need to work in the biggest films or do projects just to fill up my time. I have a very relaxed life and I don’t mind taking long breaks,” she explains.

“Of course, there’s a lot of competition and you need to keep working to stay relevant or otherwise people forget you and you worry whether you’re ever going to work again. I try to do as much good work as I can and keep my name in there because that can help a film get financed, but I think I’ve had a pretty solid career.

The bigger problem is that there is still a lack of good roles for women.”

With directors like Coppola around though, that ought not to be a problem.

Certainly The Beguiled, a feminist remake of the 1971 Clint Eastwood film, has not just one but three inspiring female characters. The Southern Gothic tale is set in 1864 Virginia during the American Civil War where John (Colin Farrell), a wounded Union soldier, finds sanctuary at an all-girls boarding school run by headmistress Martha (Kidman) and devoted teacher Edwina (Dunst).

While John recovers, the sexual tension mounts – leading to several steamy encounters involving Dunst and Fanning, who plays student Alicia.

But despite being love rivals on-screen, Dunst reveals that she and Fanning founded a solid friendship during filming.

“I love her and how funny and sweet and self-assured she is,” says Dunst. “She has such a wonderful attitude about life and we spent some time getting to know each other and sometimes she would even sleep over at my house.”

Dunst is currently planning on directing her first feature film – The Bell Jar – based on the eponymous Sylvia Plath novel, next year. The project will star Dakota Fanning, Elle’s older sister, as a New York magazine intern who is stricken with debilitating depression, but eventually triumphs, coming through the other side.

Will Coppola and Dunst work together again? Undoubtedly. In the meantime, she’s just taking things as they come.

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 35

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20/06/2017 17:19

Joules

LIFE & WORK

RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW Have you ever felt that life is…well, all just a bit too much? Us too. But before you reach for the vino, vodka or Valium, Kirsty France is on hand to share her thoughts on how to switch off and enjoy the moment.

I’ve heard ‘brain overload’ described as having 1,000 tabs open in your head, all at the same time. It makes sense.

There are so many things to think about you feel as if closing any of it down will make you instantly forget what you had to do and then it’ll be gone forever.

Well, I’ve got news for you. That’s what bookmarks are for. While you might not be able to click a button in your head, you can file or download your thoughts, leaving plenty of head space to simply enjoy the here and now.

I’ve learned to do it and you can too.

Here’s how I’m finding happiness just living in the moment…

STOP WORRYING

Yes, I can hear you laughing from here. How on earth do you do that?

The first step is to ask yourself what you’re worrying about. Sometimes it’s a response to something specific. If there are changes in your job or an illness in the family, worry makes sense. But what if you’re just finding things to worry about? Fretting constantly about your job or your children’s safety sucks the joy out of your life. So don’t do it!

TAKE ACTION

I’ve realised that worrying is useless, so I use a technique called ‘fix it or forget it’. Write all your worries down if you need to, then ask yourself whether there is anything you can do about them right now. If there is, do it. If not, get it out of your head until there is. Sometimes you can only deal with things when you

have more information. There’s no point wasting energy worrying while you wait.

GET ORGANISED

Getting rid of worry should hopefully give you more head space to deal with everything else more effectively.

Decide what needs dealing with straight away, what has to wait until the kids are in bed and what you can delegate. Putting it down on paper or better still in your diary, helps you to live in the moment. You can see what you need to do when and if you suddenly feel that you might have forgotten something, you can look at your list or calendar and check.

TAKE TIME

For me, the whole point of getting organised and losing the worry is knowing that it gives me more time with the people I love, doing things I enjoy. I like Facebook but time with my kids is much more important.

Thankfully my children are young enough to say exactly what they think.

Sometimes that includes my three year old telling me to put my phone down! Living in the moment helps me to look at where I am and who I’m with. It’s enough to make me want to get the best out of it.

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 37

Showroom Open Monday - Saturday

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HOMES & GARDENS

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WANDER LUST 4

Recreate your happiest holiday memories with a mix of global interiors. We love Fusion

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REVITALISING GIFTSET from Rituals

In ancient China, 1100 years ago, the Laughing Buddha was a famous monk whose legendary smile brought happiness wherever he went. For centuries, rubbing his belly has symbolised good luck and prosperity. This tradition is the inspiration for a collection of uplifting products that celebrate his positivity. Infused with Sweet Orange and the mood enhancing power of Cedar Wood, the Laughing Buddha collection from Rituals brings a touch of happiness to your everyday life.

This month you could be the winner of this Laughing Buddha Revitalizing Ceremony Giftset from Rituals. Wrapped in a colourful and beautiful gift box (which makes a stylish storage box), the set contains: Touch of Happiness Body Cream 200ml, Good Luck Scrub 375gr, Happy Buddha Shower Foam 200ml, Happy Mist 50ml,

Mini Sweet Sunrise Fragrance Sticks 50ml, Earl’s Secret Tea. Discover and experience the energising Laughing Buddha Collection at home with www.rituals.com

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Rituals’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Monday 31 July 2017.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn after the specified closing date.

The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time.

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Image: Maison Interiors

HOMES & GARDENS

ROOM

5 WAYS TO

FENG SHUI

Need more space but love your home? Then don’t move, improve.

We look at 5 ways you can do more with what you have.

What if rejuvenating your life was as simple as moving a few things around. According to the ancient Chinese art of feng shui it is. This month Maison Interiors’ Zoe Hubbard explains how simply shifting your sofa could hold the key to your happiness.

Try these room by room tips to get that positive energy flowing…

1. Front Door

The front door of a house is called ‘the mouth of Chi’ in Feng Shui. That is because this is how your house absorbs Chi or energy. Ensure it’s well-cared for, doesn’t squeak and has attractive hardware. The colour of the front door is also important. If the door is south facing use colours associated with the fire element - red, orange, yellow, purple or pink. Alternatively if it’s facing north try using blue or black.

Avoid having a mirror in your entrance hall facing the front door as it pushes away all the good energy that could enter the house.

2. Living Room

Keep your living area clutter free, organised and clean. To create balance ensure that your décor incorporates all five elements of Feng Shui (wood, fire, earth, water, metal) but in varying proportions. If you have space, divide your living room into two areas. Each one should have dominant Feng Shui elements, colours, shapes (E.g. earth is square, metal is circle) etc. but remember to create a balance between the two spaces. Also consider how elements might react side-by-side. If you have a fireplace, avoid placing an aquarium close by as the fire and water elements interact creating conflicting energies.

3. Bedroom

The bedroom should be a relaxing, quiet and tranquil space without any distractions. Think calm and neutral colours. Try to open the windows as often as possible or use an air-purifier.

This will keep the air fresh and full of oxygen and you’ll be able to relax better.

Your bed itself is also very important. A great bed will have a solid headboard, a good mattress and quality sheets made from natural fibres. Avoid beds that have built-in storage because they don’t allow the energy to circulate. Finally ensure that your bed is approachable from both sides and is not in line with the door.

4. Kitchen

Your kitchen is the Feng Shui part of the home that nourishes and sustains life and is also a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Start with the basics and keep your kitchen bright and airy (using artificial lighting where necessary), clean, free of clutter and following a logical flow.

Even though there are a lot of things we need in the kitchen, it’s best to keep it simple and not overload countertops with gadgets. A herb garden is a wonderful addition to the kitchen. It adds freshness and a vibrant energy that connects you to nature. Alternatively a bowl of fruit, cut flowers, or a plant on your kitchen table will have a similar impact.

5. Bathroom

Ensure your bathroom is more than functional space and instead a place where you can relax and soothe aware the stresses of another busy day. Create a spa environment through calming candlelight (or a dimmer light), plus essential oils and fragrances to calm or invigorate you, depending on your mood or the atmosphere you want to create.

Decorate using earth colours (green, neutrals) or metal colours (white, grey) and incorporate indulgent products such as luxurious towels, lotions and potions.

Stalks of bamboo bring good luck, abundance and wealth, try placing in front of a mirror to enhance the effect.

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 43

AI S ON I N T E RI OR S

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BATHE IN

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Feel warm inside with a little enviro-friendly home styling. Experiment with recycled, reclaimed, restored, organic and ethically sourced materials for a quirky eco vibe #littlethings.

Handmade by Senegal artisans Natural Charmer Basket, £89, Loaf

Cornelia Mirror, £270, Decorative Mirrors Online

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KNIGHTONDESIGN Water-repellent, smooth, translucent lime based marmorino plaster

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Images: Rational

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2

HEART OF THE

HOME The heart of your home, or just a functional space? Create a kitchen where you can come together to cook, eat and connect.

1

NATURE INSPIRED

Natural design is a style that has grown in recent years, particularly in Scandinavia. Defined by rustic finishes and hideaway utilitarian areas (sink, fridge), this trend fuses the use of natural materials with contemporary design to create a striking and functional look.

2

LINEAR LOOK

The streamline trend continues to be popular in today's modern kitchen. Opt for plain and handle free doors for a simple yet contemporary vibe. High gloss finishes in white, grey or neutral earthy hues, also work well with this look.

3

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

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CLUTTER FREE

5

COPPER ACCENTS

4

For style and practicality opt for high quality storage solutions that will enable you to hide non-essential items (small kitchen appliances, cutting boards, wine racks etc.) while allowing for different sized storage at various levels.

Having clutter-free worktops opens up the space of a kitchen, while allowing you to prepare food on a clear surface. Consider moving items such as herbs and spices, knives and utensils up onto a wall hanging system that can sit neatly in the space between the worktop and wall units.

5

Bored of stainless steel? Opt instead for copper coloured handles, hardware, accessories (lights, decorative pieces) and appliances.

Copper is the perfect partner for warm timber but also work well with highsheen finishes.

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 51

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13/01/2016 15:29

Broughtons

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MONDAY - FRIDAY: 9AM - 5PM | SATURDAY: 9AM - 4PM | SUNDAY BY APPOINTMENT

RHS / Sarah Cuttle

Blooming MARVELLOUS Every year the Chelsea Flower Show inspires thousands of aspiring gardeners looking for the hottest new trends.

Mark Sage, Head of Horticulture at Wyevale Garden Centres, reveals how to recreate some of this year’s award-winning designs in your outdoor space.

The Morgan Stanley Garden While some designs chose to embrace an international style, Silver Gilt Medal Winner Chris Beardshaw reimagined the classic British garden with a contemporary colourful edge.

Get the look:

You don’t need a large lush space to recreate a classic British garden – it is all about what is planted and the materials used. Here perennials, shrubs, and majestic trees create a whimsical atmosphere, while the stone and wood loggia adds a contemporary touch.

Use a wooden feature like a pergola or arch as the centre piece and plant around it using bright bold flowers such as Geraniums and Iris. Opt for deep jewel colours rather than pretty pastels to stand out against the plain wood.

Plants such as Hostas are great for texture and movement in shady areas while sunny areas should be adorned with Lupins and Peonies for colour and height.

The Royal Bank of Canada Garden

Inspired by the Canadian boreal forest and its native plants, the Royal Bank of Canada Garden by Gold Medal winner Charlotte Harris features trees such as Pine and Larch, glacial boulders and a wooden traveller’s shelter.

Get the look:

While other designs relied on the use of bold colour, this Canadian inspired garden uses more neutral tones and earthy textures. The colours that are used are more subtle and natural, yet contemporary due to the angular structure.

To recreate this style, keep the textures and colours natural; use large rocks and pebbles to create a path. To mirror the structure, a modern-style shed can be used, while smaller spaces would benefit from something smaller such as a ladder planter.

The Anneka Rice Colour Cutting Garden

Colour was a huge theme for most designs this year but The Anneka Rice Colour Cutting Garden by Sarah Raven demonstrates how to boldly add colour in any space while attracting nature.

Get the look:

This design is all about the colours used; mixing the bold colour among the grass and stone makes the garden subtly come alive without being too overpowering. Colourful flowers such as Poppies and Dahlias attract nature, so it is an inspiring way of creating a space that’s bee and butterfly-friendly.

If you only have a small space to work with, try to avoid clutter as it will make the colour overshadow the entire garden. Plant in pots and containers rather than directly into the soil to maintain a tidy space.

Those with a larger space can go bigger; try building a brick path and adding a small plain bench to contrast with your colour planting and make the colours pop!

Grass such as Stipa, Fescue, and Cistus create a meadow-like tapestry of different textures, while adding delicate flowers such as Viburnum Opulus or Silene ‘Campion’ provide the subtle colour required for this natural style. Add dwarf varieties of Pine, Cedar and Conifers in pots to simulate the larger selections found in the Canadian woodlands. orth RHS / Neil Hepw

RHS / Neil Hepworth

film REVIEW

ern gothic drama A terrific slice of South

The Beguiled

1hr 34mins Opens nationwide Fri 14 Jul 0116 242 2800 | phoenix.org Set in 1864, three years into the American Civil War, The Beguiled stars Nicole Kidman and Kirsten Dunst is two school teachers at a small all-female school in Virginia. Finding a wounded man, John (Colin Farrell), in their orchard the women are shocked to find that he is a Union soldier; nonetheless they decide to take him in and hide him from marauding confederate patrols as it is the “good, Christian thing to do”. But the arrival of this devilishly charming man into their

book REVIEW Find your happy!

cloistered world unlocks something in the women and soon jealousy and lust begin to tear down their carefully ordered lives.

A remake of the 1972 Don Siegel picture starring Clint Eastwood and Geraldine Page, (which in turn was based on a 1966 novella A Painted Devil) Sofia Coppola brings her indie-film aesthetic to what seems like a schlocky battle-of-the-sexes tale, subverting the material into a poetic parable of yearning, seduction and

sexuality. Cleverly playing with the power dynamics between the sheltered women and Colin Farrell’s ‘more experienced’ soldier, we see John play the women off one another secure in his role as the alluring male, little realising the vengeance these women will meet out when scorned. A terrific slice of Southern gothic drama, Sofia Coppola’s new film received rave reviews at its Cannes Film Festival premiere in May where she picked up the Best Director award, only the second woman to do so.

Happy

by Fearne Cotton For many of us, life can feel like it's moving too fast with pressure bearing down on us from all sides - whether that's from school or work, family or social media. Drawing on her own experiences and including expert advice, Fearne Cotton’s HAPPY offers practical ways of finding joy each and every day. Happiness isn't a mountain to climb, it's just one foot in front of the other on the path of life. With workbook elements to help you start and end the day well, there are daily tricks and reminders to help you unlock that inner happiness.

Lagom

by Linnea Dunne Step aside Hygge. Lagom is the new Scandi lifestyle trend taking the world by storm. Lagom (pronounced 'lah-gom') has no equivalent in the English language but is loosely translated as 'not too little, not too much, just right'.

Lagom is a liberating concept, praising the idea that anything more that 'just enough' is a waste of time. By living lagom you can live a happier and more balanced life, reduce your environmental impact, improve your work-life balance, free your home from clutter, enjoy good food the Swedish way and cherish the relationships with those you love.

Happy Mum,Happy Baby

by Giovanna Fletcher Since Giovanna and her husband Tom Fletcher have had their sons Buzz and Buddy, they’ve been sharing glimpses of their family life. But this is not a book about how to have the perfect family experience but instead it’s an honest, upbeat and personal account of Giovanna’s own experience of having a family. In Happy Mum, Happy Baby Giovanna looks at what it is to be a mother today, encourages you to be confident in yourself as a parent and celebrates how putting a focus on being a happy and confident mum can really make for a happy baby.

WIN!

TICKETS TO A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Curve Win 2 tickets to Curve’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream between Thursday 10 and Sunday 20 August 2017.

Under the light of the moon, follow the story of four young lovers as they become ensnared by the magic of the forest and the trickery of mischievous sprite Puck. Throw in the warring King and Queen of the fairies and a misfit band of actors performing a play within a play, and the lines between fantasy and reality soon become blurred…

This summer, journey with Curve into the enchanted forest for a vibrant new production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Curve Associate Artist Nick Winston (Director of Bugsy Malone, Choreographer Grease and Legally Blonde).

AV DIS DV AI CO A LA U N N CE B T T I LE CK ET S

This magical ‘Made at Curve’ production will be a fun mix of contemporary pop songs and dance, married with the Bard’s beautiful

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Curve’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Monday 31 July 2017.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn after the specified closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time.

CountrysShidowe

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BOSWORTH

2017

ay Bank holiday Mond pm m-5 9a 7, 201 st gu Au 28

MEDIEVAL

hire, LE12 8SP

y Park, Leicesters Beacon Hill Countr

festival

Enjoy a great day out in the countryside

2017

19 & 20

Show features: NEW The Sheep Roadshow Children’s Activities • Tree Climbing Extreme Mountain Bike Show Delicious Local Food • Crafts Heavy Horse Demonstration • Birds of Prey Chainsaw Carving • Show Auction Great Live Music • Fun for all the Family!

August

9.30am to 5.30pm

A great family day out! www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk /BosworthBattlefield

language. For the first time ever, the theatre will be bringing together Curve Young Company and Community actors to create this bold and ambitious reimagining, in an epic celebration of local and emerging talent.

@bosworthlcc

TICKE AVAIL TS AB ONLIN LE E!

/BosworthBattlefield

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD 01455 290429

rly children's Buy ea e activities v a s & included in entry price money

www.leicscountryparks.org.uk /leicscountryparks

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON

Simon Says…, 29 - 30 Jul, De Montfort Hall & Gardens

JULY / AUG 2017

Miss Saigon

Hay Fever

Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical Miss Saigon – a recent smash hit in the West End – is embarking on a major UK Tour. Winner of a recordbreaking nine ‘Whatsonstage Awards 2015’ including Best Show, this epic love story tells the tragic tale of young bar girl Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with an American GI called Chris – but their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. Miss Saigon contains some scenes and language which may not be suitable for younger audience members, including scenes of a sexual nature. Recommended for ages 12+.

Set in the 1920s, and one of Noël Coward’s brightest theatrical delights, Hay Fever follows the unconventional, risqué and often downright rude Bliss family as they each invite a guest to their rural retreat. Misjudged meetings, secret seductions and scandalous revelations proliferate during one outrageous weekend in Berkshire.

Although it is not packed with as many witty one liners as many of Coward’s plays are, Hay Fever provides a shrewd, farcical look at a dysfunctional family oblivious to their ill-mannered behaviour.

Mon 3 - Sat 8 Jul The Little Theatre Tickets from £13 thelittletheatre.net

Matthew Murphy

Sat 1 - Sat 22 Jul Curve Theatre Tickets from £10 curveonline.co.uk

Miss Saigon, 1 - 22 Jul, Curve Theatre

Talking Pictures, 17 Jul – 25 Sep, Phoenix Arts

Talking Pictures Mon 17 Jul – Mon 25 Sep Phoenix Arts Tickets from £73.50 phoenix.org.uk

Talking Pictures is a ten-week course for film enthusiasts. Join like-minded film buffs to discuss films and watch a variety of great world cinema, in tutorled sessions that help you get more from your cinema experience. Each week features a 90-minute session (10.30-12.00) and a matinee film. The tutor will share film clips and talk about forthcoming movies and film-industry news, designed to provoke a range of discussions. After your session you can enjoy the regular Monday matinee (13.00 or 13.30), included in the price of the course. Courses also run on Tuesdays from 18 July.

Burghley Film Festival, 26 - 30 Jul, Burghley House

Billy The Kid

One of the UK’s top outdoor cinemas is back for five days and nights of movie magic, with this year’s blockbuster movies including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, La La Land and Bridget Jones’s Baby. For families and youngsters, daytime screenings feature Disney favourites The Jungle Book, Finding Dory, Moana and more.

This independent film festival proves a popular hit with locals and visitors alike each summer - with the Big Screen overlooking the normally private South Gardens, which sweep down to the Capability Brown lake and parkland beyond. Early bird tickets are available until 25 July at £13 adults and £8 children.

William Antrim is small for his age; he’s quiet and shy, which makes him an easy target for lazy bullies. But in his dreams, William Antrim is Billy the Kid, a courageous cowboy, riding the range with the sun in his eyes.

An all-American hero. Now, if only his dreams could become a reality…

Billy the Kid is an adventure story, a magical, musical comedy set in a colourful world of cowboys and bandits, cactus trees and caballeros.

Saddle up for a journey back in time, to a land where the bravest heroes are only a whip-crack away! This is a show for all the family, smart enough for the most demanding young audience and silly enough for the grumpiest grown-ups.

Simon Says…

Yerma

Simon Says... returns to De Montfort Hall and Gardens for the fifth year running, presented in partnership with three of Leicester's finest music venues, The Donkey, Firebug and The Musician. The festival will showcase the finest talent from Leicester's music scene and beyond, along with real ales, cocktails, a variety of food stalls, plus much more! The line-up has now been announced with headliners including Jah Wobble, Jim Bob, Smoove & Turrell and Uncle Frank. For the full line-up, plus ticket and FAQ, visit the official Simon Says website at www.simonsaysleicester.com

The incredible Billie Piper returns in her ‘Evening Standard Best Actress’ award-winning role. A young woman is driven to the unthinkable by her desperate desire to have a child in Simon Stone’s radical production of Lorca’s achingly powerful masterpiece. The unmissable theatre phenomenon sold out at the Young Vic and critics called it ‘an extraordinary theatrical triumph’ (The Times) with Piper’s lead performance described as ‘spellbinding’ (The Evening Standard) and ‘devastatingly powerful’ (The Daily Telegraph). Set in

Wed 26 - Sun 30 Jul Burghley House Tickets from £8 burghley.co.uk

Sat 29 - Sun 30 Jul De Montfort Hall & Gardens Tickets £5-£40 demontforthall.co.uk

Wed 23 - Sat 26 Aug Curve Theatre Tickets from £14 curveonline.co.uk

Thu 31 Aug Phoenix Arts Tickets from £13.50 phoenix.org.uk

contemporary London, Piper’s portrayal of a woman in her thirties desperate to conceive builds with elemental force to a staggering, shocking, climax. Part of the National Theatre Live series.

Burghley Horse Trials Thu 31 Aug - Sun 3 Sep Burghley House Ticket from £15 burghley-horse.co.uk

Situated in the stunning parkland surrounding Burghley House, this hugely popular equestrian and social event draws visitors from all around the world. The competition is called a Three Day Event with three stages taking place, rather confusingly, over four days: Dressage on Thursday and Friday, Cross Country on Saturday and Show Jumping on Sunday.

It is a comprehensive test of all-round horsemanship, and involves almost every activity of which the horse is capable.

Every competitor must complete each section and their overall score provides the final placing. There are also many stands offering country clothing, crafts and food, plus much more.

Johan Persson

Burghley Film Festival

Yerma, 31 Aug, Phoenix Arts

The perfect holiday starts with a conversation While other travel companies might steer you to book an off-the-shelf holiday online, we prefer to talk, to listen to what you really want and need. We’ll tailor, unearth free upgrades and exclusive offers, add experiences and tell you what it’s really like – because our Personal Travel Experts have been travelling the world for this very reason.

So get in touch, and let us create your perfect holiday.

Kuoni at John Lewis Leicester, First Floor, 2 Bath House Lane, Highcross 0116 355 2602 | kuoni.co.uk

Joules

PEOPLE & PLACES

HAPPY

FAMILIES? The perfect family holiday is there such a thing? OK so some things are out of our control like Juan the waiter proposing to your teenage daughter, newborn triplets in the room next door or that dodgy Szechuan Prawn, but with a bit of forward thinking damage limitation is possible, says Sarah Mettrick.

I learnt this the hard way and have clocked up countless holiday faux pas.

My father actually gets excited when I go away due to the inevitable tale on my return of a holiday ‘incident’. So what can we do to ensure a happier holiday? Well to start with don't trust your husband, ever. They answer questions without listening and at their own peril. One year before setting off I asked mine if he had his driving license.

“Yes” he replied. Hours later standing in a long hot car rental queue, he says, “I haven't got my driving license.” I drove across France repeatedly reminding him what a moron he was. As I kept veering

to the left, crunching gears and putting on wipers instead of indicators he clung to his seat and said, “I can assure you no one is more upset than me.”

Getting off to a good start is key and don't take simple things for granted.

If you pack four cases, put four cases in the car. We left one on the landing, the one full of baby stuff. Unable to continue with travel plans (Portugal don’t have babies do they?) we spent the night at Luton airport and sent the taxi home to fetch it. It cost a fortune in fares, the only upside being for my husband who felt he had honoured his promise of a twin resort vacation.

Careful when casting blame though it can swing back and poke you in the eye. I found this out at Center Parcs. We arrived hungry and headed straight for lunch. My husband’s wallet had been stolen the day before and I’d left my handbag at home. Me and the kids stayed as collateral for the tuna melt pancakes as he drove back home furious. Later I wanted to make it up to him but my attempt at sultry sexual advances failed me, he said he “needed time”.

When travelling with pals my advice is to pretend you don't know them if things go wrong. On board a yacht sailing around the Grenadines and after several strawberry daiquiri’s a portly friend decided to run and jump on a sun-bed. He flew in the air, his ample mid-drift bouncing off the boat’s rails and landed in the Caribbean Sea. The captain ran on deck mortified; not for our friend but for himself. He was retiring and was immensely proud of a career at sea with no ‘man overboard’ incidents. I comforted him with a cocktail while my husband joined the rescue effort.

"Getting off to a good start is key and don't take simple things for granted."

And finally when you think you’re home and dry don't count your chickens. When leaving the airport car park last year the barrier wouldn't budge creating a long queue behind us. Irritated passengers tooted horns while I frantically buzzed for help. Eventually a man got out of his car and said “If this doesn't open in one minute I’m smashing it to bits”.

Two minutes later he orders me to “MOVE!” - wide-eyed I sheepishly drove under the vandalised barrier. “You couldn’t make this up”, I said. “At least Dad won't be disappointed!”

URBAN FOX JULY 2017 65

Best for beauty

DermaTx of course!

Favourite film of all time

Grease!

MY WAY

I trained as a nurse in Sheffield

Andrea Patel “I saw a gap in the market and decided to develop my own range of microdermabrasion creams”, says Andrea Patel, Managing Director at Dermacare.

I was born in Oadby, Leicester, but grew up in Kimcote, a tiny village near Lutterworth. The youngest of three children, I had a very happy childhood.

We always did lots of things together as a family, and although in many ways we were privileged, my parents instilled in us the belief that you had to work hard to achieve things in life.

I attended school first at Lutterworth High and then the Grammar School.

I didn’t enjoy school very much, but knew that I wanted a career that would ‘make a difference’. After leaving school I headed to Sheffield University to train as a nurse. It was the greatest time of my life. I loved the independence and was fortunate enough to spend 6 weeks travelling around India during my training. It was amazing!

I graduated in 1997 and worked initially in the NHS as a Registered Nurse. During this time I developed an interest in Dermatology and established a skin clinic at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Then not long after I married my husband

Kam, a couple of close friends died. They weren’t even 30 yet. This spurred us on to live life to the full and we decided to give up our jobs to live and work in Marbella. It was there I established and managed my own photo-cosmetic business offering skin rejuvenation and hair removal treatments. I also became a skincare adviser in the Health & Beauty section of the Spanish ‘Sun’ newspaper.

We had a fabulous time out there.

We returned to the UK a few years after our first son was born. With my interest in cosmetics, I became Clinic Manager/Nurse Practitioner for Court House Clinics, a leading private cosmetic company. I enjoyed my role, but unfortunately was made redundant. It was then I decided it was time to be my own boss.

I set up an eCommerce skincare company with my brother-in-law Bhavin.

With his IT back ground and my skincare knowledge we set up Dermacare Direct selling advanced skincare solutions. My main drive was to offer personal professional help and advice to customers to ensure proper use of Cosmeceutical products at home.

In 2014 we took the next step and opened the Dermacare Salon, in the tranquil South Leicestershire countryside between Stoneygate, Oadby, Evington and Stoughton. The salon has been a great success and continues to offer the latest

Your philosophy

Do a job you enjoy, life is too short Last meal on earth

Mother-in-law's Indian food…amazing!

On your bucket list

To be more fluent in Spanish Advice to young self

Be your own boss Happiness is…

Holiday in the sun with my 3 boys Most inspirational woman

Victoria Wood…I like to laugh non-invasive skincare treatments to target specific skin concerns.

But I wanted to do more. I saw a gap in the market and decided to develop my own range of microdermabrasion creams ‘DermaTx’. Currently most similar products are ‘one-for all’ products and not targeted for different concerns, whereas DermaTx treats different skin types and skin concerns. You may not realise but everyone needs to exfoliate.

Even in our twenties our skin turnover slows down. If we help remove dead skin cells, collagen production is encouraged, skin will appear healthier and our face creams and serums will penetrate better.

What’s next? I would love for my businesses to continue to grow, to work less and delegate more. I especially want to spend more time with my family, as my boys are growing up too fast. Oh and maybe even squeeze in some me time!

Information on DermaTx is available at dermacaredirect.co.uk or visit dermacaresalon.co.uk for details of in-salon treatments.

ALL THE HELP YOU NEED

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URBAN FOX JULY 2017 67

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