Urban Fox - June 2018 Issue

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June 2018

WIN

Radley Handbag M&S Gift Card Proms Tickets

Hello

Inside out ROOM WITH A VIEW

YELLOW

Let the sunshine in

Ice ice baby KEEP YOUR COOL

DESIGNER DECKCHAIRS

Beside the seaside

Travelling light

10 SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Winkadale Close, Bushby Price: ÂŁ350,000

Beautiful four bedroom new build family home located in an exclusive gated development in Bushby Semi-Detached Three Storey Modern House Four Double Bedrooms Three Bathrooms including Ensuite to Master Study & Cinema Room Spacious Living/Kitchen Off Road Parking & Garage Exclusive Gated Development off A47 EPC rating B

T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com

Bankart Avenue, Stoneygate Price: ÂŁ575,000

Stunning four bedroom family home extended and refurbished to high specification on quiet tree lined road.

Immaculately Maintained Extended and Refurbished to High Specification Four Bedrooms & Two Bathrooms Master Suite Including Walk in Wardrobe Large Bespoke Breakfast Kitchen Large, Mature Garden On Popular Stoneygate/Oadby Border EPC rating C

Hello

The sun started shining just in time to inspire our Summer Cool edition, which like your beach bag is crammed full of everything you need for a stylish summer of R&R.

COVER SHOT: Jump In Swimsuit, £60, Boden

Interact with us theurbanfoxmediagroup

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

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From beachside to city break, find out how we’re dressing the holiday season. Stay chic in the city with our capsule collection or go bright and bold in head-to-toe yellow and transport yourself to sunnier climes. If it’s good enough for Amal… And we’re making waves with this summer’s hottest one-piece, perfect for everyone from beach babe, to the bikini shy.

Wardrobe sorted, dive Into the Blue with our pick of the best beauty must-haves, or take a splash of inspiration from the SS18 shows, for Holiday Hair that’s hot and happening.

If you Can’t Stand the Heat we reveal how to have Fun in the Sun; keep your cool with our refreshing cocktails, plus Kirsty France steps out of the shade to tell us where to chill this summer. From San Francisco to Switzerland, she’s got you covered.

Closer to home, we go outside with Designer Deckchairs, big ideas for small spaces and tips on how to make your garden summer-ready with outdoor enthusiast Sarah Mettrick. And from lazy days in the sun, to the grass courts of Wimbledon, we talk fashion, feminism and form, with Queen of the Court, Serena Williams. Game, Set and Match.

So whether you choose a vacation in the Maldives or a staycation in Wells-next-the-Sea, we hope you have a good one!

URBANFOX

19

MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk

8 43

48-49

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

COLOURS OF

Summer

HOMES & GARDE NS

Monsoon Gather Bowls, £28, Denby

Stoneware Cafetière & Grand Mug, £55/£17, Le Creuset

This summer opt for soft colour combinatio and subtle ns to create a feminine, fresh and modern feel.

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

Cosmopolitan Candle Holder, £14, Debenham s

Oxygen & Subtle Blush Emulsion, from £12, B&Q

Eames DSW Chair, £464, Heal’s

Scatter Cushions, £45 each, Loaf

KATIE TURNBULL Designer katie@theurban-fox.co.uk

Kilny side plates, £35, Loaf

Wool Cut Out Throw, £16.99, HomeSen se Roberts Revival Istream Radio, £219.99, John Lewis

John Lewis

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.

URBAN FOX JUNE

11

2018 49

37 13

CONTRIBUTORS: Kirsty France, Alexis Gray, Sarah Mettrick URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 5

June

HEALTH & WELLBEING 21 Fun in the sun Be happy, be healthy

57

48

23 The great outdoors Fitness al fresco

WINING & DINING 25 Summer greens

Simple seasonal suppers 29 Ice ice baby

Keep your cool

LIFE & WORK 31 Art of packing

Holiday space savers 33 Career boost Avoid the summer slump

8

34 Queen of the Court

Serena Williams interview

FASHION & BEAUTY

HOMES & GARDENS

8 H ello yellow Let the sunshine in

37 Designer deckchairs

Beside the seaside

11 Water baby

Suit up 13 Travelling light

10 summer essentials

29

43 Cowboy chic

Yee-haw interiors 49 Colours of summer Pastel pop 53 S mall spaces Big ideas for small places 57 I nside out Room with a view

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 59 Beach books

Best summer reads 61 What’s on

Entertaining the whole family

15 Fancy flats

The slider

PEOPLE & PLACES

17 Holiday hair

Beach-ready styles

65 Can’t stand the heat

Shady days of summer

19 Into the blue

Beat the heat

66 My way

Local spotlight on Sam White

14

38

60

WIN HANDBAG

WIN £100 GIFT CARD

WIN PROMS TICKETS

by Radley

for M&S

at Burghley House

Circle Cross Body Bag, £19.50, M&S

Lace Trim Sundress, £50, Yumi

Mysha Raffia Pom Sandal, £110, Jigsaw

Sara Cold Shoulder Dress, £109, Coast

Erin Espadrilles, £99, Mint Velvet Amberley Satchel, £795, Mulberry

HELLO

Yellow o Christian Sirian

Guaranteed to transport you to a happier, sunnier place go head to toe in yellow!

Alice Dress, £149, Hobbs

Issa Wristlet Clutch, £45, House of Fraser

Dora Sandals, £175, L.K. Bennett

FASHION & BEAUTY Cotton Tie Back Dress, £39, Warehouse

Rounded Satchel Bag, £140, Karen Millen

Hilary Slingback Pumps, £60, Boden

Christian Siriano

White Rock Road Sam Bag, £295, Kate Spade

Fluted Hem Dress, £25.99, Mango

Agde Soft Trainer, £98, Jigsaw

Lace Shift Dress, £55, Wallis

Brazila Backpack, £169, Ted Baker

Opal Lace-Trimmed Mules, £109, Kurt Geiger

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 9

FA N TA S I E S W I M W E A R . C O M PARADISE BAY. Range featured D-J cup. Available at House of Fraser, Next, Figleaves.com, JD Williams and all good independents.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Water

Baby

From poolside glam to beach babe, make waves in a figure flattering one piece.

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9

1 Editor’s Pick: inspired by ocean waves Parley Swimsuit, £42.95, Adidas 2 Eres Studio Spray Swimsuit, £465, Net-A-Porter 3 Lagoon Print Swimsuit, £75, Hush 4 Jets Provence Printed Swimsuit, £160, Harvey Nichols 5 Collection Swimsuit, £29.50, M&S 6 Matthew Williamson Halterneck Swimsuit, £235, Net-A-Porter 7 Hot Spots Control Swimsuit, £39, Pour Moi? 8 Aepetaa Bandeau Swimsuit, £90, Ted Baker 9 Cabo San Lucas Swimsuit, £185, Valimare URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 11

PANTONE 446 U

WOMENS | MENS | HOME 16 Mill Street | Oakham | Rutland | LE15 6EA | 01572 770372 | cavells.co.uk

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

Lingerie, Dresses, and much friendly We offer individual style, in aa friendly environment and professional environment

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

OURRANGES RANGESINCLUDE INCLUDE OUR AnnBalon Balon Ann Anvrdie Anvrdie BettyBarclay Barclay Betty Bianca Bianca Capollini Capollini Condici Condici Dents Dents DorisStreich Streich Doris Dynasty Dynasty Emreco Emreco EugenKlein Klein Eugen Faber Faber FrankLyman Lyman Frank FrankWalder Walder Frank Georgede Georgede Godske Godske Gollehaug Gollehaug Habella Habella Just JustWhite White Lebek Lebek Maria MariaBellentani Bellentani Michaela MichaelaLouisa Louisa Naya Naya NYDJ NYDJJeans Jeans Olsen Olsen Passioni Passioni Rabe Rabe Sommermann Sommermann Turnover Turnover Van VanDal Dal

FASHION & BEAUTY Ruched Blazer, £99 Chino Short, £59

Louise Halter Top, £59

Robyn Sandal, £129

Wanderlust Tee, £39

From Milan to Madrid, create the ultimate capsule collection with our 10 summer essentials.

Thea Backpack, £149

Travelling

LIGHT

Chiffon Pleated Skirt, £89

Star Knit, £69

Ava Sandal, £79

Louise Ruffled Dress, £119

Capsule Collection from Mint Velvet

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 13

!

N I W

PALACE STREET BAG

by Radley

One lucky reader could be the winner of this Palace Street Flapover Cross Body Bag by Radley, worth £149.

It’s summer, and this envelope cross body is the perfect handbag to pair with all your holiday ensembles. The popper fastening flapover front keeps all your items secure, and the internal card compartment means you can leave your everyday purse behind and only carry the essentials.

- Crafted from glittery leather - Metal bar front - Capstan stud cross body strap - Hidden front slip pocket - Three internal card compartments - Foil Radley London branding - Hanging leather dog - Comes with a Radley dust bag

Looking for the latest? Radley leather handbags, playful prints, purses, and accessories are waiting to be discovered at radley.co.uk

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Radley’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Saturday 30 June 2018.

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 nontransferable and no cash alternative is available. Bag available in chalk colourway only.

The prize may be withdrawn at any time.

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

Fancy

FLATS

A stylish suitcase essential, the metallic slider completes any sun-seeking look.

1

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1 Freya Freyed Cross Strap Slider, £25, Accessorize 2 Niki Sandals, £125, Ancient Greek Sandals 3 Llora T-Bar Mule Sandals, £60, Dune 4 Joni Slides, £495, Jimmy Choo 5 Editor’s Pick: Stunning plaited cross-over detail Dara Flat Sandals, £165, L.K. Bennett 6 D&G Belluci Embellished Lace Slides, £575, Matches 7 Aquazzura Rendez Vous Sandals, £385, Net-A-Porter 8 Bow Sliders, £26, Oasis 9 Madame Butterfly Slide, £250, Sophie Webster URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 15

LOREAL COLOUR TROPHY FINALISTS 3RD YEAR RUNNING

LA FEMME BELLE www.lafemmebelle.co.uk We would love to invite you to our newly refurbished salon.

Louise Flynn

Louise has over 30 years experience in running salons and would like to introduce you to the newest member of the team, Ashleigh Connor. Ashleigh is our new Senior Hair Stylist and has worked for some of Leicester’s leading salons.

Enjoy an introductory offer of 20% off with Ashleigh

56 Rosemead Drive Oadby Leicester LE2 5SF

T: 0116 271 5056 M: 0780 110 1022

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NEW pure nourish-mint lipstick TM

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FASHION & BEAUTY

From vacation to staycation, we’re getting summer ready with a splash of inspiration from the SS18 shows.

Holiday HAIR

Tom Ford

COOL CROP

ES TOUSLED TRESS

Zadig Voltaire

After hanging by the pool all day, apply a salt spray to your hair and scrunch while it dries. The result?

A sexy, windswept, beach babe vibe.

Cool and chic, short hair is a summer staple. Keep the front section longer than the back, and use a wax to ruffle your hair for instant volume and bounce.

Jason Wu

Vivienne Hu Pamella Roland

There’s no easier holiday look to take you from day to night. Add styling gel to alreadywet hair to maintain this slick back style.

WET LOOK

LAZY WAVES Noon by No or

NATURAL CURLS From bed to beach.

Simply pull your hair off your face and secure with a hair pin at the back for this carefree feminine look.

Leave the hair dryer and straighteners at home and embrace your curls.

Use a hydrating gel-oil to control the frizz and allow to air dry.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 17

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.

AQ DER

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ASTAMP Book a co treatme urse of 3 nts for ju st

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FASHION & BEAUTY

Into the

BLUE

Dive into our pick of the best beauty must-haves.

After-Sun Hair Treatment Mask, £9, Aveda

Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent, £17.50, Clinique

Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector, £62, Lancôme Bel Azur Eau De Parfum, £99, Tory Burch

Hammam Body Mist, £16.50, Rituals

Cellutox Active Body Oil, £37, Elemis

Hydra-Essentiel, £36, Clarins

Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Shower Gel, £20, Molton Brown

Super Aqua Body Serum, £73, Guerlain

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 19

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Contact us now on: Exclusive Hearing Care

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

For more offers visit www.exclusivehearing.co.uk

Images: Boden

FUN IN THE

SUN Switch into sunshine and sandals mode with our 21 tips for a happy, healthy summer.

1

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. Get your legs out and buff your way to summer ready skin.

2

Get a pedicure – this season’s toes are orange margarita and aquamarine.

3

Swap your flip-flops for a supportive yet stylish sandal or fit-flop.

4

Wear sun cream. Opt for SPF30+ and remember to reapply every 2 to 3 hours.

13

5

Protect your hair. Scarves, floppy hats and trilbies are all in vogue this summer.

14

6

Spend time in the shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm.

7

Choose Jackie O or wraparound sunglasses for maximum eye protection.

8 9

Dab Vaseline inside of your nostrils to trap pollen.

16 17

Try oil of lemon eucalyptus for a natural mosquito prevention treatment.

18

10

Eat happy with foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins.

11

Artificial sugars depress serotonin levels so get your sweet fix from fruit instead.

12

Be BBQ savvy & remember the 4 C’s – chilling, cleaning, cooking and cross-contamination.

Drink plenty of water. Aim for 8-9 glasses per day and pimp with slices of fresh fruit.

Beware the healthy smoothie, they can be calorific. Try green tea or coconut water instead.

15

Keep up your exercise routine. If it’s too hot then try an air conditioned gym.

Be inspired by Wimbledon and try your hand at tennis.

Hit the water. Swim for 10 minutes and build up your time each week.

Manage your stress – yoga, mindfulness or the occasional G&T… whatever works for you!

19

Take up a hobby. Summer is the perfect time to try something new.

20

Be more carefree and do something that genuinely makes you happy.

21

Make time to have fun with friends. It's important!

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 21

Swim h USSC

Swim with USSC

Swim School Lessons · Rookie Life Guard · Adult Lessons · Swim Fit · Fun Splash · Swimming

Holiday Crash Course • Fun Splash Holiday Crash Course Swim Fit • Swimming

01572 820830 ussc@uppingham.co.uk @_ussc pingham.co.uk t `™@_ussc www.sportscentre.uppingham.co.uk gham.co.uk Uppingham Sports Centre, Leicester Road, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9SE Centre, Leicester Road,School Uppingham,

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19/01/2016 10:10

HEALTH & WELLBEING

THE GREAT

OUTDOORS

As the evenings stay lighter and warmer, your usual post-work workout may not have the same appeal. But there are many ways you can enjoy the summer sun and maintain an active lifestyle without stepping foot in the gym, says USSC’s Alexis Gray.

Here are some activities and exercises that can be undertaken in the great outdoors.

RUNNING/WALKING

People often see the sun shining and think they need to tighten their laces and complete a marathon, however the simple fact is running itself doesn’t have to be a gruelling 26 mile slog. A quick 2-3 miles or even brisk walk with intervals of jogging can benefit your fitness.

Sprinting as fast as you can is the ultimate outdoor activity, building lower-body strength and cardiovascular fitness. Pace off a distance of 100m or more and perform repeated 100m sprints. Walk slowly back to the start (this is your rest) and repeat.

Fartlek (or “speed play”) is when you vary your speed to walk, jog, run, or sprint through whatever terrain is available for a set period (for example, 10 minutes).

Plan out repeatable agility drills and run between trees, park benches, lampposts, or other obvious place markers. Plan a sequence that takes about 10 seconds (for explosive

Every Second Counts

power) or 30 seconds (for endurance and strength), and repeat.

CYCLING

Looking for something a little easier on the joints, cycling is a great low impact exercise and in the summer can be a great transport method also. Cycling is not for the lone wolf and is a fantastic social get together.

Getting a group of friends together to cycle a route with many cafes as pit stops can be a lovely way to enjoy the sunshine and keep active at the same time.

BOOT CAMP CLASS

Boot camp classes continue to be popular, and for good reason. They boost cardiovascular conditioning and strength through a mixture of calisthenics, cardio, and resistance moves with resistance bands and dumbbells. Many fitness facilities put on boot camp classes in the summer hosting them outside.

GOLF

Want something that's lower intensity

but keeps you active? Golf is a great choice. While you won't work up too much of a sweat with this one, if you walk the entire course you can still burn a considerable number of calories.

Playing golf and walking 18 holes is equal to a 5-mile walk or 3.5 to 4-mile run and can burn up to 2,000 calories.

As an added benefit, the act of swinging the club will work your shoulders, back, triceps, and biceps.

GARDENING Whether you're planting flowers, picking weeds, or mowing the grass, you'll be burning calories as you go. If you garden for a few hours, you can easily burn just as many calories as you would in a normal gym session. In fact, 45 minutes' worth of gardening can burn as many calories as 30 minutes of aerobics.

With so many additional benefits to exercising outdoors including providing essential vitamin D, enhancing mood and improving sleep, what is there to lose by taking fitness outside for the summer?

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 23

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

WINING & DINING

SUMMER

Greens Transform your summer greens with these simple supper recipes from Waitrose.

ASPARAGUS, LEMON & PECORINO PASTA Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 150g linguine 230g asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3cm pieces ½ lemon, zest and juice 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, peeled and bashed 30g finely grated pecorino romano Handful chopped flat leaf parsley

1

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the linguine, cook for 7 minutes, then add the asparagus and simmer for 2 more minutes.

Scoop out a large cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and asparagus.

2

Meanwhile, whisk together the lemon zest, juice and oil with the bashed garlic clove in a small bowl.

3

Tip the drained pasta and asparagus back into the pan with the pecorino, parsley, lemon-oil mixture and a good glug of the cooking water. Toss together, discard the garlic, and season. Serve immediately.

SAUTÉED PORK WITH PEAS & LEEKS Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 3-4 Ingredients: 1½ tbsp olive oil 1 pack free range pork leg escalopes 2 leeks, trimmed and sliced 240g frozen peas 100ml fresh vegetable stock 1 tbsp dijon mustard 2 tbsp reduced fat soured cream ½ lemon, zest and juice 1 tbsp chopped tarragon

Images and recipes: Waitrose

1

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan over a medium- high heat. Season the pork escalopes and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and almost cooked through. Lift from the pan and set aside on a plate.

2

Heat the remaining ½ tbsp oil in the pan and turn the heat to medium.

Sauté the leeks with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes until soft. Tip in the peas and stock and simmer over a high heat for 2 minutes.

3

Slice the pork and return to the pan, along with any resting juices, the mustard and soured cream. Season and stir everything together. Fold through the lemon zest and juice and tarragon before serving with new potatoes or steamed rice.

WINING & DINING

CHILLED PEA & COCONUT SOUP Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus chilling Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 large leek, finely sliced 1 onion, finely sliced 200g potato, peeled and diced 1 litre fresh vegetable stock 400g frozen or fresh garden peas 4 tbsp chopped chives 5 tbsp coconut dairy-free natural yogurt ½ lemon, juice

1

Heat the oil in a large pan, add the leek, onion and a pinch of salt and sautĂŠ over a medium heat for 10 minutes, until softened. Add the potato and cook for 10 minutes more until tender, then add the stock and bring to the boil. Tip in the peas, then take off the heat and set aside for 10 minutes.

2

Pour into a powerful blender with 2 tbsp chives and whizz until smooth.

Add 3 tbsp dairy-free coconut yogurt and whizz again. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste, bearing in mind that the flavour will dull slightly once it is chilled. It will also thicken as it cools, so add a little water to loosen to the consistency of single cream.

3

Tip into a jug and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight. To serve, pour into glasses, top with a dollop more yogurt and garnish with the chopped chives.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 27

High Quality Wedding Catering & Outside Catering in Leicestershire & Midlands High Quality Wedding Catering & Outside Catering For Events Where Quality Matters - Venues, Marquee, Tipi or at Home in Leicestershire & Midlands High Quality Wedding Catering & Outside Catering For Events Where Quality Matters - Venues, Marquee, Tipi or at Home in Leicestershire & Midlands 0116 283 3327 • info@dimblebeecatering.co.uk • www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk For Events Where Quality Matters - Venues, Marquee, Tipi or at Home

0116 283 3327 • info@dimblebeecatering.co.uk • www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk 0116 283 3327 • info@dimblebeecatering.co.uk • www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk

Recipes & Images: Waitrose

WINING & DINING

ICE ICE

Baby Keep your cool with these refreshing summer drinks.

MEXICAN MINT MULE

RASPBERRY & GINGER FIZZ

Serves: 4 Ingredients: Ice cubes 120ml tequila 3 limes Fresh mint leaves 2 x 500ml bottles ginger beer

Serves: 4 Ingredients: Crushed ice 100ml raspberry & pear cordial 2 lemons 200g fresh raspberries 2 x 500ml bottles ginger beer

Method: Place the ice cubes in a large jug and stir in the tequila and the juice of 2 limes. Thinly slice the remaining lime and add to the jug with a large handful of fresh mint leaves. Pour in the ginger beer, stir and serve in tumbler glasses.

Method: Half fill a large jug with crushed ice, and stir in the cordial and the juice of 1 lemon. Thinly slice the remaining lemon and add to the jug with the raspberries. Pour in the ginger beer, stir and serve.

ELDERFLOWER VODKA & TONIC Serves: 1 Ingredients: 4 strawberries, sliced Ice cubes 30ml vodka Elderflower tonic water Method: Fill a highball glass with sliced strawberries and ice, and pour over the vodka. Top up with elderflower tonic and serve swiftly.

FLORAL MINT FIZZ Serves: 1 Ingredients: 8 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 6cm piece cucumber, thinly sliced lengthways Crushed ice 100ml pressed apple juice Elderflower tonic water Method: Place the mint and cucumber in a tall highball glass and add a scoop of crushed ice. Pour in the apple juice, stir well. Top up with elderflower tonic and serve.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 29

Contact Sturgess Suzuki today to book a test drive and to find out more about this great offer.

STURGESS SUZUKI

Aylestone Road, Leicester LE2 7QN

0116 366 0330 www.sturgessgroup.com Models shown: Ignis 1.2 Adventure petrol manual including metallic paint (£465) available at £14,464 on the road. Swift 1.0 Boosterjet HYBRID SZ5 petrol manual including optional accessory pack (£479) and metallic paint (£485) available at £16,463 on the road. Vitara 1.6 Kuro petrol manual including metallic paint (£500) available at £19,249 on the road. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (L/100km): Ignis range: Urban from 51.3 (5.5) to 57.6 (4.9), Extra Urban from 64.2 (4.4) to 70.6 (4.0), Combined from 60.1 (4.7) to 65.7 (4.3). Official CO2 emissions from 106g/km to 97g/km. Swift range: Urban from 44.1 (6.4) to 58.8 (4.8), Extra Urban from 65.7 (4.3) to 76.3 (3.7), Combined from 56.5 (5.0) to 65.7 (4.3). Official CO2 emissions from 114g/km to 97g/km. Vitara range: Urban from 42.1 (6.7) to 61.4 (4.6), extra urban from 55.4 (5.1) to 76.3 (3.7), combined from 49.5 (5.7) to 70.6 (4.0). Official CO2 emissions from 131g/km to 106g/km. from 114g/km to 97g/km.

Fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results. Hire Purchase product available on 0% APR over 12-42 months. Personal Contract Purchase product available on 0% APR over 25-43 months. Offer is available from participating Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Credit is available to UK residents aged 18 years or over, subject to status, from Suzuki Finance, a trading style of Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, St. William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. This offer is subject to availability and Suzuki Financial Services Ltd reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer without notice or prior warning. *Excludes Suzuki Jimny. Terms and Conditions apply. Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, part of Lloyds Banking Group. Offer correct at the time of going to print.

Boden

LIFE & WORK

ART OF

Packing You’ve found the perfect destination, booked your flights and bought all of those holiday essentials. Now for the real challenge, fitting everything into your suitcase!

Here’s our best packing strategies to help you save time, space and your sanity...

Choose the right luggage. Suitcases with soft outer shells are lightweight and expandable, but the contents and the suitcase itself will be more vulnerable to damage and creasing.

Always research your destination before travelling. The temperature, facilities and activities available will have a big impact on what you need to take.

Prone to over-packing? Take a selection of clothes to mix and match over the course of your holiday. Opt for neutral colours to create the most looks with the fewest items.

Check the luggage weight and size restrictions for your airline and weigh your full suitcase at home. You don’t want to be repacking at the airport with everyone staring. The shame!

Pick items that can be easily transformed from beach to bar. Revive a simple pair of day shorts with heels, floaty top and a pair of statement earrings. Voilà!

Consider wearing your heaviest items such as jacket, jeans and shoes on the plane. This will create space in your suitcase and save on the allimportant weight allowance too.

Pack only 2 pairs of shoes. Yes 2! One casual and another more dressy pair.

Wedges are a fab choice. Protect your clothes by placing shoes in a separate compartment of the case.

Make sure that your contact details are clearly marked and use a padlock for added security. Pack all valuables in your carry-on luggage, not inside any bags that will be checked in.

Choose beauty items that have more than one purpose. A one-step cleanser and toner, a lip and cheek stain, or a moisturiser with SPF, will all save you valuable space.

Place any bulky or heavy items at the bottom of your suitcase as this will prevent your more delicate clothes from getting crushed and creased underneath them.

Carefully fold any jackets and longer items and add them to your suitcase. You can always place underwear in the jacket shoulders to help maintain its shape.

Roll up your smaller items and place those on top. Rolling will minimise creasing and also means that you can fill any awkward spaces around the suitcase.

Put all fragile items between soft clothing to protect them and make sure that any toiletries are in secure containers so that they don’t leak.

Fold your beach towel flat and place on top of everything else. This will help keep all the contents in place until you reach your final destination.

Hopefully when you do arrive, your clothes won’t be creased, but if they are, hang them in the bathroom while you take a shower. The steam will make any wrinkles drop out.

Share your packing tips with us on Facebook and #jointheconversation.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 31

Meet Our Team

As a result of continued and consistent business growth, we are delighted to announce the expansion of our Loughborough office situated on Church Gate. Our new premises will increase the support to our growing client list across Leicestershire and Rutland. Our areas of specialism include: Wills and Probate • Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship • Conveyancing; Residential and Commercial • Family Law; Divorce, Finances, Children and Rights of Cohabitees • Childcare and Social Services • Motoring offences • Criminal Defence and Advocacy • Domestic Violence and Abuse • Fitness to Practise

Call 01509 610312 Leicester | Loughborough | Coalville | johnsonastills.com

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Farmer and Carlisle Leicester 129 Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 6BE Tel: 0116 285 2851 farmercarlisle.toyota.co.uk

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Yaris Hybrid Icon Tech 5 door 1.5 VVT-i Auto with 15” Alloys. Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Urban 91.1 (3.1), Extra Urban 85.6 (3.3), Combined 85.6 (3.3). CO2 Emissions 75g/km. All mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU regulated laboratory test results. These are provided to allow comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect your actual driving experience. From 1 September 2017, certain new vehicles will be type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. From 1 September 2018 WLTP will fully replace the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which is the current test procedure. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. More information can be found by visiting www.WLTPfacts.eu Model shown is Yaris Hybrid Icon Tech 5 door 1.5 VVT-i Auto at £18,445. Additional charges may apply on selected paint colours and finishes. Prices correct at time of going to print. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty. Terms and conditions apply. *0% APR Representative and £500 Finance Deposit Allowance only available on new retail orders of Yaris Hybrid (excluding Active grade) between 3rd April 2018 and 1st July 2018 and registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services by 30th September 2018 on a 42 month AccessToyota (PCP) plan with 0%-35% deposit. ^Payment shown is based on a 42 month AccessToyota (PCP) contract with £3,198.50 customer deposit and Guaranteed Future Value/Optional Final Payment. Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. 8,000 miles per annum, excess miles over contracted charged at 8p per mile. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Participating Toyota Centres. Affordable finance through AccessToyota (PCP). Terms and conditions apply.

Boden

LIFE & WORK

Career BOOST Does your organisation suffer from summer slowdown?

Although it’s tempting to put your feet up and sit it out until September, the holiday hiatus is a great time to assess your career and make smart use of the seasonal slump. Is that a promotion I can see?

an industry event, going on a course or inviting someone you’ve been meaning to connect with for post work drinks.

Stretch Targets

your colleagues, plus you’ll get out of the office for several hours on a sunny Friday afternoon.

Productivity Counts

If there’s a pet project you’re excited about, offer to take it on as a summer assignment. Maybe ask to work from home for a week. You’ll have the uninterrupted time to get it done and if you’re lucky, come back with a tan as well as the praise for delivering the project.

Promise yourself to leave work on time all summer. It’ll force you to be super-efficient during the day (extra brownie points) and ensure you’re not spending all your daylight hours indoors. Better still, make a pact with yourself to be happier at work and you’ll enjoy your weekends so much more.

New Habits

New Horizons

Schedule a catch-up meeting with your boss. The summer months may be quieter for them too. Tell them you’re looking for a mentor and he/she will know that you’re ambitious and may even offer to take you under their wing.

Choose a new work habit or activity that would make a difference. Think of it as a summer experiment and track your progress. Whether it’s not checking your email for the first hour at work, or contributing to the company blog, it’s motivating to do something new.

Finally if you’re thinking of branching out, the summer can be one of the best times to find a new job. There is less competition as people are on holiday or sitting it out until autumn, and if you’re someone who has more energy and positivity in the summer, that will serve you well in interviews.

Out & About

Born Leader

It seems that when it comes to summer at work, you can have your Pimms and drink it too!

Here’s a few ways you can boost your career this summer…

Moving Up

Interested in moving up the ladder or changing departments, take a wellplaced colleague out to lunch. It’s an ideal opportunity to informally pump them for information and because it’s work-related you can get away with rolling in a few minutes late too.

Self Promote

If you haven’t yet joined a professional organisation, now’s the time. You’re less likely to be missed from the office at this time of year, so it’s perfect for attending

Offer to plan the office summer picnic or BBQ. It’s a great way to get notice. You’ll look like a born leader with the boss, ‘Miss Popularity’ with

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 33

QUEEN

of the court Following the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia in September last year, Serena Williams is gearing up to make a triumphant return to tennis at Wimbledon next month.

LIFE & WORK

There are two Serena Williams. One is a sporting legend, a two-time Olympic tennis doubles gold medal winner and world record breaker who has been striking fear into the hearts of her opponents since her debut, aged 17, at the US open. The other is a mother, daughter, sister and a friend - she is warm, kind and incredibly feminine, with a passion for fashion… and the colour pink. Williams admits that the dichotomy between her professional and her personal sides is one that is hard for some to fathom, but then again, isn’t it always tricky to define living icons.

"I think each of those characteristics helps balance me and everything else in my life,” she begins. “A lot of people say to me 'wow, you look different in person', and I say ‘well, I'm not sweating and grunting’,” retorts the athlete. “It's a big difference when I'm working so hard in tennis - that's my job. But being an athlete makes me never want to give up on things; whatever I believe in, I fight for and will do it again and again until it’s right."

Having dominated her chosen sport for the best part of two decades, Williams decided it was time to put a little of her energy into nurturing a family, and in Spring of last year announced that she and fiancé Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian were expecting their first child. On September 1, 2017, the star gave birth to Alexis Olympia, and two months later the couple wed in a lavish ceremony in New Orleans, with invitees including Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and US Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Motherhood clearly suits the star, and since the birth of her daughter, Williams has been delighting fans with adorable of snaps of baby Alexis, along

the way revealing much more of this gentler, softer side she possesses.

Last month she swapped the tennis court for the royal court when she attended her close friend Meghan Markle’s wedding becoming one of the fashion highlights of the day in an elegant blush pink Versace gown with matching fascinator. She then caused a stir later on when she revealed on her Instagram that beneath her floral Valentino evening gown she was wearing matching trainers, a trick she often uses to survive long nights out.

...whatever I believe in, I fight for and will do it again and again until it’s right.

Well known for bright sporting outfits, Serena has an exclusive collection she designs with Puma, an endorsement deal with Nike, along with her own clothing line, Aneres.

“I like really bright colours because I think they brighten up any mood and can make me feel sexy. They also empower me as a woman, especially sitting in a boardroom full of men," she says defiantly.

With the tennis season warming up again, Williams is turning her focus back to sport. When she bowed out to become a mother, the 36-year-old mogul was the undisputed number one in the world. But motherhood profoundly alters a woman’s body and mind, particularly when considering the fact that Williams had numerous health complications, revealing that following an emergency C-section she suffered a pulmonary embolism and underwent several surgeries which

left her bedridden for six weeks.

Consequently, it’s difficult to tell what her fitness status is, with the Women’s Tennis Association giving her a mind-boggling 449th ranking on her official return to the sport.

It also doesn’t help that 39-time Grand Slam winner has ludicrously high expectations of herself, and after preparing to defend her Australian Open title a mere four months after giving birth, was forced to withdraw, explaining her decision in a statement via Snapchat. “After performing in my first match after giving birth I realised that although I am super close, I’m not where I personally want to be,” she wrote.

“My coach and team always said ‘Only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way’. With that being said I am disappointed to say I’ve decided not to compete in the Australian Open this year.”

But six months is a long time, particularly when you’re a devoted athlete training every single day, and Williams is already being touted as a favourite to win Wimbledon this year. It also helps that she has such a soft spot for the historic tournament, saying: “Wimbledon is always the highlight of my year. As time goes on the opponents change, but the place itself always stays the same and it’s always such a pleasure to play tennis there. It’s also a very personal experience in surroundings where you feel everyone is on top of you – supportive encouraging and playing along almost.

“Wimbledon is unique for that and I can’t wait to get back.”

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 35

Designer

HOMES & GARDENS

DECKCHAIRS Whether at the beach or in the back garden, sit back and relax in some stylish summer seating.

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1 Bloomingville Deck Chair, £165, Amara 2 Circles Quarter Abstract Deckchair, £99, We Love Cushions 3 Murlough Bay View Deckchair, £115, National Trust 4 Deckchair Frame with Beach Huts Sling, £37, John Lewis 5 Marquee Wooden Deckchair, £49.95, Homebase 6 Deckchair Frame with Wild Garden Sling, £37, John Lewis 7 Ship in a Bottle Deckchair, £145, Thornback & Peel 8 Cabin Outdoor Deckchair, £522.20, Einrichten Design 9 Watermelon Deck Chairs (set of 2), £55, George Home URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 37

The Light House LEICESTER’S LEADING LIGHTING SPECIALIST

107A/B Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 OTD • 0116 233 0303

www.lighthouse-leicester.co.uk Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 11am-4pm sales@lighthouse-leicester.co.uk

LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE

WIN! £100 GIFT CARD for Marks & Spencer

From first homes to forever homes, there are countless ways to put your stamp on a space.

This month one lucky Urban Fox reader will win a £100 gift card to spend at Marks and Spencer.

At M&S, they understand that your home is your ultimate ‘you’ place: an expression of your taste; a place to retreat and relax with the people you love the most. From small flourishes with big impact, bright cushions and chic glass vases, to big investments, like smart sofas that will be hosting treasured family moments for years to come.

For interior ideas that you’ll love, visit marksandspencer.com or pop into your local M&S

Home store at Fosse Park, Leicester or Brotherhood Retail Park, Peterborough.

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘M&S’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Saturday 30 June 2018.

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 prize may be withdrawn at any time.

Your leading independent flooring retailer for over 70 years...

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 39

HOME PANTONE 446 U

Elizabeth Scarlett Luxury Bedding at Cavells Home 16 Mill Street | Oakham | Rutland | LE15 6EA | 01572 352966 | cavells.co.uk

AI S ON I N T E RI OR S

www.zoehubbard.com

Melody Maison

MelodyMaison

www. .co.uk The Country’s Leading Vintage & Painted Bedroom Furniture Specialist Visit Our Website or Call 01302 741000 Receive 10% o with coupon code: 10UFV (expires 31st August)

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Cowboy CHIC

House of Fraser

5

Anna Sui

Take inspiration from the American Mid-West with prairie inspired interiors.

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1 Junipa Kerala sequin cushion, £22, House of Fraser 2 Hanging Tube Planter, £84.95, Farlo.io 3 Braided Natural Pouffe, £241, Dash & Albert 4 Root Table Lamp, £99.99, The Garden Furniture Centre 5 Roar + Rabbit Geo Inlay Chest, £719.95, John Lewis 6 Mammoth Vintage Leather Chair, £2429, Houseology 7 Linea Cane Lanterns, from £30, House of Fraser 8 Modern Geo Rug, £219, M&S 9 Cactus Selection in Ceramic Pot, £25, M&S

Broughtons

Traditional Lighting & Architectural Ironmongery

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Be Inspired...

Be Original...

Be Authentic...

The Old Fire Station 10a Abbey Street Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 9AA Tel: 01858 419798

Showroom Open: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm The Old Cinema Cropston Road Anstey Leicestershire LE7 7BP

0116 232 3175

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sales@broughtons.com

Follow us on Facebook

Opening hours Tuesday - Saturday 9:30 - 5:00

LOWE’S FURNISHING SHOP AT LOUGHBOROUGH OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 37 - 40

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Large cushions £195 NOW £155 Medium £ 175 NOW £139

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Leicestershire - London 01509 261000

Harborough Lights Lighting Design Consultancy

Displaying the very best in British and European decorative lighting and the latest in LED technology. Thousands of options and bespoke manufacture offering an unlimited choice.

Welcome Mr. Wattson, your fun and flexible friend Open 9am until 5pm Tuesday to Saturday

13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP www.harboroughlights.co.uk

01858 467716

Inspirational design into reality.

Visit our studio or please contact us to book your free design consultation.

Kitchen & Home Design Limited Stoughton Grange, Gartree Road, Leicester LE2 2FB

0116 271 4003 | www.kitchenhomedesign.co.uk | DDDD

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 47

COLOURS OF

Summer This summer opt for soft and subtle colour combinations to create a feminine, fresh and modern feel.

John Lewis

HOMES & GARDENS

Monsoon Gather Bowls, £28, Denby

Stoneware Cafetière & Grand Mug, £55/£17, Le Creuset

Oxygen & Subtle Blush Emulsion, from £12, B&Q

Cosmopolitan Candle Holder, £14, Debenhams

Eames DSW Chair, £464, Heal’s

Scatter Cushions, £45 each, Loaf

Kilny side plates, £35, Loaf

Wool Cut Out Throw, £16.99, HomeSense

Roberts Revival Istream Radio, £219.99, John Lewis

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 49

Rutland Shutters

Louvred & Solid Window Shutters

Contact us for a quote or further information Mob: 07768 695236 Web: www.rutlandshutters.co.uk

Come and meet the team at our exciting refurbished show room Empire Road, Leicester LE3 5HE Weekdays 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 1pm

0116 233 4441 www.harveyswindows.co.uk info@harveyswindows.co.uk

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

Exotic Walls by Knighton Design

Be Unique

Design your own bespoke wall and floor finishes in any room in the home or garden

Be Inspired

Let me work with you to create your own individual style

We are providers of bespoke decorative Polished Plaster and Venetian Plastering for both domestic and commercial clients

KNIGHTON DESIGN 547 Welford Road, Leicester LE2 6FN 07977 11 55 95 • peter@knightondesign.co.uk Plaster supplied by Viero UK Ltd

Inspiring, Practical and Creative EMC Tiles have been supplying quality ceramic and porcelain tiles since 1979 to the trade, domestic customers and commercial developers. Our award–winning showrooms in Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham have the latest in tile fashion and trends with an extensive range of tiles and tiling accessories in-store and online. Our staff share a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you make the right choice of tile and fixings; all with free local delivery.*

For further details call 0116 283 4068 or email enquiries@emctiles.co.uk 551 Saffron Lane, Leicester, LE2 6UN Also at Nottingham and Loughborough.

Follow us: * T&C’s apply

www.emctiles.co.uk

0116 255 5745 WWW.DEWHIRSTKITCHENS.CO.UK OUR LEICESTERSHOWROOM IS LOCATED AT 98 GRANBY STREET, LEICESTER LE1 1DU

HOMES & GARDENS

Small

SPACES

COURTYARD MAKEOVER

If your outdoor space is more sparse than sprawling, check out these big ideas for the smaller garden.

A simple stone courtyard can be transformed from boring to beautiful with a few pieces of small scale furniture, potted plants and accessories.

GROW YOUR OWN

Growing your own vegetables and herbs is achievable even in the smallest spaces. If you have a small sunny spot in your courtyard, or even on your patio, you can grow vegetables.

UP LIGHTING

TERRARIUM LANDSCAPES

Treat your plant pots as a small-scale landscapes. Enjoy indoors all winter, then move to the patio for an instant garden in summer. Check out this range of terrariums from Garden Trading.

Individualise your small space by upgrading your lighting.

Innovative solutions such as this Monroe Solar LED Lamp from Cuckooland has a dimmer for creating the perfect ambiance.

VERTICAL GARDENING

Vertical gardening has been around for a while but there are now more products available to make it an easier option.

Check out this collapsible vertical garden

by Jรถrg Brachman at Heimatwerke.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 53

SULLIVAN BUILDING RESTORATION • COMMERCIAL & OAK FRAME BUILDINGS

C R A F T S M A N S H I P AT T H E H E A R T O F E V E R Y T H I N G W E D O

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email: info@sullivanbuilding.co.uk

31 Market St Lu

EXPERT ADVICE A N D I N S TA L L AT I O N O F SCHUECO AND KESTREL ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS

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WORKSHOP

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AND VIEW OUR PREMIUM RANGE OF STOVES AND HOME ACCESSORIES

email: info@woodburnerworkshop.co.uk

tterworth Leicestershire LE17 4EJ | 0% FinanceURBAN Available FOX JUNE 2018 55

www.ivytimberstructures.co.uk

Beautiful spaces for work, rest and play Do you have a dream garden room? Visit our workshop in Market Harborough to discuss your ideas with our talented architects. Then discover how we use the latest techniques alongside traditional carpentry and joinery methods to create bespoke timber structures to your specifications.

Let us design and build your dream. www.ivytimberstructures.co.uk || 01858 www.ivytimberstructures.co.uk 01858426285 466285

John Lewis

HOMES & GARDENS

Inside OUT I absolutely love being outdoors.

Not a single day goes by without me stepping outside at some point. For me the garden is as important as any room inside the house. Now don’t worry I’m not going all Monty Don on you, I’m not talking about pricking out Pansies or pruning your perennials.

This is about wanting to be out there, really using it as a space to cherish and chill in.

If you feel your garden brings you more hassle than happiness then it’s time to start your love affair with all things al fresco! It’s not all green fingers and hard work. Admittedly there is the lawn. If you only do one thing then cut the grass, you can plant all the flowers in the world but they won’t divert from a messy lawn. My husband is OCD about his and has to create stripes, I’m always desperate to nudge him mid mow.

Fill borders with shrubs and bushes to limit pesky weeds and bring colour in with potted bedding plants. For minimal effort chose ones that don't need dead heading, Begonias and Busy Lizzies are perfect. Chuck herbs

From cosy corners and casual barbecues to herbaceous plants and peaceful patios, get your garden summer-ready with outdoor enthusiast Sarah Mettrick.

into a free space, the gorgeous fragrances will fill the air and just the job for cooking and cocktails. Mint goes nuts (that’s the mojito’s sorted) as does Lemongrass.

Rosemary, Chives, Coriander and Parsley all easy to grow too. Pick some herbs add in a few flowers and stick in a jug for your outside table.

...your very own tiny piece of the planet to appreciate and enjoy.

You can jump into your garden at any time of the day or year. When you make your early morning cuppa take it outside. It’s so peaceful, the sun rising, the glorious smell of the morning air - there’s no better way to start the day. Eating breakfast outside is lovely too - I’m often clad in pyjamas and a hoodie. Try running around in warm rain it’s exhilarating, clothes are optional! And the barbecue, who says that’s just a summer activity, ours is lit most weekends. The smell of it during gloomy winter months instantly perks you up. Last Christmas we even barbecued the turkey!

When it gets chilly there’s no need to run indoors, we’re Brits, we work through these things. Outdoor heaters, fluffy blankets, easy solutions to prolonging the joy of an evening under the stars. Make it cosy; light candles (hurricane lamps if breezy) you can also get battery powered lanterns which look really lovely. Pretty much every large bush or low tree in our garden has solar powered fairy lights wrapped around it. When it gets dark the lights begin to sparkle - no effort required and it feels magical. Chuck any old brightly coloured cushions and throws onto chairs and benches it really makes a difference.

The garden, your very own tiny piece of the planet to appreciate and enjoy. Me and the hubbie have a pact not to argue in ours - so it’s always our happy peaceful place. It’s quite handy to be honest, when I prang the car or lose my mobile he tends to hear about it when we’re sitting on the patio.

You’ve gotta love the garden!

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 57

A5advert versions_Urban Fox 15/05/2018 16:42 Page 1

25 – 29 July 2018 Five days of fabulous films from Beauty and the Beast to Gladiator...

Daytime session 10.30am – 4.30pm

Evening session 5.30pm – 11.00pm

WEDS 25 JULY

11.30 The Lego Batman Movie (U) 14.00 Brave (PG)

18.00 Murder on the Orient Express (12A) 20.00 The Great Gatsby (12A)

THURS 26 JULY

11.30 Chicken Run (U) 14.00 Trolls (U)

18.30 Top Gun (12A) 20.45 Cocktail (15)

FRI 27 JULY

11.30 The Lion King (U) 14.00 Ballerina (U)

18.00 Gladiator (15) 21.00 300 (15)

SAT 28 JULY

11.30 Cars 3 (U) 14.00 Beauty and the Beast (PG)

18.30 The Hangover (18) 20.30 Saturday Night Fever (18)

SUN 29 JULY

11.30 Paddington 2 (PG) 14.00 Sing (U)

18.00 The Italian Job (12A) 20.15 Dunkirk (12A)

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Explore a thousand years of history… …and the best of contemporary country living An inspired collection of shops and experiences awaits you at the Engine Yard this summer.

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Urban Fox half page - 109mm x 150mm - Landscape.indd 1

21/05/2018 13:21

Beach BOOKS Together

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

From faith and feminism, to motherhood and midlife wobbles, here’s our pick of the hottest beach books to add to your summer reading list.

by Julie Cohen Robbie and Emily they have been together for decades. Now, their joints are creaking and their eyesight is failing - but their love for each other is as fresh and fierce as the day they first met.

They have had children and grandchildren, lived full and happy and intimate lives. But they have been keeping a secret since the day they met, when their lives changed forever. Over the years, the sacrifices and choices they made have sealed their fates together. Did they do the right thing?

Read their story, and you decide.

What We Lose

The Female Persuasion

by Meg Wolitzer Greer Kadetsky is a shy college student when she meets the woman who will shape her life. Faith Frank, dazzlingly persuasive and elegant, has been a pillar of the women’s movement for decades. Hearing Faith speak for the first time, in a crowded campus chapel, Greer – misunderstood yet full of longing for an ambition that she can’t quite place – feels herself changed.

Expansive and wise, compassionate and witty, The Female Persuasion is about the spark we all believe is flickering inside us, waiting to be seen and fanned by the right person at the right time.

by Zinzi Clemmons From an author of rare, haunting power, a stunning novel about a young African-American woman coming of age—a deeply felt meditation on race, sex, family, and country. Raised in Pennsylvania, Thandi views the world of her mother’s childhood in Johannesburg as both impossibly distant and ever present. She is an outsider wherever she goes, caught between being black and white, American and not. She tries to connect these dislocated pieces of her life, and as her mother succumbs to cancer, Thandi searches for an anchor—someone, or something, to love.

There Are No Grown-Ups

by Pamela Druckerman Does it ever feel like everyone - except you - is a bona-fide adult? Do you wonder how real grown-ups get to be so mysteriously capable and wise? When she turns 40, Pamela Druckerman wonders whether her mind will ever catch up with her face. With frank personal stories and witty maxims, Druckerman hilariously navigates the unexplored zone between young and not-soyoung. There Are No Grown-Ups is a midlife coming-of-age story, a quest for wisdom, self-knowledge and the right pair of pants.

Why Mummy Swears

by Gill Sims Why Mummy Swears is the much anticipated new novel from Gill Sims, author of the hilarious Why Mummy Drinks and online sensation Peter and Jane. It’s every parents’ nightmare – the start of the school holidays – and instead of sitting in the sun, reading a book over a cold, crisp glass of Pinot Grigio, Mummy has two bored moppets to attend to. After frantically booking sports camps, child minder slots, not to mention time off work, Mummy is exhausted.

But this is only the beginning…

WIN!

TICKETS TO THE BATTLE PROMS at Burghley House

Win tickets to the 14th annual Battle Proms at Burghley House in Stamford on Saturday 7 July 2018.

Pack up the hampers and champers and join thousands of loyal fans for an exceptional afternoon and evening of entertainment at the Burghley House Battle Proms Concert!

Enjoy a full programme of captivating classical music from the 60 piece New English Concert Orchestra, complemented by toe-tapping vintage vocals, breathtaking Spitfire display to Elgar’s Nimrod, sensational freefall demonstration by The Red Devils parachute team, dramatic WWI cavalry display and groundshaking live fire from over 200 cannons.

We have 3 pairs of tickets to give away for this quintessentially British ‘party in the park’, which features magnificent musical firework displays, culminating in a flag waving, sing-a-long spectacular including all the ‘last night of the proms’ finale favourites such as Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory!

Don’t want to leave it to chance? Book tickets for this spectacular night out at www.battleproms.com or call 01432 355 416.

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Battle Proms’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 22 June 2018.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be chosen on or after the 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 can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

TM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON

McQueen, 18 & 21 Jun, Cinema De Lux

JUNE 2018

Viva Film Festival Fri 1 – Wed 27 Jun Phoenix Arts Tickets from £6 phoenix.org.uk

Viva Film Festival arrives at Phoenix for the first time, taking you on a whistle-stop cinematic tour through the Latin world; from the heart of Madrid, to the rock clubs of Buenos Aries, over the stunning Andes in Peru then into Mexico and the iconic Day of the Dead Festival, winding up in the idyllic sun drenched back streets of Havana… A la fiesta! Films include Abracadabra, El Bar, Casi Leyendas, Timecrimes, Buena Vista Social Club, and The Motorcycle Diaries. See website for details of individual films.

Le Corsaire

Kate Moore

Wed 6 Jun Phoenix Arts Tickets from £14 phoenix.org.uk

Loosely based on Lord Byron's poem of the same name, Le Corsaire follows the swashbuckling adventures of dashing pirate Conrad who journeys across the high seas to save his beloved from the Pasha’s harem with danger looming at every turn. With lavish sets and costumes, the choreography mirrors Russian ballet master Maris Petipa’s revival from 19th century St. Petersburg. Full of action, passion and a romantic twist form the heart of this unmissable ballet and libretto. This is a recorded performance.

Le Corsaire, 6 Jun, Phoenix Arts

Art House, 8 - 10 Jun, Stoneygate & Clarendon Park

Art House

Fri 8 – Sun 10 Jun Stoneygate & Clarendon Park Free Entry Art-house.org.uk An opportunity to view ‘Extraordinary Art in Ordinary Houses’, Art House is back with over 60 artists across 10 venues! If you've never been before, expect to be amazed by the great variety of work on show including textiles, jewellery, ceramics, glass, sculpture, fine art, print making and photography. Plus take the opportunity to chat to the artists about their work and buy something unique for your home. New for this year Ellerington Fine Art Gallery also takes part, curating a special exhibition on entitled “Life and Death” to highlight one of the strands running through this year’s event. Walk or cycle between venues, or catch the free hopper bus. On Sat & Sun take a break for tea and cake at Tart House (71 Holmfield Road) a popup cafe which enables Art House to support local charities. Established since 2008 this community event has people returning year after year. Venues are open from 18.00-20.30 on Fri and 11.00-18.00 on Sat & Sun.

Russell Watson, 17 Jun, Loughborough Town Hall

Russell Watson

Sun 17 Jun Loughborough Town Hall Tickets £46 loughboroughtownhall.co.uk A very special evening with four-time Brit Classical Award winner Russell Watson, accompanied by his pianist and a guest choir. The worldrenowned tenor will be performing songs from his new album True Stories, together with a selection of hits from his illustrious career.

Russell Watson has sold more than 7 million albums and performed for Her Majesty The Queen, The Pope and two US Presidents. Captivating to watch and enchanting to listen to, Russell continues to wow audiences with his enigmatic and entertaining live performances.

Quartet

Mon 18 – Sat 23 Jun The Little Theatre Tickets from £13.50 thelittletheatre.net Four retired opera singers find themselves meeting up again in a plush retirement home for classical musicians. In this funny and poignant play, secrets and revelations emerge from the shared past of the four characters, with the beautiful music of Verdi’s opera Rigoletto as a background. Quartet was made into the popular film of the same name, directed by Dustin Hoffman and starring Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins.

This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.

McQueen

Mon 18 & Thu 21 Jun Cinema De Lux Tickets from £7 showcasecinemas.co.uk A documentary on the life of Alexander McQueen. Directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui, the film takes a bold and cinematic approach, using newly shot recreated scenes, motion and photographic archives, audio archives and interviews, exquisite visuals and music, to create an authentic celebration and thrilling portrait of Alexander McQueen.

Madama Butterfly Thu 21 Jun Stamford Arts Centre Tickets from £16 phoenix.org.uk

When an innocent young Geisha meets an American naval officer she falls instantly and deeply in love.

Giving up her family and her faith, she risks all in marriage to the dashing

Lieutenant Pinkerton. But her fragile happiness cannot last. Soon love turns to abandonment and betrayal, and Butterfly is forced to make one final, agonising sacrifice. Bursting with exotic colour and memorable melodies, Puccini’s seductive score conceals a dramatic blade that cuts to the heart.

Blending authentic Japanese music with luscious European harmonies and orchestration, the opera is an irresistible fusion of East and West.

Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Broadcast live from Glyndebourne.

Cul-de-Sac

Fri 22 & Sat 23 Jun Harborough Theatre Tickets from £6 harboroughtheatre.com

Cul-de-Sac is a comedy, which takes place on Muriel’s sixtieth birthday. Her family, husband Jim, son Brian and daughter-in-law Alex have arranged a quiet celebration – a meal at an expensive restaurant. But Muriel has gone walk-about. She has been behaving oddly for some time now. Jim and Brian are positive that she’s going senile but Alex seems to understand her mother-in-law’s behaviour. In fact the lives of all four of them are not as serene as they first appear. Their dilemmas come to the surface as the evening progresses. Is Muriel really any different from the others or could she be one step ahead of them? Cul-deSac is shown as one of two 1 Act plays, alongside The Day After the Battle.

Madama Butterfly, 21 Jun, Stamford Arts Centre

SUMMER AUC TION PROGRAMME OF

gildings auctioneers

FINE ART AND ANTIQUES

Suitable entries are invited

Jewellery Valuations Entries of fine, victorian, vintage and modern jewellery are amongst the items now being invited for inclusion in our summer programme of Fine Art and Antiques sales. Please contact our jewellery specialist on 01858 410414 or sales@gildings.co.uk for an appraisal.

Illustrated: A diamond solitaire ring in the Art Deco style.

SOLD £8,025 Including Fees.

Auctions and Catalogues Auction dates are published online at www.gildings.co.uk including fully illustrated catalogues when they become available.

You may also subscribe so that you will be informed as soon as new catalogues are published.

There is always more to discover at Gildings Auctions

Telephone : 01858 410414 | Email: sales@gildings.co.uk | www.gildings.co.uk Gildings Auctioneers, The Mill, Great Bowden Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DE

 GILDINGS.CO.UK

EXCLUSIVE OFFER We are offering 50% off the room hire fee of all weddings during January, February and March 2019 Weddings Monday – Friday

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Boden

PEOPLE & PLACES

Can't Stand

THE HEAT? Does the thought of a long hot summer fill you with joy or is it a sweaty, misery-making, endurance test?

Kirsty France steps out of the shade to share her secrets to a cool summer.

I must confess that I don’t cope well with hot weather. I come from a long line of freckly people and have a tendency towards turning into a lobster when the sun shines. I did once enjoy sunny holidays by the pool, mainly because I could dive in and cool off every so often. Plus there was usually a swim up bar. I always wondered whether the bar staff were trained to tell you if you were too drunk to swim, but they never seemed to.

These days though, my relaxing poolside breaks are a thing of the past.

My two small children aren’t interested in reclining on a sun lounger and the four year old is still too little to swim on his own. They still love the sunshine and so far we’ve managed to strike a balance by having seaside holidays in the UK. However, I suspect that the day will come when we want to take them further afield.

If you, like me, would like to escape the inevitable British rain but still want to stay cool, here are some great destinations you could try.

MAJORCA

I’ve always loved Majorca. It has a beautiful coastline and the people are really friendly. The only time I’ve ever felt overheated was when we ventured inland to wander around the capital, Palma. Stick to the coast and you’ll find lovely beaches where the kids can build sandcastles and everyone can go paddling. Then you can retreat to a shady beachside restaurant for lunch.

LANZAROTE

It might surprise you to find one of the Canary Islands on a list of places to beat the heat. After all, the weather is pretty much scorching all year round.

Lanzarote is a bit different. Whilst it’s still hot and sunny, the sea breezes

make the island a popular spot for windsurfers. They could also be just what you need to stay nice and cool.

SAN FRANCISCO

If you’re not too bothered about a beach holiday, head to San Francisco. The summer temperatures usually stay below 20°C so you can walk around and see the sights without overheating. If you do feel the need to cool down, try riding on the outside of one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars. I’ve done it and it’s not as scary as it sounds! You can also head out to Alcatraz Island. Try the twilight tour where getting shut into a cell will definitely give you the chills.

I come from a long line of freckly people and have a tendency towards turning into a lobster when the sun shines.

Need more inspiration? Try wine tasting in Uruguay, a walking adventure in Greenland, skiing in Patagonia, hiking in Switzerland or cruising the Norwegian Fjords.

So whether you’re in search of summer sun or a shady spot, Happy Holidays!

URBAN FOX JUNE 2018 65

Fashion fix

Nike and Superdry Best for beauty

Simple

MY WAY

On my nightstand

Sam White “Our new preschool will offer the perfect mix of free play and set learning activities” says Sam White, owner of Mini Mischiefs.

I was born and brought up in Leicester.

My parents separated when I was young and Mum worked full-time to support us, so I spent a lot of time with my Grandad.

He was a truly amazing man. A friend, a confidante and giver of good advice!

I enjoyed my early years at school but sadly missed a great deal due to spending time in hospital. I left secondary school early without taking exams, but later went back to college. Even after completing my studies, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.

I initially worked in the fitness industry but it wasn’t for me. I hated standing up in front of people and always preferred to blend into the crowd. I then worked in mental health, a job I really enjoyed and learnt a lot from. It also gave me the opportunity to get on the housing ladder.

My first house needed some renovation so my partner and I did the work, sold the house and moved to a bigger property.

I’d caught the developer’s bug and continued buying, selling and renting properties for profit.

During this time I realised I enjoyed working for myself and so when I was offered the opportunity to buy a drainage business in 2002, I jumped at the chance. I bought a computer, first time I’d ever used

one, figured out how to write a business plan and applied for a bank loan.

In 2008 I got married and two years later my son Harry was born. As a new Mum I was surprised at the limited facilities that were available for babies and toddlers. I’d always thought I might like to work with small children so put the two things together and ‘Mini Mischiefs’ was born.

In 2011 and 4 weeks after the birth of my second child Ollie, I signed the lease on the empty unit as well as buying a plot of land to build our own home. To be honest those early years were a bit of a blur and I always seemed to be permanently behind; but the flexibility of working hours that fitted in with family life was irreplaceable.

Since we opened in 2012 things have moved on considerably. My marriage broke down, but the business has gone from strength to strength. We have branched out into new areas with a range of birthday offerings including build-a-bear and laser tag parties, as well as our popular Bumps and Babies group. From a business perspective this has been successful in enabling me to optimise the building more during typically quieter periods.

From September I will be taking this one step further as Mini Adventures Preschool opens its doors for the first time. Operating 08.30-15.00, Monday to Friday, during term time, in our newly converted mezzanine area, the preschool will offer the perfect mix of free play and

“I Let You Go” by Claire Mackintosh Fun in the sun

Antigua

Swimsuit or bikini

Bikini

Top nosh

Pasta or steak Guilty pleasure

Bath, PJs, movie & junk food!

Advice to young self

Feel less guilty

set learning activities. Aside from literacy and mathematics we’ll also offer tech time, music, dance and cooking to promote learning and development.

The preschool is a great opportunity for my staff to show off their experience and skills too. I thought long and hard about the type of care that I would want for my own children and I think we have the winning formula. Highly qualified, experienced staff, with a low staff-tochild ratio in order that they can be responsive to the children's needs.

In terms of my own needs, I go to the gym most mornings which is hugely important for my brain function and to help me focus. Generally I need to learn to switch off better and be more present.

Now my boys are at school, I worry that our time together is rushed rather than the quality time we shared when they were younger. Oh and I definitely need more sleep!

For more details about Mini Adventures Preschool call 01858 419 743 or email info@miniadventures.co.uk

Smithers Purslow Glaston Hall Glaston Rutland LE15 9BZ 01572 822000 glaston@smitherspurslow.com www.smitherspurslow.com

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