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WIN
Nora Clutch from L.K. Bennett Hair Makeover at Rush
Animal INSTINCT Take a walk on the wild side
PUSSY GALORE
September 2016
Tickled PINK Not just for girls
TAKING THE
LEAD Alicia Vikander interview
FEELING
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Hello
We’ve lovely looks summer break but it’s local As the had newaseason hit the high street, great to beand back. Spending with boutiques online stores; time there’s no friends better and and doing the things weand love, has timefamily to celebrate all things fashion style inspired us Retail to dedicate thisedition. issue of Urban than in our Therapy Fox to our passions. From catwalk crushes, to We bring you the must-have items from the romantic holidays we’re pressing all the right new season collections, updates on key trends in buttons. Join the Dots and Pleats Please; plus spring’s 10
COVER SHOT:
LONG TALL SALLY Knitted Pocket Tunic, £48 & Lola Rosa Elena Necklace, £89
best clutch bags Clutchwe Control. also share To get you in thein mood, hit theI spot with my favourite tries and buys for SS14 AW16’s fiercest trend…leopard print.inBut if your Wish List (p15). is more lounge cat than wild Animal Instinct
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Antique Rose Sally Coat, £139 and High Neck Top, £69.50, Boden
Interact with us Interact with us
cat, fall head over heels with pussyofbow blouses season’s suits-all-shade... As consumers we waste hundreds pounds overand ourthis lifetime buying the wrong purple. products for our hair, so Jon Levy, Artistic Director at Toni & Guy comes to our rescue with 4 Steps to Perfect Hair. We also check out this season’s catwalk makeup trends, to If your passion is for pink but he’s more a monochrome man, breaking news, this help you transform your new season look. season’s black and white interiors with blush pink accents are #notjustforgirls. You’re If fashionPink is your miss out on our interview with revolutionary Tickled butpassion, he’s notdon’t convinced, a bold and bright post-Rio vibe coulddesigner float his Zandra boat. It’sRhodes hot, hot,who hot!talks to us about breaking down design barriers and why the government should show more support to the UK fashion industry. And ever wondered We allitknow a little bit of what stylist? you fancy good you’re Feeling what takesthat to become a personal Tinadoes Lockyou reveals all-inand thisifmonth’s My Way. Fruity you can’t go wrong with one of our very berry puds. But what happens if your Finally bag yourself one of our exclusive reader offers courtesy of Lands’ End, passion for sweets, turns sour? Seriously, we could fill an entire issue with our love/hate T.M. Lewin, Clarins and more. There’s never beenhas a better excuse shop,her shop, relationship with food. Instead Rebecca Watts stepped in totoshare tipsshop! on how to wrestle back control in Secret Passion. Until next time,
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Food fads fixed, we venture onto more meaningful relationships. From a mother’s love and BFFs, to navigating a course through your first holiday together. It isn’t all Plain Sailing. And if your dream job has become a daily drag, we show you how to achieve your happy ever after in Relight My Fire. One woman whose flame is well and truly burning is Hollywood actress Alicia Vikander. Here The Danish Girl – well Swedish actually - talks about her love of acting and Taking the Lead as the new Lara Croft. FASHION & BEAUTY
As ever, we’d love to hear your views so catch-up with us on FB/ theurbanfoxmediagroup DESIGN and join the conversation.
URBANFOX URBANFOX MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor MARTINA LENAGHAN editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk STEVE LENAGHAN Head Sales & Marketing STEVEofLENAGHAN 07738 614245 Head of Sales & Marketing steve@theurban-fox.co.uk 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk LISA ROTH Head of New Business LISA ROTH Development Head of New Business 07843 851132 Development lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk 07843 851132 lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk LAURA WILLIAMS Designer PAUL BANKS laura@theurban-fox.co.uk Designer paul@theurban-fox.co.uk KATIE TURNBULL Designer Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to katie@theurban-fox.co.uk
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. Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material this publication, Copyright: All text, images and in design in this the editor can notoresponsibility for the publication areaccept subject copyright. Any veracity of claims made byiscontributors in either unauthorised duplication strictly prohibited. editorial or advertising All artwork is acceptedcontent. on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it this Copyright: All text, images and design ininthis publication.are subject to copyright. Any publication unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it in this publication.
Revolution
16
approach to Famed for her wonderfully colourful Rhodes design, English queen of textiles Zandra discusses her involvement in the industry
W
hen asked to picture a figurehead of the British fashion design world, the vivacious fuchsia-haired Zandra Rhodes promptly comes to mind. So it’s a privilege to meet the ‘Princess of Punk’ in her bright, quirky and altogether penthouse. Awarded London fabulous a Commander of the British Empire for her efforts in the fashion industry, the designer has permanently printed of her mark on the international world textiles.
39
“I think women have a 34 harder road all round, in whatever field they go into.”
her garments procured by buyers Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and Saks, Zandra has since become the enigmatic textile designer of her age.
At 73, Rhodes has never been one to shy away from bold prints and iconic patterns. Rewind half a century to the late 1960s and a youthful Zandra’s vibrant designs were considered a little left-field. Unperturbed, the designer made dresses from her own fabrics, embedding printed textiles within her craft. “One of my first struggles was the fact that I was a textile designer,” she explains if with a laugh. “People would say that you’re a textile designer then you can’t a make dresses. So I suppose that was revolution.” an This revolution, in bringing together eye for both design and production, secured Rhodes’ assimilation into the fashion world. In 1967 she opened The Fulham Road Clothes Shop, in London. Just two years on she’d taken her designs Vreeland Diana where to New York featured them in American Vogue. With
8
“Oh yes. I think women have a harder go road all round, in whatever field they into. The only thing I would say is not to make it any harder for yourself by pointing it out.”
Introduced to the colourful world of at textiles by her mother, Zandra studied Medway College of Art in Kent, before securing a place at London’s The Royal College of Art.
“I do think that being in London at the time that I started, when everyone was But looking toward the UK, was helpful. I don’t think that there’s such an equal that opportunity at present. I don’t think our current government spends enough on promoting fashion when compared to the French government, for example. So therefore, unfortunately, you don’t necessarily reap the benefits.”
Rhodes shows no signs of slowing down. this The fashionista passed up her seat at of year’s London Fashion Week in favour advocating a women’s health awareness campaign in San Diego. Known for dividing her time between bases in
California and London, Rhodes has also spent time researching materials further large afield. The designer cites travel as a creative inspiration.
“When travelling you see things, one just thing leads to another thing and it’s fabulous.” That isn’t to say that Zandra has forgone her design industry efforts closer to home. The London Fashion and Textile Museum holds testament to her commitment to British fashion.
Taking the
41
46
easy That isn’t to say that fashion was an industry to crack. Did being a woman have anything to do with it?
LEAD
Following a bliste ring 2015 where she starre d in no less than seven films, including her award-winn ing turn in The Danish Girl, Alicia Vikander is fast flying up the Hollywood A-list, with of blockbuster films a slew and a movie star beau in tow.
13
ARTS & ENTERTAINM ENT Image: Gene Nocon
fashion industry, her advice to up and coming British designers merges the entrepreneurial with the sage.
museum has made.” Founded by Rhodes in 2003 the museum of is dedicated to showcasing the work Having also expanded into designing the from “I do fashion and textile designers love small films the San Diego and acostumes setswith passionafor believe her as hard as you can. Because te 1950s onwards. Does she story. claimaon I love being able staked itswith need to“Work Opera, absorb to America And in the fashion tell theirhas and embody gets wasted. hard work tale,” no museum has made ripples says not only her actress Alicia Vikander characte the discipline. And the English designer. She boasts borders on obsessio you have to work harder excitedly. museum and herrs thatunfortunately you have to put industry? “And then I love deeds to her n. flagship it all together. You did big huge popcorn and harder to get there right at the The best ballet, didn’t you the example movies Alicia, penthouse home above it, but also of this for their pure it’s just like that…’” escapism beginning.”is her character, “I definitely think the Fashion and Textile Eva, in Alex Garland’ says Vikander, who entertainment… transatlantic, keys to the cities of Miami, to I love s directorial debut will soon be an all-action Museum has had an impact in regards that.”Hills and New Orleans. Ex Machina. The lead in her us of after plot revolves before the majority more visible,” Beverly right making the textiles industry it was recently announc own Since her magnific computer analystDebuting yearsaround a Sir ‘haute ent curator Oscar ed she pronounce museum who to “The enough will must win old were she deliberates. be taking over from for administer Best Support a Turing test to Vikander But this veteran designer won’t Angelina Jolie as of Actress opened one ing safe to say she’s arrived. in The Danish couture’,’sit’s Nicholas Serota recently Lara Croft in a film strangely With Girl from us so easily. , Vikander claimed alluring be based amazingly female can on been the recent certainly expect cyborg. Playing our exhibitions, and he’s ‘origins’ reboot of the UK toservice toought a robot be making more half a century of the of the the long-running to be challenging complimentary about the difference latter; explosive Tomb Raider enough, 17 2014 videogam
8
but FOX APRIL , expansive blockbus URBAN playing one who e series. ters thinks she is human, outing, Jason Bourne. like her current and who sparks “Lara Croft is an in the audience a icon to strange kind of sympath following in her footstepme, so to be y, is surely Oscar-w The fifth instalme nt of the epic espionag orthy stuff. The film earned daunting. But hopefully s is pretty thriller series sees e the rising star a , I’ll be able to Matt Damon return Best Supporting make the part my as the former Governm Actress Golden Globe own and bring my nomination – no ent assassin, the own stamp to it,” says doubt because on eponymous Jason the star. Interestin Bourne, who is still screen, Vikander gly, Jolie also won her on the run from strikes the balance Best Supporting the CIA. Sounds between real and Actress Oscar for like business as usual robotic with expert Girl, Interrupted for the psychogenic back in precision, to the 2000, before donning extent that every amnesiac, except the tomb raider’s film that his time around you see her in thereafte iconic khaki shorts the Central Intelligen r and leaves vest you combo. ce Agency have wondering if she at their service a cunning is in fact made of Perhaps it’s lazy glass and wires underne and highly-skilled to compare hacker, Heather the ath that flawless two actors, who are arguably Lee (Vikander), who skin. well matched is intent on trapping in both beauty and Bourne in a deadly talent, but Vikander game of cat and certainly exhibits mouse. that same level of commitment to “It’s always exciting her craft and is as to be part of prolific in her roles; she something or play is also one half of a character that’s a Hollywood power entirely different couple, having been to anything I’ve done dating X-Men star before,” explains Michael Fassben the Sweden-born der since last year. The star. “I’ve had that luxury couple met on the with Ex Machina set of upcoming drama ; Gerda in The Danish The Light Between Girl, The Man from the Oceans, about U.N.C.L.E; every role a lighthou se keeper I’ve played in the and his wife who, last couple of years, after recently having all so varied from suffered two miscarria the next. But Heather ges, decide to keep Lee, she’s a really and raise a baby big departure and you that washes up to can’t imagine how shore. excited I was to Vikander, who currently be invited to play her.” lives in London, remains Eternally humble, tight-lipped about 27-year-old Vikander her relationship and never even imagined when pushed further she would land she simply laughs off the role, and even the question. “There’s when asked out a line between work to lunch by Bourne Part of this celluloid and what you do writer and director elegance is doubtles Paul Greengrass, owed to her years s away from work and they are assumed he wanted separate of ballet training, and you keep it that to talk about a different which she began way,” she says firmly. aged four, and by project, saying “I don’t understa nine she didn’t want to was training at the nd this need to know allow herself ‘to Royal Swedish Ballet more about actors. be too excited’. This School. It instilled They are creating is typical of the actress, in her a work ethic characte rs and and it’s difficult to whose rise to the an attention to detail top has believe their that is invaluable performance if you as is a notorious perfectio been swift; she an actress, especiall know more about y in a film like Bourne, nist whose focus them as individua is squarely on the which she describe ls.” Perhaps she work and she has s as her ‘most physical has a point; for as long little interest for fame movie’ yet. “Matt as she and all its trapping [Damon] said to such rich and vibrant is bringing to life me, s. Vikander is an artist, ‘you’ve got to treat and Oscar-worthy each scene like a not a celebrity, characters, who dance - there’s the are we to argue choreography, there’s with her?
15
“There’s a line between work and what you do away from work and they are separate and you keep it that way,”
CONTRIBUTORS: Jeremy Cahill, John Cawrey, Mark Goddard, Jake Harvey, Julie
Howard, Ali Jahan, Allison Jones, James Lonergan, Lino Poli, Phillip Sharpe 13 Sheelagh Powell Jon Levy Julie Langton URBAN FOX SEPTEMB ER 2016 35
8
Guiding you on cosmetic looks, trends and application
Bringing you 15 latest in hair the style, colour and product trends
helping you make the most out of your money
URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 5
CONTRIBUTORS: Jake Harvey, Zoe Hubbard, Sarah Mettrick, Mark Sandall, Rebecca Watts URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 5
September HEALTH & WELLBEING 21 Mother love The power of love 23 Secret passion Food obsession unwrapped
WINING & DINING 25 Feeling fruity A little of what you fancy 29 Perfect night in Making a meal of it
44
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 31 What’s on Entertaining the whole family 34 Taking the lead Alicia Vikander interview
8 FASHION & BEAUTY
46 Tickled pink Not just for girls
37 Reviews September’s recommendations
HOMES & GARDENS 39 Green with envy Homestyle everyone wants
8 Animal instinct Take a walk on the wild side
25
11 Straight laced? We’re anything but prissy
43 Latino lover It’s hot, hot, hot!
13 Purple reign Head over heels with purple
55 Where the heart is To buy or not to buy 57 Wild about life Little things mean a lot
LIFE & WORK 59 Relight my fire Rediscover your passion for work
Turn off ? 61 Technology unplugged PEOPLE & PLACES
15 Pussy galore AW16 best bow blouses
65 Plain sailing Navigating your first holiday
19 Up close & personal Backstage beauty
66 My way Local spotlight on Amanda Jackson
WIN NORA CLUTCH
WIN HAIR MAKEOVER
12
16
from L.K. Bennett
at Rush
F ROM O F to the
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D RIZZ L E H E AV IE S T
D OWN P OUR
WE’VE YOU
COVERED
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Dennis Basso
Animal INSTINCT Take a walk on the wild side with AW’s fiercest trend. Hit the spot in small doses if you fear this print will swallow you whole.
Leopard Ja Coat, £1,33
Altuzarra Leopard-Print Pencil Skirt, £339, MyTheresa Leopard Print T-Shirt, £116.75, Marc By Marc Jacobs
Laura Leopard Print Clutch Bag, £275, L.K. Bennett
FASHION & BEAUTY
Equipment Kate Moss Silk Shirt, £375, Harvey Nichols Boutique Moschino Leopard Print Dress, £452.99, Farfetch
Helena 65 Calf Hair Courts, £595, Jimmy Choo
Hill & Friends Calf Hair Tote, £1,795, Net-A-Porter
Dolce & Gabbana Leopard Print Belt, £245, Farfetch
acquard Bertille 35, Stella McCartney
Christian Louboutin Dorispiky Pumps, £575, Net-A-Porter
Max Mara Talete Wool Scarf, £100, House of Fraser sso Dennis Ba
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Be fashion forward with in-your-face lace. From bank-busting buys to cheap but chic alternatives, we’ve got it covered.
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URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 11
Clothes for the individual lady
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
Accessories, Shoes, Handbags Lingerie, Dresses, and much more. We offer individual style, in a friendly and professional environment
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! N I W
LACE CLUTCH from L.K. Bennett
A bold and dazzling piece, this Nora Glitter Lace Clutch could be yours. It’s the ideal size to hold all your essentials, and big enough for your smart phone too. Pair with neutral tones, metallic or classic black for timeless style. A favourite with the Duchess of Cambridge, L.K.Bennett is a British accessible luxury brand and shoe specialist that reflects its unmistakable heritage; a modern blend of femininity, colour and style. Its collections of shoes, ready-to-wear, handbags and accessories, appeal to women who want a wardrobe perfect for any occasion.
To view their latest collection go to lkbennett.com or visit the nearest store at The Mailbox, Birmingham.
TO ENTER:
Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘LK Bennett’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Fri 30 Sep 2016. Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. This prize is nontransferable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time prior to the closing date.
Purple
FASHION & BEAUTY
REIGN A suits-all shade, purple is the season's stand-out colour trend. Wear top to toe or opt for a popping bright accessory.
Amina Demin Style Jeggings, £49, Phase Eight
Saskia Trench Coat, £189, Hobbs
Wool GG Jacquard Scarf, £170, Gucci
Miu Miu Leather-Trimmed Sunglasses, £205, Harvey Nichols
Trussardi
Audacious Lipstick in Dominique, £24, Nars Cosmetics
Clinique Going Steady Eyeshadow Quad, £29.50, John Lewis
Lanvin Suede & Leather Trainers, £385, Harvey Nichols
Trussardi
Angela Harlequin Leather Shopper Bag, £169, Ted Baker
Easy Breezy Jumper, £45, White Stuff
URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 13
RED
An independent boutique in Market Harborough selling a stylish collection of womenswear. Established for 15 years, we have sought out the most exceptional international women’s clothing brands.
Styling & Personal Service always available
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FASHION & BEAUTY
PUSSY
Galore
1
Not just for girly girls, the pussy bow blouse is having a moment. Tuck into a pencil skirt or wideleg trousers for instant on-duty glamour.
2
5
3
6
4
7
1 Editor’s Pick: for its chic vintage vibe Somerset by Alice Temperley Bow Blouse, £69, John Lewis 2 Barbara Bui Silk Blouse, £369, Stylebop 3 Collection Weekend Mini Geo Print Pussy Bow Blouse, £55, John Lewis 4 Cami Silk Printed Top, £165, L.K. Bennett 5 Harriet Black Cream Silk Top, £165, L.K. Bennett 6 Removable Bow Tie Shirt, £60, Levi’s 7 Sophie Pussy Bow Blouse £49.50, Oliver Bonas
! N I W HAIR
MAKEOVER from Rush Hair
Courtesy of Rush Hair, Leicester, two Urban Fox readers will be treated to a fabulous hair makeover including cut, finish and luxury Kérastase masque, plus a Redken at home styling kit.
start on a Saturday. For more information visit www.rush.co.uk/ salons/leicester or call 0116 296 3567 to book an appointment.
An award-winning hairdressing group, Rush Hair has picked Leicester as the spot for its first East Midlands salon. Located on the High Street in the city centre, it brings together a 12 strong team of expert stylists and front of house staff to provide clients with an exceptional cut and colour service. The salon opening hours are designed to fit around clients’ busy lifestyles with late nights Monday to Thursday, Sunday opening hours and an early
Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Rush Hair’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Fri 30 Sep 2016.
TO ENTER:
Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. This prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The prize is valid for six months from date of notification. The competition may be withdrawn at any time prior to the closing date.
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FASHION & BEAUTY
Balmian
THE LADY IS A VAMP
Who knew that Kendall could rock platinum blonde and Gigi would kill it as a brunette? Balmain sent the industry's best-known models down the catwalk with brand new hair. Colour correction can be brutal and trends fleeting, so we’d suggest you get wiggy with it.
Christia n Dior
SWITCH IT UP
Deep, dark and dramatic hues were without doubt the biggest trend for lips this season. Experiment with different shades of ‘berry’ until you find the right one for you, then add intensity by layering.
Up Close & PERSONAL The new beauty season is here! We go backstage to bring you the latest hair and make-up looks for AW16.
Jenny Packha m
VICTOR VICTORIA
Masculine side partings were big news for AW16, with designers using product to create a sleek wet-look finish. Want to show your feminine side too? Pair with a classic chignon or an easy breezy bun.
Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow, £33.50, Stila
Tom Ford Dark & Stormy, £39, Selfridges
Melted Chocolate Liquified Lipstick, £19, Too Faced
ckham Jenny Pa
WAVE HELLO
THE GLITTERATI
Get ready to sparkle, the new season is all about grown-up glitter. Even English Heritage brand Burberry came over all Bowie-esque with a dusting of holographic glitter along the outer-eye corners and cheekbones.
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow, from £19, John Lewis
Say goodbye to bedhead, this season’s catwalks were awash with smooth finger waves. We love this soft undulating look from Jenny Packham. For something more casual, team a wavy fringe with a simple ponytail.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
Mother
LOVE
A woman’s love for her child is the greatest love of all. Why else would we accept looking like a small Hippo, says mother-of-two Sarah Mettrick. Of course there are those nauseatingly stunning pregnant women. We’ve all seen them; glowing skin, glossy hair, slim ankles, can’t even tell they are pregnant from the back (full term) and from the front they look like they’ve stuffed a small rugby ball up their top. I felt doubly duped when I asked such a species “How are you feeling?” and she replied (still in high heels, manicured nails and probably with a perfectly groomed bush ready for labour) “Fantastic!” I waddled away dragging my fluid filled ankles behind me as my BP monitor kicked in. Pre-eclampsia was the last thing on my mind when desperately trying to get pregnant. We were the quintessential trying for a baby couple you see in the movies. You start off having a lot of sex for fun and cross your fingers. You then have sex and cross your legs - whilst doing a head-stand. Then you pop fertility pills and cross your fingers and legs. Later you start stabbing yourself in the thigh with hormone filled needles
to stimulate your ovaries, then you stab yourself in the thigh to calm your overstimulated ovaries down. Still nothing. Then one miraculous day you pee on your gazillionth pregnancy stick and finally witness not one but two blue lines! You feel like you’ve just got three matching symbols (babies!) on a million pound scratch card. You can’t say anything for 12 weeks - that’s the unwritten rule, so that’s exactly what you’ll do – then within 30 minutes your entire family, closest friends and the Milkman all know. You love how it sounds, you’ve been dreaming of saying those words for years. I was lucky enough to have two daughters and couldn't have experienced more different births. The first I was very poorly (they told Hubbie they would save me over the baby). The second they told me I was too late for pain control (after telling me to go to McDonalds and come back later) I nearly slapped the mid-wife in the face with an extra-long maternity pad.
Pre-eclampsia can be nasty and the final three days of my first pregnancy was all very Holby City. During my time in hospital I had tremendous care and skipped home as happy as a sand-boy with my tiny baby. The second time I gave birth naturally, (the verbal abuse came naturally too) didn’t feel cared for and was sent home in the middle of a freezing cold December night, three hours after giving birth. I wasn’t right from the moment she popped out (midwife wrote ‘emotional mother’ on my notes). It appeared I had given birth to a baby girl, a huge placenta (so I was told) and my sanity. I had a dark few months but with the help of amazing family and friends I got a flight back from Planet Gaga and re-joined humanity. Of the two experiences the first was a happier one, proving emotional needs are as equally important as physical ones. All said and done a Mother’s love is indeed the most powerful of all; when fertility issues, pregnancy diseases and PND fade into the past, the love remains and fills your heart for a lifetime. I bumped into perfect pregnant lady about a year or so later - her toddler was whining and wiping his snotty nose with her skirt. I counted three cheerios in her dishevelled hair as she tripped (in flats) over his pull-along dog. I desperately wanted to hug her. Heaven knows what state her bush was in! URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 21
SECRET
Passion
One minute, you're walking innocently down the street - the next, you're in the clutches of passion. Your object of desire…a chocolate muffin in the deli window. Discover how you can wrestle back control with Nutrafit’s Rebecca Watts. Most of us at some point have been struck by food cravings. Opinion varies as to why we experience cravings, from emotional eating, stress and nutrient deficiencies to chemical and hormone imbalances. But how many of us have ever craved broccoli or tofu? Typically it is foods high in sugar and fat – cakes, chocolate, takeaways - that we desire most. Although a little of what you fancy doesn’t do you any harm, for some, cravings can become obsessive leading to problems such as binge and/or secret eating, weight gain and medical complications. This month I take a look at the ways you can control your cravings before they start controlling you. Identify your triggers. Are there particular feelings – happiness, sadness, anxiety - or circumstances – stress at work, social gatherings which spark your cravings? Keep a diary for a few weeks and see what patterns emerge. Make some lifestyle changes. I’m not suggesting you overhaul your Source: www.actionforhappiness.org
life, leave your job and emigrate to Australia but rather small changes you can make to minimise the triggers i.e. exercise to combat stress, finding 'me time', indulging in a weekly beauty treatment. Eat regularly. Hunger is different to cravings but if you find that you are more susceptible to cravings if you are hungry, then try to avoid it. It makes sense that if you are full on healthier food options, you may not have room for that chocolate pudding you’re obsessing about. Drink plenty of water. Being thirsty can often give off the same physical symptoms as being hungry, so ensure that you stay hydrated throughout the day. Eat a balanced diet. You may have read that if you crave something it’s because you’re lacking in a nutrient, but many specialists state that UK diets are generally not deficient enough in anything to have this effect. Simply put eating a variety of food will provide all the nutrients you need.
Boden
Don’t exclude foods. Many studies have shown that the more you exclude foods from your diet, the more likely you are to crave them and the more you will eat if/when you do eat them. So if you love chocolate, don't ban it, perhaps just a small square every day will eliminate your cravings. Get more sleep. Leptin and Ghrelin are hormones involved in appetite control. Leptin is an appetite suppressant hormone and Ghrelin is released from the stomach in response to fasting and promotes the feeling of hunger. Studies have shown a significant effect on Leptin and Ghrelan with sleep deprivation, increasing appetite. If you have tried the above and are still having difficulty controlling your cravings you need to figure out another way to tackle them. This could be anything from finding a healthy alternative to satisfy your cravings (switching milk chocolate for dark chocolate, or using healthier ingredients to make the same food), recreating those ‘feel good’ hormones with something other than food (walking the dog, taking a bubble bath) or finding an activity (exercise, cleaning) which distracts the brain long enough for the craving to pass. Remember everyone is different so the key is to find what works best for you. URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 23
LUNCH 12PM – 2PM EVENINGS 6PM – 9PM CLOSED MONDAYS
We are situated just 5 minutes from Loughborough & Quorn, on the quaint and bustling High Street of the pretty riverside village of Barrow upon Soar
Tel: 01509 413100 Email: info@blacksmiths1753.co.uk 2-4 Church Lane, Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire LE12 8PP
www.blacksmiths1753.co.uk @blacksmiths1753
blacksmiths1753
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WINING & DINING
Fruity FEELING
Indulge your passion for puds all year long with these light and fruity crowd-pleasing recipes from Waitrose.
URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 25
BERRY & MASCARPONE SUMMER PUDDING
1
lace the sugar, spice and 4 P tbsp water in a large pan. Heat gently, stirring to dissolve the sugar, then add the berries and cook for a couple of minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Strain the berries to separate the fruit from the juice.
2
ine a 1.5-litre pudding basin L with clingfilm. Cut 8 of the bread slices in half lengthways, angling the knife slightly so each piece has a wide end and a narrower end. Dip the slices of bread in the juice then use to line the basin, overlapping the pieces so there are no gaps.
Preparation time: 20 minutes + overnight chilling Cooking time: None Serves: 8 Ingredients: 175g golden caster sugar 1 star anise or cinnamon stick 1kg berries E.g. raspberries, blackberries, redcurrants 9 slices Hovis Soft White Medium Sliced Bread, crusts removed 150g mascarpone
3
lace a third of the berries into P the bottom of the basin then spoon the mascarpone into the centre and cover with the remaining fruit. Fold over any overhanging edges of bread. Cut the last piece of bread into a round and place on top, then drizzle with a little of the reserved juice (save any that’s left for serving with the pudding).
4
over the pudding with C clingfilm and sit a small plate on top. Stand some cans on the plate and chill overnight. Remove the clingfilm, turn out the pudding and slice. Serve with a drizzle of reserved juice.
RHUBARB AND STRAWBERRY CRUMBLE
1
reheat the oven to 180˚C, gas mark P 4. Place the rhubarb, strawberries, star anise, sugar, orange zest and juice in a large ovenproof dish.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
2
lace the oats, flour and butter in P a bowl then, using your fingertips, rub in the butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the honey, sugar and hazelnuts then rub together to form small clumps.
3
catter the oaty crumble over the fruit. S Sit the dish on a baking sheet in the oven and cook for 45 minutes until the fruit is tender, bubbling around the edges and the top is crunchy and golden brown.
Cooking time: 45 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 400g Waitrose Cooks’ Ingredients Forced Rhubarb, cut into 3cm lengths 400g strawberries, hulled and halved
2 star anise 75g light brown soft sugar Grated zest and juice of 1 large orange For the topping: 150g porridge oats 100g plain flour 100g chilled butter, diced 2 tbsp clear honey 100g light brown soft sugar 50g roasted chopped hazelnuts
WINING & DINING
CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY ETON MESS RIPPLE Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: none Serves: 6 Ingredients: 300ml pot double cream 2 tbsp icing sugar 3 x 45g GĂź Chocolate Ganache Mini Puds 300g raspberries, thawed if frozen 1 tub 16 mini meringue shells, broken into quarters
1
hip the cream and icing W sugar together until it forms firm peaks.
2
tir the pots of ganache to S soften the mixture slightly, then stir into the cream with the raspberries and meringues.
3
poon into a large bowl S and serve swiftly.
URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 27
ENJOY YOUR CHRISTMAS DAY HERE AT MARCO’S NEW YORK ITALIAN LEICESTER Add a touch of glamour to your Christmas with a festive meal at Marco’s, you’re guaranteed to experience a White Christmas. Enjoy a four course Christmas Meal for £59.95 per person served between 12pm – 4pm on Christmas Day. To book, call 0116 2575533 or email info.marcosleicester@jupiterhotels.co.uk 73 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6ES
@marcosleicester
Marco’s New York Italian Leicester
If you are looking for an outstanding restaurant in Leicestershire, then welcome to 34 Windsor St, the home of great food and cocktails. ◆ Experience creative modern British food, carefully selected wines, cheeky cocktails and vintage afternoon tea. ◆ We have a dedicated events team who can design a bespoke menu & event package for private events, wedding receptions & meetings. ◆ 2016 Excellence Award Tripadivsor & Entry into 2015/16 Michelin Guide
The perfect venue for a romantic date night, a catch up with great friends, special occasion celebration dinner or to simply relax with the weekend papers over Chef’s legendary eggs benedict! Treat yourself to lunch or prosecco afternoon tea or simply gather the family together for a delicious Sunday lunch.
Telephone: 01455 234342 | Email: reservations@34windsorst.com | 34 Windsor Street, Burbage, Leicestershire LE10 2EF
WINING & DINING
Perfect Night in We all enjoy a night out but sometimes there’s nothing better than a little home cooking to reconnect us with the ones we love says domestic goddess Sarah Mettrick.
They say multi-tasking is a talent, however my husband doesn't seem impressed that I am stirring my Chicken Magaluf with one hand whilst texting Harry’s swimming teacher (smearing garlic and flour all over the screen) with the other. It’s an emergency situation; his lessons are under threat. I need to reassure her Harry will never pull a moony at her again on leaving the pool. Expectations of my culinary skills are about as high as a snakes belly so it’s lucky food is only one element of the evening ahead. There is far more love in the pan than flavour but that’s ok when you are renowned for being a ‘Ria’ in the kitchen. Anyway I’m feeling excited; just the two of us having a night in to catch up, off load and put the world to rights. Perfect. Slightly fearful of lockjaw, we gnaw through resilient pieces of chicken and thank the Lord I bought dessert. The conversation and wine are soon flowing as we dissect the psyche of unforgiving boss’s (I’ve promised it wasn’t my prit stick) and those of six year olds who refuse to wear pants. Our passion for life and our love for each other fills the
room as quickly as cigarette smoke in a seedy eighties cellar bar.
the shelf stacker and some Sainsbury’s own butter).
With a bit more vino (which is necessary to wash down the chicken which is now in denial of being a digestible substance) we laugh into the late hours, reassure each other we don't have dysfunctional
Soon the world is a better place where worries dissolve as easily as a berocca boost effervescent tablet (tomorrow’s breakfast). As blurry words of mutual admiration settle over us like a warm blanket we know it’s time for bed.
There is far more love in the pan than flavour but that’s ok when you are renowned for being a ‘Ria’ in the kitchen. children and then indulge in the luxury of reminiscing. There was the heel caught in wedding dress fiasco (in fairness Grandma Jean only suffered a mild concussion and required just three stitches), and the finger trapped in shopping trolley incident (the manager eventually prised it out with the help of
High on life I dive bomb onto the duvet still glowing from the chatter and chuckles, roll over and see my man sleeping like a baby. As I consider which method of seduction to adopt (I’m feeling amorous; copious amounts of chardonnay = rampant sex goddess) I kind of feel I should let him sleep. I mean he did stay out of the way all evening and go to bed early. You just can’t beat a good girlie night. I look at my phone (still smells of garlic) to check I’ve got the ‘I’m home and safe, thanks for a great night’ text, which I have, along with a couple of others. In the morning I must remember to find Harry a new swimming teacher. URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 29
gildings
MARKET HARBOROUGH SALEROOM THE MILL GREAT A BOWDEN ROAD LE16 7DE AT
auctioneers
FINE JEWELLERY & SILVER 27th September Catalogue mid-September
20TH CENTURY DECORATIVE ARTS 22nd November Now inviting consignments
FINE ART & ANTIQUES 29th November Now inviting consignments.
FREE EXPERT VALUATIONS • COMPREHENSIVE, GLOBAL SALES PROGRAMME AT TRACTIVE COMMISSION RATES • ACCESSIBLE, WELL APPOINTED SALE ROOMS EXTENSIVE MARKETING • EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT
UPPINGHAM THEATRE We have some wonderful events coming up this season with something for everyone... Friday 9 September, 7.30pm
£15.00
Lee Nelson: Suited and Booted
Star and creator of BBC Three’s Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show and sketch series Lee Nelson’s Well Funny People, is now suited and booted and extending his sellout tour into 2016.
Friday 16 September, 7.30pm
Bowjangles
£12.50/£10.50 concessions
Bowjangles is a string quartet who dance while they play, sing while they play, and even leap, tumble, juggle and joke while they play. They leave their audiences in stitches of laughter. Bowjangles take musical sketch comedy to a whole new level.
Friday 30 September, 7.30pm
Cautionary Tales for Daughters
£11.50/£9.50 concessions
What is the right advice and when and how should you deliver it? This witty new show of song and animation premiered to outstanding reviews at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
For more information or to receive our brochure, contact: Box Office 01572 820820 Website www.uppinghamtheatre.co.uk In person at Uppingham Sports and Books
WHAT’S ON
Pajama Men: 2 Man 3 Musketeers, 22-23 Sep, Curve
SEPTEMBER 2016
1966 And All That! Throughout Sep Rutland County Museum Free entry rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk
From football and fashion to politics and pop, 1966 And All That! is an exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of England’s World Cup win and everyday life in 1960’s Britain. Highlights of the exhibition include an original Beatles scrapbook, examples of 60’s fashion, World Cup memorabilia and original toys and games. Open Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat.
Lee Nelson
Fri 9 Sep Uppingham Theatre Tickets £15 uppthearts.co.uk Star and creator of BBC Three’s ratings
smash Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show, and sketch series Lee Nelson’s Well Funny People, headlined Glastonbury with Kanye West and even bribed Sepp Blatter at FIFA’s headquarters. Lee has appeared multiple times on BBC One’s Live At The Apollo, both as guest and host. But now it’s out with the baseball cap and sportswear, in with a smart twopiece. Lee Nelson is ‘suited and booted’. Catch him at his absolute best...live and unleashed in Uppingham.
And Then There Were None Mon 12 - Fri 17 Sep The Little Theatre Tickets £14.50 thelittletheatre.net
A group of ten strangers are lured to a remote island off the coast of Devon. Upon arrival it is discovered that their
Lee Nelson, 9 Sep, Uppingham Theatre
host, an eccentric millionaire, is missing. At dinner a recorded message is played accusing each of them in turn of having a guilty secret. By the end of the evening the ten guests become nine. Stranded on the island by a torrential storm and haunted by an ancient nursery rhyme, one by one the guests begin to die. And with only the fallen believed to be innocent who amongst them is the killer?
Million Dollar Quartet Wed 14 - Sat 24 Sep Curve Theatre Tickets £16.50-£35 curveonline.co.uk
Following its success in the West End, Las Vegas and on Broadway, Million Dollar Quartet is coming to Leicester! This worldwide smash-hit musical is inspired by the famous recording session Million Dollar Quartet, 14-24 Sep, Curve
URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 31
In the past when you put Sarah Millican outside, she asked things like, "Why? Where is the taxi? Do I need a cardie?" and said things like, "There’ll be wasps. I’ve nothing to sit on. Is that poo? Can we go home?" But things have changed. Now she has outside slippers. She can tell a chaffinch from a tit (hey). But she still can’t tell if it’s an owl or her husband’s asthma. Sarah Millican is venturing outside. Bring a cardie.
Pajama Men: 2 Man 3 Musketeers Thu 22 - Fri 23 Sep Curve Theatre Tickets £12-£16 curveonline.co.uk
Sarah Millican, 20-23 Sep, De Montfort Hall
at Sam Phillips’ (Jason Donovan) studio Sun Records in Memphis, that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. Featuring a score of rock hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, That’s All Right, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, Hound Dog and many more.
Eight Days A Week Thu 15 Sep Cinema De Lux Tickets £12.50 showcasecinemas.co.uk
From Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard comes a special cinematic event - an extraordinary insight into the touring years of the biggest band in history, The Beatles. With exclusive and unseen footage, this is a unique celebration of how the most-loved band of all time changed music and popular culture forever.
Multi award-winning comic chameleons the Pajama Men found an old, tattered and burnt copy of the legendary adventure novel The Three Musketeers. They read the legible parts, filled in the gaps with what they imagined to be “stuff that was probably in there” – like gay centaurs and talking birds – and have, for your enjoyment, rendered the “most hilariously unforgettable” (Time Out, Melbourne) adaptation of the old classic. Recommended for ages 16+
Go Back for Murder Tue 27 Sep - Sat 1 Oct Market Harborough Theatre Tickets £8-£10 harboroughtheatre.com
A relatively new stage adaptation, based on the Agatha Christie novel Five Little Pigs. Caroline Crale was convicted of the murder of her husband and died in prison. Years later, a letter written on her deathbed casts doubt on her guilt and her daughter sets out to clear her name. The only question is if her
Sarah Millican Tue 20 – Fri 23 Sep De Montfort Hall Tickets £25 demontforthall.co.uk
Richard III, 29 Sep, Upstairs at the Western
mother was not the guilty party, then who was? Directed by Mike Allen whose last production The Housewarming, won the 2016 East Midlands Final in the All England Theatre Festival.
Richard III
Thu 29 Sep Upstairs at the Western Tickets £8-£10 upstairsatthewestern.com Richard III. An audience. All the world is a stage. What part will you play? Pushing the boundaries of Shakespearean performance, Brite Theater have reimagined Richard III as a one-woman show. The fourth wall has been utterly obliterated as you, the audience, take on the roles of all the other characters at Richard’s party in this intimate, exciting and moving production. Let Richard entertain you…but will you survive?
Cautionary Tales for Daughters Fri 30 Sep Uppingham Theatre Tickets £11.50 uppthearts.co.uk
What is the right advice and when and how should you deliver it? This witty new show of song and animation premiered to outstanding reviews at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Tales of the hapless, feckless and foolish stand as warnings: an obsessive dieter caught between gluttony and vanity; the girl whose criminal obsession with designer clothes leads to her grisly demise; and the ‘Princess’ who only realises she could have had anything and anyone when it’s just too late. Makes you laugh and think in equal measure.
URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 33
Taking the
LEAD Following a blistering 2015 where she starred in no less than seven films, including her award-winning turn in The Danish Girl, Alicia Vikander is fast flying up the Hollywood A-list, with a slew of blockbuster films and a movie star beau in tow.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“I do love small films with a passionate story. I love being able to tell their tale,” says actress Alicia Vikander excitedly. “And then I love big huge popcorn movies for their pure escapism, entertainment… I love that.” Since her magnificent Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in The Danish Girl, Vikander can certainly expect to be making more of the latter; explosive, expansive blockbusters like her current outing, Jason Bourne. The fifth instalment of the epic espionage thriller series sees Matt Damon return as the former Government assassin, the eponymous Jason Bourne, who is still on the run from the CIA. Sounds like business as usual for the psychogenic amnesiac, except that his time around the Central Intelligence Agency have at their service a cunning and highly-skilled hacker, Heather Lee (Vikander), who is intent on trapping Bourne in a deadly game of cat and mouse. “It’s always exciting to be part of something or play a character that’s entirely different to anything I’ve done before,” explains the Sweden-born star. “I’ve had that luxury with Ex Machina; Gerda in The Danish Girl, The Man from U.N.C.L.E; every role I’ve played in the last couple of years, all so varied from the next. But Heather Lee, she’s a really big departure and you can’t imagine how excited I was to be invited to play her.” Eternally humble, 27-year-old Vikander never even imagined she would land the role, and even when asked out to lunch by Bourne writer and director Paul Greengrass, assumed he wanted to talk about a different project, saying she didn’t want to allow herself ‘to be too excited’. This is typical of the actress, whose rise to the top has been swift; she is a notorious perfectionist whose focus is squarely on the work and she has little interest for fame and all its trappings. Vikander is an artist, not a celebrity,
with a need to absorb and embody her characters that borders on obsession. The best example of this is her character, Eva, in Alex Garland’s directorial debut Ex Machina. The plot revolves around a computer analyst who must administer a Turing test to Vikander’s strangely alluring female cyborg. Playing a robot ought to be challenging enough, but playing one who thinks she is human, and who sparks in the audience a strange kind of sympathy, is surely Oscar-worthy stuff. The film earned the rising star a Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe nomination – no doubt because on screen, Vikander strikes the balance between real and robotic with expert precision, to the extent that every film you see her in thereafter leaves you wondering if she is in fact made of glass and wires underneath that flawless skin.
“There’s a line between work and what you do away from work and they are separate and you keep it that way,” Part of this celluloid elegance is doubtless owed to her years of ballet training, which she began aged four, and by nine was training at the Royal Swedish Ballet School. It instilled in her a work ethic and an attention to detail that is invaluable as an actress, especially in a film like Bourne, which she describes as her ‘most physical movie’ yet. “Matt [Damon] said to me, ‘you’ve got to treat each scene like a dance - there’s the choreography, there’s
the discipline. And you have to put it all together. You did ballet, didn’t you Alicia, it’s just like that…’” says Vikander, who will soon be an all-action lead in her own right after it was recently announced she will be taking over from Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft in a film based on the recent ‘origins’ reboot of the long-running Tomb Raider videogame series. “Lara Croft is an icon to me, so to be following in her footsteps is pretty daunting. But hopefully, I’ll be able to make the part my own and bring my own stamp to it,” says the star. Interestingly, Jolie also won her Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Girl, Interrupted back in 2000, before donning the tomb raider’s iconic khaki shorts and vest combo. Perhaps it’s lazy to compare the two actors, who are arguably well matched in both beauty and talent, but Vikander certainly exhibits that same level of commitment to her craft and is as prolific in her roles; she is also one half of a Hollywood power couple, having been dating X-Men star Michael Fassbender since last year. The couple met on the set of upcoming drama The Light Between the Oceans, about a lighthouse keeper and his wife who, after recently having suffered two miscarriages, decide to keep and raise a baby that washes up to shore. Vikander, who currently lives in London, remains tight-lipped about her relationship and when pushed further she simply laughs off the question. “There’s a line between work and what you do away from work and they are separate and you keep it that way,” she says firmly. “I don’t understand this need to know more about actors. They are creating characters and it’s difficult to believe their performance if you know more about them as individuals.” Perhaps she has a point; for as long as she is bringing to life such rich and vibrant and Oscar-worthy characters, who are we to argue with her?
URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 35
WHITNEY
QUEEN OF THE NIGHT Saturday 17 September
SARAH MILLICAN OUTSIDER
Tuesday 20 – Friday 23 September
JAMIE T Wednesday 5 October
JAMIE LAWSON
FEAT. CALUM SCOTT Monday 17 October
JOSH WIDDICOMBE WHAT DO I DO NOW… Wednesday 19 October
KT TUNSTALL
SUPPORT FROM BRAIDS Tuesday 8 November
film REVIEW
Captain Fantastic (15)
. beautifully shot movie charming, thoughtful, Captain Fantastic: A
1hr 59mins Opens nationwide Fri 9 Sep 0116 242 2800 | phoenix.org Viggo Mortensen stars as Ben, an unconventional father who lives selfsustainably with his six children in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. On hearing that his estranged wife Leslie has passed away, Ben decides that his family should briefly rejoin society so his brood can pay their respects at their mother’s funeral and they set out en masse on a road trip to New Mexico in an old bus. Faced with a society increasingly obsessed with technology and materialism, a world
away from their peaceful woodland idyll, the family must band together to make the journey in one piece. A charming, thoughtful, beautifully shot movie that has already picked up a handful of awards on the festival circuit, Captain Fantastic is the sort of film best debated long into the night. Ben is rigorous with his children, insisting on Olympian-level physical training and college course reading for even his
youngest - but do we see the method in his madness? Filled with anger at the rise of corporate America and haunted by his relationship with his wife, is Ben ahead of the curve and simply a smart father future-proofing his kids? Or is he letting his passion for a life off the grid contaminate their view of the world? With a sublime performance from Viggo matched by his young co-stars, Captain Fantastic is moving story of love and parenthood.
book REVIEW
From retro to recipes, home is where the heart is.
Living Retro
by Andrew Weaving Our passion for retro style shows no signs of fading. From the cerebral elegance of mid-century modern and the spare simplicity of Scandinavian retro design to the flamboyant opulence of the 1970s, retro interiors still exert enormous appeal. In this book, Andrew Weaving visits 18 inspiring and varied locations that showcase the Living Retro style. Take a tour of a minimalist loft in London, admire the spare simplicity of Scandinavian mid-century modern and enjoy the colourful, playful chic of Palm Beach in the 1960s – the carefully chosen locations around the globe illustrate the many facets of a look that ranges from sophisticated glamour to pared-down elegance. Published 14 July 2016.
Marcus at Home
by Marcus Wareing In Marcus at Home two Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing shows you how to cook the food he loves to eat at home. Focusing on great flavours and inspirational touches, these are recipes that will become time-honoured favourites in your home. Whether it’s a light Chicken & Asparagus Salad or a comforting Prawn Orzo Risotto; an indulgent Eggs & Avocado with Chorizo Jam or a definitive Sunday Roast or a Chocolate Cake, these are recipes that are easy to make at home in the rush of a busy week, when you have a little more time at the weekend, or when you want to make a showstopper meal. Published 22 September 2016. URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 37
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Just when you thought it was all over, a Rio-inspired tropical storm is hitting the home design scene. From pineapples to palm trees, Maison Interiors’ Zoe Hubbard says this season’s trend is hot, hot, hot!
Colour: for a totally tropical mix, opt for a fruit cocktail of colours - emerald, orange, flamingo pink, coral and sunny yellow. It’s truly an anything goes colour scheme… the braver the better!
Pattern & Texture: rock the Rio trend with sultry patterns, tropical greenery and rainforest prints. Go wild with dramatic wallpaper and lush fabrics. Mix and match patterns and colour, and play with scale and form for maximum effect. Walls: from oversized foliage to colourful hummingbirds there are some truly fab wallpapers out there. If your room is big enough GO FOR IT and paper all the walls. For a more subtle style statement cover just one wall and paint the others in a contrasting colour. Floors: when it comes to flooring, stay natural. Choose solid wood floors or products such as coir, Jute & Sisal to create a rustic feel. If it’s too stark for your taste, you can always add colour and softness with a rug. Décor: get lost in a jungle of BIG indoor plants, palm leaves, ferns and bamboo. Any natural material will work perfectly with this theme, mixed with exotic birds,
animals and insects on pictures and accent scatters. Lighting can be anything from colourful glass pendants to rustic woven shades. Furniture: Rattan is making a comeback this year and is a definite must for this scheme. From furniture and lighting, to accessories – including a range of interesting 3D shapes – Rattan is where it’s at. Go natural or branch out with a variety of exciting new colours. For the design shy, stick to a more monochrome scheme adopting different shades from only one or two colours. Then introduce bold tropical prints as a feature on a single item of furniture, or on your soft furnishings – cushions, curtains, rug etc. - rather than wildly clashing colours, prints and patterns. Finally not everyone will want to see pineapples all year long, so don’t feel like you need to re-design your whole interior scheme. Instead simply add tropical accents to complement an existing interior scheme. Revive your drab dining table with citrus placemats or add bold print towels to your bathroom for a practical yet stylish up date. URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 43
INTERIOR DESIGN
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Tickled
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Heartis Where the
Mark Sandall of Andrew Granger & Co looks at our ongoing love affair with property. In Britain we have long had a passion for property which manifests itself in the desire to find the house of our dreams or to transform a run-down building into the perfect home. This obsession is further fuelled by a range of home improvement TV programmes - from makeovers on a budget to Grand Design style projects which create stunning homes that most of us can only dream of. It’s interesting to note that home ownership varies enormously from country to country. In Romania for example, around 96% of people are home owners; this falls to 44% in Switzerland while just over half of the German population are owner-occupiers. Here in the UK, we tend to think of it as a fundamental rite of passage: that one day we will all live in our very own piece of real estate. Rewind 100 years and the picture was very different. In 1918, less than a quarter of people owned their home. This figure
rose rapidly in the 1950s when wages grew much faster than house prices, making home ownership viable and attractive. More recently, statistics show that in 2014, around 65% of people owned their own homes. Factors such as unemployment and availability of lending as well as the difficulty that
"It seems to be human nature to want our own space; a place that we create and belongs exclusively to us." some first-time buyers have had getting onto the property ladder have all had an impact, although interestingly statistics show that home ownership has increased among older age groups. So, is the British obsession with creating our own private sanctuary declining? In my experience, definitely not. The popularity of sites such as OnTheMarket
has led to the coining of the term ‘property porn’. As a nation we love to surf the internet, getting glimpses of other people’s houses from our armchair, searching for the perfect property. According to July’s English housing survey the number of people owning their own home has stopped reducing for the first time since 2003. Recent data also shows that lending for first-time buyers is higher than for home movers for the first time in 20 years, signifying a return to the first-time buyers’ dream of home ownership. It seems to be human nature to want our own space; a place that we create and belongs exclusively to us. As a Holocaust survivor, the Italian chemist and writer Primo Levi probably appreciated the importance of home more than many. For me, he sums up why owning your home is important to so many people, saying “I live in my house as I live inside my skin: I know more beautiful, more ample, more sturdy and more picturesque skins: but it would seem to me unnatural to exchange them for mine.” URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 53
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Wild about
LIFE Want to get wild but don’t know how? Thankfully you don’t need green fingers to make your garden more wildlife friendly. Here’s 17 simple things you can do to bring life into your outside space. Then sit back and watch the greatest show on earth.
1
Grow a range of trees, shrubs and climbers. They’ll provide food and shelter for wildlife, plus roosting and breeding sites for birds.
2
Choose plants that provide pollen and nectar for as long as possible and avoid those with double-flowers, as most contain little or no pollen or nectar.
3
Fruiting bushes are a good source of food for birds and mammals during the autumn and part of the winter.
4
Create your own meadow with a mixture of grasses and wildflowers. Don't have room? Simply allowing patches of lawn to grow longer will provide shelter for small mammals.
5
Make a nest for ladybirds by tying a bundle of bamboo – or even short lengths of drinking straws - and placing in the nook of a tree or a crack in a wall.
6
Don’t get rid of the dead wood, it’s good for beetles and other specialist beneficial insects, fungi and mosses.
7
Preserve old walls and sheds. The spaces beneath old roofing tiles and holes in bricks are used as nesting
Source: RHS and RSPB
Joules
sites by mason bees, which are vital for pollinating fruit trees.
8
Hang up a ‘bee hotel’ – yes it’s a real thing. These provide an array of suitable nesting places for solitary bees and are also popular with other insects such as ladybirds and lacewings.
9
A bat box provides roosting sites for bats, a pile of leaves may be used by a hibernating hedgehog and a bird box provides somewhere for house sparrows to raise their broods.
10
Attract birds into your garden with supplemental feeding (see below) and a supply of clean, unfrozen water. It can be the difference between life and death in winter.
13
Install a pond. If you’re an urban gardener, a large pot or even a dustbin lid will do. Don’t introduce fish to a pond primarily designed for wildlife as they’ll eat anything that moves.
14
Ensure your pond has different depths. Shallow areas for bathing and drinking birds, emerging dragonflies and for amphibians to lay eggs. Deeper areas help aquatic insects survive cold spells and are good for watching newts swim.
15
Composting your garden waste helps plants and wildlife, as it speeds up the natural recycling of nutrients. Cut down on digging and let the worms and bugs keep the soil healthy.
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Make your own bird feed. Mix together bird seed, raisins, peanuts, grated cheese and lard. Place in a yoghurt pot in the fridge to set, then suspend from a branch with string.
Hedgehogs like cat and dog food, dried fruit and cooked vegetables. Milk and bread often given to hedgehogs can make them very ill.
Don’t be a neat freak. A pile of leaves or twigs can provide food and habitat for many species. Piles of stones and old pots also create shelter for hibernating reptiles and amphibians.
Finally wildlife rarely recognise physical boundaries so try to view your own garden as part of a wider nature reserve of interlinked gardens and green space. URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 57
Emma owns a fashion boutique. She always has time for her business now she’s free from her accounts.
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fire
Relight my
You thought you’d be together forever, but if your dream job has become a daily drag, like any long-term relationship it might just need a little bit of TLC.
Here’s our top 5 tips on how to relight your fire at work:
1
Write down a list of reasons you chose your job or profession – challenging, prestigious, good salary – and a separate list detailing what you loved about the job when you first started – rewarding, hands on, opportunity to travel etc. This simple exercise should enable you to reconnect with your original feelings and help you to rediscover the passion for your job.
2
Identify what in your relationship has changed. If you were previously customer facing but have been promoted into a back office function, have you inadvertently left the parts of the job you loved behind. Conversely has the company changed? In which case it might be a case of “It’s not me, it’s you”. If you still love your work but not the company and/or boss it might be time to move on.
3
Isolate the elements of your job that you still love doing – even when the spark has gone, there’s usually something. Then see if you can find a way to do more of what you like doing and less of what you don’t. Could you delegate to another team member or speak to your manager about reallocating the work. You may hate spreadsheets but your colleague finds them positively orgasmic.
4
Ask yourself whether you’ve simply lost direction. It’s the career equivalent to trying to get somewhere without a satnav…frustrating and demoralising. Find out if your organisation has a mentoring scheme or failing that someone you can talk to informally about your career path. Think of it as marriage counselling. It can help you regain perspective, reconnect with your job or uncover new opportunities within your existing company.
Boden
5
Be honest with yourself. Have you fallen out of love with your job or are you simply burnt out from working too many hours. If it’s the latter then speak with your boss about redressing the balance. If you’ve been covering more than your own job, then it might be time for some temp staff. If that’s not an option, then take a ‘make or break’ holiday (at least 2 weeks) and see how you feel when you come back. If there’s still no joy, you might have to accept that this relationship is terminal, and a more permanent solution is required. Do plan your exit strategy. You could even enquire as to whether there are any redundancy opportunities and leave with a golden handshake. We all have financial commitments, so although flouncing out the door might sound liberating (actually I’ve done it and it is), it’s worth remembering that it’s easier to find a job when you’re in one. You’ll have a reference and it’ll save any awkward conversations with a perspective employer. You don’t want to be considered high maintenance in your new working relationship now would you?! URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 59
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LIFE & WORK
TURN OFF? With reports that on average children spend as much as five to six hours a day staring at screens, should we as parents ensure that our children are equipped with the technology and skills to keep up with their peers, or simply flick the switch on this bright new world? Screen time isn’t just watching TV, or using smartphones and iPads, it covers a whole spectrum of digital technology including gaming consoles, programmable toys, eBooks and much more. It sometimes feels like we can’t escape it, but technology - in a number of guises - makes all our lives easier, so shouldn’t we simply embrace it? Educationally technology has huge benefits from improved hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and language development, to encouraging independent learning, creativity and problem solving. Surely the fact many schools have sets of iPads in the classrooms and technology is incorporated across all aspects of the curriculum gives credence to its value? On the flip side studies have shown that children’s overexposure to screens is linked to a whole host of issues: from sleep deprivation, obesity and loss of social skills, to hyperactivity, aggression, depression and my personal favourite ‘Computer Vision Syndrome’ (yes it has a name), symptoms of which include eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision and pain
in the neck and shoulders. And that’s before we even consider the external threats of cyber bullying, grooming and access to inappropriate material. On the whole these are things that we parents are aware of, but is the 5 minutes peace achieved when your child is engaged in screen time, good enough to counteract the bad? Like everything in life it’s a balance. But how do you know if your child is having too much of a good (or rather bad) thing.
Disengaged
You try to get them to do something else that is fun – a family day trip, an outdoor activity – but they’re consistently reluctant to do so.
Distracted
They constantly want to be on their devices and if a switch-off is imposed, they are obsessed with when it can be switched back on again.
Moody
They become over-sensitive or argumentative when you express your concern about the time spent on their devices.
Anxious
They’re agitated or upset when they can't get online - although a little computer rage when the internet’s not working properly is frankly quite normal - which dissipates when they’re connected.
Devious
They conceal the extent to which they are using their devices. Hiding the phone, disconnecting the tablet when you enter the room or using them after lights out. Although it can be difficult for parents like me (born before 1980) to realise how central technology is to our children’s lives, - I still tend to have ‘Swallows and Amazon’ fantasies about how children should spend their childhood – it’s important not to be turned off or left behind by new technologies. You'll feel more comfortable about your child using social networking sites for example if you understand some of the terminology and how they work. Once in the know, agree some ‘age appropriate’ ground rules. These can include anything from screen time limits, curfews and restricted access, to creating ‘technology free’ zones (bedrooms, dining table) and agreeing privacy settings. If you need a starting point Microsoft has a downloadable 'Online Code of Conduct Contract' you can print off for each family member to sign, which provides a reasonable list of ground rules for families to follow. URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 61
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Find out about the exciting and affordable courses starting this autumn in your area.
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AUTUMN 2016 The Nursery at Loughborough Endowed Schools will be located at Our Lady’s Convent School’s Gray Street campus, close to the town centre. The well-equipped, high quality facility will cater for up to 60 children, with full and part-time places available to families with young children in the local community. The Nursery will operate 51 weeks of the year, Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6.00pm daily, excluding bank holidays. Registrations of interest are now being accepted. For further information, please contact the Nursery Manager, Carla Brindley, on 01509 276820 or email thenursery@endowedschools.org.
High quality childcare from six weeks to four years. www.thenurseryloughborough.co.uk
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Official fuel economy figures for the Panamera 4S in l/100km (mpg): urban 10.2–10.1 (27.7–28.0), extra urban 6.8–6.7 (41.5–42.2), combined 8.2–8.1 (34.4–34.9). CO2 emissions: 186–184 g/km. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU‑regulated tests, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.
PEOPLE & PLACES
Boden
PLAIN
Sailing Just because you’re head over heels doesn’t mean your first holiday together will go without a hitch. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to make sure your romantic getaway won’t be the last. Where to go… Paris might be your ideal destination - the food, the wine, the romance - but if he hates all things French, then you won’t be off to a flying start. Instead choose a location that appeals to your mutual interests. From Tuscany for foodies, to Kitzbühel for ski bunnies and Florence for culture lovers, there’s an ideal destination for every couple. If you can’t agree straight out, each make a list of 10 places you’d like to go and keep going until you get a match. A word to the wise, keep your first trip together short - in both length and distance - as the longer the journey, the bigger the pressure.
What to do… Ensure you’re on the same page. If you’re dreaming of lazing by the pool, but he’s got his sights set on hiking in the mountains, your passion and your patience may soon fizzle out. Try to find something that you both like doing (sightseeing, art galleries) or even learn a new sport (kite surfing, diving). Although we’re all for trying new things, we’d strongly recommend not going camping for your first holiday experience. If you’ve not lived in the smallest space together
for 24/7 before, it’s far too up close and personal. Do schedule some me time – particularly important for longer trips – so you can indulge your passion for sailing while your landlubber other half, grabs a beer and catches up on the scores.
What to wear… Do your homework. What is the weather and general vibe? If you’re sightseeing in Barcelona you’re not going to need 3 pairs of heels. You’ll inevitably be sizing (or rather judging) each other up, so don’t be a cliché, swap your mother of a suitcase for a chic carry-on. Do take something silky to sleep in. It’ll keep you cool, plus give him a special memory to hold onto in the winter months when you’re perpetually encased in those old flannelette PJs. Above all, try to remember it won’t really matter what you’re wearing - let’s be honest, in an
ideal scenario, did you picture yourself fully clothed for most of this jaunt? Just relax and enjoy getting to know one another.
What to avoid… The biggest challenge is getting through your first break without an argument. While overspending, driving (badly), excessive alcohol consumption and differing expectations, are high on the list of holiday squabbles, they don’t say “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” for no reason. Hungry man + indecisive woman (“I don’t mind, where do you want to eat?”) = major man strop. Decide when and where to eat as soon as possible. If your tastes differ i.e. he can’t live without a fry up in the morning, then compromise and you choose the restaurant for dinner. And finally if you’re travelling in the car together don’t forget snacks, and no we don’t mean the dried apricots and handful of tic tacs in the bottom of your bag. URBAN FOX SEPTEMBER 2016 65
I love painting with oils as they're so versatile!
Favourite artist
Turner
MY WAY
Amanda Jackson “Life alone in the studio has been known to drive the odd artist a little potty!� says artist Amanda Jackson I was born and spent my early childhood in the seaside town of Cleethorpes. Along with my older brother and a gaggle of friends from our street I'd often play at the beach, jumping off dunes where scratchy sea grass grew. My fascination with the sea and the ever changing shoreline are firmly rooted in these 1970's childhood experiences. I had an ordinary education but my father, who was a maths teacher and a capable draughtsman, helped me develop my drawing and observation skills beyond the classroom norm. I was hooked on art by the time I was nine and set about entering art contests and interpreting favourite songs as images. When I was 17 a thirst for adventure set in and I spent a year as an exchange student in Texas. Those were life changing days, the generosity and confidence of my American family and friends gave me a different outlook on the world. An unplanned gap year happened when I left school and took a job at The Meteorological Office in Bracknell. The science of weather systems may be fascinating but photocopying and data entry are not. Before the year was out I realised that I would really have to push myself to achieve something more
in life and set about applying through clearing to get onto an Art Degree course. 3 years later I had a first class degree but absolutely no idea how to become an artist - that would take many more years. I began by painting portraits as a side-line while I was working for a picture framer. Portraits taught me accuracy and gave me an insight into what people love about paintings. When my work became consistent and confident I approached a gallery for representation, had a few pieces accepted, left the framing job and never looked back. I am now an oil painting specialist; it has long been the medium that got my attention because of the range one can achieve with it. Painting in oils makes it possible to describe the effects of light - to the point where it seems light is emitted by the canvas itself. Although I'm known for paintings of people, children at play, figures and portraits and latterly still lives with vintage bears, the role of light and colour association are the key for me. That's how I paint pictures about childhood and capture the way it feels rather than simply painting a picture of children. I often demo or teach in oils at local art
Best holiday
Japan
Last meal on earth
Sushi
Top of bucket list
To see fireflies
Biggest bugbear
Having to sleep Greatest fear
Failure
Secret skill
Playing guitar Most inspirational woman
Queen Elizabeth II
groups. This keeps me sharp; both as an artist because I'm called upon to help with many styles and approaches to painting; but also because they are good humoured social occasions. Life alone in the studio has been known to drive the odd artist a little potty! I have a few gallery exhibitions coming up which is always exciting, it's like being backstage at a show. Sadly some galleries closed their doors in the recent recession but the ones that weathered the storm are going from strength to strength. I have never been so busy! I will be at Croft Wingates Gallery in Market Harborough on Saturday 1st October (12-4pm). It’s a meet and greet event so do pop in, ask me questions and watch a painting take shape.
Bringing the right people and the right properties together.
T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732
info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com