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FEBRUARY 2013
www.theurban-fox.co.uk
WIN
A Decleor Facial
for you and a friend
Spellbound Helen Mirren Exclusive
New Year, New You Will your resolutions go the distance?
Spring Fashion New Trends for SS13
FOOD
HOMES
FASHION
HEALTH
BEAUTY
ARTS
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An ideally located picturesque bungalow
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A unique plot with impressive width and return driveway
Detached bungalow Two double bedrooms Open plan kitchen diner Two reception rooms Ample off road parking Garage Opportunity to extend
Luxury detached Highest specification Four bedrooms Two ensuites Three reception rooms Large garden with orchard Annexe with gym Close to A6
1930â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s detached Seven bedrooms Four reception rooms Four bathrooms Substantial plot Close to city centre Near to Grammar Schools
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Fourth floor apartment Lift access Two bedrooms Spacious living diner Fitted kitchen Secure allocated parking Balcony overlooking river
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From keeping our clients up to date on every aspect of their sale and marketing, to spending time understanding the needs of potential buyers, we know that talking to people is the most important part of what we do. We continually ensure we listen to sellers, purchasers, property searchers and tenants so that we have a full knowledge of how best to serve our clients and react to the market. This allows us to be accurate and tailor our service to the needs of our vendors. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to call our office and ask what our clients say about us; and speak with an agent who is committed to delivering service as well as results.
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Hello
Distribution: Leicester Leaflets 08443 579302
We’re back with our first edition of 2013 and this month is all about trying something ‘new’! Fed up with your autumn/winter wardrobe and beauty regime? Then take a look at our SS13 fashion and beauty trends. From Marc Jacobs to Burberry, we bring you the latest from all the major catwalks. For those looking to lose the Christmas excess, check out our CrossFit feature. The latest fitness craze to hit the UK, CrossFit seeks to improve your stamina, power, flexibility and endurance. Also take a look at our tips on how to maintain a healthy metabolism. There are some simple things we can all do to help us lose those all-important pounds. If like me your New Year resolve is starting to wane, Gillian Carter gives us advice on how to go the distance into February and beyond. Whether you’re looking for guidance on childcare and educational matters, financial and legal issues or even supporting elderly parents, our new Life & Work section is the place to go. This month we focus on how to be valued at work and what women really want from a car. Finally this month we also introduce a new feature My Way. In each edition we will bring you an insight into the life of a woman of achievement, be it in their career, through charity work or their personal lives. We kick off with celebrated chef, published cookery writer and Mum, Lucy Cufflin. From all the team, have a fabulous February.
Disclaimer:
Martina
ISSUE 27 Martina Lenaghan Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Steve Lenaghan Sales/Marketing Director 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk SALES TEAM sales@theurban-fox.co.uk DESIGN TEAM design@theurban-fox.co.uk ACCOUNTS accounts@theurban-fox.co.uk Printers: Spectrum Printing Services Design: The Urban Fox Media Group
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.
cover image: Betty Barclay Jacket £225, Waistcoat £145, Trousers £55.
Editor theurbanfoxmediagroup acebook Order now on
®
@TheUrban_Fox
Our Contributors:
Gillian Carter
Specialist Psychological Therapist & Clinical Supervisor Gillian brings her expertise to a range of personal wellbeing issues.
Chet Willcock
Sous Chef at Best Western Three Swans, Chet’s passion for food is brought alive in his delicious Valentine’s Day recipe
Mark Sandall
Keen sailor and Joint Managing Director at Andrew Granger & Co, Mark will steer you through the property market
other Contributors: Lucy Cufflin, Jake Harvey, Debbie James, Paul Banks, Rebecca Watts, Andy Osborne, Catherine Lowe, James Brewer, Natalie Godefroy.
5
FEBRUARY
46
Contents 8
Life & Work 23 Being Seen, Heard and Valued
Making yourself indispensable
24 What Women Want
Get your motor running
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Wining & Dining Fashion & Beauty 8 New Season Trends
What’s In for SS13
10 What Lies Beneath
Saucy Valentine’s lingerie
26 What’s Cooking?
In the kitchen with Jamie Oliver
28 Say it with Lamb
Sensational Valentine’s recipe
31 A Passion for Pulses
Not just for vegetarians
12 Smooth Operator
Properties & Interiors
14 Best of Both
34 All the World’s a Stage
15 Winter Skin Savers
39 Design Intervention
Health & Wellbeing
40 Soft Landscaping
46 Spellbound
17 Get Fit with CrossFit
Arts & Entertainment
People & Places
18 Boost Your Metabolism
42 What’s On
Say goodbye to frizz
Catwalk beauty trends
Make your face sparkle
Everyone’s doing it!
Simple ways to lose weight
20 New Year, New You
Will you go the distance?
Presenting your home to buyers This season’s home trends Designing your garden
Activities for the whole family
44 Reviews
for you and a friend
6
49 Venice
That’s Amore
50 My Way
Lucy Cufflin on life & work
February’s recommendations
Competitions
a Decleor P19 Win Facial
Helen Mirren exclusive
a Meal P30 Win for Two
at the Lighthouse Restaurant
Two P43 Win Tickets
for Laughing Cows Comedy
FASHION & BEAUTY
New Season TRENDS
With the new Spring Summer collections already hitting the high street, we asked four Leicester-based fashion professionals, their favourite trend for SS13.
Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton
Emilio Pucci
Claire Robinson is a freelance Fashion Designer with 22 years’ experience in the fashion industry. She has designed for men, women and children and has been a buyer for a national chain.
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“My favourite trend for SS13 is the Oriental theme. The 2013 catwalks were awash with kimono styles, obi belts, and enchanting, vivid prints. It is a wearable theme whatever the budget. You could update classic pieces with an opulent, oriental print tunic or invest in a kimono dress as seen at the Etro and Emilio Pucci shows.”
Melanie Taylor is an image consultant, experienced in colour analysis, make-up and personal style, as well as in advice and dress codes for businesses. “One of my favourite looks this season is the 60’s-70's Modernist look particularly featured by Marc Jacobs for the Luis Vuitton collection. It is all about simple silhouettes and strong graphic patterns in clean minimal lines. I love it because it is a smart look yet casual and fun.”
Burberry
Dries Van Noten
Kate Unwin is a successful set and costume designer with a passion for fashion design. Along with Aruna Bhagwan she’s the co-creator of the AKA fashion collection. “I love to add a bit of drama to my wardrobe and this season Metallics are the way to go. A few versatile pieces such as a metallic t-shirt or some futuristic jewellery will dramatically update your daytime look. It’s a clean and refreshing change after the heavy embellishment of last season. Burberry and McQueen show us how it’s done.”
Aruna Bhagwan is the founder and Creative Director at Nora Draper, providing expert tailoring for real women. “With Britain’s changing weather we all need to master the art of Multilayering and this is going to be a big SS13 trend. Add texture, pattern, sheer fabrics and a splash of exoticism and you’re there. Look to John Rocha, Dries Van Noten and Chloe for inspiration.”
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Ultimo Bra & Briefs, £50 / £30, House of Fraser
What Lies BENEATH
Prima Donna Atlantis Bra & Briefs, £72.95 / £31.95, The Little Big Bra Shop, Market Harborough
We all know that looking and feeling good starts from the inside out. So with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, flaunt your inner confidence and frivolous side, with daring black & red lingerie.
Black Lace Body, £45, M&S
Red Lace Bra & High Waisted Briefs, £22 / £12, Next
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J by Jasper Conran Bra & Knickers, £22.50 / £10.50, Debenhams
Image: Dirty Pretty Things
Do you know your bra size? A unique personal friendly service for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. As well as many designer brands plus nursing/maternity bras, sports bras and mastectomy bras, we also offer a fully professional FREE bra fitting service.
Blenheim, £349
Radley has recently launched its Spring Summer 2013 collection.
4 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT Tel: 01858 465592 www.thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk
Fusing bold colour, premium leathers and exceptional detailing, all intrinsic to Radley’s DNA, this new collection bursts into spring with a whole host of new designs. The Beaufront, Lily Broad and Selby ranges with their structured form and functional design provide essential work-wear styles; whilst the Hastings, Bartley and Earlswood ranges become the perfect daytime companions with their relaxed supple leathers and strong bursts of colour. Radley’s skill of combining traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques develops each season incorporating innovative new hand finished detailing. For SS13 we see intricate hand-woven leathers across the Weaver tote bag range and as a stand out detail in the half moon Fenworthy clutch bags.
The timeless classic ‘Laura Bailey’ collection continues for SS13. Key shapes are moved into light- weight summer canvas with leather trim for a vintage feel. New shapes include the travel holdall and the mini shoulder. Find this amazing new collection at Radley stores and stockists nationwide or online at www.radley.co.uk
Lily Broad, £349
Hastings, £229
11
FASHION & BEAUTY
Smooth Operator
3. The Process:
Step 1
Having not been blessed with smooth and silky tresses, when Kyle Beasley Hairdressing contacted TUF with regards to trialling their new Nanokeratin System, I was the obvious choice.
1. The Science:
Keratin is a protein naturally found in the flat cells of hairs. It keeps them strong, elastic and healthy. When the amount of keratin in the cells diminishes, the hairs get brittle and dry and are more prone to damage and breakage. Treatments such as Nanokeratin are recommended for damaged or coarse
hair, such as bleached, coloured or lightened hair, hair extensions made from natural hair or sun damaged hair. The treatment works to repair hair and make it healthier, as well as helping to maintain the colour. Depending on the product used treatments typically last 3-6 months before reapplication is required.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
2. The Trial:
IMAGES: Joanne Withers at Nine Photos
On the day of my treatment I’m greeted by Creative Designer, Krupa Shikotra, who runs me through the 3-hour process and tells me more about what Nanokeratin will do for my hair. Krupa explains that the treatment is suitable for all hair types but is particularly beneficial to unruly hair like mine as it helps to create movement without frizz. Sounds good to me!
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Krupa is keen to point out that Nanokeratin is not a chemical treatment which ‘relaxes’ or permanently straightens the hair, but rather a smoothing therapy, which nourishes the hair and could shave around 50% off my hair styling time. With a 15-month old daughter as well as myself to get ready in the mornings, the thought of silky smooth hair in half the time, has me raring to get started. So, gowned up and consultation finished, the treatment begins...
Step 5
4. The Aftercare:
Krupa advises me to leave my hair as long as possible - ideally 4 days before washing it next and not to tie it back or pin it up during this time.
Step 1 Shampoo hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue from the hair and roots. Step 2 Blow dry hair, without combing or brushing it, until completely dry. Step 3 Dividing hair into small sections, apply the keratin product with a silicon brush onto the hair and leave for 5 minutes. Step 4 Using a brush, blow dry hair until it’s 100% dry. Step 5 Divide hair into sections once again and pull the Nanotechnology straightening iron through each section 6-10 times. Then leave for 30-40 minutes to lock in the keratin. Step 6 Wash and condition using a keratin shampoo and conditioner. Style as usual. Step 6
The Verdict: My hair feels amazing! Smooth, healthy and very shiny. It’s so much easier to manage, making my morning routine much less stressful.
Reader Offer Experience the Nanokeratin treatment for £99 at Kyle Beasley Hairdressing, 12-14 St Martin’s Square, Leicester. This offer is only available during February 2013, normal price £140.
She recommends using a sulphate free, keratin based shampoo and conditioner and explains that the more keratin that is applied, the smoother and better nourished my hair will remain.
To find out more about the treatment, or to keep up to date with offers available through Kyle Beasley Hairdressing, join their mailing list at www.kylebeasley.co.uk As with any cosmetic therapies you are advised to speak with a qualified practitioner and ensure you’re content with the advice given, before undertaking treatment. This is particularly important if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
13
FASHION & BEAUTY
Best of
Both
Every season we wonder what the major fashion weeks will reveal in terms of beauty trends and SS13 was no exception, offering a perfect blend of bare-face beauty and vivid colour.
Intense Blue and Green Eyes:
Stella McCartney and Versus
This month we feature four of the major trends hitting the catwalk and high street this season.
Slicked Crimson Lips:
Burberry and Jason Wu
Major Lashes & Brows:
Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford
Neutral Lips & Glowing Skin:
Dolce & Gabbana and Derek Lam
STYLE TIP: Combine the strong and subtle, by playing up the features you want to draw attention to with colour, while keeping the rest of your look simple and glowing.
Winter Skin Savers
Winter is not a friend to your skin. The effects of Christmas and New Year - food, drink and late nights - can make you look pale and pallid. Add to this the central heating and cold weather and your skin may well be looking dull and tired. But all is not lost! We dropped in to see Beauty Defined salon owner Natalie Godefroy, to ask her advice for making our skin sparkle. Cleanse - good girls take their make-up off! Make sure you take off all your make-up with a good quality cleansing lotion or milk. Get rid of the dirt and let your skin feel alive! Protect - adding a serum under your moisturiser is a great way to add an extra layer of protection from the elements. Use one suited to your skin e.g. firming, anti-wrinkle, soothing or nourishing.
Moisturise - only use a small amount even when your skin is very dry. Ladling the products on, can cause sagging and dullness. What’s more the skin only absorbs what it needs, so you’re wasting money by using too much! Drink - water that is. It’s especially important at this time of year. Also too much caffeine and alcohol leads to dull skin and dark circles under the eyes, so
try alternating alcoholic drinks with glasses of water. You’ll thank me for it in the morning! Exercise - fresh air and exercise will give your skin a healthy rosy glow. Why not head out for a walk with friends instead of sitting watching TV?
Specialists in: Permanent Makeup • HD Brows • Lash Treatments • Darphin & Aesthetic Facials • Lycon Waxing Beauty Defined is a Beauty Aesthetic Clinic based in the unique waterside location of Union Wharf in Market Harborough, offering up-to-date treatments you thought you could only receive in a city. A beautifully chic interior, coupled with a warm welcome from our friendly staff will instantly put you at ease, so you can relax and enjoy your me time.
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We offer a free no-obligation consultation on all treatments. Please call to book yours on 0845 269 5301, or email info@beauty-defined.co.uk
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15
Special Urban Fox Reader Offer:
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A SPECIAL DISCOUNT TO URBAN FOX READERS OF 15% OFF COMPLETE SPECTACLES FROM OUR £129 RANGE AND ABOVE
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TEL: 0116 244 8244
467 WELFORD ROAD, LEICESTER LE2 6BL
TEL: 0116 270 5885
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Get a fantastic 50% discount on six beginnerlevel CROSSFIT 101 classes at CrossFit Leicester with this advert. The CrossFit system translates real-life activities into focused, results-driven workouts, and fosters a selfsupportive environment of likeminded individuals who keep each other focused and motivated. So whether you want to shed a few pounds, get those flat abs you have always promised yourself, or are just bored of your present workout/gym, start your 2013 fitness journey at CrossFit Leicester. There you will find lots of like-minded members who will help you become the you that you always wanted to be! Terms & Conditions: New customers only. Booking required with copy of Urban Fox advert. Subject to availability. CFL cancellation/rescheduling policy of 24 hours applies. Must sign a waiver to redeem the voucher. All classes must be redeemed by the same customer within 4 weeks of first visit. Voucher cannot be used in combination with any other offer. Cash value of 00.001p. All sessions to be taken at CrossFit Leicester Unit 4A, 91-101 Humberstone Road, Leicester LE5 3AN.
Unit 4A, First Floor, Andrea Building, 91-101 Humberstone Road, Leicester LE2 8BL. (above World of Furniture)
Tel: 07771 655447 www.leicestercrossfit.co.uk
Get Fit with CrossFit
Created by US husband and wife team, Greg and Lauren Glassman, CrossFit has been described as ‘the world’s hottest new workout’, with circa 5000 affiliated gyms worldwide using its training methodology and an endorsement from Reebok to boot.
C
rossFit is a strength and conditioning programme, that aims to improve all elements of fitness, endurance, power, stamina and flexibility. This month TUF caught up with Head Coach, Andy Osborne at CrossFit Leicester to find out more about this latest craze:
you get stronger and more experienced you’ll work your way towards eventually doing the workouts as prescribed. However it is important to master the technique and therefore everyone is required to attend an induction to learn all the foundational moves.
What is ‘new’ about CrossFit compared to other exercise plans?
Presumably with all this physical exertion, CrossFit is ideal for those wanting to lose weight?
CrossFit workouts are typically shorter than the average gym session. But although they’re 30 minutes or less, they are intense, combining movements such as sprinting, rowing, skipping, climbing and weightlifting. Equipment used includes barbells, dumbbells, gymnastics rings, pull-up bars, kettlebells and medicine balls. These elements are mixed in numerous combinations to form prescribed ‘Workouts of the Day’ or ‘WOD’. This sounds fun but physically demanding. Can anyone do it? Yes. The same routines are used for men, women, the elderly and athletes. This is achieved by changing the scale, load and intensity, not changing the programmes. As
Whilst CrossFit is not a weight loss programme, together with the ‘Paleo’ eating plan, which we endorse, I have seen some very impressive body transformations and amazing improvements of fitness. Some of our readers are put off by the ‘gym culture’. What do you do to stop members feeling self-conscious when exercising? We understand that many people can feel uncomfortable and embarrassed when they go into a gym; that’s why at CrossFit we’ve replaced mirrors on the wall with motivational quotations. We also aim to create a family environment, where you are supported not
only by the coaches but other members too. This comes about from everyone aiming for the same goal of self-improvement. We understand that performance in the ‘WOD’ is often scored. Why is that? This is designed to encourage competition but also to track individual progress. This is one of the only class programmes where your results are measureable and results can be seen quickly. One of the biggest surprises I see is that no matter your body shape, you can’t determine who will end up with the highest score. Thanks to Andy and the team for the insight into CrossFit. We were especially pleased to see the number of women members, from yummy mummies who have never trained in a gym before to those in their 50’s and beyond. We’ll definitely be coming back.
17
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Boost Your Metabolism By February, most of us that started the New Year in earnest on a weight loss kick will have experienced a ‘plateau’, where results slow down or stop. But what is the best way to stop those unwanted pounds from returning? The key to long term weight-loss is a healthy metabolism. You need to avoid reducing your calorie intake again, and/or increasing exercise more as this can further lower your metabolic rate. We spoke to Rebecca Watts at Metabolic Weight Loss Clinic, Leicester, to understand some of the things you can do to help maintain a healthy metabolism and lose those all-important pounds: •D on’t miss breakfast or cut out meals as this can slowdown the body’s processes to preserve energy. •D on’t leave too long between meals as this can lead to a swing of the metabolism and loss of energy. •C ontrol surges in blood sugars by
eating healthy foods, regular smaller meals and avoiding processed foods and refined sugary foods. • The more lean muscle tissue we have, the more calories we burn and the higher our resting metabolic rate (RMR). Strength training twice a week has been shown to have a significant effect on RMR. The training needs to be challenging, consistent and progressive to increase muscle mass. • The thermic effect of food is how the body uses energy to consume and digest the foods we eat, converting these calories into heat or ‘Diet Induced Thermogenesis’. Foods that have a more significant thermal effect include Protein, Green Tea, Spices (ginger, chili) and Peppers (red hot peppers, cayenne pepper).
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
New Year,
NEW YOU?
There is something about the new year which inspires change. Whether it is how we look, how we feel or what we do with our time; there is an energy which drives us to want to make positive changes at this time of year.
A
ccording to research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology by John Norcross and his colleagues, approximately 50% of the population makes resolutions each New Year. The most common themes for new years’ resolutions include: • Losing weight • Getting organised • Spending less • Enjoying life more • Staying fit and healthy • Learning something exciting • Quit smoking • Helping others • Falling in love • Spending more time with family and friends But what happens to this positive energy over time? Researchers have found
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that the first few weeks go well but by February, things are sliding backwards and by the following December, we are often back where we started. But what’s the reason for the high failure rate? Gillian Carter, Specialist Psychological Therapist at Apple Counselling in Leicester explains “Resolutions are a cultural way of motivating us to make positive changes or to eliminate bad habits at the beginning of the year. However, some people are just not psychologically ready to embark upon those changes, or set unrealistic goals, or are simply disappointed that the resolution did not bring about the ‘life change’ they’d expected. As such it is easy for them to slip back into their old habits.
Making your resolutions last is about changing your behaviour and creating new ways of thinking, which are then positively reinforced so that you begin to automatically
make choices attuned to your new goal. This can seem easy to start with but as the novelty wears off, it can become increasingly difficult”.
So what are Gillian’s top tips for resolution success in 2013? • Focus on just one achievable resolution, rather than several unrealistic resolutions. • Think about why you are doing it and be realistic about how this change will benefit your life. • Break down the resolution into smaller stages and set specific goals, e.g. going to the gym for one hour on Mondays and Fridays. • Share your resolution with a friend. This will help support you when things get tough.
• Celebrate and share your success at each stage and reward yourself for your efforts. • When you feel yourself being pulled away from your goal, distract yourself with a fun activity. • Make an effort to regularly think about your new goal / habit as this will help to reinforce new thought patterns. • Focus on the now. What small thing can you do today to bring your goal closer?
Above all, don’t take yourself too seriously. Everyone slips up, so be accepting of this when it happens and keep moving toward your goal.
. . . t h g i e w lose s we g n i h t e Th
do to
Shake it baby! Wouldn’t it be great if a crazy machine really could shift extra pounds? But sadly, we know the answer. And yet, all we want to do is to lose weight so we can lead our lives to the full.
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Change your mindset, change your life ©LighterLife UK Limited 2012. All rights reserved. Image: The Granger Collection, New York
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NO WIN NO FEE Subject to assessment
Be Seen, Heard &
VALUED
At a time of year when many of us are considering our careers, we explore some of the ways you can set to work making yourself a valuable employee.
F
or many of us the New Year is time of change, and typically this might include looking for a new job or career direction. Perhaps you have your sights set on a pay increase or that coveted promotion. However with unemployment rates at their highest in decades and companies worldwide making tough decisions about downsizing and redundancies, 2013 is likely to be more about accelerating your performance, simply to secure your position.
Our top tips for success in the workplace are: 1. Make sure you know your job inside and out. Skilled professionals make their tasks look easy because they have in-depth knowledge of their work. Their ability to handle their work with ease does not go unnoticed. 2. Prove that you’re reliable. Complete projects on time and don’t call in sick to work on a whim. A person who consistently doesn’t show up for work is a burden to an employer and co-workers who have to do extra work in that person’s absence.
3. Demonstrate interest in your work. A valued employee is eager to offer constructive suggestions that will help make her company more efficient, profitable and competitive.
6. Master self-promotion without being arrogant or annoying. Many women hate the idea of promoting themselves to their own detriment because their valuable skills go unnoticed. Constructive 4. Embrace change. self-promotion includes Learn how to use any new directly communicating technology or implement your ideas to your boss, new procedures that so he knows the ideas are are brought into your yours. Additionally, if you workplace. Once you learn take a class or get outside these things, regularly training directly related to introduce them into your your job make sure your work so that your new skills boss knows about it. will be noticed. However, as with most 5. Sharpen your skills and things in life, it’s all about increase your knowledge balance. There may be by volunteering to take on times when you have to new projects to move your say ‘No’ or leave promptly workplace contribution at 5pm. Good decision beyond that of the average making, delegating and employee. Look for extra prioritisation are all signs of work that interests you. an effective leader and any good boss will take note.
If you’re interested in learning more about being valued at work, 101 Ways to Make Yourself Indispensable at Work by Carol Silvus, provides a guide to making the most of your job and appearing valuable to upper management. It teaches how to build positive work habits, foster people skills, expand leadership abilities, and more through a series of tips for workers at all skill levels.
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LIFE & WORK
What Women Want
W
This month we look at six key factors that influence women’s buying decisions: hen one American car manufacturer Big Picture Size Matters Status Symbol created a new 4x4, it is said Market research reveals a In general, women Research suggests that that they made the all-male significant overlap between tend to be more openmore women in two and development team dress what women and men want minded toward smaller three car households are up as women for the day in car design. But women vehicles than men. It’s not driving luxury brands. including skirts and heels… tend to pay close attention uncommon for a woman The difference is that makeup was optional. to the details as well as with children, to choose whilst women want the Sound familiar? The seeing the big picture. They a smaller or more basic ‘experience’ more than they purpose of this experiment demand more from their vehicle if it means having want its projected image, was to determine how some vehicles than men and are more money for other this is typically the exact women might feel getting more particular about a family priorities such as opposite for men. into and driving a 4x4. broader range of criteria. holidays, private schooling, The exercise itself helped For this purpose car university fund. Shapely Curves expose issues with getting advertising, even when it Whilst there are no hard in and out of the vehicle, appears to be aimed at men, Eco Friendly and fast rules when it as well as how to position can be designed to appeal It's not surprising that comes to preferred designs, and shape controls on the to women. women are eagerly women often gravitate centre console. But this was adopting the new breed toward vehicles with softer only one aspect of a larger Practical Concerns of eco-friendly vehicles. curves. Think Fiat 500 process for understanding Safety, comfort, practicality Women are very sensitive (below), Audi TT, Mini what motivates women and value are priorities for to their impact on the Coupe, VW Beetle, Nissan when buying a car. women car buyers. Styling, environment; and with Juke. design and performance fuel prices at record highs, are also important, but not considering an eco-friendly necessarily more so than car, is a practical decision practicality. Fold down that can reduce both your seats, ISO fix, storage emissions and fuel bill. capacity and GPS are all listed as being critical features to have. 24
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*0% finance available on Hyundai i10 Style 1.2, i20 Active 1.4 5 door and i30 Classic 1.4 5 door models on Conditional Sale between 2nd January 2013 and 31st March 2013. 50% minimum deposit required. Models shown: i10 Style 1.2 at £9,495 OTR in solid paint, £129 per month with £4,851 deposit over 36 month term, i20 Active 1.4 5 door at £12,530 OTR including metallic paint, £159 per month with £6,806 deposit over 36 month term and i30 Classic 1.4 5 door at £14,600 OTR in solid paint, £199 per month with £7,436 deposit over 36 month term. Finance subject to status. Terms & Conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantees/Indemnities may be required. Hyundai Motor Finance RH1 1SR. Offers are not available for customers under the Hyundai Affinity Programme. 5 Year Triple Care terms and conditions apply.
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WINING & DINING
26
What’s Cooking?
J
Chef Jamie Oliver takes a step away from the kitchen to celebrate a brilliant career in cuisine.
amie Oliver has never been far away from cafe culture, of sorts. His big break as a culinary master came in 1997 BBC documentary River Cafe - the then 37year-old sparring as a sous chef amidst the chaos of one of the River Thames’ most seductive locations. While that Hammersmith base remains, Oliver quickly flew the nest on the back of his phenomenally successful Naked Chef series, going on to influence a multi-generation swoop of food lovers and, quietly, amassing a £150million fortune in the process. But Oliver takes it all in his stride. The patter, the demeanour, the bravado is the same as it ever was. Okay, he may say ‘pukka’ a little less in 2013, but then, thankfully, so does everyone else! “The River Cafe was a big thing for me. The place itself gave me a fantastic practical foundation in food, but obviously the TV project gave me the greatest launch pad anyone could hope for. It has been an exciting journey, through subsequent series, books, restaurants; and national campaigns that have ranged from healthy eating to helping the disadvantaged.”
and who you are, but they are evolving all the time. It’s a fascinating ride.” Away from home life, Oliver’s pursuit of continued culinary excellence has recently seen him release the book ‘Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals’, a ‘double the pace’ spin-off to the ‘30 Minute...’ forerunner. Yet with his restaurant chain entertaining palates across the globe, with recent moves into Australia and New Zealand becoming caught up in red tape, does he become frustrated with the business side of things? “It’s one of those things. You can’t expect everything to go to plan. I don’t particularly enjoy all the work behind the chain and the red tape, but it’s got to be better than clearing out bins and picking up fag butts, the sort of jobs I used to do when working for my dad in the pub!” But that’s about the only criticism father Trevor will come in for. An inspiration to the chef, Oliver Snr has always been credited as one of the real heavyweight influences behind Jamie’s career. “I’ve said it before, but everything I’ve done has really been a scaled up version of what he does, or of something he has taught me. I had those influences around me from an extremely young age, and I’ve just been building on those all of the time.”
So we’re speaking to someone who is ultimately content? “Oh no, never,” he retorts. “There will always be another “Sky-diving and kids represent project, always another challenge. That’s my two biggest fears in life” what keeps me going - that’s what keeps most of us going. If I want to relax I’ll spend a bit of time “I think there’s often the temptation to look at food as with the kids, walk around the garden, or drink some red an instruction to be ambitious and extravagant, but you wine. But I couldn’t do that all the time.” don’t have to wow everyone. Sometimes you have to take the relevance from things around you and develop them Jamie’s passion for his children knows no bounds though. gradually. That way you learn as you go, and it actually The family comprises wife Jules, Poppy, who is eleven, begins to mean something.” Daisy Boo, nine, Petal, three, and two-year-old Buddy. “Sky-diving and kids represent my two biggest fears in life. “We’re sometimes all a bit guilty of dressing things up. One of those I can probably protect against harm, while But getting back to basics with staple diets of food, the other is a little trickier, although if I stay out of the sky simply presented yet beautifully crafted, sharing great I’ll be alright. But my kids do mean everything to me. As experiences with good people... isn’t that the reason we time goes on they gain an understanding of what you do all get into food in the first place?”
27
WINING & DINING
Say it with Lamb W
ith thoughts of intimate and delicious Valentine’s meals tantalising our senses, we met with Chet Willcock, Sous Chef at Best Western Three Swans, Market Harborough, for some gastronomic inspiration. Having previously trained for 5 years under Herr Henri Brosi, Executive Chef at The Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane, Mayfair; Chet’s passion for food and local produce holds no bounds. Below is Chet’s easy recipe for Roast Rack of Lamb with Dauphinoise potatoes and minted jus, which will feature on the Three Swans’ own Valentine’s menu this month. It’s quick, simple and ideal for a romantic meal at home. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
Method:
Rack of Lamb 180g of French trimmed rack of Lamb
n Pre-heat your oven to
Dauphinoise Potatoes 1 large wilja potato (peeled) 300ml of double cream 150g of mature cheddar Sprig of fresh thyme Sprig of fresh rosemary 1 clove of fresh garlic (lightly crushed) Minted Veal Jus 100ml of veal jus (alternatively, a good quality beef or lamb gravy from your local supermarket) 1 teaspoon of mint sauce
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180C n In a saucepan, heat the double cream with the rosemary and thyme and garlic. Allow to reduce by 1/3, strain and stir in the grated cheddar until all has been melted. Adjust seasoning accordingly. n Wash, peel and slice the potato width ways to the thickness of a fifty pence piece. n In a baking dish, make a layer of the potato ensuring all the slices overlap each other. Then cover with a thin coating of the cream. Repeat this process until all the potato and cream is used. Cover with tin foil and bake for 45 minutes or until the potato is soft and cooked.
n For the lamb, simply
season with salt and pepper and seal all the sides in a hot lightly oiled frying pan. Roast in the oven for 7-8 minutes. Then allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. n Heat the gravy in a pan and whisk in the mint sauce. n To serve, make a bed of the dauphinoise potatoes, rest the rack of lamb against the potato and dress with the minted gravy.
Chet Willcock (left) with Three Swans’ Head Chef, Greg Prangnell
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29
WINING & DINING
Firenze has
WIN A MEAL
FOR TWO at
A
fter much soul searching, Lino and Sarah Poli of Firenze Italian restaurant in Kibworth, have decided to follow their dreams. But rather than escape to the sea, they are bringing a taste of the sea to Leicestershire. Lino’s very first job was in a seafood restaurant in the beautiful coastal town of Bordighera. Since then he has harboured a love for fish, and a secret ambition to one day have his own seafood restaurant. So, after 13 years of their much beloved Firenze, it is time for a change. As Sarah says “Times they are a-changing, and all good businesses must move with the times. Of course we are sad to say good bye to Firenze, but equally, we are looking forward to the new memories that we are about to make at The Lighthouse.” Serving from 6.00pm Tuesday to Saturday, The Lighthouse will have an emphasis on seafood, using beautifully fresh fish, exercising Lino’s undeniable skill, and staying true to their standards, which have become something of a benchmark for quality. The Lighthouse features Great British Classics, as well as holding true to Lino’s Mediterranean heritage. Think Lobster spaghetti, fabulous fillets of sea bass, potted shrimp and sublime fish & chips. There’s plenty to please the meat eaters and vegetarians too! Our verdict: Great food and an altogether affordable and relaxed affair. THE LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT No 9 Station Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicester LE8 0LN. Tel: 0116 2796260 www.lighthousekibworth.co.uk
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For your chance to win a meal for two at Kibworth’s newest restaurant, simply email your name, address and telephone number to editor@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Lighthouse’ in the subject bar. Alternatively, postal entries should be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD. Entries must be received no later than 1 March 2013. Terms & Conditions: Prize to the value of £50. The prize is non-transferable; no cash or alternatives are available. Not available for use on Saturdays or Mother’s Day. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or vouchers. Please be sure to mention that you are intending to use the voucher when you book.
A Passion for PULSES Tightening the belt and looking for a new you? Thinking of trying a new diet? Full of meat and good things from Christmas? Well let me introduce you to the ‘new’ super food...pulses!
by Lucy Cufflin, from Lucy’s Food Lentils and other pulses are still seen by many as the domain of vegetarians and although some of us enjoy them as part of our family suppers we are in the minority. But after a visit to a very trendy restaurant in London where my starter was garnished with sprouting raw chickpeas, lentils and mung beans I was an immediate convert. You can buy ready sprouted pulses in some
supermarkets but it is very easy to do your own - simply wash the dried pulses (chickpeas, little green lentils, mung beans etc.) and lay in a dish that has a few layers of kitchen paper in the bottom. Soak the paper and pulses in water and put them into a dark cupboard for 3 days adding more water if needed. Once they have sprouted you can remove them from the water (I give them a
what’s so good about them? • The nutrients increase hugely once a seed or pulse sprouts compared to its previously dried existence.
• The flavours are so fresh and the texture wonderful - they work brilliantly alongside meat, fish or cheese.
• The vitamin C in a bean increases by 600% when it starts sprouting! This is not a new discovery; in the 18th Century sprouting pulses were used to cure scurvy.
• They are nutty and delicious, and because they are pretty and delicate they are not a struggle to eat like many things that are good for you.
rinse) and store them for a further 4-5 days in the fridge. Try a feta, olive and sprouting pulse salad for lunch (pictured); use as a side to steak for supper or combine with your favourite dressing and grated raw beetroot and serve with salmon. The possibilities are endless so get experimenting all the while knowing how good you are being to your New Year body!
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
• Iron is released once sprouting has begun making it easily accessible to the body and digestibility is increased as the cell walls break down.
31
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33
PROPERTIES & INTERIORS
All the World’s
A STAGE I
f you’ve been struggling to sell your home then you may want to re-think your approach for 2013. Take a step back and look at the property for what it is; a house for sale and not your home. The key to successfully selling a house is to look at it through the eyes of the buyer; believe it or not most buyers will make a decision about a house within the first 30 seconds. The economy has created a buyer’s market, meaning that as a seller you have to go that extra mile to make sure your home stands out from others. Whilst the pool of potential buyers gets smaller there are still plenty of homes for sale, so it makes sense to invest some time and money into the sale of your property.
What is property staging? The art of property staging is to prepare your property so it will appeal to as many buyers as possible, which in the current market will hopefully mean that your home will sell quickly and at a good price.
34
Mark Sandall, Managing Partner of Estate Agents Andrew Granger & Co, spoke to us about the importance of property staging: “Many sellers don’t realise that living in a house and marketing a house for sale are two completely different things. Once you decide to sell, your house becomes a product and in order to sell a product quickly it needs to appeal to as many people as possible. Getting the presentation of the property right is vital and can include anything from a good clean to refurbishing a tired old bathroom. ”
So what are Mark’s top 3 tips for presenting your home in the best light? 1. A good clean We are not talking about just running the vacuum round and having polish but a real deep clean. Clean out cupboards, scrub the grouting in the bathroom or steam clean the carpets to remove any stubborn stains; nobody wants the thought of living with mess created by someone else.
2. Create their new home Your collectables may be precious to you but to others they could be conceived as junk. Let the buyer envision themselves in the house by taking some personal items away. Plus by packing up you knick knacks now you will save yourself a job when it comes to moving.
3. Set the scene Make buyers at ease by creating a nice atmosphere for viewings. Empty bins and put the toilet seat down. If it’s cold outside make sure the heating is on. Keep pets out of the house, hide dirty washing and put your shampoos and shower gels out of sight.
“Presentation is key when it comes to selling your home, but remember your idea of good taste may not be the same as your buyer“
OADBY
Woodlands Close, Stretton Hall
£625,000
An outstanding, immaculately presented detached executive family home. Accommodation briefly comprises: Entrance hallway • four generous reception rooms • recently refitted kitchen • utility room, cloaks/w.c • spacious galleried landing • master bedroom with en-suite • guest bedroom with en-suite • three further bedrooms • family bathroom • ample block paved off-road parking • double garage • landscaped gardens to rear.
BUSHBY
Scrivener Close
£335,000
A beautifully appointed detached family house in an executive development. The family home briefly comprises: Entrance hall • cloaks/wc • sitting room • study • dining room • breakfast kitchen • conservatory • utility room • master with en-suite shower and dressing room • three further bedrooms and family bathroom • double garage • attractive gardens to front and gardens adjoining woodland to the rear.
Oadby
Stoughton Road
Stoneygate
Springfield Road
£300,000
A unique ground floor versatile apartment with separate one bedrom annexe providing a useful rental income. The property retains many beautiful character features and in brief comprises: Entrance vestibule • entrance hall • sitting room • dining room • two bedrooms • bathroom and kitchen. Separate annexe with inner hall • bedroom • kitchen opening to sitting room and bathroom. Outside: off road parking • rear garden.
£249,950
A four bedroomed period property in a popular location close to the centre of Oadby. The property retains a wealth of period features and benefits from gas fired central heating and comprises: Entrance hall • two generous reception rooms • breakfast room and kitchen. First floor landing • master bedroom with ensuite • three further bedrooms • bathroom • off road parking • single garage • gardens to rear.
Oadby
Hermitage Court
£135,000
An opportunity to purchase a two bedroomed spacious ground floor apartment situated in a convenient and popular position close to Oadby Town centre. The property, which was constructed by Messrs Bryant Homes, briefly comprises: Communal entrance hall • entrance hallway • open plan sitting room with kitchen area off • master bedroom with ensuite shower room • further bedroom and bathroom
If you’re buying or selling this winter,
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HOME OF CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
38
Some of the palettes for this season include:
Design INTERVENTION This season’s home trends
I
nterior Design is a fluid subject; its fashions ebb and flow according to the current trends, social influences and the eclectic involvement of the designers within the industry. Twice a year, The Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour hosts the interior design equivalent of London Fashion Week with furniture, fabric, wallpaper, lighting, accessory and rug manufacturers showcasing their latest creations. Designers flock from around the world to see what will be ‘hot’ for the coming season and to gain inspiration for their own projects. Behind the scenes of this show there are a multitude of people who spend their time researching and analysing masses of statistics in order to determine what the season’s trends should be.
Ahead of the London Design Week (17-22 March), The Urban Fox spoke with Catherine Lowe, Interior Designer at Indigo Acre in Ashby-dela-Zouch to get her thoughts on 2013 interior trends. “Trend Forecasting is integral to the success of all industries, not just design” says Catherine. “Predictions are based on information gathered from all aspects of life from Politics and Economics, Scientific Breakthroughs and Technology to Popular Culture, The Environment, TV and Film, and Social Media. And it is vital for trends to attract the attention of consumers from all backgrounds”. “Themes for 2013 have been focussed on the consumer’s expectation of practicality, longevity and reliability as well as their need to create desirability”.
Connoisseur: Promotes a sense of history and elegance whilst embracing the finer things in life. A look that is sophisticated and refined. The beige, champagne and silver, providing a backdrop which reflects sage greens, chalk whites and monochromatic violets, orchids and mahoganies. Footprints: Heavily influenced by the bright tribal colours of tangerine, peacock blue and solar yellow and set against organic textures in sand and oasis green. This pallet is bold and has a very strong sense of direction. Surface Treatments: A palette that embraces the fluid textures and liquid colours and clashes them with rugged earth tones and tactile fabrics. This is a diverse yet compatible theme promoting the relationships between the natural world and therefore within society. If you are looking to do something different with your home this year, be it re-style, re-decorate or simply accessorise, do a little research into what is ‘trending’. Decide which trend you would like to follow then pay particular attention to colour as this will have the greatest impact. Look into the use of textures and patterns and don’t be afraid to do something a little different!
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PROPERTIES & INTERIORS
Soft Landscaping
“Despite the recent cold spell, it’s never too early to start spring cleaning your garden” - James Brewer
In our October edition, garden designer James Brewer described how elements of soft landscaping - namely trees and shrubs - could be incorporated into garden design. This month James is back with advice on perennials, climbers and flowering bulbs. Perennials are generally classed as 'high maintenance' mainly because some varieties require staking or help to attach to climbing wires or structures and for the most part they require pruning down to the ground each winter. However, some of my favourites require little or no help at all. Specimens to consider: Geranium Renardii - has bright blue flowers and works well as an edging flower Verbascum - has column like stems and pastel flowers Rudbeckia - has tall yellow, red or orange flowers, great to plant among shrubs Phlox - an old English perennial, amass with flowers throughout the mid-summer
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Climbers are amazing when grown in the right place. They create height, can be used to screen or soften hard structures (fence, pergola), plus they bring flowers and scent to eye and nose level, and they can do all this while occupying very little space at ground level. Specimens to consider: Lonicera Halliana - an evergreen honeysuckle which pollinates at night, releasing its scent in the evening Hydrangea - an unusual and often overlooked climber Ceanothus - an unscented but interesting climber with its dark green leaves and bright blue flowers
Bulbs can be used for all situations, from naturalising in grass to borders, pots and window boxes and even for indoors. For a meaningful display you will need quite a few and plan to include them in the borders and shaded areas alike. Specimens to consider: Snowdrops, Aconites and Blue Bells - for shaded areas. Remember these are protected species so no digging them up from the woods. Some growers are happy to sell direct to the public. Tulips and Daffodils – are always a winner for the borders Lily Stargazer - gorgeous and highly scented, it’s a great performer Camassia - stunning with their delicate white flowers and tall stems
Whilst these are some of my favourites, it’s important to incorporate your own taste into any garden design. Write down the colours you like and what sort of style of planting you’re trying to achieve. If you want a low maintenance option, keep a higher ratio of shrubs e.g. 2 Trees, 70% shrubs, 20% Perennials and 10% Bulbs. For more information on planting and specimens to consider visit your local plant growing nursery.
James Brewer Gardens
Your garden is there to be enjoyed, sit in, entertain in, play, relax and use as another room of your home. Designing your garden to best suit your requirements neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a daunting task. I have over 17 years experience in designing contemporary and traditional gardens to suit all budgets. All my projects receive the same passion, professionalism and attention to detail no matter what the size.
Ground Qube is a landscape and garden design studio based in Leicestershire. Offering clients a complete landscaping service, Ground Qube can design, construct and maintain your outdoor space.
T: 07969 180130 E: info@gqgardens.com W: www.gqgardens.com
4 Haddonian Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9GD TheTel: winter planting season is 614676 here! Contact us now for planting schemes, bare-root 01858 464194 Mob: 07775 Web: www.jamesbrewergardens.co.uk
trees, fruit trees, native hedging, instant mature hedging. See website for further details.
35 41
Arts & ENTERTAINMENT
What’s on
FEBRUARY 2013
LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND All My Sons
Mon 4 - Sat 9 February The Little Theatre, Leicester Tickets £12.50 / £11.20 www.thelittletheatre.net
All My Sons is based upon a true story, which Arthur Miller’s then motherin-law pointed out in an Ohio newspaper. The story described how a woman informed on her father who had sold faulty parts to the U.S. military during World War II. Powerful, passionate and frighteningly relevant, the drama of Arthur Miller deals in the hard currency of ‘social’ realism and tragedy. All My Sons, which brought Miller his first major success, is a merciless exposure of wartime profiteering and the capitalist ethic in the search of the American Dream.
PALOMA FAITH, Tue 12th February at De Monfort Hall.
Jenny Eclair and Jimmy Cricket (remember him?). Other highlights include the annual Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Competition; the Comedy Curry Cook-off at Chutney Ivy restaurant and exclusive photo exhibition DAVE’S LEICESTER at Leicester train station. COMEDY You can also try some FESTIVAL more unusual experiences Fri 8 - Sun 24 February in the form of Comedy in Venues across Leicestershire the Dark (exactly what it Ticket prices vary says on the tin), Comedy www.comedy-festival.co.uk Tourist - an amusing walk around Leicester’s places of Britain’s longest-running historic interest - and Hotel comedy festival is back for D’Comedie, in which you its 20th year, and 2013’s are invited to wander the offering is bigger and better suites of Hotel Maiyango, than ever, with a staggering finding a different 520 shows taking place over comedian in each room. 17 days in venues across the For full listings you can county. pick up a brochure from Big-name acts appearing a multitude of venues this year include Milton countywide. Tickets for Jones, Russell Kane, all shows are available Johnny Vegas, Al Murray, from the festival’s website comedy-festival.co.uk
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Chinese New Year Celebrations
when it was released in May last year. Tracks include ‘30 Minute Love Affair’ in Sun 10 February which Faith recounts the Humberstone Gate, Leicester true experience of a fleeting Free Event meeting with a busker in www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals London’s Leicester Square when she was just fourteen. With a theme of community participation and cultural Gluten Free exchange, celebrate the Meal Year of the Snake with lion Fri 15 February dance and Chinese music The City Rooms performances, calligraphy Tickets £20 / £15 workshops and food tasting. www.thecityrooms.co.uk Event runs from 11am-3pm. Following last year’s Paloma Faith successful Gluten Free Meal Tue 12 February at The City Rooms - the De Monfort Hall, Leicester biggest ever gluten free Tickets £19.50 event in Leicestershire www.demontforthall.co.uk they’ll be hosting another such dinner this month, Due to phenomenal complete with drinks, demand, Paloma Faith has canapés and a threeadded more dates to her course meal. Guests will 2013 UK tour. This will be also receive goodie bags the first full tour of ‘Fall on arrival. For more to Grace’, which reached information, or to purchase No. 2 in the album charts tickets, contact The City
Rooms on 0116 251 5337 or email cherlynn@ thecityrooms.co.uk
Watercolour Painting Day
Thu 21 February Barnsdale Garden, Exton £69 incl. lunch www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
Learn to capture beautiful scenes, with minimum drawing and a simple wet-into-wet colour wash. Local artist Sandra Peck’s relaxing painting days combine simple step-by-step demonstrations with lunch in the Barnsdale Gardens Tea Room. All welcome, from the more experienced artist to the absolute beginner.
New Jersey Nights
Tue 26 February - Sat 2 March The Curve, Leicester Tickets £16.50-£26.50 www.curveonline.co.uk
The international hit show Jersey Nights comes to Curve for one week only. Set in the early sixties, the show takes you on a musical journey celebrating
the greatest hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Featuring four great singers, perfect harmonies, stylized costumes, a rockin’ live band and amazing dancers Jersey Nights delivers all of the Four Seasons hits, including: Sherry, Can’t take My Eyes Off Of You, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Silence is Golden, Oh What A Night, and many more.
Gilad Atzmon Orient House Ensemble Wed 27 February The Y Theatre Tickets £12 / £10 www.leicesterymca.co.uk
Gilad Atzmon and his acclaimed Orient House Ensemble are touring to celebrate the release of his latest studio album, ‘Songs of the Metropolis’. The album is inspired by some of the world’s greatest cities, from Moscow to Buenos Aires and beyond, where the band has played over its 12-year existence, all reflected in a varied set of moods, from the tranquil to the turbulent.
Win TWO tickets
to Laughing Cows LEICESTER Starring Shazia Mirza, one reader and a guest have the opportunity to attend the ground-breaking Laughing Cows comedy night on Tuesday 12th March 2013 at Duffy’s Bar, Leicester. Laughing Cows Comedy has been proudly celebrating, showcasing & developing women in comedy since 1998 across the UK and Europe. Every show is designed to get the audience laughing from start to finish, by showcasing the best of female comedy, in a friendly and warm atmosphere. Acts who have performed at Laughing Cows include Sarah Millican, Jo Brand, Shazia Mirza, Susan Calman, Zoe Lyons and Maureen Younger. Laughing Cows also runs Laughing Calves nights throughout the year. These nights allow newer comics to take to the stage alongside more seasoned performers. The nights also raise money for charity. In London, Laughing Cows with the support of actor Emma Thompson has raised over £17,000 for the Helen Bamber Foundation, which supports survivors of cruelty, torture and trafficking. Laughing Cows Leicester is held every second Tuesday of the month at Duffy’s Bar, 8 Pocklingtons Walk, Leicester, LE1 6BU. Tickets are £8 (£6 concessions) and can be purchased online at www.WeGotTickets.com, or via resident MC Maureen Younger, by emailing contact.maureen@yahoo.co.uk or calling 07838 585670.
DAVE’S LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL, Fri 8 - Sun 24 February
For more details on Laughing Cows go to www.laughingcowscomedy.co.uk 43
Arts & ENTERTAINMENT
FILM Review Lincoln
Classification: 12A Showing: Fri 8th - Thu 21st Feb at THE PHOENIX BOX OFFICE: 0116 242 2800 www.phoenix.org.uk Daniel Day-Lewis takes the title role in this stunning and inspiring new film from Steven Spielberg. The year is 1865 and we find America in the midst of civil war with U.S. president Abraham Lincoln attempting to bring peace to his divided country whilst simultaneously trying to secure enough votes within Congress to ban slavery. Spielberg has assembled
a superb cast including Sally Field, John Hawkes, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Tommy Lee Jones delivering a standout turn as the radical Republican Thaddeus Stevens. As good as they all are however, it is impossible to eclipse another exhilarating and captivating performance from Day-Lewis. From his slight stoop to the faintly high-pitched reedy
voice, Day-Lewis inhabits ‘Honest Abe’ as no other actor could – surely it will bag him his 3rd Oscar in February? The only slight concern is the running time. As is the current fashion for
Hollywood films this runs well over 2hrs, but when confronted with a historical epic that plays like a taught modern political-thriller – perhaps this time, the running time is warranted.
book Review
Four weeks into our New Year’s resolutions may be just the time when a book is needed to bolster that resolve. Here are this month’s choices:
52 Ways to Transform Your Life: Weekly Wisdom for Busy People by Annabel Sutton
Finally Free: The Easy Way to Stop Smoking for Women by Allen Carr Arcturus - £7.99
Attractively packaged for the chic and contemporary woman, this anti-smoking book will help you quit easily, painlessly and permanently. The method, by Allen Carr, has enabled millions of smokers to quit. It works without the need for willpower, there are no scare tactics and you won’t gain weight. So don’t delay - take the first step to becoming a happy nonsmoker for the rest of your life!
Troubador - £8.99
Bite-sized nuggets of wisdom, inspiration and practical help for busy people on the go. This is the perfect choice for those who love personal development but don’t have time to read lengthy self-help books. Week by week the author offers practical ideas on how to open up new possibilities and help readers make positive changes in their lives.
The Bookshop, Kibworth 52 High Street, Kibworth LE8 0HQ. Tel: 0116 2791121 www.thebookshopkibworth.com
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Arts & ENTERTAINMENT
tried to develop the gentle yet deep friendship that Alma and Alfred shared.” So was it a role that was difficult to research, given that Alma’s time was always spent behind the camera, and rarely documented or credited despite her task of rescripting and reshaping whole scenes?
Spellbound Dame Helen Mirren brings the captivating Alma Reville out of the shadows at last
T
hough she’s earned a reputation as a daring and inspired actress, Helen Mirren confesses that she still struggles to free herself from her underlying fears and self-doubts. “It’s taken me a long time to realise that you are always going to be striving to reach that ultimate level of performance,” Mirren says. “Acting has helped me escape my natural tendency to be uptight and conservative. The thrill comes in getting as close as you can to that feeling of total abandonment to your art.” In her new movie ‘Hitchcock’, she plays Alma Reville, the legendary British film director’s wife, confidante, advisor, and unaccredited writer on many of his greatest works. Trained as a film editor in the nascent British silent film industry of the 1920s, Reville married Alfred Hitchcock in 1926 and over the course of their 53-year marriage helped him create
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some of the world’s greatest movies including ‘Shadow of a Doubt’, ‘Strangers on a Train’, ‘Rear Window’ and ‘Vertigo’. “It’s clear that Hitchcock and Reville shared a wonderful love story” says Mirren. “Their unity was very romantic and caring. They were like Romeo and Juliet although they shared their love in a much more low-key, unglamorous way. They were true partners in life and their story offers many insights into how to lead a successful marriage”.
“Unfortunately, there’s no film footage of her, so nothing that could even show me how she walks or moves. So I relied on anecdotal recollections of her and what her personal manner was like, and what kind of daily rapport went on between her and Alfred. In a way I was glad that I had some more freedom to interpret her on a more general level than having to focus on very specific gestures. I could simply focus on what kind of woman she was and the real nature of her love and attachment to Hitch.” And how does she view Alma having now portrayed her? “To me, Alma is one of the great unsung heroines of film. She was extremely productive in making Hitchcock’s masterworks and he himself gave her all the credit in the world for her contribution, even if the industry fell short in its appreciation, at times. She was his staunch ally, editor, and writer and a great partner in life and in work. This film was therefore a great chance to bring Alma out of the shadows.”
‘Hitchcock’ also gave Mirren the opportunity to realise one of her life ambitions in working with Sir Anthony Hopkins. “We both knew it was our destiny to someday work together,” she laughs. “When this project came about, we were both of the mind, ‘Why did it take so long?’ Anthony and I had a great time on this picture and we
Helen with Sir Antony Hopkins in ‘Hitchcock’
STARRING FRANCES RUFFELLE
DIRECTED BY PAUL KERRYSON
22 FEB – 16 MAR
TICKETS FROM £10
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VENICE
That’s Amore
Venice is truly an intense place to visit. Every inch that isn’t water seems to be some kind of architectural or artistic treasure. With over 100 canals, 400 bridges and stunning 16th and 17th century palaces and piazzas, it ensures that every visit is a unique experience. When to go? Venice is a city to be experienced all year round. However, March to June and September to October is ideal for sightseeing; when you can enjoy the sunshine without the summer humidity. How to get there? For the ultimate in opulence, travel on the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress. One way tickets start from £1,920 per person for 2 days/1 night and include private cabin, all table d'hôte meals and a personal steward. However, getting to Venice needn’t be this expensive. Ryanair operate weekly scheduled flights from East Midlands to Treviso. The flight time is circa 2¼ hours and the journey from
Treviso to Piazzale Roma by coach takes around 40 minutes. For the onward journey to your hotel, we’d recommend a private vaporetto taxi. Whilst more expensive than the public alternative (£90/£15); for speed, luxury and convenience they just can't be beaten. Within 30 minutes you can be sipping a Bellini in your hotel. Where to stay? The famous Hotel Monaco overlooks the Grand Canal and has majestic views of the Church of Santa Maria della Salute and the island of San Giorgio. The Monaco has 100 rooms furnished in grand style, with doubles starting from £410 for 2 nights over the Valentine’s weekend. Dinner on the terrace is an unforgettable
experience. The quality of the food is only matched by the impeccable service. The Avogaria Locanda and Restaurant is in one of Venice’s least touristy areas, not far from the ancient parish church of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli. The chic B&B design is modern, cosy and romantic. 2 nights from 15-17th February, start from as little as £210. What to see & do? All good tour guides will recommend a visit to St Mark’s Basilica, a tour of the Doge’s palace and the view from the top of the Campanile; but for us there’s nothing better than getting lost in the intricate network of backstreets and alleyways and experiencing the true charm of the city. 80% of all tourists in Venice are in and around the main
routes to San Marco Piazza; so do consider broadening your horizons. Be sure to visit the islands of Murano and Burano for picturesque old world charm and local crafts (glass, lace). Alternatively head for the Lido; Venice’s seaside and host to the annual film festival. Hire a bicycle and take in the intriguing blend of gothic, art nouveau and modernist architecture. What to avoid? A gondola ride - they are overpriced, and not nearly as romantic as they look.
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PEOPLE & PLACES
My Way... This month we chat with Lucy Cufflin professional chef, published cookery writer and owner of Lucy’s Food. Without doubt my cooking inspiration was my mum. Whilst my friends were eating fish fingers, when I was small we were eating veal chops, meringues and French delights. Supper in our house was a daily pleasure we learned to love and appreciate food. After a year at the Cordon Bleu school in London, I was lucky enough to get the job as chef to the British Ambassador in Sweden. I cooked for the family but once or twice a week we had large dinners for visiting and local dignitaries. I had an unlimited budget, unlimited help and lots of time, so I really had the chance to create signature dishes and very intricate presentation. My career has been varied and I have enjoyed it all! I am currently Skiworld’s executive chef. This is a challenging but really fun and rewarding job especially as we have gone ‘local’ with our chalet menus this winter which has meant finding and experimenting with lots of produce local to the different ski resorts. I also love catering for people’s parties and special occasions. It can be stressful, but being part of making that special day memorable is a real honour. I guess catering for my own wedding ranks up there in the achievement stakes not because it was the best food I have ever cooked but simply because I enjoyed the day because of it not despite it. Being a single Mum - that has probably been the greatest challenge, but with the help of my own Mum I have been able to work pretty much full time. My resolution for 2013 is to do as many great things as I can with my now 17 year old son before he flies the nest, as time is something you cannot buy back. In 2013 I will continue my work as Skiworld’s executive chef; I have also sketched out the bones of a new book about cooking and growing your own so hopefully I will get that signed up. I want to do more pop up restaurant evenings as well as I really enjoy those. But as I said, this year I intend to make time for my own family too.
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In a
nutshell:
What’s your favourite clothes store? “TK Maxx as the excitement of finding a hidden gem is everything.” Where did you last go on holiday? “French Alps - mountain walking.” What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? “A pair of ski boots with made to measure inners.” What frustrates you most? “Machines that don’t work.”
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