Nadiya Hussain

SUMMER 2016
Health & Wellness for the Public Sector
GET INTO GEAR
THIS SUMMER
Reading for
WELLNESS
LET’S HIT
the beach
Nadiya Hussain
BAKE-OFF SWEETHEART
HEALTH & DIET | WELLNESS |\ FITNESS |\ LIFESTYLE |\ BEAUTY |\ MEN ZONE |\ TRAVEL |\ FINANCE
She just subscribed to
Wellbeing Plus!
By subscribing to
Wellbeing Plus you
receive each new
edition direct to your
inbox, along with offers,
competitions and fun
tips to help you take
the first step to improve
your health & wellness
Put a spring in your step
and join us!
www.wellbeingplusweb.com
www.wellbeingplusweb.com
welcome
Welcome to the summer edition of Wellbeing Plus. We embrace summer with
open arms as everything seems much brighter, especially our feeling of wellness.
This is the season for feeling good, catching up with friends and loved ones for
days out and BBQ parties. We have some sumptuous BBQ recipe ideas and
ways to make your party perfect.
Summer entices us to the beach where we can indulge in our favourite activities,
whether this be long walks along sand dunes, having fun with the kids and
exploring rockpools, followed by a fun picnic and games or lazy days for romantic
couples.
We take a sneak peek at Nadiya Hussain’s recipes from her new cookbook
‘Nadiya’s Kitchen’ and discover what a truly heart-warming person Nadiya is as
she shares what her kitchen means to her.
Summer is a great time to get into cycling, our friends at Raleigh have some
great tips for you on this great way to get more active no matter your level of
fitness and differing ages.
I hope you enjoy our new edition and have a fabulous summer.
Until next time, enjoy…and keep well!
Katy Brown, Editor
Contact us::
Editor: Katy Brown
Editorial enquiries:
[email protected]
General enquiries
[email protected]
Wellbeing Plus Publishing Ltd
The Business Centre | 1 Poplar Grove
Stockport | SK2 7JD
±
Be more human.
REEBOK ZR9 TREADMILL
Unique ZigTech cushioning absorbs
impact as you run, adapting to your foot’s
natural motion to create less stress on
your joints. Come rain, wind, sleet or
snow, keep up your running momentum
all-year round.
YOU’RE #UNSTOPPABLE.
EXCLUSIVE TO ARGOS
ARGOS.CO.UK
SUMMER 2016
contents
HEALTH & DIET
06
10
14
20
Nadiya’s Kitchen
The Pain Of RSI
BBQ Recipes
Eat The Seasons
24
06
WELLNESS
24 Reading For Wellness
26 Create Your Reading Nook
32 Let Go Of That Grudge
36
Flower Scent
FITNESS
42
Get Into Gear This Summer
LIFESTYLE
50
Let’s Hit The Beach
56
Time To BBQ and Party
62
Camping or Glamping?
42
BEAUTY
68
Don’t Be A Fake Flake
72
Beach Babes
78
MEN ZONE
78
From Beach To Bar
TRAVEL
82
Package Holidays vs DIY
FINANCE
86
Travel Insurance Trip-ups
86
HEALTH & DIET
HEALTH & DIET
Bake Off
champion
Nadiya Hussain
only entered
the baking
show after her
husband gave
her the belief
in herself to
take part
Nadiya’s kitchen
cooked for tea. Always
followed by a rub of
a tummy and a large
groan of excitement as
they leave behind a trail
of lunchboxes, jumpers,
used tissues and rogue
socks in their wake.”
In 2015 Nadiya Hussain
stole the nation’s heart
when she won the sixth
series of The Great British
Bake Off and wowed us
all with her ‘My Big Fat
British Wedding Cake’.
Since her triumph,
Nadiya has appeared
on ‘The One Show’,
‘Loose Women’ and
is a regular columnist,
before gracing us with
her newly released,
cook book, ‘Nadiya’s
Kitchen’.
Discover what a truly
heart-warming person
Nadiya is as she shares
what her kitchen means
to her.
“It’s the hub where my
children run to straight
after school and lift every
lid on every pan as they
scramble to catch the
scent of what I have
Here we take a sneak
peak at some of her
recipes. To enjoy all her
fabulous creations we
highly recommend you
treat yourself to a copy
of her book.
Nadiya’s Kitchen by
Nadiya Hussain is
out now.
(Penguin, HB, £20)
Photography by
Holly Pickering
Feta and dill savoury mufffiins
PREP: 15 minutes
COOK: 20–25 minutes
SERVES: 12 (Can be frozen)
I know when you hear the word ‘muffin’ you probably think of the blueberry or
chocolate chip variety. However, muffins can be so much more. According to
my husband, muffins are meant to be sweet, but I tend to veer in the direction
of a savoury muffin accompanied by a sweet cup of tea - perhaps mainly to
prove to him that I am always right. He took some convincing, because he’s
not a feta cheese fan, but these are so good: the cooked feta melts down
slightly in the muffin, keeping its distinctive salty flavour. The dill adds such a fresh
taste, and the crunch of the seeds gives an extra dimension to the texture.
These can be eaten fresh out of the oven or cooled, sliced, smothered in
cream cheese and topped with smoked salmon. And now when I say muffin,
my husband answers, ‘Dill and feta, please!’
INGREDIENTS:
175g plain flour
50g wholewheat flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp fine salt
275ml whole milk
1 medium egg
100g cottage cheese
75g unsalted butter,
melted and cooled
50g feta cheese,
crumbled
1/2 tsp wholegrain
mustard
2 tbs fresh dill, chopped
1 tsp ground black pepper
8 sundried tomatoes,
chopped
25g pumpkin seeds
METHOD:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cases.
2. Put the flours, baking powder and salt in a bowl, and stir everything together.
3. Now add the milk, egg, cottage cheese, melted butter, feta cheese, mustard,
dill and black pepper. Mix it all together and spoon into muffin cases.
4. Top each muffin with a little chopped sundried tomato and sprinkle with the
pumpkin seeds.
5. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out
clean.
HEALTH & DIET
HEALTH & DIET
Cod and clementine
Peanut, black sesame and ginger
PREP: 15 minutes
PREP: 20 minutes
COOK: 40 minutes
SERVES: 2 (Cannot be frozen)
COOK: 20 minutes
SERVES: 25
This is one of the earliest memories I have of being absolutely astonished by
flavour. My mum would normally cook this dish with whole pieces of fish, and
sliced fish. None of this ‘easy fish’, as my dad likes to call it - it was always
cooked with all the bones still in, to boost the flavour. We would spend a long
time picking it apart to eat it, and placing the bones a safe distance away from
our plates. Traditionally we’d eat it with our hands (it’s near enough impossible with
cutlery).
The first time I had peanut brittle was when my eldest sister, Jasmin, passed her
GCSEs, and my dad’s friend bought her this tiny, unassuming bag of peanut
brittle tied up with maroon ribbon. The funny thing is she hates peanuts – in fact,
she detests nuts of any kind – so it was a jackpot for the rest of us. We held back
until my dad’s friend left, but that was it. The peanut brittle was gone before
he’d reached the front gate. (Bear in mind that we lived in a terraced house
with a sliver of a front garden.)
Although it was delicious, these days there isn’t always time to sit at our plates
for an hour, and since having my own kids I am the biggest fan of filleted fish.
Granted, it imparts less flavour to this dish - but the clementine peel well and
truly makes up for that.
Then I didn’t eat brittle again until I made it a few years ago - and this is my
variation of the classic, with black sesame for added drama and nuttiness, and
a hint of ginger.
INGREDIENTS:
METHOD:
5 tbs olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
½ onion, diced
1 tbs tomato purée
1 tsp fine sea salt
200ml water
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
2 clementines, peel only, sliced
juice of 1 clementine
300g cod fillets
a large handful of coriander, finely
chopped
1. Heat the oil in a medium pan over
a medium heat. Once hot, add the
crushed garlic and diced onion.
Turn the heat down and cook gently
until the onions are soft.
2. Add the tomato purée, salt and
water. Cook for a further 5 minutes
over a low heat.
3. Now add the turmeric, paprika and
cumin, and cook gently for an
other 5 minutes. Keep adding small
amounts of water if it starts to catch
on the bottom.
4. Add the clementine peel and cook
for 10 minutes, until the peel is soft
and almost falling apart.
5. Use a potato masher to mash all
the peel – breaking it up will intensify
the flavour.
6. Add the fish, cover and cook for 10
minutes over a low heat.
7. Squeeze in the clementine juice.
Once the fish is cooked, take the
pan off the heat and sprinkle over
the chopped coriander.
8. This dish is best eaten with hot
basmati rice.
INGREDIENTS:
vegetable oil, for greasing
150g raw skinned peanuts
50g black sesame seeds
3 pieces of candied
ginger
¼ tsp ground ginger
300g caster sugar
METHOD:
1. Grease and line a 15 x 20cm tin with baking paper. Toast the peanuts in a
non-stick pan, until they are golden. Put them in a bowl, and use the end of a
rolling pin to crush them slightly.
2. Now toast the black sesame seeds for a few minutes in the same pan, being careful
not to burn them. Mix them with the toasted peanuts, and leave them to cool.
3. Rinse the pieces of candied ginger and dry them on kitchen paper, then
grate them finely. Add the grated ginger to the nut mixture and stir to combine,
along with the ground ginger.
4. Now put the sugar in an even layer in a heavy-based pan, over a low–medium
heat. Move the pan around now and again, but do not stir the sugar. The
sugar will slowly turn a golden amber colour.
5. Once all the sugar is amber, add nuts, and pour everything into the prepared
tin.
6. Leave it to stand for a few minutes, as the caramel will be really hot, then take
a sharp knife and score where you would like to break the brittle. Once it has
completely cooled, break it into pieces..
7. The brittle can be stored in a airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Sometimes
I like to whizz it up in the food processer, and use it as a crunchy coating for
chocolate truffles.
HEALTH & DIET
HEALTH & DIET
The pain
of RSI
It is estimated that RSI related injuries
cost UK industry up to £20 billion annually
through lost production
Repetitive Strain Injuries
(RSI) are caused by
the overuse of muscles
and tendons. This can
happen while at work,
competing in sports or
even while playing video
games. Any motion that
you perform repeatedly
without taking frequent
breaks can cause RSI.
General causes of
RSI injuries
There are numerous reasons why a RSI incidence
may manifest itself, both
physical and mental.
A non-exhaustive list
of contributory factors
towards the emergence
of RSI is as follows -
•An overuse of the
muscles on a continued
repetitive basis
•Cold temperatures
•Vibrating equipment
•Forceful activities
•Poor posture or a badly
organised work area
that is not ergonomically sound
•Holding the same
posture on a continuous
basis
•Prolonged periods of
work without a break
•Carrying heavy loads
on a repeated basis
General RSI
symptoms
The overriding general
symptom of a repetitive
strain injury is pain.
Usually this is in the local
area affected by the
RSI, however, this is not
always the case. For
example, a pinched
nerve in the shoulder
region could be the
reason for a hand based
RSI, so it is important to
be aware that there
may be a certain degree
of linkage between
injuries.
Pain will usually manifest
itself in the muscles or
joints and can affect the
shoulders, neck, upper
back, arms wrists, hands
and fingers amongst
others.
Tingling, numbness,
tightness, burning,
swelling and general
soreness are often experienced along with a
feeling of weakness in
the affected area.
Some may experience
a different colouration
in the skin and/or a
change in shape of the
affected region.
In the early stages of an
RSI it is common to have
one or two of the symptoms during the type of
activity that brings on
the pain, but once the
activity has ceased, the
symptoms will also
disappear. For example,
if you are a typist you
may experience RSI
type symptoms during
the day whilst typing,
but once you have finished work (or over the
weekend) you will not
suffer any symptoms.
It is worth noting that
although the pain may
be manageable (and
it may disappear for
large periods of your
day) it could develop
into a more severe case
producing greater pain
with more frequency
(the RSI symptoms may
even become irreversible
if the case is sufficiently
advanced) if the source
of the RSI is not tackled
and treatment is not
sought.
Practical tips for
the prevention of
RSI
Largely the way in which
you can help to prevent
RSI are common sense
approaches to your
work and lifestyle.
Here is a summary of
points to consider which
will lessen the likelihood
of developing a RSI
injury.
General tips to
prevent RSI
•Take regular breaks
from the repetitive task
that you are undertaking. If you are computer
based, you could set
yourself reminders to
take breaks at regular
intervals. Reminders can
usually be setup using
your email client or
alternatively there are
various forms of specific
RSI software that is
designed for this job
•Regularly stand up and
stretch as well as stretching your arms and wrists
and also straighten your
fingers
•If you are office based
try to look at objects in
the distance occasionally
rather than continuously
starring at a computer
screen
•It is important that you
listen to your body. If
you feel fatigued, take a
HEALTH & DIET
break before you begin
to experience any RSI
symptoms
•Learn muscle relaxing
breathing techniques
such as diaphragmatic
breathing
•Try to keep in as good
physical shape as possible and eat and drink
healthily
Tips to prevent RSI
in the workplace
It is not only in your
employers interests to
attempt to prevent
repetitive strain injuries
amongst staff, but it is
also a legislatory requirement in many countries.
Your employer should
have guidelines for the
prevention of RSI injuries
in the office.
Here is our list of RSI do’s
and don’ts in the office
environment.
•Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically
sound. This will involve
adjusting the height of
your chair so that it is
relative to the desk and
so that you have lumbar
support
•When seated attempt
to retain a good posture
(no slouching!) Ideally
your head and back
should form a straight
line from your ears to
your pelvis
•When typing your
wrists should not be
bent to one side, try to
keep them pointing in
a straight line with your
forearm
•Try not to hit the keys
on your keyboard too
forcefully
•Learn to touch type if
possible. This will involve
using all of your fingers
which will lessen the
load of typing across all
fingers and it will eradicate
the need for having to
constantly focus on your
keyboard
•Learn all the computer
keyboard shortcuts to
save you from unnecessary typing
•Do not grip the computer mouse tightly and
have it located close to
your keyboard so you
do not need to stretch
•An option maybe to
consider a trial of voice
HEALTH & DIET
recognition software to
cut down or even eradicate the need for typing
entirely
•Ensure that the office is
heated appropriately
•If you use the telephone
regularly you should
obtain a headset rather
than attempting to
balance the headset
between your ear and
shoulder whilst typing
•Use ergonomic
equipment
Whereas acute RSI is relatively simple to assess
and treat successfully, is
difficult to cure chronic
RSI. Some people with
RSI may eventually get a
chronic pain syndrome
that affects every aspect
of their life.
However, RSI is curable
in its early stages, so it’s
vital that you get help
early and that you take
this condition seriously!
We love...
Whilst there are several steps you can take to avoid or relieve the symptoms of RSI,
there are some great products on the market that can significantly help your relief.
Dragon
Professional
Individual
Dragon has been an
life-line for so many
people with RSI, as it
enables them to use a computer simply
by talking to it, rather than having to
endure the discomfort of using the
keyboard and mouse. Dragon can
help people with RSI either get back
to work, or it can be offered to those
who are concerned that they may
develop RSI over time.
Stockists: www.nuance.co.uk
Penclic Mini
Keyboard
Reclaim your desk
with Penclics’ Mini
Keyboard and
create a healthy working position
while you’re at it. The compact size
allows a more relaxed and natural
working position to help reduce RSI
issues from occurring. Furthermore,
the optimal 5 mm profile lets you to
free up more space on your desk, less
clutter on your desk which gives you
more to be glad about!
Stockists: www.posturite.co.uk
PainGone Electric Therapy Pen
The handy, fast working device works on the principles
of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation which
is effective on physical pain such as back pain, arthritis,
RSI, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, menstrual pain, etc.
Stockists: www.tower-health.co.uk
Penclic Mouse
A smart ergonomic
computer mouse with
the advantage of
preventing and easing
pain. Significantly,
reducing the discomfort
and potential harm
done to your body,
allowing the relaxed
and sensible working
posture as ergonomics
recommend.
Stockists:
www.posturite.co.uk
Biofreeze
Biofreeze
products are
providing relief
to countless RSI
sufferers. But the
pain reliever’s
unique, cooling formulation is also
comforting to sore muscles and
muscle sprains; easing back, shoulder
and neck pain; reducing painful
ankle, knee, hip and elbow joints and
helping to lessen effects of muscular
strains.
Stockists: www.boots.com
HEALTH & DIET
HEALTH & DIET
British asparagus, mozzarella && bacon sliders
PREP: 5 minutes
recipes
COOK: 15 minutes
SERVES: 6
These quick and easy bites make for a straight-forward delicious nibble at a
bbq party.
YOU’LL NEED
9 British asparagus spears, trimmed
2 tsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
6 slices of streaky bacon
150g mozzarella, sliced and patted dry
6 small buns, halved
WHAT TO DO:
1. Heat the grill to high. Lay the
asparagus spears on a large plate,
drizzle with oil, a squeeze of lemon
juice and season then shake the
plate to roll the spears until they are
well coated.
2. Grill the asparagus and bacon on
both sides until golden and cooked.
Return the asparagus to the oily
plate and roll it in the dressing once
more.
Gone are the days of the BBQ existing of
burnt offerings of burgers and sausage,
now your guests expect culinary delights
Don’t ditch the burgers and sausages though, they will always be a BBQ staple
- a simple marinade can transform even the cheapest cuts of meat.
But it’s worth having a go at stepping out of your BBQ comfort zone and wow your
guests with alternative offerings. Feel like giving it a go? Then try these fabulous
alternatives
3. Toast the cut sides of the buns. Cut
the asparagus spears in half to fit into the buns. Top one half of each bun with
asparagus then a slice of mozzarella. Return to the grill to melt the cheese.
4. Cut the bacon to fit the buns then top each slider with a crisp piece of
bacon and the top half of the bun.
For more great asparagus recipes
visit www.britishasparagus.com
HEALTH & DIET
HEALTH & DIET
Infused beetroot, halloumi && courgette
kebabs in lime & toasted cumin seed dressing
PREP: 10 minutes
COOK: 60 minutes
SERVES: 4
These quick and easy bites make for a straight-forward delicious nibble at a
bbq party.
YOU’LL NEED
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ lime juiced
1tbsp olive oil
200g Halloumi, torn into bite sized chunks
4 Cumin & Pomegranate Infused Beetroot, cut into quarters
4 spring onions, cut into 3cm battens
1 small courgette, sliced into disks
4 kebab sticks
Brazilian rib & black eyed bean salad
PREP: 10 minutes
COOK: 10 minutes
SERVES: 2
YOU’LL NEED
Zest and juice of 1 lime
½ tsp chilli flakes
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
28g pack coriander, chopped
750g pork spare ribs
400g can black eyed beans (240g
drained and rinsed)
195g can sweetcorn (160g drained and
rinsed)
4 handfuls Crispy Salad Bag (150g)
WHAT TO DO:
1. If using wooden
kebab sticks, soak
them in water before
using so they don’t
burn on the bbq.
2. In a small frying pan,
toast the cumin seeds
for a minute or two
until they become
fragrant, take care
not to burn them.
Remove from the
heat and stir in the
lime juice and oil and
season well.
3. Tip the veg and halloumi into a large bowl, pour over the dressing and combine
well to coat. Thread the veg and cheese onto kebab sticks, reserving any
dressing left in the bowl. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side the BBQ or under
the grill, until the cheese is browned and crisp on the outside and the veg is
cooked.
4. Pour the reserved dressing onto a serving plate. Once cooked turn the kebabs
on the serving plate to soak up the remaining dressing.
For more great beetroot recipes visit www.lovebeetroot.co.uk
WHAT TO DO:
1. Preheat the bbq grill.
2. Whisk together the lime zest and
juice, chilli flakes, honey, oil and half
the coriander. Place the ribs in a
large roasting tin and toss in half the
dressing.
3. Roast for 1 hour.
4. Just before serving, mix the beans
and sweetcorn into the salad with
the remaining dressing and serve with
the ribs sprinkled with remaining
coriander.
Cooks Tip - Try using kidney beans instead
of black eyed beans
For more great salad recipes
visit www.makemoreofsalad.com
HEALTH & DIET
marinades & sauces
Not everyone wants to jump in and create adventurous dishes for their BBQ, but
that doesn’t mean you can’t push the boat out to impress. We’ve tried out a
selection or marinades, sauces and sides and bring to you our favourites.
Gluten and Dairy Free May-O
1 Chippa
Stockists: www.sainsburys.co.uk
1
Chippa gluten free Worcester Sauce
2 Stockists: www.sainsburys.co.uk
Barry Norman Pickled Onions
3 Stockists: www.tesco.com and www.ocado.com
2
Walden Farms Thick & Spicy BBQ Sauce
4 Stockists: www.discount-supplements.co.uk
Opies Pickled Walnuts
5 Stockists: Tesco, Asda, Booths, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s
Opies Cocktail Gherkins
6 Stockists: Tesco, Morrisons, Booths, Sainsbury’s
7
Lingham’s Chilli Sauce
Stockists: Tesco, Booths, Waitrose, Ocado and Sainsbury’s
8
Jim Beam Original Bourbon Sauces
Stockists: www.sainsburys.co.uk
3
4
5
Hellman’s American Smokey BBQ & Japanese Sticky BBQ
9 Stockists: All major supermarkets
Glorious Korean BBQ Sauce
10 Stockists: www.gloriousfoods.co.uk and major supermarkets
6
7
8
9
10
The Outdoor Cooking Expert® since 1949.
Campsite Cooking Reinvented!
Get the party started with Campingaz Party Grill®
600, the essential camping companion! Sizzle or
cook all of your favourite dishes on one versatile
stove with all cooking accessories included.
Available at all major outdoor retailers.
Oven Lid
Reversible Grid
Grill
Heat Screen &
Burner Protector
Pan Support
Water
Compartment
Removable &
Pack-Away Legs
PARTY GRILL® 600 FEATURES
Non-stick cooking surface
Water compartment prevents flaring Match-free ignition and full gas
during use and collects grease
control for multiple cooking options
ensuring easy cleaning
www.campingaz.com
All components and legs pack
away in main body for easy
transportation
HEALTH & DIET
HEALTH & DIET
July
Eat the
SEASONS
Make the freshest choices with our quarterly
guide to foods that are currently in season
Now that most foods seem to be available all year round, it’s sometimes
difficult to know which foods are actually in season and therefore fresher, with
nutrient levels largely intact.
So determine what’s in season right now and dig in. You’ll be rewarded with
high quality produce, packed with nutrition, at a lower cost. And your taste
buds will definitely thank you for it.
BEETROOT turns
many people’s noses
up having only experienced crinkle-cut slices
steeped in overpowering vinegar. This is a
shame because fresh
beetroot has much to
commend it in terms of
flavour texture and
colour. And if you
haven’t tried fresh beetroot juice you may be
pleasantly surprised at
how subtle it is.
BROAD BEANS are
good sources of protein,
fibre, vitamins A and C,
potassium and iron. We
love broad beans simply
boiled, buttered and
served with dishes using
pork-based meats such
as bacon, pancetta
and chorizo.
JERSEY ROYALS
come with a fabulous
flavour which arises
from the unique growing
conditions on the island.
A true seasonal gem
and a good source of
fibre and vitamin C. The
season is short-lived so
feast on them while you
can.
PEACHES contain
beta-carotene, which
the body converts to
vitamin A. At its ripest
and best the peach is
a food that forces you
to adopt a special eating position - bowing
forwards at an angle of
30° and with arm raised
above the horizontal - to
avoid being bathed in
peach juice!
RABBIT is leaner and
tastier when wild than
the farmed variety, it
has a fabulous subtle,
gamey flavour (very
different from richly
flavoured hare). It is
available throughout
the year but you’re
more likely to find the
best sized rabbits from
July to December.
SEA TROUT is a good
source of omega-3
essential fatty acids. Try
Sea Trout Fillets with a
Lime-Anchovy Butter.
Grill the sea trout fillets
under a hot grill for a
few minutes. Serve with
a slice of the butter
melting over each fillet
and vegetables of your
choice for a sensational
meal.
WATERCRESS adds
a peppery yet smooth
edge to dishes and is
highly nutritious. Use it
in salads in place of the
ubiquitous rocket. It is a
classic soup ingredient
and when cooked has
a milder flavour. It’s also
great in juices and gives
carrot-based drinks a
lovely bite.
HEALTH & DIET
HEALTH & DIET
August
CRAB can be used with
pasta, in salads, with
chilli - there are a multitude of ways to enjoy
this most versatile of seafoods. White crab meat
(from the claws) rivals,
or exceeds, lobster for
flavour and succulence
and needs very little
fiddling with to create
masterful dishes such as
a crab salad.
FIGS score highly
on taste, texture and
colour. They make very
attractive starters (e.g.
served with Parma or
Serrano ham) and
delicious desserts. Try
them drizzled with honey
and your choice of
cinnamon, thyme and
pistachios, then roasted.
Or as a great addition to
an after-dinner cheese
board.
PLUMS are rich in
antioxidants and come
in many guises - tart or
very sweet; for cooking or for eating; and
in a range of rich hues
from light greens and
yellows to dark reds and
purples.
RADISHES are juicy,
crunchy and crisp,
UK-grown red radishes
add a delightful punchy
colour and flavour to
dishes. Their peppery
taste stimulates the
production of saliva and
rouses the appetite.
ful addition to vanilla
ice cream, apple juice,
champagne, yoghurt,
strawberries, cocktails,
chocolate mousse…
RUNNER BEANS are a
gem amongst the many
wonderful vegetables
available during the
British summer. At their
best they are at once
tender, succulent and
bursting with flavour.
Try making a Runner
Bean and Chilli Salsa - a
dish with the uncanny
ability to be a perfect
match with practically
any barbecued food.
SWEETCORN justgrilled on the cob,
speckled with freshly
milled black pepper
and rolled in melted
butter is simply one
of the greatest eating experiences available. Tinned or frozen
sweetcorn can be tasty
enough, but it doesn’t
compare to corn eaten
straight from the cob.
Fantastic when served
with low-fat butter and
salt on the side; wipe a
radish across the butter
before dipping it in salt.
RASPBERRIES never
fail to please. A fresh
raspberry sauce, made
by pushing raspberries
through a sieve and
stirring in some sifted icing
sugar, makes a wonder-
VENISON produced
in the UK is mainly from
deer that roam freely,
rather than being
intensively farmed,
resulting in superior
meat. Good quality
venison is tender, tasty
and close textured,
which means it’s easy
to produce great results
using simple recipes.
September
BUTTERNUT SQUASH
crops up in recipes for
stews, gratins, pasta
dishes, risottos, soups
and curries. When
baked and mashed,
perhaps with a touch
of nutmeg or cinnamon
and a splash of cream, it
makes a very appetising
autumnal side dish - try
it with your Sunday roast.
BLACKBERRIES are
packed with antioxidants,
including vitamin C and
ellagic acid. They’re
also great in smoothies,
but later with the onset
of autumn are delicious
combined with the first
apples of the season.
CELERIAC may appear
to be just an ugly, uninteresting, knobbly root
but celeriac has inner
beauty. The flesh - crispy
when raw, silky smooth
when cooked - has a
delicate taste which
suggests the flavours of
celery and parsley with
a slight nuttiness.
GUINEA FOWL is high
in protein and low in
cholesterol. It makes
a great alternative
to chicken and has a
flavour that is slightly
gamey but very subtle
(much less assertive than
pheasant or grouse).
MUSSELS are a good
source of selenium
which stimulates
metabolism and immune
system. Simply steam in
a broth then get to the
task at hand; extracting
succulent offerings from
gaping shells and soaking up the fragrant broth
with pieces of crusty-soft
bread.
PEARS are a wonderful
autumn treat, coming in
a range of flavours and
textures and can be
enjoyed in many
different ways (other
than as a delicious
snack on their own).
Exceptional when
poached or try them
in salads or add to an
after-dinner cheese
board; they go particularly well with Pecorino
or Roquefort.
OYSTERS are high in
protein and low in fat.
They are rich in zinc
and contain many
other minerals such as
calcium, iron, copper,
iodine, magnesium and
selenium. The best from
British and Irish waters
are considered to be
those from Colchester,
Whitstable, the Helford
and Galway.
TURNIPS come in a
variety of forms, the
most widely available
being the squashed
globe shape with
creamy coloured skin
and a purple crown
(where the turnip grew
above the surface of
the ground, exposed to
sunlight). They have a
rounded flavour - sweet
and slightly peppery and are nutritionally rich.
WELLNESS
WELLNESS
READING FOR?
wellness
Give your brain a different kind of workout
from watching TV or listening to music
DH Lawrence once
wrote, “One sheds one’s
sickness in books.” It’s
something anyone who
loves reading will attest
to; sometimes getting
lost in the pages of a
good book can be just
the cure you need for
a stressful day at work,
frazzled nerves or just to
take some ‘me’ time.
For people who enjoy
reading, it can be an
excellent way to destress. Taking time out to
enjoy a good book not
only provides a healthy
distraction from the
stresses of daily life it also
offers a chance for your
body to relax, helping
ease muscular tension
and frazzled nerves. You
may prefer to become
engrossed in a fictional
story, one that captures
the imagination and
inspires creativity. For
others, they may select
a self-help type of book
that offers step-by-step
suggestions for managing mood and anxiety
problems.
Reading & the brain
The theory that reading
has health benefits has
been tested in numerous
studies. Researchers are
increasingly finding that
picking up a good book
can improve your mood,
reduce stress levels,
calm nerves, stimulate
creativity, encourage
empathy and ease the
tension in muscles and
the heart.
Cognitive neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis,
from Mindlab Interna-
tional at the University
of Sussex, for example,
found that just six minutes
of reading silently can
lower stress levels by
more than two-thirds,
slowing the heart rate
and reducing muscle
tension.
“Losing yourself in a
book is the ultimate
relaxation,” Dr Lewis
says. “By losing yourself
in a thoroughly engrossing book you can
escape from the worries
and stresses of the everyday world and spend
a while exploring the
domain of the author’s
imagination.”
In this study, reading
was tested against other
forms of relaxation and
found to be 68% more
effective at reducing
stress than listening to
music, 100% more than
drinking a cup of tea,
300% more than going
for a walk and 700%
more than playing
video games.
This effect is most
believed to be due to
the concentration that
reading requires, compared to other relaxing
activities.
Dr Lewis contined, “This
is more than merely a
distraction but an active
engaging of the imagination, as the words on
the printed page stimulate your creativity and
cause you to enter what
is essentially an altered
state of consciousness.”
Part of the reason for
this is that reading is not
a passive activity; as
MRI scanning confirms,
it stimulates the whole
brain. John Stein, emeritus professor of neuroscience at Magdalen
College, Oxford University, explains: “When
we get lost in a good
book, we’re doing more
than simply following a
story. Imagining what’s
happening is as good
at activating the brain
as ‘doing’ it.” In other
words, when we read
and imagine experiences described on the
page, our brains simulate real experiences.
A brain-imaging study
revealed that the same
areas of the brain that
process real-life experi-
WELLNESS
ences are activated
when we read about
sounds, smells, tastes
and sights, creating new
neural pathways just as
if we were living these
experiences ourselves.
This doesn’t happen
when we’re watching
TV or playing a computer
game.
Self-help reading
One of the simplest
ways reading can
be used as therapy is
through self-help books.
There is evidence from
numerous studies that
self-help reading can
benefit those suffering
from mild to moderate
depression and anxiety,
by improving their mood
and resilience to stress.
With a huge range of
books available relating
to all kinds of psychological problems, including
eating disorders, anxiety
and mood disorders and
alcohol and substance
abuse, self-help reading
can provide people
with new insights into the
way they are feeling and
ways they can improve
their state of mind.
Self-help books may offer
specific information
about a particular disorder
or detail strategies that
can be learnt and
applied by the reader
to help overcome their
current problems. It can
WELLNESS
also be helpful to read
about another person’s
experience with the
disorder and how they
have successfully coped
with it. In this sense,
reading can normalise
a patient’s experience
as well as offer reassurance.
picking up a
good book
can improve
your mood,
reduce stress
levels, calm
nerves and
stimulate
creativity
Books offering step-bystep guidance for overcoming a particular
disorder are typically
from a cognitive
behavioural perspective,
which teaches strategies
to manage negative
thoughts. These sources
of information can help
the patient modify negative patterns of thinking
or unhelpful behaviours
that may be maintaining
their disorder. By working
through these books
in a systematic way,
patients often describe
a stronger sense of
personal responsibility
for their recovery.
However, when using
self-help materials to
treat a mental disorder,
it’s important to choose
a book that’s appropriate
for your situation and
that has been supported
by research. Discuss
any recommendations
with your doctor, psychologist or other health
professional before
beginning any self-help
treatment.
These books should be
used in conjunction with
on-going support from
your doctor or psychologist in order to get the
most out of the treatment.
Reading for wellness
The most important part
of reading for therapy,
is learning to slow down
the reading process. This
allows space for readers
to engage closely with
the text and to open
up the possibility for
thoughts and reflections
connected to their own
lives.
When someone is reading on their own, they
can learn to slow down
their reading and spend
some time stopping and
looking at what’s going
on within the text. You
could ask yourself, ‘How
do I feel about that?
How does it relate to
me? What can I learn
from this?’
Reading slowly gives you
time to think about the
characters and about
how what’s happening
in the story relates to
you. If you read too fast,
you wouldn’t have that
processing time.
By asking yourself those
questions and being
honest with yourself, that’s
how you can open yourself up to different ways
of thinking. And opening
yourself up will improve
your overall wellness.
WELLNESS
WELLNESS
Creating your reading nook
For daytime reading,
nothing beats glorious
daylight, but if it is too
bright, pull across the
curtains or some other
barrier which can prevent
the direct sunlight from
shining onto your reading matter and sending
you into a sleepy state
daydream.
2
Pull up a seat
A good chair is very
important. Decide what
kind of chair you want.
Do you want a big fluffy
chair that swallows you
up? Do you want a
chair that you can curl
up in? Do you prefer
a bunch of pillows on
the floor or a beanbag
instead? Or do you like
to sprawl across a long
seat?
3
A reading nook can
be the perfect way to
transform an awkward
corner, windowsill or
loft space into a warm,
comfortable area for a
little R&R.
If you’re thinking about
adding one to your
home, follow our steps
to create a tranquil and
restful area.
1
Find a good spot
A reading nook is a
great way to make use
of a small, awkward
corner in a living room,
playroom, attic or even
an under-the-stairs storage.
If space is particularly
tight, use floor cushions
and pillows with a small
lantern.
You may find it necessary
to rearrange your furniture.
Doing so will open up
spaces that are good
potential nooks.
Pick a spot that’s as
quiet as possible. You do
not want a lot of loud
noises, such as a radio
or TV, to disturb your
peaceful little getaway.
Set your table
Get a table or nightstand
for your nook to help
keep it organised and
give you a place to set
drinks and snacks or
hold your book when
you’re away. It is also
helpful to include a little
holder for pencils and a
small notepad, for those
moments of inspiration
that may hit you while
you read.
4
Lighten things up
A simple lamp will do,
as long as it is adjustable.
Another option is to buy
a desk lamp. You do
not want anything too
bright, but having a light
that is too dim will make
it that much harder to
see the print.
5
Make it comfy
The most important
part of a reading nook
is comfort. It must be
something that appeals
to you and encourages
you to curl up in it time
after time.
Think of softness and
textures that delight you.
Surround yourself with
the things that make
you the most comfortable, such as a plushy
throw or soft pillows. Use
decorative pillows, a
bright throw blanket or
a piece of statement art
to add an inviting element. Choosing a color
featured elsewhere will
help tie in the nook to
the rest of the room.
6
Create privacy
Seclude the reading
nook from other parts of
the room if possible.
This can be as simple
as putting a low dresser
perpendicular to one
wall to give the impression of division, or it can
be as complicated as
hanging curtains around
the nook. The division
will give you a sense of
ownership of the nook
and keep others from
invading your private
space.
space. A little corner
you can curl up into is
great. No room for a
chair? Then get a huge
pillow, or a bunch of
normal sized ones!
8
Outdoor nook
A covered bench for
reading (with or without
a stack of cushions and
pillows) can make a
beautiful and practical
addition to any garden
or patio.
7
Size doesn’t matter
Have a small-size room
and you have no idea
where to put such a
nook, or you just put
this down as hopeless?
Don’t! If you don’t
have a lot of room,
experiment with moving
around your furniture.
Once you get into the
world of a book you
usually don’t mind the
Have fun using your
imagination to create
new looks, and just
remember, this nook is
all about you. Make sure
you have time to read
after doing lots of hard
work and making your
reading nook. No, you
don’t have to read all
the time, but believe it
or not, reading is good
for your wellness.
WELLNESS
WELLNESS
We love...
Create the perfect readng nook within your home with these great
products to help turn an unloved corner into your personal haven...
ICON™ Luxury Faux Fur XL Bean Bag Arctic Wolf
Add a touch of style and sophistication with this sumptuous bean bag made in realistic-looking tipped Arctic
Wolf faux fur. Sinking into this deluxe bean bag creates a
bespoke, supportive shape that feels like clouds enveloping you. Made with FreeFlow technology, the bead
inside is able to move freely. We have to warn you
though, it’s very easy to drift off to sleep whilst reading
in this giant hug!
Stockists: www.beanbagbazaar.co.uk
Gearmax® Wooden Folding LED Nightlight Book
When closed, you would be forgiven for mistaking this
LED folding book lamp as an elegant hardcover book.
But when opened, it magically transforms into a stunning
lamp with paper pages illuminated by a high-performing
LED. Being able to fold right back on itself means it can
also cast a light around 360 degrees. USB charging gives
you up to 6 hours of use.
Stockists: www.amazon.co.uk
MadeByZen Serenity Scented Candle
These highly scented Italian made candles create the perfect ambience for you to relax and
read in. A beautifully pretty, soft and soothing
scent which combines peony with white rose
and honeysuckle, with a hint of musk and
sandalwood to complete the bouquet, which
brings an air of serenity to any space.
Stockists: www.madebyzen.com
Federico Grey// Turquoise Wool Throw
This striped 100% wool throw with fringes is
super warm and extremely cosy. Grab this
wool throw when settling down to read your
new book and you will feel super snug.
Federico wool throws are also available in
grey/gold making it a perfect fit for your nook.
Stockists: www.woolme.com
Tesco Rectangle Print
Cushion
This beautiful yet bold
plump cushion is perfect for
adding comfort to your
reading nook, making it a
very tempting space.
Stockists: www.tesco.com
Value Lights Reading Lamp
Modern reading lamp in high shine silver finish with chrome
detail. Featuring hinged joints and steel tension cables this
beautifully designed lamp is easily adjustable. This stylish
lamp is ideal for a reading nook or indeed for any hobby
you may enjoy. The sturdy weighted base enables use in
any location without the fear of toppling over. This lamp is
very ‘of the moment’ in its styling and a design feature for
any room.
Stockists: www.valuelights.co.uk
Clipper Teas Calmer Chameleon Organic Infusion
A warming, naturally sweet infusion that’s completely caffeine
free. This distinctive blend combines soothing chamomile,
sweet honeybush, and warming cinnamon to diminish life’s
stressful moments. Perfect for anyone who needs to take some
time for themselves, un-wind and get lost in a novel for a while.
Using fresh water, pour it over the bag while it’s still boiling and
allow to infuse for 3-5 minutes for instant calm in a cup!
Stockists: www.clipper-teas.com and all main supermarkets
WELLNESS
WELLNESS
let go of that
GRUDGE
Consider the trade-offs of forgiving and
letting go. You may filearn that you will regain
a sense of freedom and the ability to trust
A grudge can be seen
as a worn, ugly, itchy
sweater you can’t get
rid of - because if you
do, how will you stay
warm? Nursing a grievance is part of human
nature, at some point
almost everyone does it.
Freeing yourself from a
festering grudge that’s
taken on a life of its own
isn’t easy. But the relief
and lightness you’ll feel
are worth it.
Let’s take a look at how
grudges hurt you and
outline steps for letting
go.
The unforgiven
The unfaithful partner,
the uncaring parent,
the ex-best friend who
shunned you. The workplace bully, the criminal,
even your younger self.
You have a genuine
grievance. Now what?
After a betrayal like
infidelity, the urge to
protect yourself from
further hurt or pain is
common. We recognise
that we’ve been hurt
and are out of power
and may be vulnerable.
We don’t like that
vulnerability, and that’s
OK - that’s adaptive.
Hanging onto the
hurt can be a ‘power
bargaining chip’ in a
relationship, one the
injured partner can
play at any time: “Don’t
bring up your complaint
about me - remember
when...?”
Continuing to keep a
partner at arm’s length
from mistrust prevents
the relationship from
becoming deeper and
more satisfying, even
when a partner offers an
apology and actively
changes their behaviour.
Sometimes, of course,
that apology never
comes. In the absence
of hearing “I’m sorry,”
or without any sense
that the person who’s
harmed you cares that
you’ve suffered, it’s as
if ‘scar tissue’ forms. We
can hold this out for
others to see as a way
to get some kind of caring, but rather than an
authentic experience of
caring, it becomes kind
of sedimentised to our
identity, as one who was
wronged, ‘so therefore
I’m deserving of kindness.’
Being stuck in an angry,
unforgiving state puts
your body into fight-orflight mode. Hormones
that are released can
raise your blood pressure
and heart rate and put
you on edge. And the
negative, untrusting
mindset you hold may
spill into other relationships.
Grudges have a corrosive
effect on your emotional
and physical health.
You can follow these steps
on your own, or a therapist
can help you through.
Grudges take time to
grow, and getting rid of
them is a process.
WELLNESS
WELLNESS
own evolution being
stymied. They’re almost
bored, and the grievance
is starting to feel old and
as if it doesn’t matter
as much anymore. And
yet…letting go feels
threatening because it
takes away the default
of “Look what happened
to me.” You also might
be anxious that losing
the grudge will leave
you empty. But instead,
you’re actually making
room for healthier feelings to fill that space.
Acknowledge the
hurt
You were wronged, and
that’s real. Describing
what happened and
how it made you feel
is a start - whether you
write it in a journal or in
a letter you might never
send to the person
at the center of your
grudge. Telling these
truths can be an incredibly powerful process,
when you get them in
an imaginary chair and
express your anger. Give
yourself credit for what
you’ve done to try to
cope with the original
offense.
Decide to forgive
Forgiving someone
who hurt you is a gift
you give to yourself. It
doesn’t mean you have
to forget the offense or
reconcile. It’s not about
getting the other person
to act differently. It
might even be forgiving
yourself for something
you’ve done or how
you’ve behaved, along
with trying to make
amends.
Realise forgiving isn’t
condoning. Acceptance
does not equal agreement. People generally
have a well-practiced
sense of justice and
fairness, and even
though they logically
get it – that it’s going to
be important for them
to let go, that they can’t
control something – they
fear if they abandon the
fight or release the
anger, the perpetrator
will believe that they
won, or that the victim
agrees with what was
done. What acceptance
really means I, “I can’t
go back and create
a better version of the
past.”
Ask yourself why?
People realise the
grudge is a problem
when they sense their
Consider the tradeoff
Connect to the benefits
that will come to you
when you make a
commitment to forgive
and let go. Often, those
are peace of mind,
egaining personal
energy that has been
squandered prosecuting
your grievance over
and over, a sense of
freedom and the ability
for trust to be rebuilt in a
more genuine way.
Pay attention to
feedback
Close friends and
partners often serve as
sounding boards as you
rehash painful details of
past grievances. Even
the most patient listeners
grow weary, however.
When people in your life
suggest you’re getting
stuck, it’s time to find a
new narrative.
Change the
conversation
If you’re the constant
confidante to a grudge
holding loved one, you
can explore why the
person needs to dwell
on the past, and where
they are at the present
moment.
But if you’ve just had
enough, be truthful. It’s
totally acceptable to
say, with kindness and
compassion, “I can’t
keep hearing that anymore. I’m not expecting
you to move on, but I do
need to self-care here
as well.
Practice letting go
Empathy enables
forgiveness. Recognising the other person’s
perspective - that they
have unresolved pain,
too, or that acting in
their self-interest may
unavoidably conflict
with yours - can help
you deal with your
hurt.
Visualisation, such as
imagining a thick rope
connecting you to the
person you want to
forgive, and then letting
the rope go, is one
exercise.
Daily affirmations, journal
writing, meditation
and monitoring your
thoughts and attitude
will all help.
Embrace yourself
Letting go of a grudge
brings about revelation
and transformation. A
whole different person
emerges – who has
layers, who has texture,
who can feel.
When we’ve already
forgiven others for future
offenses, we bypass the
formation of grudges
altogether.
WELLNESS
WELLNESS
lower
cent
Bring the beautiful aromas from
outdoors into your home to
compliment your persona and
enhance your emotions
In Victorian times,
florigraphy or ‘flower
writing’ was a popular
way to communicate
messages, with a myriad
of flowers, herbs, and
other plants taking on
nuanced romantic and
social meanings.
But the Victorians were
not the first to assign
flowers meaning, and
there’s a long history of
connecting some of the
most popular flowers to
specific personality traits
and emotions.
In the same way an
orchid symbolises
refined beauty, your
favourite floral fragrance
may be sending a
message about your
persona and emotions.
We take a look at what
your favoured floral
scent may say about
you and how it can
boost your emotions.
One of the best ways
to enjoy the gorgeous
scent of beautiful garden
flowers all year round
is to light a specially
infused candle in your
home and enjoy the
boost in your emotions.
Orange Blossom
Queen Victoria wore
a wreath of orange
blossoms to wed Prince
Albert, and the flower
has consistently been
associated with purity,
innocence, and eternal
love.
Given how bright and
sweet they smell, it’s
unsurprising that the association exists.
Lavender
Lavender means
devotion, but it can
also indicate distrust. So
if someone buys you a
lavender scented candle,
carefully consider just
what they’re hinting at.
Violet
Violets, with their soft,
powdery scent, are the
perfect flowers to
symbolize faithfulness
and modesty.
Jasmine
Jasmine is the flower of
happiness, indicating
glee, cheerfulness, and
amiability whether you
prefer Sampaguita,
Arabian jasmine, or
Indian jasmine.
Tuberose
In the mood for a
passionate evening?
Tuberose, signifier of
dangerous pleasure, is
just the floral for you. The
heady, singular tuberose
is definitely the scent for
seduction.
Honeysuckle
Delicious, ubiquitous
honeysuckle may not
be the fanciest of florals,
but it’s certainly a scent
that recalls happy childhood memories for a lot
of people.
So it should make sense
to anyone who ever
spent a lazy summers
day playing under these
fragrant vines that they
symbolise long-standing
affection.
Magnolia
The dizzyingly perfumed
magnolia seems like it
would be associated
with something as
narcotic as its scent is,
but in fact it’s symbolic
of a love of nature.
Peony
Peonies are one of
China’s national emblems,
and they’ve been used
in refined ornamental
culture for thousands of
years. They’re regarded
as the flower of riches
and honour, and there’s
a distinctly masculine
edge to them so a perfect scent for you men.
WELLNESS
Lily
Lilies are symbolic of
purity and high-minded
aspirations, so of course
their scent is considered
to be elegant and
refined.
Gardenia
Gardenias are the
symbol of secret love, so
if you find yourself with
a crush on someone
and just can’t tell them,
maybe next time they
call round you should
light a Gardenia candle
and then make your
move...
Geranium
Geraniums are symbolic
of gentility, and those
who favour it may be
considered refined and
possessed of significant
social grace.
Hibiscus
Love the sweet scent
of hibiscus? Rest easy
knowing that it suggests
rare or delicate beauty.
Mimosa
The mimosa symbolises
sensitivity, and enveloping yourself in their scent
may certainly enhance
emotions.
Rose
Roses symbolise love
and passion, so for a
romantic evening light
a rose scented candle
to create a dreamy,
romantic vibe.
WELLNESS
We love...
Whilst it is very easy to pick up floral scented candles from any number of
places, many of these not only burn very quickly but are also noticibly low on
fragrance. So it’s worthwhile spending that little extra on a luxury floral scents to
fill your home with intoxicating aroma. Here’s some of our favourites...
Wild Honeysuckle && Rose Twin Wick Candle
A bouquet of loveliness, this blend evokes a classic
country garden charm and works perfectly when
teamed with pastels to really make summertime
bloom in your home. Pop into your local Dobbies
store to explore the range and ensure your home
smells as good as it looks this season,
Stockists: www.dobbies.com
MadeByZen Casablanca Lily & Amber Bergamia Oils
Casablanca Lily brings a soft and unabashedly romantic
scent. Casablanca lily, hyacinth, jasmine and violet
blooms blended with sensual musk and amber. Or
choose Amber Bergamia
with the exuberant and sunny freshness of bergamia
followed by a floral breeze of jasmine, rose and lily,
united with the warmth of amber, patchouli and vanilla.
Stockists: www.madebyzen.com
Janjira Jasmine && Ylang Ylang Therapy Massage Candle
The soothing, comforting notes of aromatic Jasmine and Ylang Ylang relax the
senses with sweet orange blossom to create a tranquil atmosphere. Made with
natural Soybean Oil, Coconut Oil and Beeswax, simply light the candle to warm
the oil which then can be used for massage for deeply nourished and rejuvenated skin.
Stockists: www.janjira.co.uk
WELLNESS
Peony && Lily by Willow and Honey
A pure and floral aroma incorporating
white peony and lily of the valley.
Warmed sensually by a jasmine and
bergamot velvety musk. This candle features
a 30cl internally painted glass container with a
polished stainless steel lid to hold the fragrance
in the candle for longer. The patented wooden
wick system softly crackles when it burns.
Stockists: www.willowandhoney.co.uk
The Cocktail Gardener Chelsea Fringe Collins
Candle
Made in the UK each 30cl candle is 100% natural
wax, has a burn time of 45 hours. The candles evoke
the feeling of being outdoors, surrounded by lush
greenery, sipping exotic drinks with friends round an
inviting campfire. The candle draws in citrus, smoke,
green and floral notes that channel The Cocktail
Gardener’s signature drinks. The floral Chelsea
Fringe Collins includes lemon, grass, juniper, elderflower, rose, jasmine and musky notes.
Stockists: www.Amazon.co.uk
Cranborne Rose - True Grace Candle
Cranborne Garden Centre is delighted to
announce the launch of ‘Cranborne Rose’
the latest offering from True Grace. A fragrance
inspired by the roses of The Manor Garden at
Cranborne and the horticultural expertise of
Cranborne Garden Centre.
Quintessentially English, delicate and fresh
True Grace’s ‘Cranborne Rose’ captures
Rose De Mai, Vanilla and patchouli blended
with the fresh notes of green leaves and
bergamot.
Stockists: Cranborne Garden Centre 01725 517 248
FITNESS
FITNESS
GET INTO GEAR
Get back in the saddle this summer
with expert tips from Raleigh
For most of us summer
is the ideal time to get
out and about in the
fresh air, choosing to
leave the car behind
so we have fun in the
sun, whilst enjoying the
health benefits that
regular exercise can
bring.
Cycling is such a feelgood form of exercise
and it’s a great way to
get more active for
people of all fitness levels
and differing ages. With
cycling, you can choose
whether you exercise
with family, friends or
colleagues or simply go
it alone.
Once back in the saddle,
you’re firmly in control as
you decide how gentle
or challenging the workout is going to be and
how much pedal power
you choose to use. It has
the added benefit of
being an exercise that
you can do at a time to
suit you, right from your
doorstep: there’s no
need to visit a specific
venue at an appointed
time – it’s your call.
A low impact activity,
cycling offers a good
muscle workout whilst
this summer
increasing stamina,
strength and aerobic
fitness in the process.
strength, posture and
co-ordination. It’s also a
proven stress buster.
Whilst the potential benefits of regular cycling
are many and varied,
just a consistent 2-4
hours every week can
have a beneficial effect
on your health.
As with other forms of
physical exercise, cycling
also lowers fatigue, so
it’s the ideal summer
activity after a long day
at the office.
Regular cycling can
help with both your
physical and mental
health– blitzing body
fat, improving cardiovascular fitness, muscle
Here we have some
helpful pointers for
anyone thinking of
taking up cycling again,
after maybe several
years away from riding
a bike.
1
Decide on the type
of cycling you want
to get involved in
from the outset. For
most of us it’s a leisurely
hour or two cycling with
the family at weekends
or maybe as a healthy
(and environmentallyfriendly) way of getting
around, picking up items
from the local shops etc.
2
If you’re starting
cycling again,
we recommend
that you choose
a good cycle dealership
FITNESS
with cycling specialists who are steeped in
knowledge of the sector.
Rely on your dealer for
advice on the type of
bike for your needs.
Many dealers will be
happy to let you go on
a test ride to make absolutely sure it’s the bike
for you.
3
Ensure you
choose the right
size bike for you.
This helps with
safety, comfort and
performance. It’s not
true that you need to be
able to put your feet flat
on the floor when you sit
on the saddle, instead
it’s best for your feet to
be able to just touch the
floor. Remember there
can be a variance in
different bikes of the
same list size. So for
example, not all cycles
with 19” frames have
exactly the same
dimensions.
As well as helping you in
selecting the cycle type
and brand your dealer
should be able to help
with choosing the correct size bike for you.
4
Take it easy,
don’t overdo it
to start with and
set your own
pace. Half hour sessions
are probably a good
starting point to get
your muscles used to
the unaccustomed
exercise and build your
confidence too- then
you can take it from
there. As with all forms
of exercise, if you’ve not
been active for some
time, your muscles could
ache a little at first but
they should be fine in
no time at all as you get
back into pedalling!
You can start out at a
low intensity, but if you
choose to up the game
a little further down the
FITNESS
line you can develop
your cycling regime into
quite a testing work out!
5
Start on quiet
roads to begin
with and check
out the highway
code for helpful advice.
It’s also worth checking
if your Local Authority
or cycling organisations
offer programmes to
encourage people to
get on their bikes in
your area. Your local
bike shop is also a great
place to find out more
about what’s available
near you.
Nowadays many adults
enjoy taking part in a
cyclist ‘returners’ course,
such as the popular Bike
Right courses for absolute
beginners through to
experienced riders, visit
www.bikeright.co.uk to
find out more.
Raleigh Select dealers
offer a See, Try, Buy
service that includes an
opportunity for customers to take bikes out on
a test ride.
Visit www.raleigh.co.uk
or call 01773 532694 for
details of your nearest
Raleigh Select dealer
or for information on
Raleigh e-bikes.
NEW FROM RALEIGH THIS SUMMER
the world of cycling
much more inclusive for
people of all ages.
Cleverly engineered
e-bikes are perfect for
taking the strain out of
shopping trips or days
out in the countryside.
Raleigh Pioneer e-bike
In many European countries, e-bikes have a firm
following (especially
with the over 50s) but
Britain hadn’t embraced
the e-bike revolution until
around 10 years ago.
At Raleigh, we pride
ourselves on offering a
bike for life, from preschoolers through to
experienced cyclists
and grandparents on
the go!
many of the new Raleigh
ranges – a sure sign that
E-bikes are growing in
popularity in the UK and
as market leaders in this
sector Raleigh are leading
the way.
This summer sees the
launch of a wide range
of new models, from
the retro styled, catwalk
inspired Raleigh Classic
women’s cycles through
to new urban & commuter
bikes such as the latest
Strada, Pioneer, Centros
& Circa collections and
all-new fitness bikes such
as the Strada 1.
THE RALEIGH E-BIKE
EXPERIENCE
Anyone looking for a little
help with the hills and
inclines on their route, or
just some gentle power
assistance, can call
on the market-leading
Raleigh electric bikes
collection, (or e-bikes
as they are commonly
known).
There’s now an electric
bike option included in
The e-bike (electric bike)
experience has made
The 21 models in the
Raleigh e-bikes collection are designed to suit
slightly different lifestyle
choices and price points
but all offer the sense of
freedom and independence that only an e-bike
can bring!
Today’s e-bikes, provide
a comfortable ride with
miles and miles of reliable
power assistance. Clever,
intuitive technology
allows e-bikes to know
how much effort you
are putting in, meaning
they can provide precisely
the right amount of
assistance.
Again, you can rely
on your local Raleigh
e-bike dealer to take
you through the options
in order to choose the
right bike for you.
FITNESS
WIN...
RALEIGH CLASSIC SPIRIT
Elegant and graceful,
Raleigh Classics are
designed for those who
want to travel in comfort
and style; perfectly
combining modern
components with retro
styling.
Available in a range
of exclusive colours
inspired by the catwalk,
Raleigh Classics are
not just bikes, they are
fashion accessories and
combine good looks
with high spec features.
The graphic design is
soft and subtle using a
tone-on-tone technique
to complement the
frame colour, applied
underneath a clear top
coat to prevent damage.
Raleigh classic bikes are
ideal for riding on paths,
trails or roads. The twin
tube frame is manufactured with relaxed
geometry and swept
back handlebars
allowing you to have
a comfortable upright
riding position. The low
number of gears we
have specified, are
simple and easy to
use and sufficient for
the style of riding the
Raleigh classic bikes are
designed for.
The Women’s comfort
saddle is an obvious
necessity, which fit onto
a lightweight aluminium
seat post, allowing the
rider to easily adjust their
saddle either forwards or
backwards to enhance
their riding experience. This is also colour
co-ordinated with the
soft trekking grips and
rear carrier straps. The
straps fitted to the rear
carrier give the rider the
option to add a stylish
rear pannier bag as an
alternative to carrying
a rucksack. The cream
tyres not only complement
the bike colour and
finishing kit, but have a
tread pattern suitable
for roads, paths and
trails.
Finally, each bike is fitted
with an aluminium prop
stand - a useful accessory
to stand your bike up
and to keep it looking
pristine, and a retro old
school ding-dong bell
for safety, added style
and fun.
Raleigh could not call
these bikes ‘classic’
without supplying each
one with a front basket –
the perfect way to finish
off that on-trend look.
The Raleigh classic
range comprises of:
The Spirit RRP £380
The Cameo RRP £330
FITNESS
FITNESS
We love...
Momentum Sports Bra
No matter what sports you enjoy during the summer months, team your
activity up with great fitness wear and accesories.
iFit Vue fiActivity Tracker
With a touch screen display view stats and messages on an
led touch screen such as steps, distance, calories burned,
and sleep. Quickly log calories directly on the tracker whilst
automatically detecting specific activities like walking, cycling,
running and sleeping.
Stockists: www.nordictrack.co.uk
Maui Jim Haleakala
Known as the house of
the sun, the volcano
Haleakala makes up
most of East Maui. Ideal
for extra coverage, this
large frame comfortably
wraps the face to provide
optimal protection
against the sun’s harmful
rays during your activities.
Stockists:
www.mauijim.com
Ted Baker Smartphone
Sport Armband
Whether you’re running
through the park, cycling
along the coast or working out in the gym, this
Ted Baker Sports Armband is the only gym buddy you need. Designed in
a comfortable style and
finished in a pretty floral
pale pink or grey.
Stockists:
www.proporta.co.uk
Secret Training
Personal Care Kit
This handy personal
care training pack is fully
loaded and fitness ready.
The 9 piece set includes;
Anti-Chafing cream,
Start Oil, Micro Fibre Body
Cloths, Post Race Wash,
Lip Balm, Pins in a Tin, Sun
Screen, Hand Sanitiser
and Hygiene Wipes.
Stockists:
www.secret-training.com
JAM Micro Sports Buds
No matter what you’re doing, these bluetooth headphones are designed
to stay in place comfortably. Multiple accessories allow you to create a
custom fit, while the reflective strap enhances safety. They’re also sweat
resistant, making them perfect for even the toughest workouts. They also
come packaged in a matching, BPA-free water bottle.
Stockists: www.uk.jamaudio.com
The unique functionality combined with an aesthetic design
has been awarded with the ‘Red Dot Award’. Seamlessly preshaped cups provide perfect support through to large sizes.
The highly functional fabric boosts your motivation. A perfected
sports bra that spurs you on to improve your performance.
Stockists: www.anita.com
Helly Hansen Fitness Wear
W Enroute Half Zip Lifa Flow LS
One of the best long-sleeve trail running tops on the market, featuring Lifa® Flow
technology and quick-dry fabric, keeping you cool during high-intensity pursuits.
W Enroute Hybrid Pant
Cut to sit tight and be out of the way, the durable softshell gives protection in the
critical areas while the flexible x-cool running pant material adds unparalleled flexibility, making this the ideal choice for adventure racers and other fast adventurers.
W VTR Hot Shorts 3”
The W VTR Hot Shorts 3” are made of soft, stretchy X-Cool Quick-dry fabric, and
have a wider waist for a flattering fit and more comfort. Great for the indoors or
outdoors on a warm summer day along your favorite track.
The W Torena VTR
This feminine low-cut boasts a beautiful, and supportive
graphic heel-counter Minimalist mesh upper with an intriguing
internal support frame This hybrid creates a compelling and
versatile training sneaker for a wide variety of gym activities.
W VTR Core Singlet
A singlet for every active woman´s wardrobe. The VTR Core
Singlet with a racer back offers a performance-driven
silhouette with outstanding comfort, functional fit, and X-Cool
quick-dry fabric. Whether your exercise of choice is a running
track or a gym, this singlet is ready for your challenge.
Stockists: www.hellyhansen.com
LIFESTYLE
let’s hit
THE BEACH!
Summer brings with it long hazyfi beach
days that can be packed with fun activities
Not many things beat
a day by the seaside,
and when it comes to
deciding what to do
while you’re there, the
National Trust has plenty
of ideas to get you
started.
Perhaps you’d like to
stroll along coastal
clifftops, see what
creatures you can find
in rockpools, or try your
hand at sea kayaking.
Whatever you’re looking
for, there are National
Trust places all around
the coast where you
can make the most of
the long summer days.
What’s more, every
visit helps us to care for
these special places
so that you can keep
enjoying them all year
round.
Whatever your perfect
beach day means to
you, whether it be long
walks along the dunes,
swimming with the little
ones, scrumptious picnics
and hunting in rock-pools
or enjoying a few hours
of your favourite watersports, the National Trust
share their top spots for
a great day out at the
beach. Pack a bag
and enjoy!
swimming with
Studland Bay, Dorset
With gently shelving bathing wa
is an ideal place for little ones to
the sea. They can also enjoy ex
the beach, with its treasure trov
Studland Bay, Dorset
Just a 30 minute ferry ride away
Wight has plenty of beaches th
LIFESTYLE
beach walks
Dunwich Heath and Beach,
Suffolk
The peaceful, colourful heathland with its shingle and sand
beach, is rich with wonderful
wildlife and ideal for family
walks.
Souter Lighthouse and the Leas,
Tyne & Wear
This easy walk takes in part of the Leas;
a two and a half mile stretch of limestone cliffs and coastal grassland that
provide a home for nesting seabirds.
Racenscar, North Yorkshire Coast
This gentle walk follows part of the
Cleveland way along the spectacular
clifftops of the North Yorkshire Coast.
St Helen’s Duver, Isle of Wight
The four mile circular walk has easy
access and takes in sandy beaches,
dunes, rockpools and coastal woods.
Porthor, Gwynedd
This walk along the Llyn Peninsula’s
rugged coastline is a great chance to
absorb the area’s history, and kids will
love the ‘whistling sands’ of the beach.
the little ones
aters, Studland’s sheltered beach
o have their first go at swimming in
xploring the heathland just behind
ve of wildlife to discover.
y from the mainland, the Isle of
hat are perfect for taking a dip.
Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down
For families with young children
looking for a great place to explore,
Murlough is a must. There’s a network
of paths and boardwalks through
the dunes, woodland and heath for
them to have great fun exploring.
Rhossili and South Gower Coast,
Swansea
With its scenic clifftops and sprawling
beach, it’s a perfect place to spend
summer days walking, swimming, surfing and kite-flying.
Woolacombe, Devon
If you want to stretch your legs, this
walk around Morte Point will take you
through an area filled with maritime
history and tales of smugglers and
shipwrecks.
LIFESTYLE
perfect picnic
Branscombe, Devon
The beach itself is shingle,
the perfect picnic spot
for anyone who wants
to enjoy coastal views
without getting sand in
their sandwiches.
Birling Gap, East
Sussex
Enjoy spectacular, unspoilt views of the sea as
you explore the craggy
rocks after a seaside
picnic.
Brancaster, Norfolk
With dog-friendly areas,
the whole family can
enjoy a scenic picnic by
the sea.
Formby, Liverpool
With dog-friendly areas,
the whole family can
enjoy a scenic picnic by
the sea.
Mwnt Beach, Cardigan
Don’t forget to take
along the binoculars to
see if you can spot bottlenose dolphins, basking
sharks and porpoises just
out to sea.
White Park Bay,
County Antrim
This secluded location
means that even on a
busy day there is plenty
of room for quiet relaxation and a picnic.
best beaches for rock-pooling
Wembury, Devon
Wembury Bay has some of the best
rockpools in the country, with masses
of sea creatures and plantlife to discover. Wembury Marine Centre even
run Rockpool Rambles for children
during the school holidays.
Saltburn, Yorkshire Coast
At low tide a series of rock pools are
accessible, and intrepid adventurers
will be able to find a wealth of wildlife
including crabs, periwinkles, starfish
and beautifully coloured sea anemones.
Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd
The clear, sheltered waters and seagrass
beds attract a wealth of wildlife that you
can search for in the rockpools, including
anemones, crabs, fish and jellyfish.
Sheringham Park, Norfolk
At low tide you’ll find plenty of tidal
pools for the kids to explore. There’s a
whole range of marine life to find, so
kids can spend their time digging for
worms, netting shrimps and trying to
catch crabs.
LIFESTYLE
water sports
Poldhu Cove, Lizard Peninsula,
Cornwall
Poldhu Cove is particularly popular
with surfers, and has a small surf school
that operates every day in the summer. Former professional surfer Dan
Joel offers family-friendly lessons from
£25.
Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
This is an excellent location for surfers
of all abilities, with areas suited to both
shortboarders and longboarders. The
bay is also a good place for wind surfing
beginners, although Brook Bay to the
east is better for intermediates.
Boggle Hole, Yorkshire Coast
Travel by paddle power with a sit-on-top
kayak, and see the Yorkshire coastline
from a different perspective. From seals
to seabirds there will be plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife during the day.
Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
Experts will be on hand to guide you
through a sea kayaking session, or if
you’ve got a head for heights you can
have a go at coasteering, which was invented in Pembrokeshire and combines
cliff jumping, low level rock traversing
and swimming.
We love...
Coleman® Instant Sundome
Perfect for days at the beach! Remarkably easy to
put up and take down in minutes, the Coleman®
Instant Sundome offers fast SPF50 protection from
the sun in minutes and shelter from rain or wind.
Stockists: www.coleman.eu
Frugi Sun Safe Set
Keep kids protected from the sun this summer with this fabulous
Oeko-Tex and UPF 50+ set. The set contains a long-sleeved rash
vest, in a fab Frugi print, and coordinating long shorts. With flat
seams and a high neckline this set is super soft and comfy you
can let your little ones run wild. Also available in a Pirate design
too!
Stockists: www.welovefrugi.com
LIFESTYLE
pack up and go...
No matter what your perfect idea of a beach day is, whether you want to walk
along sandy dunes, explore rook-pools with the kids followed by a tasty picnic
or spend a a romantic day lazing and laughing, we have some great products
to help your day be perfect.
Vonshef 4 person picnic backpack
With stainless steel cutlery, plates, glasses, napkins, salt and
pepper shakers, chopping board and bottle opener this fantastic compact backback is perfect for all your picnic
requirements. The cooler compartment keeps food cooler
and fresher for longer and the backpack also comes complete with a soft 115 x 135 cm fleecy blanket with waterproof
PEVA backing.
Stockists: www.domu.co.uk
Chilly Bottles
Using advanced double-wall vacuum technology, the Chilly’s Bottle is able to keep your
water ice-cold for up to 24 hours - whatever
the weather...or keep your drink hot for up
to 12 hours. It fits perfectly into your lifestyle,
whether you’re on a walk or on the beach.
Stockists: www.chillysbottles.com
dotcomgiftshop Portable USB Charger
Unfortunately many of us have become a slave to
our phone. Pretty and practical these USB chargers
are a must for any day out, attach to your keyring or
backpack to ensure you don’t lose pwer. Measuring
at only 9cm x 2.5cm with a USB output for charging a
variety of devices for around one full charge and it a
gorgeouse range of designs.
Stockists: www.dotcomgiftshop.com
OOFOS Recovery Footwear
The patented footbed design absorbs impact,
cradles your arches and allows you to move
naturally. Your feet will know the difference when
recovering after a hearty walk or wear on the
beach for outstanding comfort.
Stockists: www.oofos.co.uk
LIFESTYLE
Keen Little Kid’s Koven Mid WP
Designed specifically for your little outdoor
adventurer, the Koven Mid WP kid’s waterproof
hiker is modeled after mom and dad’s version,
but with attention to the features a youngster
needs. No type of weather is a match for the
waterproof, breathable membrane and waterproof leather and mesh upper on this waterproof hiking boot for kids.
Stockists: www.keenfootwear.com
Anatom’ Lightweight Ballater Leather Walking Shoe
For the grown ups, if it’s saving weight or having
more freedom and mobility around the ankle then
this shoe might be just the ticket. The Vibram®
Pillow sole and cushioned polyurethane midsole
provide excellent stability and grip. The mobility of
a shoe, combined with the ruggedness of a boot an excellent choice for keen walkers and hikers.
Stockists: www.anatomfootwear.co.uk
Vango Track 25 Backpack
With easy zip access to the front and main compartment,
a shaped adjustable harness providing optimum fit and
comfort, sternum strap offering a secure fit, a great variety
of side pockets, reflective points for visability and daisy
chain on the front for attaching your water bottle, key
chains and other bits and bobs this Track 25 makes a great
walking companiion.
Stockists: www.vango.co.uk/gb
Anatom Explorer Trekking Poles
Take the load off when walking with these great trekking poles. With
extended EVA Foam handle with adjustable straps, easy quick-lock
adjustment, end stoppers on each section to prevent humidity build up
and oxidation, a carbide tip with factory fitted rubber protector and
a maximum extended length of 135cmerfect, these poles are perfect
for uneven ground and will greatly aid you when walking through sand
dunes.
Stockists: www.anatomfootwear.co.uk
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
beverages with them.
This is also your opportunity to ask about food
allergies or restrictions,
too.
& party!
How to host a successful summer BBQ party
As the summer begins
to really heat up, many
of you may be thinking
of heating up the BBQ
too. After all, what’s
more fun than gathering
friends and family for a
sunny garden BBQ,
moving into a party
under the stars?
All it takes is a little bit of
planning to take a
perfectly nice meal
outside to the next
level and make it a
truly memorable event.
Have you got a theme
in mind? What kind of
lighting are you thinking
of? And most importantly,
what can you serve
that will really wow your
guests?
Here are just a few fun
ideas to get your party
juices flowing. Take a
look, try some of them
out and before you
know it, your little BBQ
can be transformed into
a party to remember.
Choose a theme
Make your BBQ stand
out by choosing a theme.
Maybe a Hawaiian luau
would be fun or Pirates
of the Caribbean, surf
and turf or even just
deciding on a colour
scheme are other options.
Choosing a theme will
also help you narrow
down menu options and
décor.
Decide on your
guest list
Use your theme to
design invitations for the
festivities. Digital e-vites
make it easy for guests
to respond. Include
the basic details like
time and place, but
also whether kids are
welcome and if guests
should bring a dish or
Tidy the garden
Spend a little time tidying
up the garden. Think
of your garden as an
outdoor room and get
rid of unsightly weeds
and deadhead flowers.
If you have a grassed
area, run the lawnmower
over to tidy everything
up. And don’t forget
to trim your hedges,
this is the perfect way
to frame your garden
and overgrown hedges
look so messy. A powerwasher comes in really
handy at times like this,
give paved areas and
fences a once over to
get rid of ground dirt
and cobwebs. You will
also find that a quick
blast in the morning of
the party will blow away
any fallen leaves and
debris leaving everything
looking fresh.
Dress up your garden
Choose colourful tablecloths to brighten up
eating spaces, a lovely
idea to stop them flapping is to fill tiny buckets
with wildflowers and a
half inch of water. Just
suspend the bouquets
from your tablecloth
using a clip and fishing
line or skinny ribbon. If
you’re going for a shabby
chic look, add rusticlooking serving-ware. If
you want things more
sleek, opt for modern
pieces. And as the sun
goes down, you’ll want
to add lighting. Citronella candles will keep
unwelcome bugs away
and provide additional
lighting, while twinkling
fairy lights lights or lanterns
will help your outdoor
space feel cozy. Large
beanbags and blankets
make great seating
areas ridding you of the
worry of having enough
chairs.
Plan a perfect menu
Consider how many
guests are coming. For
smaller groups, you can
add more detail to the
menu - offer breads like
ciabatta or baguettes
instead of the usual
buns, or a nice selection
of cheeses to make the
meal more upscale.
If your BBQ is on the
larger side, stick to the
basics with a few extra
twists - try avocado slices
or garlic mayonnaise as
toppings, cucumber or
lemon slices in pitchers of
water.
LIFESTYLE
Avoid having guests
bring appetisers or side
dishes. If a guest wants
to bring their grandmother’s ‘famous’
German potato salad
(heavy on vinegar, eggs
and pickles), or a fruit
pie that they ‘only’ have
to warm up in your oven
for 10 minutes before
serving, then politely tell
them that you have all
of the food handled,
but can they please do
you a giant favour and
bring a some beverages
or more ice?
Appetisers
A large, premade
veggie and dip tray is
indispensable! Once
put together, these are
easy to just unwrap and
place on the table,
before guests are due to
arrive. Add a big bowl
of tortilla chips, some
hummus and other dips
and you are good to
go.
Many experienced hosts
put these appetisers out
in advance, keeping
the dips and the guacamole on top of ice and
covered.
LIFESTYLE
Don’;t skip the side
dishes
While the star of BBQ’s
are often the grilled
meats, side dishes are
important too, especially
if you have non-meat
eaters in the group. Take
advantage of summer
fruits and vegetables like
sweetcorn, tomatoes
and watermelon (see
our ‘Eat The Seasons’
guide) to make some
great salads.
Utensils and plates
The heavy duty ‘party
pack’ utensils that come
complete with large
and small substantial
plates, forks, knives,
spoons and plastic-lined
tablecloths are the best.
Try food wholesalers and
you can also get these
at supermarkets, party
stores and on eBay.
Go for medium sized
plastic or paper cups,
any larger and the drinks
will be poured and go
to waste.
Prep the night before
To ease BBQ day anxiety, prepare as much
as you can the night
before. Marinate meats
overnight, assemble side
dishes and chop up any
fruits or vegetables you’ll
need. Ideally, the only
foods left to make on
BBQ day are the ones
being cooked on the
grill.
Be a grill master
Start with a clean, oiled
grill to keep food from
sticking. Preheat the grill,
give it a scrub with a grill
brush and then brush it
with vegetable oil. Avoid
turning meats frequently
on the grill - one flip is all
they need.
Once your meats are
grilled to your taste, let
them rest for a few minutes on a warm plate
tented with foil. This
gives the meat time to
‘rest’ and lets the juices
regroup for the best
flavour.
Entertainment
Create a playlist a
few nights before so
your guests can listen
to music. Great music
helps make the party!
Wireless speakers are
great for outdoor parties
and will bring the music
to wherever your guests
are relaxing.
It’s always a good idea
to have entertainment
options once guests
have eaten. Classic
backyard games or
even trivia can liven up
your party and keep
guests entertained. We
recently played Twister
at our BBQ party, and
although there were a
few pulled faces to start
with, everyone joined in
and had fantastic fun!
If there will be children
at your party, offer
activities they can
keep busy with while
the adults spend time
together. A slip and
slide, water balloons or
inexpensive water guns
are all fun games on a
hot summer day, while
an arts and crafts table
will allow kids to take a
memento home.
LIFESTYLE
We love...
So let’s get this party underway...we need to tidy the garden, make sure we have
shade to combat our fabulous British weather, the BBQ has been fired up, we need
music and twinkly lights and let’s not forget having a real belly giggle playing some
fun games! Have a great time at your party...and don’t forget our invite!
Bosch AQT 45-14 X Pressure Washer
With a 2100W motor this is the most powerful of the Bosch pressure
washers. This robust product allows you to tackle larger, heavy duty
outdoor cleaning tasks quickly and efficiently – saving you time
and effort. The AQT 45-14 X comes complete with specialist fan
and roto jet, 90 degree and high-pressure foam nozzles and deluxe
patio cleaner, with integrated accessory storage as standard.
Stockists: www.bosch-garden.com or www.bosch-do-it.com
Gtech HT05-Plus Hedge Trimmer
The HT05-Plus has a 1.7m extendable reach letting you trim the
top of hedges up to 10ft tall.* No need for unstable ladders or
overreaching. Trim low hedges without having to bend down
and strain your back. Powered by a Lithium-ion battery, it delivers
up to 45 minutes run-time from one 3-hour charge
Stockists: www.domu.co.uk
Tesco Barrel Charcoal BBQ with Cover
This large charcoal BBQ will help you feed a whole party.
Complete with a protective hood, and a chrome plated
cooking grill – comprised of 3 separate sections for quick
and easy cleaning – it’s the perfect addition to any sunny
garden and will help you create a memorable party.
Stockists: www.tesco.com/direct
Bowers & Wilkins T7 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
The T7 is the perfect outdoor accessory for garden parties;
combining Bluetooth wireless streaming with compact size, it
has over 17+ hours battery life and offers high-quality sound.
Lumify Solar Fairy Lights
Add fairy lighting anywhere outside quickly and easily quickly
with these premium grade Lumify USB Solar Fairy Lights. Lumify
uses the latest high efficiency circuit design to guarantee unrivalled
performance night after night, year after year.
Stockists: www.thesolarcentre.co.uk
LIFESTYLE
Vango Hogan Hub Event Shade
He wanted to create a communal outdoor
space, where groups & families can congregate under shelter from either the sun or rain.
The high ceiling and wide construction makes
this a really bright and airy event shelter. Unlike similar shelters on the market, Vango have
included all four doors.
Stockists: www.vango.co.uk
Haskins Solar Bulb 10 String Lights
A gorgeous string of 10 white LED solar lights with coloured
bulb shaped covers will bring subtle lovely coloured lighting
to your garden. The solar panel is supplied with a stem and
spike and automatically turns on at dusk and off again
at dawn with a total cable length 3.35 metre with lights
spaced 150mm apart.
Stockists: Haskins Garden Centres
Twister Picnic Blanket
The Twister Picnic Blanket will complete any day out
or BBQ party. A fully functioning picnic blanket with
waterproof backing and a miniature Twister keyring spinner, once the delicious food offerings have
been eaten, you can top off the afternoon with
everyone’s favourite party game classic.
Stockists: www.www.halfords.com
Cambridge Audio Go Bluetooth speaker
GO streams music via Bluetooth for up to 18 hours! It
has Near Field Communication for lightning fast
pairing and USB phone charging making it the ultimate
wireless speaker whether you’re home or away and it
a great to get any party underway.
Stockists: www.cambridgeaudio.com
HEMA 3 Ring Paddling Pool
This inflatable paddling pool with 3 rings will keep
the kids busy whilst the adults enjoy a bit of grownup company.
The pool has an inflatable bottom making it extremely
comfortable to sit down in and a drain plug makes
it easy to empty the pool after hours of fun.
Stockists: www.hemashop.com
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
CAMPING...
or maybe
...glamping?
Have a wild night under the stars with the
National Trust at these comfy camping spots
With inspiring views and
plenty to do on your
doorstep, it’s easy head
outdoors and get close
to nature. Try a big hike,
go surfing in the sea, join
the family on a muddy
bike ride or visit one of
the historic and beautiful
places cared for by the
National Trust.
A stay at one of the
Trust’s comfy campsites
helps the conservation
charity to look after
special places for ever,
for everyone. With long
summer days and balmy
evenings calling you
outdoors, this is how to
get back to nature in
style.
Is the thought of sleeping under canvass not
for you? Then ditch the
tent pegs and enjoy
a snug night’s sleep
under a starry canopy
in comfort this summer.
Mongolian yurts, coastal
bunkhouses and hidden
bothies are just some of
the ways you can enjoy
a unique and stress-free
camping trip with friends
and family.
If you’re heading off on
a holiday under canvas,
then the National Trust’s
new book ‘Camping’
by Don Philpott is the
perfect companion. It’s
filled with handy information about everything
from the best kind of
tent to what kind of
boots will keep blisters
at bay.
There’s also a brilliant
range of recipes that
you can cook outdoors,
and games and outdoor
adventures for all ages
to ensure a fun camp.
Fabulous Camping Spots
Camping at Clumber Park,
Nottinghamshire
Situated in the heart of Robin Hood
country in Nottinghamshire, Clumber
Park is the northern gateway to
Sherwood Forest. It’s a perfect spot
for camping, with plenty to keep you
busy.
Highertown Farm, Cornwall
Perfect for beach lovers, the Highertown Farm campsite is a short walk
from a secluded beach and set within
a stunning coastal landscape that is a
site of special scientific Interest.
Crom, County Fermanagh
Peace and tranquility are both on offer
at Crom’s campsite, so bring your
camping gear and enjoy a relaxing
break.
Lake District, Cumbria
The four Lake District campsites are
set in beautiful locations at Great
Langdale, Low Wray, Wasdale and
Hoathwaite, and offer an enticing
range of camping and glamping options
in the heart of the national park.
Camping at Dolaucothi Gold Mine,
Carmarthenshire
Set in the attractive woodland of the
Dolaucothi Estate in South Wales, this
twin-level site is right next to the River
Cothi. Campers get back to nature
with the magical wildflowers and
birds, including the rare red kite.
Waterclose Meadows, Cambridgeshire
Nestling on the banks of the River
Great Ouse and with fantastic views
of the historic working mill, our campsite offers a great place to pitch your
tent, caravan or motorhome for a
relaxing break.
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
Try luxurious glamping
We love...
Coleman FastPitch Air Valdes 4 Tent
The FastPitch™ Air - Valdes 4 tent can easily be inflated, pitched and dismantled in minutes thanks to
a revolutionary new Coleman technology. Expertly
designed to maximise living space and head height,
the Coleman FastPitch™ Air - Valdes 4 family tent is
effortless to pitch and will be up in minutes. For us,
tent poles are out, we love this idea!
Stockists: www.coleman.eu
Coleman Pack-Away Table for 4
Ideal for small family holidays. Suitable for 4 persons, it packs
down neatly with the bench seats fitting inside the table for
storage. The bench seats are comfortable thanks to the
padded bench covers which are removable for washing.
Stockists: www.coleman.eu
Party Grill® 400 stove
This stove is the essential
camping companion with
endless cooking options!
This compact, portable
stove Party Grill® 400
offers the widest range
of cooking options; stove
top, grill, griddle, plancha
and the lid even doubles
as a wok, perfect!
Stockists:
www.campingaz.com
Juice® Weekender
The Juice Weekender
high capacity power
bank features an in-built
Apple Lightning connector, Micro USB connector
as well as a USB port.
The Juice® Weekender
power bank allows you to
charge up to 3 devices
at a time without cables.
Stockists:
www.juice.co.uk
Lindy BTS-360 Bluetooth Speaker
This high Quality, stylish 360° surround sound
speaker with bass reflex
chamber packs a punch!
Connects with compatible Bluetooth smartphones, MP3 players,
tablets and laptops etc
providing up to 18 hours
continuous use.
Stockists:
www.lindy.co.uk
Teneriffe Farm, Cornwall
Sleep in the most southerly camping
pods in mainland Britain at this working
farm. Teneriffe is an ideal destination to
get away from it all on the Lizard, in an
Area of Outstanding National Beauty
surrounded by the Cornish coast.
Gibside, Tyne and Wear, North East
Sleep under the stars in a cosy Mongolian yurt at Cut Thorn Farm. With
comfortable futon style beds, warm
duvets, cosy wood burning stoves, solar lighting and twinkling fairy lights this
really is luxury camping at its best.
Low Wray, Lake District
Low Wray has a pioneering range of
glamping opportunities; choose from
camping pods or safari tents (new for
2016). All are sure to give you a good
night’s sleep in a warm, comfortable
bed under the stars.
Castle Ward, County Down
The camping pods at Castle Ward
provide an attractive, dry and spacious camping area without any need
for a tent. As an integral part of the
caravan park you’ll benefit from all
its services and the stunning 820-acre
demesne.
Wasdale, Lake District
Wasdale is a remote farming hamlet
surrounded by spectacular fells and
dramatic natural wilderness. Spend
the night in a camping pod that’s simple and spacious, or try out a tipi with
wood-burner for a cosy evening.
WIN a copy of the National
Trusts’ ‘Camping’ by Don
Philpott
Stockists:
www.nationaltrustbooks.
co.uk
LIFESTYLE
We love...
Lamzac® The Original
The Lamzac® can be filled with air within seconds giving
you a large amazingly comfortable seat or sofa for two and
what’s more, it is easily deflated and stored in a small package allowing you to take it anywhere you want!
Stockists: www.shop.fatboy.com
Loopy Cases - StoptheDrop
This phone case is a must for any campers, festival
goes or in fact...anyone with a phone! With a Loopy
you are pretty much guaranteed not to drop your
phone the Loopy allows you to reach every square
inch of your phone with ease, we are loving ours!
Stockists: www.loopycases.com
Carmen by Samantha
Cordless hair straighteners that create beautifully smooth,
sleek hair anywhere. Rechargeable, providing 25 minutes
of straightening, making it very handy for camping trips.
Stockists: www.carmen-products.co.uk
Heart Solar Lights
PNY Powerpack
HD5000
Urbanista Melbourne
Bluetooth Speaker
The 2 LED solar powered
bronze heart outdoor
lights create a lovely
atmosphere on long
sunny nights. Simply
position wherever you
like using the ground
spike and enjoy the lifelike twinkle of candle light
whilst you relax.
Stockists:
www.valuelights.co.uk
The hidden LED display
keeps you updated as to
the remaining capacity
with the touch of button.
Featuring a compact
and lightweight design, it
easily fits into your pocket
or bag to provide instant
power. to charge your
phone 3 times.
Stockists:
www.amazon.co.uk
The Melbourne is impressive both for its size and
impeccable sound. It
is the ideal on-the-go
speaker as it is perfectly
slimmed to fit in any bag
or pocket and despite
its diminutive size it has
a fantastic ability to fill a
room with music.
Stockists:
www.urbanista.com
BEAUTY
don’t be
BEAUTY
a
ing a little Vaseline or
any other barrier cream
to the hairline and the
eyebrows.
Remember, ensuring you
have the best fake tan
ever means paying
attention to details!
Find your formula
When come to choosing
your product, it can be
head-spinning so let’s
break these down a little
for you.
FLAKE?
FAKE
Nothing looks worse than a badly applied tan;
- streaks, tinted eyebrows with stained hands
and feet are just not attractive
Preparing your skin
before you self-tan is
one of the key aspects
to achieving a long
lasting, natural looking
fake tan. Follow our
steps to the perfect fake
tan and you will be well
on your way to becoming a bronzed summer
beauty.
Exfoliate your skin
No matter which fake
tan you use, it’s only as
good as the canvas you
work from. To prep your
skin for a perfect tan,
you need to exfoliate.
Exfoliation removes
dead skin cells on the
surface of your skin and
prevents uneven skin
tone. Exfoliate using a
loofa and some heavenly
body scrub to get the
ultimate results. But
avoid oil-based scrubs
as the oil can act as a
barrier against the tan
adhering to skin.
Moisturising
Once you’ve dried off,
dab rough areas of skin
such as elbows, knees,
ankles, hands and wrists
with some moisturiser.
This will stop the tan from
catching and building
up on these patches.
If you’re tanning your
face, moisturise your
hairline for the same
reason. Use an oil free
moisturiser to make sure
that it doesn’t create a
barrier to the fake tan.
Hairline & eyebrows
If you have fair hair and
eyebrows prevent them
from being stained by
the fake tan by apply-
Generally, the traditional
creams are the most
moisturising option. If
you are fairly new to
tanning, look for a tinted
option so as not to miss
any areas.
Tinted gels are a cinch
to use, although you
need to work them in
quickly before they ‘set’,
and some skins might
find them a little drying.
As for sprays, these are
great for doing your
back if you are tanning
alone or topping-up a
tan if you need a little
extra colour on your
chest or legs before you
go out.
Finally, there’s the option
of a mousse. This tends
to be the easiest and
most popular of all the
tanning variants, due to
its spreadability and
because it’s usually
mixed with bronzer visibility of colour.
Choose your shade
No matter if you’re using
a cream, gel, spray or
mousse, it’s important
to get your shade right.
If you’re fair and want
to go dark, do a couple
of applications of a
light-to-medium shade,
rather than buying a
dark shade, or you’ll
end up looking fake.
It’s always best to carry
out a patch-test prior to
tanning so you can see
the colour that your skin
will develop to.
Green People Self-tan lotion
This organic self tan totion is ideal for use
before a holiday or special occasion. It
provides you with a natural looking tan
with lightly scented with natural oils such
as Organic Rosehip, Dha, Geranium &
Sandalwood.
A revolutionary natural self tan - the first
certified organic in the UK!
Stockists: www.discount-supplements.
co.uk
Sienna X Express
Tanning Mist
Infused with the antiageing ingredient
Q10, this Express Tanning Mist leaves skin
feeling nourished as
well as beautifully
bronzed.
Ready in just 4-8
hours, it’s perfect for
full body application
as well as on-the-go
top ups.
Stockists: www.
sienna-x.co.uk
Apply your tan
So now your skin is
cleansed, exfoliated
and moisturised, you
are ready to apply your
tan. Do the large areas
of the body first: arms.
legs, stomach and
back,before focusing on
the feet, ankles, knees
and neck.
If you see the tan darken too much in these
areas as it develops,
simply grab a towel and
buff the colour down.
Some people find it
easier to use a mitt as it
makes it easy to blend
and has a protective
film to prevent tan transferring onto palms. But if
a mitt is a bit fiddly, you
may find a latex glove
easier to use.
BEAUTY
To give your face and
hands a natural-look
colour, mix part-tanner,
part-body-cream.
After tanning, moisturise
daily to prolong your
golden glow.
Gradual Tanning
If all of the above
advice sounds too
much like hard work,
you’ll be happy to know
there is an effective and
easy alternative gradual tanner. Think
of the combination of
a fake tan and a body
cream.
Because this type of
formulation features less
DHA than traditional
tans - not to mention
more moisturising agents
- it is less likely to streak.
This means you can just
slather it on - no prep
work required - and find
yourself with a gorgeous
sun-kissed glow within
hours.
The Bronzie
Bronzie have solved
the issue of what to
wear after applying a fake tan - no
more stained clothes
or bed sheets! The
jumpsuit has specially
designed fabric
which glides over
the freshly tanned
skin leading to
reduced tan lines.
The unique breathable underarms,
velour lined hood
and stylish fitting
is really why this
product has sold-out
time and time again.
Their slogan posttan-t-shirts are also
perfect to wear after
a faux-tan.
Stockists:
www.bronzieuk.com
Bondi Sands
Gradual Tanning Milk
Enriched with cocoa
butter for deeply
intensive hydration,
this dual action
moisturiser and gradual
tanner hydrates and
subtly tans skin for a
healthy glow. Use
regularly for a gradual
build-up of tan to
deepen your colour.
Stockists: www.superdrug.com
He just subscribed to
Wellbeing Plus!
By subscribing to
Wellbeing Plus you
receive each new
edition direct to your
inbox, along with
offers, competitions
and fun tips to help
you take the first
step to improve your
health & wellness
Put a spring in your step
and join us!
www.wellbeingplusweb.com
BEAUTY
BE
It’’s holiday time ag
from beach to bar
Around 5pm every day
whilst on holiday beachgoers are faced with
an impossible decision
- grab a cocktail at the
beach bar and enjoy
the afternoon sun, or
go back home and get
ready for the evening.
Of course, everyone
wants to show off their
summer style when they
head out for the night,
but having to go all the
way back to shower,
change, and glam up
can become a drag,
especially when all
you really want to do
is throw on something
easy and keep on loving
the sunshine.
BEAUTY
EACH
babes
gain! so here’’s our top tips to take you straight
r without the hassle of going home to change
So why bother? There
are a few things you
should keep in your
beach bag to make
the quick transition from
beach to bar possible.
To up your beauty game
for the night ahead,
pack a few travel-sized
products, a shower gel
to rinse off sun lotions
and sand, a tinted moisturiser to give your skin
an even glow, a bronzer
for that sun-kissed look,
a hydrating lip balm or
nude gloss, and a
waterproof mascara.
And embrace those
beachy waves, too. For
wavy and curly hair, a
salt spray is a great way
to give your locks that
just off the beach chic.
For straighter hair, a
quick run through of hair
serum can smooth any
problem hairs, before
piling your hair up in a
knot.
Carry along a pair of
flat sandals or wedges
and a statement piece
of jewellery for dressier
nights. Don’t forget
deodorant and perfume
(rollerballs are key for
this as they’re easy to
carry and less likely to
break), because there’s
not much point in trying
to look good if you don’t
smell so fresh.
Once you’ve got your
beach bag basics
accounted for, choose
your outfit.
These nine outfits are
perfect inspiration for
seamlessly transitioning
from the beach to the
bar, so you don’t have
to have to miss out on
a single minute of fun
sunny evenings.
Shirt dress
An open shirtdress, tied
with a skinny belt at the
waist, is an easy way to
dress up your bikini while
still showing it off. Who
would have thought
your office go-to could
also work for the beach!
BEAUTY
Sarong (as a dress)
Sarongs are the ultimate
beach-to-bar secret
weapon. Choose an
extra long linen one,
cross it at your throat
and tie it behind your
neck for a sexy, effortless mini-dress.
Sarong (as a skirt)
Whilst a swimsuit is not
so great for the tan
lines, it can work great
when paired with a
printed sarong and you
can barely tell you’re in
beachwear!
Linen top and shorts
In for a long night?
Choose a dressier pair of
shorts (something more
structured than your
standard denim cutoffs)
and tie up a crisp, white
linen shirt at the waist.
If you’re feeling risqué,
leave all of the buttons
undone to show off your
bikini top.
Playsuits
Playsuits are great for
taking you and your
bikini straight from the
beach to the nearest
bar. The playsuit is
possibly the most
versatile article of
beach clothing ever
invented. Wear with
wedges to make it
dressy for evening
Belted maxi skirt
Wear your bikini top with
a floor length skirt and
a belt tied at the waist
for a bohemian, yet
polished, look.
Sleek cover-up)
If you’re headed to a
low-key, casual beach
bar, where clothing is
more ‘recommended’
than required, opt for an
open-knit dress that lets
you show off your bikini
and your beach bod.
Black maxi dress)
A floor-length black
dress, can work for
any social situation,
from beach, to bar to
black tie. The secret is
in the accessories. Don
a bandeau bikini top
and throw over a black
maxi with a great piece
of beachy statement
jewellery - and hey
presto, you’re ready for
wherever the night may
take you.
For wavy
and curly
hair, a salt
spray is
a great
way to
give your
locks that
just off
the beach
chic look
White mini dress
There’s no better way to
show off your tan than in
a teeny tiny white dress.
Loose, breezy styles in
cotton or linen are best
for those hot evenings
when sweating may be
inevitable.
Sunglasses
Whatever outfit you
choose to go for, work
with some killer sunglasses
to top off your beach to
bar look.
BEAUTY
We love...
We’ve put together some great products that will be a must-have for your
summer holidays this year, making it simple to go from beach to bar in a flash.
Rosa Faia Paradise
Beach Tankini
Animal women’’s Jasey
adult hooded towel
Helly Hansen W Ignite
Bikini
Not everyone feels comfy
in a bikini but dont want
to go for a swimsuit, so
this stunning print tankini is
an ideal option. To move
from beach to bar simply
team up with a pair of
tailored shorts.
Stockists: www.anita.com
If you decide to watch
the sunset with a coctail
in hand, this beautifully
soft hooded towel is the
one for you to dry off and
keep snug whilst wowing
over a gorgeous sunset.
Stockists:
www.shop.animal.co.uk
This triangle bikini comes
in a range of fresh colors
and prints making it a
holiday essential. The tie
fastening at neck and
back and at the sides
adjust to suit your shape.
Stockists:
www.hellyhansen.com
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus range
Girls with curls know all too well the difficulties
of maintaining a beautiful defined hair
texture, especially when you’re on holiday.
SheaMoisture has come to the rescue with
the launch of it’s Coconut and Hibiscus
range to give you sleek bouncy curls, finger
waves and sleek updo’s no matter what
the sun and sea want to throw at you.
Stockists: www.shop.animal.co.uk
BEAUTY
Weird Fish Nimbus Harem Pants and Kitt
Stretch Denim shorts
These cool and comfortable harem trousers in
raisin with an intricate all over print detail are the
perfect option to slip on to switch from beach to
evening wear.
When you’re enjoying the sun on your skin
and relaxing at your favourite spot do so in the
comfortable, hardwearing Kitt stretch mid-length
denim shorts.
Stockists: www.weirdfish.co.uk
Walter && Herbert Askew Sunglasses
The choice of tort acetate is guaranteed to bring a
touch of glamour to your look, whilst the smooth bridge
and temples make this a comfortable frame to wear.
Stockists: www.walterandherbert.com
Marie Meili Hyacinth
Halter Bikini
Havaianas Slim Logo
Flip Flops
ClaireaBella Large
Summer Jute Bag
Pretty and chic, the
Marie Meili Hyacinth Halter Bikini features a feminine floral print. The stylish
halter top features a neck
tie and lightly foam lined
cups with a bow feature
at the front, whilst the
bottoms tie at the side for
additional comfort.
Stockists:
www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Leap on the sand
whether in Brazil, Brighton
or Blackpool with these
awesome Havaianas flip
flops. Still one of the most
popular brand on the
market you can gurantee
you’ll look stylish around
the pool, on the beach
or by the bar.
Stockists:
www.thewellyshop.com
Get beach ready ladies,
this special bright and
beautiful ClaireaBella
Summer bikini bag has
been created especially
for summer. Personalise
with your name on this
beautiful hand painted
beach background with
Swarovski elements.
Stockists:
www.toxicfox.co.uk
BEAUTY
South Beach Boutique White Floral Beaded Kaftan
and Boutique Green Palm Tree Print Playsuit
Pack this stunning white floral kaftan featuring all over floral
print, contrast neon pink sequinned beaded v-neckline. The
floaty chiffon fabric is the perfect cover up for the beach.
Transform for the evening with this stunning green palm print
playsuit, featuring a gorgeous summery print. Elasticated waist
for shaping and pockets. Wear it with some chunky sliders
or wedges and wayfarer shades before adding some great
statement jewllery and you’re hot to trot.
Stockists: www.weirdfish.co.uk
Jean-Pierre Braganza’’’s Tote Bag
With bold, rainbow brights and intricate embellishments continuing to
be amongst the big trend news this season, label.m has teamed
up with the master of print-work himself to apply one of his most
eye-catching designs to this brand new exclusive tote bag. The
print, inspired by the hours Bragranza spent researching at the
British Library and listening to the spontaneous, yet evoking sounds
of jazz greats, dominates his SS16 ‘Whiplash’ Collection.
Stockists: www.labelm.com and all Toni & Guy salons
Incognito® Hair and Body Wash
Your choice of shower gel and shampoo could make a big difference
to your attractiveness to biting insects. Its fragrance may be pleasant
and attractive to you and other people, but it can also be appealing
to biting insects too! incognito® Hair and Body Wash smells great to
humans and contains 3 powerful, natural, insect
repellents: organic Java citronella, tea tree oil & neem; all known to
repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Stockists: www.lessmosquito.com, Waitrose and all good health
shops
Maria Nila Salty Mist
Give your locks that just off the beach texture with this great nourishing
texture spray with a light hold that gives a salty feeling to the hair. Apply
to damp hair and leave to dry in the sun. Its Colour Guard Complex
protects against UV–rays and free radicals. Creat great waves and
curls when going for a slightly ‘wilder’ look.
Stockists: www.sallyexpress.com
MEN ZONE
MEN ZONE
from beach
TO BAR
Do’s
and
Don’’ts
Do apply a leave-in conditioner to
your hair before hitting the beach,
that way your hair will be protected
from sun, sea, chlorine and salt all
day. Simply rinse under the pool-side
shower before heading out.
Do apply an after sun, a product that
can, quite literally, save your skin. Try
a fragrance-free product with aloe
vera or chamomile to calm any redness
and also works to preserve your tan.
Do down a few pints of water. A face
that’s morphed from grape to raisin
in just a few hours suggests you could
be flirting with heat stroke, so rehydration is crucial.
How do men stride from the beach to relax
and have fun in the bar? ?
Is a sculpted body, complete with giant biceps
and six-pack, all you
need? Are the baggy
boxers of old no longer
the style classic they
once were? And should
the average British male
just stay in the water?
The summer heats up
the pressure on men is
just as equal to women
to bare more flesh, but
this year’s look is about
understated good taste
rather than movie star
body flaunting. It’s all
about quiet confidence,
rather than looking
brash.
All too often on sunny
holidays the women
look great but the men
looked pretty ghastly,
wearing boxer shorts in
gaudy prints and board
shorts that hang off their
bottoms.
Relatively muted colours
are much more likely to
work with what you’re
wearing when you
come out of the sea.
The trunks shouldn’t be
loose or tight. You’ve
got to be able to move
in them. And they
shouldn’t involve lots of
print.
So how do we get it
right and move into the
evening looking great?
for beach to bar
Don’’t skip the anti-perspirant. Noone wants to be standing too close
to anyone who has had a day on the
beach and been shy with the deodorant.
Don’’t wear any prints that you
would consider for a fancy dress
party - think shirts with birds, tigers and
flamingos on them. If wearing a print
on your top then ensure that your
shorts are plain, this works again when
wearing shorts with a print on, then a
plain top is key.
Do think about where you’re going. Is it Cornwall or St Tropez? Bright
prints might be just the thing in St
Tropez, but less so in Blighty. Choose
a pair of tailored swim shorts which
have quick-drying technology, which
means you won’t be soaking wet,
while their tailored cut will help you
stay stylish.
Do pack a pair of boat shoes which
are just as comfortable as espadrilles
but are a bit more more formal.
Wear a leather or suede pair when
going for a bite to eat or for a night
out - they really are the go-to holiday
footwear.
Don’’t go topless! For an evening out
this isn’t a great look and may stop
you actually getting in places due to
dress codes. Throw on a linen shirt or
polo when heading to the bar, think
of your shorts as part of an outfit,
however casual.
Don’’t slip on scruffy trainers. When
lounging around the pool, give your
feet some breathing space with a pair
of espadrilles. With their traditional jute
rope soles and breathable canvas
uppers, your feet will remain comfortable
in the summer sun.
MEN ZONE
We love...
Men-U Matt Refresh and Moisturise Set
The men-ü Matt Refresh and Moisturise Set includes the
multi-award winning Healthy Facial Wash, Matt Skin Refresh Gel and Matt Moisturiser. The primary objective with
this pack is to enable you to balance your skin to suit.
Deep clean the face with a good facial wash, refresh /
tone the skin and finally moisturise, if and where necessary.
Stockists: www.men-u.co.uk & www.mankind.co.uk
Maui Jim Pilot Sunglasses
Prepare to look super cool with the modified aviator
teardrop frame that hugs the head and complements
a range of facial shapes. Featuring fixed saddle-style
bridge with double cross-bar and adjustable, non-slip,
rubber nose pads for comfort.
Stockists: www.mauijim.com
Men-U Pro Black
Bringing the close shave back! The NEW registered PRO
BLACK design is like nothing else on the market. It’s
accompanied by the ultra-concentrate men-ü shave
crème, packed with anti-friction lubricants including
silicone and moisturisers. To provide optimum slip for the
razor blade so it won’t dry the skin.
Stockists: www.men-u.co.uk & www.mankind.co.uk
The Bluebeards Revenge ‘Cutlass’ Double-Edge
Safety Razor
Solid, sturdy and utterly manly, the Cutlass is the
ultimate razor for that perfect holiday shave. Slice
through stubble like never before with this crisp, classic
and precision-engineered piece of genius, proving to
be gentle on sun scorced skin.
Stockists: www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk
LOCKING PUMP
for accurate dosage and travel
ITALY
home of the finest shaving brushes
NEW GENERATION
of shaving brush for a new generation
of user and a great gift
EXCLUSIVE men-ü BRISTLES
manufactured to be soft, smooth and
non-absorbent (registered
design 2460816-1.EU), using up to
40% less shave crème than animal
bristles as well as helping to stimulate
the skin and raise the beard
LOW AERATION
of shave crème when used with a
brush means more of the active
ingredients get between the skin and
razor blade where they are needed
TEA TREE OIL
helps protect skin from spots and
shaving rash, with a fresh mint
fragrance and can be used with or
without a shaving brush
ULTRA CONCENTRATE
facilitates a large number of shaves
(up to 165) and a high percentage of
active ingredients including lubricants
such as silicone and moisturisers to
provide great slip without drying the
skin. Less resistance leads to less
irritation and nicks as well as a
longer lasting blade
RETAIL
£19.95 with stand and free
15ml buddy tube shave crème
RETAIL
100ml £10.95
15ml buddy tube £2.75
How else can we introduce more men
to quality grooming?
Available at top salons, barbers & www.men-u.co.uk
TRAVEL
package
holidays
vs DIY
TRIPS
TRAVEL
When it comes to booking a holiday,
far too many of us fall into the trap of
accepting that package deals generally
offer better value for money
Whilst you could be
forgiven for believing so,
the truth is that personally
organising each and
every aspect of your
holiday can prove much
more rewarding, as well
as saving you money in
the process.Before you
know it you could be off
the beaten track, enjoying the trip of a lifetime
– all for the fraction of
the cost of a package
holiday.
The beauty of organising
your own break surely
has to be that you are
free from the constraints
and restrictions often
imposed by package
deals. Don’t fancy having
to make your way to
the airport for 4am? No
problem! Don’t want to
fly at all? Have it your
way.
Ultimately, package
holidays are a bit like
fast food – satisfying for
a while, but always the
same and never deviating from the norm, and
once you’ve tried the
real thing you’ll be reluctant to go back.
Upon discovering just
how easy it is to arrange
your own getaway,
you’ll wonder why
you never thought of
attempting so before.
Without further ado,
let’s take a look at your
options to see if it works
for you.
Your budget
The type of holiday
you wish for will largely
determine whether a
package deal or DIY
holiday offers the best
value for money for you.
Generally speaking,
if you are planning to
visit a popular destination such as Spain or
Turkey for a standard
number of nights (7, 10
or 14) or are travelling
as a couple or family, it’s worth looking at
package deals. Holiday
companies and agents
pre-book in bulk so can
sell such holidays at
competitive prices.
However, if you’re travelling alone, are planning
on visiting several destinations or not travelling
for a ‘standard’ number
of nights, then the DIY
option could be your
best choice.
make a
check-list
of what
you want
from the
holiday
Putting together your
own trip will allow you
to more easily save
in the areas you are
happy to compromise
in - for example, staying
in a hostel rather than
a hotel or flying at an
anti-social time to save
money - while offering
you greater flexibility
and freedom to splash
out where you’d like to
too.
When thinking about the
type of holiday to book,
it’s also important to
remember that package
deals are covered by
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
the ATOL scheme giving
you financial protection
should anything go
wrong. This means if any
of the travel companies
you have booked with
were to go bust, you
wouldn’t lose a penny
and wouldn’t be left
stranded abroad.
You wouldn’t be
protected in this way
if you booked a DIY
break, so it would be
sensible to pay for the
elements of your trip on
a credit card. This will
give you financial
protection under Section
75 of the Consumer
Credit Act, as long as
you’ve paid more than
£100 on your card.
On the flip side, you may
be the type of person
who likes having every
detail of your holiday
planned for you. It takes
away the stress and
spares you hours of
research, trawling
through numerous sites
trying to find flights,
accommodation and
transfers. Be honest with
yourself to avoid the
exciting planning stage
of your holiday becoming
stressful
It’s also more important
than ever to take out
comprehensive travel
insurance including
cover for end supplier
failure when putting a
trip together yourself.
Accommodation
An all-inclusive holiday
package is a great option
for those looking for a
stress-free holiday.
With all your meals and
drinks usually included
in the price, budgeting
is made a lot easier as
you can relax, safe in
the knowledge that all
the essentials are taken
care of. You can enjoy
all the services of the
resort without having to
venture too far.
For many people organising their own holiday,
avoiding hotels is often
high on the agenda,
since finding yourself in
a large, faceless complex
can conjure up the
vibe of the package
holiday you were trying
so desperately to avoid.
Ultimately, it’s down to
personal preference,
although for those wishing
to cater for themselves
whilst relaxing in a home
away from home, booking a villa or apartment
is often the best solution.
Finding accommodation
online couldn’t be easier
- it’s also arguably the
safest way to find good
quality places for your
stay, since there are a
plethora of sites which
Research
Putting together a DIY
holiday can take a lot
more time than speaking
to a travel company
or looking online and
booking a package.
Destination
It goes without saying that
your main consideration
will be your destination,
and prior to choosing
there are a number of
other things to take into
account. For example,
you may be after some
sun, sea and sand during
a winter break perhaps
- if this is the case, remember to check what
the current season is like
at your potential getaway - for example, it’s
no good booking a trip
to India during monsoon
season (unless you enjoy
the rain, of course!).
However, travel junkies love the prospect
of delving into blogs,
books and reviews for
inspiration and to discover
unexplored corners of
the globe. The world
literally is your oyster
when booking a holiday
this way!
It’s worth taking into
account how far you
and your fellow holidaymakers are willing to
travel, and for how long.
If you or your friends and
family aren’t comfortable with travelling for
long periods of time or
have health restrictions
specialise in user reviews
of hotels, apartments,
villas and campsites,
leaving you safe in the
knowledge that you’re
booking somewhere in
confidence.
which may prevent any
of you from doing so,
try to find a destination
closer to home.
Whilst it’s an obvious
point that you’re going
to need a passport for
travelling abroad, it’s
worth pointing that
when visiting some
countries, you may be
required to apply for a
Visa. If you’re unsure, the
Home Office website
can provide you with all
the relevant information.
Many of us wait all year
for that blissful moment
when we can take off
and begin our holiday.
Making sure we get it
right, therefore, is vital.
Take the time to consider
what you really want
out of your holiday - be
it island hopping, camel
trekking through the
desert or kicking back
with a cocktail on a fivestar resort.
Before you make your
final decision to put a
break together yourself,
check there isn’t a
package out there with
the same elements for
half the price. Similarly,
it might be worth doing
a quick search for flights
and hotels to the destination you are considering
taking a package holiday
to just to reassure yourself
that the offer you found
really is a great deal.
FINANCE
FINANCE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
trip-ups
Ten reasons why your travel insurance may not pay out in your moment of need
Almost 60 million trips
abroad are made by
British travellers every
year. And millions of
those trips are made by
holidaymakers who
happily believe their
travel insurer will come
to the rescue if anything
goes wrong. But this
may not be the case.
Beware. Many popular
forms of insurance are
riddled with exclusions,
many of which travellers
know nothing about.
And you should never
make the mistake of
thinking that one policy
is like another.
Biba’s Executive Director,
Graeme Trudgill, states
“There is a massive
variation of policy cover
and wording through
the many competitive
travel insurance policies.
Cover will be available
for your needs, but
don’t just focus on price
alone, make sure that
you have the right levels
of protection and if you
are in doubt, speak to a
broker or call the
provider to check.”
One policy that Biba
was not able to provide
a clear comparison
for was cruise exclusion,
which covers the cost of
getting medical treatment to a traveller on a
cruise, or getting them
to shore. If this is not covered, a traveller who has
to be airlifted to hospital,
for example, could be
landed with a steep bill.
Biba experts examined
15 single-trip policies for
their cruise exclusions,
but found that in many
it was not mentioned.
Some providers even
have separate cruise
policies, making it more
important to check
what is covered
before you travel.
Travel insurance policy
wording can be baffling,
even for seasoned travellers, but it’s important
to familiarise yourself
with your insurer’s cover
levels, exclusions and
claims process before
you go on holiday. If
you’re none the wiser
after reading your policy
document, give your
insurer a call to make
sure that you understand what’s covered,
what isn’t, and how to
go about making a claim
should you need to.
Here are 10 key areas to
watch out for.
1
Trekking
Insurers have different
rules on the height
above sea level of treks
that they will cover as
standard. Some cover
hiking as standard
below 4,000m, but you
need to pay a premium
on their standard sevenday policy to climb
higher – so you’ll have to
fork out before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro.
Some policies cover up
to 1,000m with no guide
or ropes, another may
cover treks up to 3,000m
as standard, as long as it
is an organised activity.
Check whether the
policy only covers
climbing and trekking
activities if they are not
the main focus of the
holiday.
2
Alcohol
Alcohol exclusions are
surprisingly common in
travel insurance policies
- and a major cause
of complaints to the
Financial Ombudsman
Service when insurers
refuse to pay. All the
policies reviewed had
some form of alcohol
exclusion, but there
were different definitions.
Some may specify a
FINANCE
blood/alcohol reading
level, whilst others have
a general clause relating to the ‘misuse’ of
alcohol or refer to being
‘under the influence’.
The Ombudsman says
insurers cannot simply
assume that certain
injuries are alcohol
related, and must
provide CCTV footage
or witness evidence if
hospital blood tests are
not available.
3
Missed departure
Missed departure is
often featured on a
policy’s summary document - but it does not
necessarily cover both
outbound and inbound
journeys.
There have been reported
cases where customers
were left hundreds of
pounds out of pocket
after missing their flight
home - through no fault
of their own - and were
held liable for the cost.
Some insurers do not
cover inbound journeys
at all, while others
have strict rules on the
amount of time customers
had to allow to reach
the airport and what
reasons for missing the
flight would be covered.
4
Horse riding
Most policies cover
horse riding as standard.
However, although
some only cover this
activity under their
Premier policy and if
FINANCE
never make
the mistake
of thinking
that one
policy is
like another
customers wear a riding
helmet, while others
provide cover only if the
activity is professionally
organised and supervised.
5
Scuba diving
Scuba diving coverage
varies depending on
how deep you dive. You
may be insured down to
15m, or down to 30m if
you are accompanied
by a qualified instructor.
Your policy may offer
cover down to 30m as
long as people have a
diving qualification and
are not diving alone.
There may also be other
requirements to check
- such as customers not
flying within 24 hours of
their last dive.
6
Medical conditional
for close family
members
A key risk covered by
travel insurance is the
possibility that the trip
will have to be cancelled
or cut short if a relative
at home falls ill or even
dies. Most travel policies
provide cancellation or
curtailment cover for this
scenario, although the
level of cover varies.
could charge more - a
£150 fee for a lost bag
and another £150 for lost
money, for example.
8
European Health
Insurance Card
The European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC) is
free and entitles you to
free or discounted
medical care in staterun hospitals and
medical clinics across
the EU as well as in
Iceland, Norway,
Liechtenstein and
Switzerland.
Since this helps reduce
your medical costs
abroad, many insurers
will either reduce or
waive their excess.
9
It is worth checking
cover for business
colleagues if your
holiday depends on a
colleague covering for
you at work as not all
providers cover this.
7
Excesses
The excess is the
amount you have to pay
towards any claim - but
it is not straightforward.
Some policies apply one
excess fee per claim,
but others will demand
an excess payment for
every relevant section of
the policy. If a handbag
gets stolen, for example,
some insurers will charge
one excess, while others,
Delay
If sitting waiting at an
airport for a delayed
flight becomes too
much and you decide
to cancel your trip check how long you
have waited first. Some
insurers require 24 hours’
delay before covering
cancellation costs, but
others will cover them
after 12 hours.
10
Valuables
If you are taking an
iPad, Kindle or laptop
away with you - or any
other expensive item make sure you check
your valuables limit
(assuming the items are
not covered by your
home insurance). Single
article limits start at just
£50 up to a maximum of
around £500. Some may
be higher with a limit
of £200, but the excess
could be as high as
£150. The overall valuables limits ranged from
£1,500 to £2,000.
So many of us just buy a
single trip policy based
on cost, but without
spending a little extra
time checking whether
your policy covers your
specific holiday requirements, your dream
trip could become an
expensive nightmare.
BIBA have a range of
insurance policy guides
at www.biba.org.uk
Final word...
We hope you have enjoyed the spring edition of Wellbeing Plus
magazine and are able to utilise some of our features to help you
improve your health & wellbeing.
If you would like to catch up on previous editions or have a chat
with us, click on the relevant link below.
CONTACT US
SUBSCRIBE
COMPETITIONS
LIBRARY
WEBSITE
ADVERTISE
Until next time, keep well!
www.wellbeingplusweb.com