The Northern Echo

The lifestyle magazine for the North-East MAY 2003 IN ASSOCIATION WITH

WIN a day at Seaham Hall Spa Gardening and your star signs DIY tackling tiles

INTERIORS MOTORING GADGETS BEAUTY FASHION 2 May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

contents

WIN A LUXURY DAY FOR TWO AT SEAHAM HALL SPA – P23

ELCOME to NE Magazine, the the North-East and a DIY column will new lifestyle magazine which give you lots of handy hints for keeping Wwill be going out free every your own home in tip-top condidion. month to all readers of The Northern Motoring correspondent Ian Lamming Echo. We’ll be covering all aspects of will be keeping us up to date with how we live today, including the best what’s hot on the road; Nigel Burton, beauty products and tips for staying NE magazine’s own Gadget Man, will be young and beautiful; a slimming page giving some guidance on which gadgets each month profiling the slimming are worth buying and which are best 20 industry, the latest diets and people avoided, and the Six Of The Best who’ve been success stories when it consumer column will highlight the comes to losing weight; the changing best tools, utensils and electrical goods. face of fashion, on our bodies and in our Meanwhile, Sharon Griffiths will be homes. We’ll be taking a peek inside giving us her own individual take on some of the most interesting homes in life... 14 IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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SHARON GRIFFITHS BEAUTY 3 Why gardening makes 15 Allison, stylist me happy magazine to the stars INTERIORS SLIMMING is produced by The Wimpey’s biggest ever How to eat and still Northern Echo/ 4 17 Newsquest Ltd., Northern home lose weight a Gannett Company, SIX OF THE BEST GADGET MAN Priestgate, Darlington 7 Pick of the 18 Who will win the DL1 1NF bathroom scales home recording wars? (01325) 381313 INTERIORS FOOD ADVERTISING 8 Hini: the darling 19 The nation’s Trish Taylor of Durham favourite dishes (01325) 505 233 GARDENING MOTORING 10 Horoscopes and 20 The second hand EDITORIAL horticulture prestige car market Jenny Needham (01325) 505 082 DIY TRAVEL 11 Time to tackle 21 The revolting those tiles smell of success FASHION COFFEE TIME FRONT COVER: 12 The season’s top 22 Crossword and Your Clothes by Laurèl, jacket £285, matching trousers accessories Stars, PLUS the £165. For stockists call 020 7580 6066. ME AND MY chance to win a day www.laurel.de. 14 WARDROBE at Seaham Spa Claire Bromley

CHAMELEON MIRRORS May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk 3

FRONTIER OF FASHION STRAIGHT from the streets of Soho, carrying the most eclectic blend of skate and branded footwear Newcastle has ever seen, comes Frontier. The independently owned company picked sharon griffiths the stylish Grey Street location to become their flagship outlet in the North and only other store in the UK outside London. Labels include Dunlop, Merrell, DC and New Balance. Proprietor Mark Blackburn said: “Newcastle is rapidly becoming one of the most stylish cities in Britain. This is the reason why after Soho, Newcastle was the most obvious choice for our new retail outlet.” ALL RIGHT FOR NEW Yorkers swear by it for their martinis because of its LEFTIES smoothness. So for real style LEFT-handers of all ages and and glamour to match TV’s interests will benefit from a range Sex and the City cocktail of innovative new products that bar lifestyle, try a little Grey have just been launched by aI do not Goose in your martini. The specialist retailer Anything Left- spirit was voted best Handed Ltd, on their website tasting vodka in the World www.anythingleft-handed.com. Spirits Championships. As Greater understanding by product believe there well as Grey Goose designers of left-handers’ needs Original, there is also the has led to an increase of new Grey Goose L’Orange. specifically left-handed items If you want to make a being developed, and Anything can be many classic martini at home, Left-Handed are delighted to add rinse an ice cold martini glass with a a host of new products, including swish of dry vermouth. Add two shots the first ever left-handed camera, suicidal of vodka and stir. Garnish with an garden and DIY equipment and olive, or lemon peel. For those who children’s developmental games like their martinis shaken, not stirred, to the huge range of household window shopping us a cocktail shaker and fresh ice and stationery products already gardeners... each time. Grey Goose is available featured on their award-winning from Binns, High Row, Darlington at website. Call 0208 770 3722 for around £24.25 a bottle. a free catalogue.

HIS is the time of year that makes things in places where we have forgotten that optimists of us all. Foolish optimists no we planted something last year – and so the doubt – because we think this year we lupins will shoot up through the middle of the T shall have the perfect garden. rose geraniums. And very fetching they will Well, why not? After all, just a few weeks ago look too. the garden looked like a battlefield. Frost and Yes I know, I know, I should keep a garden flood, snow and storm had reduced it to a soggy diary, a map, a plan, but that’s far too mossy mud patch enlivened with a few dead organised. Then sometimes, I just don’t know twigs and a cracked pot of slimy geraniums. what I’ve put in. Kind neighbours will leave Very Tate Modern. clumps of muddy leaves on my doorstep and Then the violets showed through. In January. with no clue as to what they might be or how At first I thought the purple by the hedge was a they might grow, I will pop them in any crop of discarded chocolate wrappers. But no, available space. Of course, the stuff I put in the they were a clump of wild violets that arrived – front turns out to grown to five foot high while probably courtesy of some bird – last year, and that at the back is a mere three inches of flower this year have spread. What a bonus. They were born to bloom unseen. soon covered with a few inches of snow, but Which is why I spend much of my gardening appeared again, not much the worse for wear, time digging things up and moving them. with sun sparkling magically on the little chips Sometimes, of course, there are disasters. Some of ice in the leaves. That’s the sort of sight that of those expensive plants from garden centres really can get you through the short days and tend to give up the ghost and curl up and die long nights of January. when they get to my garden. They are Then, of course, there obviously much too well-bred for the likes of were snowdrops, aconites us. and the daffodils – On the other hand, last year some strange splendid daffodils. Who young branches in a rather bleak corner turned can look at daffodils and out to be a buddleia that had arrived not be cheered? unannounced and decided to grow there all by There must be a good itself. It even, magically, chose the perfect site case for providing spades for itself. and seeds on the NHS. I do not believe there can be many suicidal Apart from the physical gardeners. They know the way the world turns, benefits of gardening... that just when everything looks at its bleakest (Now don’t moan – we only get bad backs and is the time when we can be surprised by violets creaky knees because we don’t garden little and snowdrops. They know too, that even in the and often, but in occasional excessive blitzes)… days of instant gardens, there’s still a lot of growing things gives us something to look work to be done. Such gardens are not made forward to. By singing “Oh how beautiful!” Once you’ve planted those bulbs – however and sitting in the shade... hastily – or sown seeds, or stuck some cuttings Another bonus for me this year was my olive in a jam jar, you have a stake in the future. tree. Bred on some hot, dry Italian hillside, it’s Grand people plant woods of young trees, the been beaten about by Yorkshire snow and rain rest of us have apple pips in a yoghurt pot, or and has not only survived the winter – amazing African violet leaves on the kitchen window – but looks remarkably well on it. It’s only sill, but the effect is the same – we have in a about three foot high and it will probably be way, created something and want to watch it half a lifetime before I’ll be pressing my own grow. Beats Prozac. olive oil. But I can wait. I have patience. I’m a And now is the time to get out there and gardener. start clearing, digging, planting. As things are And this is the year my garden will be bursting through. Sometimes in the spring perfect. I’m convinced. A bit like Highgrove, sunshine when you can smell the soil, I swear only better. That’s what spring does to you. Eat you can also hear things growing. your heart out, Prince Charles. This energy is infectious. We will rush to nurseries and garden centres and pile our Gardening and your star sign trolleys with instant gardens. We will plant – see page 10 4 May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

interiors IN ASSOCIATION WITH Chameleon Mirrors Looks that will stand the test of time

HEN it comes to interiors our Trocme: ‘‘An unadorned dress can be just individual tastes vary as as attractive as an adorned one; the much as they do over clothes: decision depends on spirit and occasion.’’ W while some strive to be the last word in up-to-the minute fashion LIGHTING trends, others prefer a more enduring and ACCORDING to Trocme, lighting is an classic style. essential medium of design, perhaps more Susan Trocme, is an advocate of the important than even form, colour and pure, sophisticated look that is classic, texture, simply because it orchestrates our simple and never out of style – the interior perception of all the other elements. design world’s equivalent to ‘the little ‘‘Like a face awkwardly lit from below, a black dress’ – which she celebrates in her badly-lit room will look ugly, its book Classic Chic. proportions and tones distorted, whereas Throughout the beautifully illustrated good lighting can reapportion space style bible, Trocme emphasises the use of beautifully and to great effect,’’ she says. perfect materials, neutral colours and The first steps to creating the right natural lines to create contemporary lighting scheme for an interior is an homes of enduring quality and elegance, assessment of the interior – and this whatever their size, location or character. should always be done after dusk to get it ‘‘A classic is something of established right. excellence, a standard work against which others are measured, or something FLOORS quintessentially definitive or typical,’’ she FLOORS can make or break a scene, and says. their construction can be problematic. Classic chic can take on many guises, The house that Concrete floors will support any flooring depending on personal taste and the way and the most classic-looking floors are we choose to live – but above all it should parquet and black and white squares (tile be liveable. ‘‘All rooms should be or marble). As a cheaper and hard-wearing comfortable,’’ says Trocme. alternative to marble, try terrazzo – From streamlined, seamless rooms with marble chippings set in cement. slate-topped tables and free-standing Some of the loveliest residences have George built furniture to spaces fused with Latin basic timber floors, in both light and dark passion and the faded elegance of old woods, and slate also has a versatility, wooden floors, Trocme demonstrates in having real depth of colour. The transformation of an historic estate into one of the most her book that the essence of truly elegant exclusive addresses in Britain continues with the construction interior design begins with certain key FIREPLACES principles that guide aspects such as of the largest house of its type in the North. IAN LAMMING is architectural form, lighting, colour, TRADITIONALLY the fireplace was the texture and shapes. focal point of a living room, but since the given the grand tour ‘‘Simplicity, suitability and proportion 1950s, the television has taken over this remain the three key elements to take into role. However, fireplaces still have a place account when considering architecture in our homes and hearts, and Trocme and space. If a room works well, it often advises, where possible, to use quality looks good: functionality and appearance materials such as limestone, granite, slate, nurture each other.’’ sandstone or marble. Trocme covers every aspect involved in designing your own unique living space in SEATING her book – here are some of her tips to get TROCME fondly calls sofas the ‘Royal that classic chic in your own home. family’ of the living room, and she advises using two or three upholstered satellite COLOUR chairs to make the sofa the very centre of COLOUR is the first element that you are conversational groups. aware of in a room and it is one of the ‘‘Sofas and easy chairs need not be most potentially rewarding ingredients of plump, but subtle curves do soften harsh an interior. Happily for DIY enthusiasts, it lines elsewhere,’’ she recommends. can also be one of the most inexpensive to apply. BEDS A neutral or monochromatic colour TROCME believes that beds should never scheme is always flexible and easy to be too fashionable or too fussy but update, revive or accent, and ideally, functional and comfortable. She also feels lighting and finishes should be selected at that, with the exception of futon-inspired the same time since light alters the designs, beds should not be too low of the perception of colour as it strikes different floor. textures and surfaces. ‘‘A bed marks the beginning and the end of the day, and can offer respite in the WALLS AND CEILINGS middle. It comforts us when we are least in ACCORDING to Trocme, the most classic control,’’ she says. and chic walls are often the simplest. The key is to choose the right combination of FABRICS colour, light and texture. MODERN fabrics may be produced from Stripes are a design classic and Trocme man-made or natural fibres, and Trocme advises using vertical stripes to elongate advises taking into account the function of walls and harmonise proportions: ‘‘stripes the fabric before making decisions about remain smart, unfussy and useful.’’ which to use. For example, linen always Wood panelling can be warming and feels cool to the touch and used as table or give the effect of enclosure if dark woods bed linen, is usually plain white or pale. are used. Lighter woods, such as light oak, She advises against using pastel colours bleached teak, elm or maple, are more and, in hot climates, using patterned THINKING BIG: refreshing. fabrics for cushions to prevent staining the showhouse As for mouldings – such as cornices – and water-marking. is vast... with a they should be guided by both pricetag to architecture and personal preference and G Classic Chic by Susan match there is no hard and fast rule, according to Trocme (Jacqui Small, £30) May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk 5

If mummy and daddy can afford the £785,000 price tag then they a will have managed to buy the biggest, most expensive house ever built in the North by George Wimpey – and the children will love it

HEN I was a lad, I may not have lived as the youngster’s room in a shoebox in the middle of the comes fitted with a huge road, but I did have to share a en suite, bigger than bedroom with my brother in a tiny normal folks’ bathrooms, two-bedroom bungalow on a modern complete with double Westate. It was modern then, in fact the 1960s estate power shower. won design awards, mainly for its use of trees. All If the child sounds a very commendable, but it didn’t stop it being small, tad spoilt, then so is its it didn’t stop me having to share my formative space teenage sibling. The teen with an older sibling and it didn’t stop the curtains horror gets a well- freezing to the single glazed windows in the winter. equipped en suite to How things have changed. Builders are still preen and coif to its constructing estates but if the latest one at Wynyard hearts content after is anything to go by things have definitely changed finally rolling out of a for the better. Not that Wynyard Woods is any comfortable-looking bed. normal estate because it’s not and the only thing it And if these ablutions are has in common with my old home is the fact they too much to endure, said have retained the trees. teen can have a rest by If mummy and daddy can afford the £785,000 price wandering out onto the tag then they will have managed to buy the biggest, mezzanine sun floor, most expensive house ever built in the North by through adjoining doors, George Wimpey – and the children will love it. to take advantage of a Not only will room-sharing be a non starter, they three-storey will be able to choose from seven bedrooms, five with conservatory. en suite, and a self-contained attic apartment. It’s all very well The child’s room in the gargantuan showhouse is spoiling the children in made obvious by its bright colour scheme and frills. the Villanelle Wimpey But its specification makes my old estate home look home, but mam and dad – like something out of the dark ages. Firstly it’s a should that be mater and large double bedroom with a large double bed, ideal pater? – don’t do badly over body jets and a Jacuzzi bath. Beyond that is a WYNYARD WOODS: for a childhood sleepover and room for all of your either. The main bedroom is the size of a small full size sauna/steam room – the ideal place to relax a three-storey prep school mates. 21st century child’s bedroom is lit leisure complex and boasts many of the same after you have finished working out in your own conservatory floods by trendy spotlights and the dressing table looks like features. gym, just down the hall. the house with light something that should be backstage at a theatre. Walk through the double doors and down two steps Granny fares well too as long as she is fit. Up three during the day Mornings in the Lamming household once centred and the huge bedroom sports a normal enough king- flights of stairs, appropriately enough up in the around a battle for the single – and pretty cold – size bed and bedroom furniture, including tables and heavens, lies a self-contained attic apartment bathroom. Well it wasn’t so much of a battle really as chairs. Turn back on yourself and there are his and complete with sitting room, kitchen, bedroom and my dad always took priority and my mam would hers walk-in wardrobes ensuring there is no need to shower room. But at least it’s only one flight down to head straight to the kitchen in her dressing gown to even see, let alone talk to your partner in the frantic the second floor games room, where she can smoke get the breakfast on, so it was more a minor skirmish dash to get ready for work. her pipe and play snooker with her friends. between me and my brother. Off the bedroom is a massive en suite bathroom Modern child doesn’t have to face such indignities featuring his and hers sinks, double shower with all- Continued on page 6 6 May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk 7

OF THE 6BEST BATHROOM SCALES

AS the weather gets warmer, you’ll be wanting to strip off those layers. But what lies beneath? You may suddenly feel the need to shift some of those pounds and to keep track of your weight, we’re recommending six of the best bathroom scales.

SIMPLE SCALES Hanson mechanical £9.99 A set of plain white scales interiors which are perfect for those Continued amongst you with little to spare in the purse department. Lose weight, save cash on eating less food and then upgrade to the next level and so on.

The house that RETRO SET Salter mechanical £24.99 George built... A great looking set of scales with an Continued from page 5 oversized dial and textured vinyl mat to With so many bathrooms it’s not surprising that behind one of the stop you falling off – doors lies a boiler and water tanks fit for an ocean-going liner. with either surprise or Downstairs is vast too, right from the minute you enter the double disgust. The chrome surround finishes doors into the capacious entrance hall with its centrally-mounted this set off perfectly and they are wooden staircase. The large living room features a trendy fireplace guaranteed for ten years – just in case. courtesy of Elgin Hall. There’s also a study, cloakroom, downstairs loo and utility room from where you access the triple garage. BATTERY POWER The hi-tech kitchen has solid oak units with stainless steel bar Salter Silver handles, spotlights galore and a centrally located work area. Every electronic £22.99 modern convenience is fitted, of course, the worktops are granite, A good looking set of the taps trendy chrome. Off that is a breakfast room and a stunning scales with the three-storey conservatory provides the link between it and the living benefit of an room. Floors are a mixture of expensive tiles and carpet. electronic display. The Just 16 of the executive homes are being built in the parkland four biggest benefit we saw miles north of Stockton. There will be only three of the top-of-the- over the mechanical scales is that you go range Villanelles with seven other designs to choose from. almost directly to your weight without The Wynyard “village community” continues to evolve on the passing through all of the others and historic estate once owned by the Londonderry family and visited by feeling depressed. A trendy accessory for such notables as the Duke of Wellington – who has lent his name to any bathroom connoisseur. the golf course – Benjamin Disraeli, Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scott, Sir Winston Churchill and Harold Macmillan. In finest film-set FLIP-TOP FUN fashion, there’s also a cricket pitch, duck pond and village pub, with Hanson Lithium £39.99 plans for shops for residents. The exclusive estate is protected by 24- Just another technical hour security and the latest houses get closed circuit television term to make us part with systems to keep them and their belongings safe from ne’er-do-wells more money I hear you and miscreants. cry. Well in fact the term And like my little estate bungalow of yesteryear, Wynyard Woods lithium refers to the is being entered for a national design award – but there, I’m afraid to batteries and they basically last longer, so say, the resemblance comes to an abrupt end. you can get up to 100,000 uses per battery – terrific. This set look great too with an oversized flip up display and cool LAP OF white finish. LUXURY: the Wynyard house SERIOUS WEIGHT is decorated WATCHER throughout in Hanson £59.99 neutral tones A clever little box of so as not to tricks for those dedicated alienate any to shedding the pounds. potential buyers Not only giving you your weight but also a body fat analysis, so you know how you are doing and where you are doing it. The memory can store up to ten separate records, so invite the neighbours round.

CIRCULAR STYLE Salter lithium £29.99 Another pair of lithium scales presented in a sleek round casing with a chrome-effect finish. This set has the added benefit of an auto on/off button.

Pictures supplied by argos.co.uk 8 May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk interiors

Taking its name from a North-East term of endearment, HINI interior boutique is bringing innovative design to the North-East. CHRISTEN PEARS reports

COUPLE walk into HINI and leapt at the chance to set up her own business, browse for a few minutes. “It’s a supported by the Prince’s Trust, which lovely shop,” they tell owner San provided a loan of £2,000 and a £250 grant. San Liu. “Does the name come from “I have always wanted a little shop like this. the song?” I don’t want to be everything to everyone. The A people who come in here are the sort of people They’re referring to the well-known ditty Keep Your Feet Still, Geordie Hinny and San I would invite round to my house,” she says. laughs. Just a few months after opening the The furniture in HINI is made by San’s shop in Durham’s New Elvet, there is boyfriend, John Thompson. The couple met in absolutely no way she can keep her feet still; Leeds, where they were both studying at Leeds she’s rushed off them. University, but now live on the outskirts of The designer admits she hadn’t heard of the Durham City. song when she chose the name but it is a play “When I was looking for things for the on the word hinny. After growing up in house, I realised there is absolutely nowhere Newcastle, it was something she was familiar that sells pieces that are a bit quirky or just with, but it also stands for Home Interior simply different,” San says. Necessities and Innovation. John makes the furniture – solid, tactile, HINI is fairly small shop but San has unusual pieces that work with the beauty of managed to fit a lot in. There are lamps and the wood. He trained as a landscape architect, cushions, bookcases, chairs, paintings, as well as spending two years teaching in photograph frames and doormats in every Japan, where he was heavily influenced by the available space. traditional style. It’s reflected the simple, “The main thing we look for is quality,” the classic lines of his pieces. The wood is all 28-year-old explains. “Everything is practical sourced locally – beech, oak, sycamore, ash but innovative and different. We were sick of and cherry. The pieces are all made to order all these Ikea houses, where everyone goes out and although there a few basic shapes, and buys the same thing.” customers can help design their own furniture. San worked for three years in Harvey John also visits auctions across the country, Nichols in Leeds where she developed a picking up interesting pieces and altering or passion for retail. But although she enjoyed restoring them. her job, she really wanted to be her own boss “We have already had a lot of customers and indulge her interest in interior design. from London who have come to visit friends or When she spotted the empty shop unit, she relatives and they can’t believe how cheap May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk 9

Hini, darling of Durham

things are compared to London prices. It’s a ensure that there is something different each brilliant way to buy a unique piece of time. She also works with an interior designer, furniture.” who can advise customers about redesigning Many of the smaller items come from across their homes. the globe, from the Far East, Denmark and “We want to offer a complete service. It isn’t Sweden. San is also keen to stock work by all about sales, sales, sales. It is about coming English designers and manufacturers. in and having a look round in a relaxed “Some of them may seem expensive but it’s atmosphere. Customers can find inspiration the quality I’m looking for. But there are even if they don’t want to buy anything.” things everyone can afford. You can get a planter for £15 or a mug for £3.” G HINI, 3 New Elvet, Durham City. Tel 0191- There’s also a selection of hand made cards, 3868800 or visit the website at many of them designed by San’s friends from www.hiniboutique.com. university. “I designed some of them myself and I would like to do more eventually, maybe design ceramics as well, but I’m so busy at the We have already had moment, I don’t have time to do it. It’s so busy, a I feel like I’ve just got married and had a child a lot of customers in the same week. I just can’t stop thinking about the shop. from London who have She describes her own style as “quite retro”. come to visit friends or She loves the 1950s and is a huge fan of Audrey Hepburn, but she’s been careful to ensure the relatives and they can’t pieces in the shop are cosmopolitan. “Some people have assumed it’s quite believe how cheap things oriental but that’s not what I was aiming at all. The main thing is for it to be well designed are compared to London like the lamps by Black and Blum who were educated at Newcastle Poly. They give prices. It’s a brilliant way everything they make to people who aren’t designers and if they can’t put it together, they to buy a unique piece of don’t do it.” New stock arrives regularly and San tries to furniture 10 May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH gardening Your gardens in the stars

Vast numbers of us avidly read our daily stars, but how does when we were born reflect our creativity, decision making and our taste when it comes to our gardens?

ARIES So products which offer an “easy- and wood needs to match and blend stands for all that is traditional and PEOPLE born under build” alternative are ideal. in with flowers and shrubs. As likes gardens which reflect his or this star sign adore symmetrical designs work best for her position as respectable pillars of action and they’ll throw LEO them, the overall effect needs to be society. Everything in their gardens themselves passionately LEOS have a strong sense of the balanced and easy on the eye, with has to stand the test of time. As they into any challenge they feel is theatrical so Leos’ gardens (sorry, paired or central positioning for enjoy formal entertaining, they will worthwhile and ignore those grounds) need to be magnificent paths and walls. save hard to be able to afford top-of- they don’t. Ariens dislike stage settings for their colourful and the-range materials for their patios repetitive work, so low larger-than-life personalities. That SCORPIO and driveways and like well-defined maintenance gardens are means eye-catching gardens and the SCORPIO is fond of secrets so a few kerbs and edgings, but go for best. The driveway is all- most impressive looking materials shady areas with natural stone something alternative such as important, for quick get- and features possible. Leos like to stepping stones leading to hidden Woodstone Posts which are made aways and they love bold and keep up with the trends so will be places, just out of sight will appeal from pre-cast concrete and can be simple designs, but also like to the first to try something different to their sense of mystery and add used on their own as border to a be different so rather than such as an octagonal patio, which something different to their garden. patio area or in conjunction with plain paving, they may opt for a are all the rage this year. These Being shy, they need to feel safe, sleepers to create a natural look. distinctive circular feature. provides an ideal solution for those especially outdoors, but they like to looking for an innovative and make the most of their small AQUARIUS TAURUS versatile focal point for their garden gardens, adding in a water feature or AQUARIANS, unlike Capricorn, THIS is the sign of the gardener. for them to show off to their friends. pergola. don’t care what the neighbours Taureans love natural building think and even enjoy raising a few materials and enjoy creating a VIRGO SAGITTARIUS eyebrows. They prefer the garden that matures gradually. As VIRGOANS love quality and expert SAGGITARIANS just adore the unconventional and the innovative they dislike waste or extravagance, workmanship and their ideal garden great outdoors. Many would happily and happily experiment with novel Taureans prefer quality products is laid out with efficiency in mind. camp in the garden, using the house materials and unusual ways of that are built to last, therefore House and garden should function for supplies and storage. Being putting a garden together, mixing natural Yorkstone, sandstone or seamlessly as one, with attention natural entertainers, parties and colours and patterns, such as slate play a big part, to add a paid to practical details. gatherings just happen around them traditional brick pavers installed in traditional feel to their garden. They They treat their garden as an extra so they need generous driveways a variety of orientations. They are like a job done professionally and room so it’s essential to combine the and gardens fully equipped for quick to find ingenious solutions to like to have their purchases backed right balance and creative use of spontaneous revelry. Sagittarians design problems because they like to up by guarantees, so they will soft and hard landscaping along love things around them which break the rules. With Aquarius always use approved contractors with choosing the right colour and remind them of travels abroad, so around, expect the unexpected. rather than doing the job texture of paving and walling to terraces, tiles and decking are key in themselves. match the style of their property their gardens, but with a twist. They PISCES and including flowers and plants to like the practicality of mock timber PISCES is a romantic dreamer. GEMINI complement the look. decking, flags and log sleepers Pisceans love gardens with flowers GEMINI hates to be stuck in one combining the look and feel of and shrubs tumbling and trailing in place for long, so a garden divided LIBRA timber with the durability of chaotic profusion over terraces and into several different areas with LIBRANS love elegance. Graceful concrete. edgings, and secluded nooks and interesting talking points and lines and soft colours are sure to crannies where, at the turn of a contrasting themes will keep please. Librans have an eye for CAPRICORN screen, they can find themselves in boredom at bay. harmony and garden stone, slate THE gardener born under this sign different world. They also like to People born under this sign prefer create swirls and circles and light, cheerful colours and anything round. They are artists, love to be adventurous and PLANT OF THE MONTH creating just the right atmosphere. experiment. They like the look of They not only look for a garden, but an outdoor extension that includes clay-fired, terracotta tiles. A spicy LILY OF THE VALLEY (Convallaria majalis) addition to any garden, hand-made A HARDY herbaceous perennial native permanent fixtures and fittings, tiles can transform a plain patio into to Europe and found wild in British such as a cooking and a seating area an inviting Spanish terrazzo, ideal woodlands. It has attractive broad created in stonework or paving. for those spontaneous get-togethers. leaves and erect, wiry spikes, 12 These gardens not only capture the inches high, bearing sweetly-scented, mood of outdoor living but they’re CANCER white bell-shaped flowers in May. The practical and low maintenance so they can enjoy more time outside. CANCERIANS love cosy get- name derives from ‘Convallis’ meaning togethers with loved ones, especially valley and ‘rica’, meaning mantle, in allusion to the mass of foliage when The astrological guide to gardening circled and protected by stone walls grown en masse. It thrives best in a shady border with deep moist soil. Illustration: ROB GREENER was commissioned by Marshalls, and rose- covered trellises. Old, non-flowering clumps can be lifted and divided in late autumn. It is said to bring luck if growing in the garden, but misfortune if taken indoors. manufacturers of garden and They like to create feature walls, It has poisonous properties that used to be used as a diuretic and heart driveway. For further information planters or terraces but are keen tonic. log on to www.marshails.co.uk or DIY enthusiasts, wanting to achieve Brigid Press call (0870) 120 7474 for a copy of the professional results and transform Read Brigid every Saturday in The Northern Echo 2003 catalogue. their gardens in a short time. May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk 11

d.i.y

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RE your wall tiles all they are cracked by RICHARD SPENCER Telephone: 01388 721852 up to be? Ceramic wall tiles make an ideal wall covering for kitchens and Mobile: 07751 867579 Abathrooms and can look good for ways. You can use a dilute solution of bleach www.denebridgedecking.co.uk many years. But when they start to look a or buy a mould killer. Bleach is cheaper, but a little tired, they can be dirty and drab and mould killer contains a fungicide which Our Quality is our Guarantee spoil what should be the most enjoyable should ensure that the mould does not grow rooms in your home. Fortunately, there is a again. Of course if you have a condensation See our display at Blossoms Nursery, Rushyford lot you can do to revive them and to give them problems, you should attempt to solve that a new lease of life. too. This can be achieved by installing better WE EXCEL Tiles do become cracked or the grouting heating and ventilation. Fraxinus Excelsior between them can discolour and they can pass Even if it does not have mould, grout will out of fashion as other colours in your discolour in time and become rather bathroom or kitchen change. If you have a unsightly. One answer is to rip it all out and single tile which is broken, chipped or to put in new grout. But another answer is to cracked, it can easily be replaced. Ideally, you use a grout reviver. will have a spare tile left over from when the The first stage is to clean the whole tile tiling job was first carried area thoroughly in order to out. Make sure you wear remove any grease dirt or scale stout gloves and eye from the surface. Normally a protectors when removing wipe with a damp cloth will the old tile. suffice, but if you live in a hard Start by scraping out the water area, you could find grout all around the egdes limescale building up on the of the tile to be removed. tiles. In this case it is time to go This is quite tough, but you for a specialist ceramic tile or can get a specially bathroom cleaner, which will hardened, notched tool for remove the limescale. Grout removing it which makes reviver is simply brushed along the job a lot easier. the grout lines, slightly Drill one or more holes in overlapping the tiles, and the centre of the tile. Use a making sure that all the grout large masonry drill to make is covered. a hole big enough to get the point of your When the grout reviver has dried, apply chisel in. Start chipping out the tile, working water and, after a couple of minutes, wipe the from the centre to the outside and lever out reviver from the tile surface with the sponge, the bits of tile carefully. leaving it in the grout lines. Finish off by After the old tile has been removed, use polishing the area with a clean, dry cloth. your chisel to remove all the old adhesive As an alternative to reviving the grout, you from the wall getting rid of all the dust may decide to replace it altogether. This particles. Spread adhesive on the back of the involves two steps: getting the old grout out new tile using a notched spreader taking care and putting in the new. Grout is available not to put on too much. Press the tile in place ready-mixed or as a powder which you mix and check there is an equal gap all around it. with water. You can get colours as well as the When the adhesive has dried renew the grout. more usual white. If the tiles are on an outside wall they will The best way to remove old grout is to use a be a target for condensation and condensation specially shaped serrated steel tool called a brings black mould which mainly attacks the grout rake. Apply your new grout with a grouting between the tiles. squeegee. This is hard work but the results You can remove black mould in a number of will be well worth it.

TILE FILE: Top, left to QUICK FIX right, Ritz Spice inset, £2.17, from the Ceramic How can I paint into a corner if I am using a roller? Tile Centre, Union Street, Unless there are to be different adjacent colours, paint the Bishop Auckland (01388) 608000; corner first with a shaped corner roller. Cotswold Fairford and Cotswold Buscot Park, from Bathroom World, How can I stop my toilet cistern filling very noisily? Darlington (01325 463081). Inset Fit a valve that has an outlet with a long-flexible silencer tube above: Iznik Ankara pattern hand- that hangs below the water level. painted tiles and Viano replica stone red and ivory with red centre DIY DIARY insert. Both Fired Earth. Stores in Plan the site for a pond in your garden and start the Newcastle, Harrogate and excavations for the liner. Northallerton. www.firedearth.com 12 May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

joanne fashion IN ASSOCIATION WITH of Hartlepool (Main shop still open for business) for something different! just arrived, our Medici Story, is now complete. Sizes 10-26 Probably one of the largest stockists of Mother of the Bride / Bridegroom / Guests

Joanne, The Arches, Park Road, Hartlepool. Tel. 01429 276976 Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm, Wed 9.30am-2pm Real Handmade Furniture Mix ‘n’ There is no denying the beauty and practicality of solid wood furniture, the sort of furniture that you will be proud to own, will hold its value and will last for generations. At The Old Mill, you can choose from eight different woods including oak, cherry, elm and walnut, each piece hand-built from start to finish by a single craftsman, from choosing the wood right through to final finishing. So don’t ask yourself if you can afford the best. Ask yourself if you can afford not to. Why not contact us for more information, or visit us, open Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm. We are SE of Thirsk between match Bagby and Kilburn. www.theoldmill.co.uk A new season means a whole new batch of accessories. So Old Mill Furniture, Balk, Thirsk, YO7 2AJ Tel: 01845 597227 where should you be spending your money to make sure that you The Restaurant at are up to the minute? JULIE McGAFFREY reports

S Patsy from Ab Fab famously encouraged high street stores to produce put it, you can never have similar versions. enough accessories. You may For the latest style in jewellery, look to have spent a year’s pay on a those Sex in the City girls for inspiration. wardrobe full of brand new When Carrie last wore fine Christian Dior clothes, but if your shoes, jewellery, stocks flew out of the stores – even Ashades, handbag and jewellery scream last though prices started at £3,000. In the new Enjoy the very best of season, you’ll look pathetically passe. series, Carrie donned clip-on dangly earrings, English and Caroline Baxter, fashion editor of a battered gold heart-shaped pendant and Continental cuisine in Cosmopolitan magazine, says think big when jingle-jangly charm bracelets. Rummage the relaxed and it comes to accessories this season. ‘‘Bags are through the backstock of H Samuel and bigger, jewellery is bigger, sunglasses are still department stores’ second-hand jewellery friendly atmosphere big – and shoes are big on colour,’’ she says. section and you’re bound to come up trumps. of our restaurant. ‘‘The main thing to remember is to have fun Easier to find – or harder to miss – is the with your accessories. This season they’re Native American-style jewellery, which With an emphasis on more colourful and playful than ever.’’ includes oversized necklaces and large, The spring/summer catwalks sparkled with colourful beads. But there’s no need to scour fresh, local silver shoes which could have sprung from the stores, just pop down to your latest craft ingredients, our your childhood dressing-up box. And the shop. ‘‘As long as your necklace looks as if skilled team of Chef’s enjoy an excellent footwear fashion editors rushed to squeeze you made it yourself from big beads and their perfectly pedicured tootsies into shoes small pieces of wood, you won’t look out of reputation. by Gucci, peep-toed and tantalisingly high. place,’’ explains Baxter. ‘‘It’s a very The real thing costs £245 – but keep a close handmade, individual look.’’ We are open 7 days a week for lunch and eye on Nine West and Bertie for more Shades are bigger than ever – literally. The dinner affordable lookalikes. pair It Girls won’t be see without are giant, ‘‘Metallic is the in colour for shoes,’’ says ski-goggle style wrap-arounds from Prada for Baxter. ‘‘But there are also a lot of bright £160. And just to prove that you’re as up-to- Midweek Lunch - £9.50 (2 courses) colours like fuchsia, cobalt blue and canary the-minute as the next fashionista, wear Sunday Lunch - £15.50 (3 courses) yellow around.’’ Wear them if you dare. But if them tight around your head as Gisele rainbow shoes are too bright for the office go Bundchen did at the Prada show. ‘‘As long as A la Carte Dinner - from £23 (3 courses) for another fashionable option – round-toed they’re sporty and big, they’re in,’’ concludes shoes in black, red, white or highly-polished Baxter. We offer an extensive wine list antique brown which will make your Men’s accessories are big news too. David chiropodist dance with joy. Beckham still clings to his bling-bling and The newest bags are big, which is music to Robbie Williams recently commissioned a MAIN PICTURE: Denise a make-up lover’s ears as there’s no need to huge jewel-encrusted ring, so gangster chic van Outen with bright, decant your perfume or leave your hairspray looks set to reign into summer. Fat ties are beaded necklace and A la Carte Dinner at home. ‘‘Minimalist bags are over,’’ says the only thing that will have your colleagues belt plus Baxter. ‘‘The new size is bigger than a nodding in approval. Find them at Prada and handbag but slightly smaller than a sports Paul Smith, then practise your knotting RIGHT: striped pump Bed and Breakfast bag, and perfect for carrying all your odds skills. Many men have an aversion to brown from Pied a Terre, and ends.’’ shoes, but this season they’ll prove £110; white round- £99 for two Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and Dolce and irresistible. Brown ankle boots and shoes toe and red buckled Gabbana sent models down the catwalk carry an antique finish and reek of British Nine West shoes, on selected nights struggling under the weight of giant boho gentleman style, much favoured by Guy £60, from Binns. Top bags. But to keep them beautiful rather than Ritchie. left: two-part shoes in bulky, big bags come in little girl shades of If your wallet is as fat as your new tie, and brown or cream from Please visit www.headlamhall.co.uk bubblegum pink, sugared almond lemon and you happen to be in London, treat yourself to Nine West, £80 the purest white. But if you’re only going to some hand-stitched shoes from Caroline or call for details buy one handbag this season, make it Marc Goodman’s new shop in Mayfair. Choose the Jacobs’ Eva bag. If you can make it to the top colour and style you’d like – then simply Telephone 01325) 730238 of the waiting list, you’ll be asked to fork out hand over £800 and the bespoke shoes are We are 8 miles west of Darlington off A67 £640. But again, fevered demand has yours. May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk 13

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FROM TOP: bracelet by North-East designer Emma Lodge. From £35 for a basic bracelet. www.pinkgiraffe.co.uk; Black and tan Nine West bag from Binns and House of Fraser stores; Sex in the City-style bracelet, £2.99, from New Look, which has just tripled the size of its store in Darlington 14 May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk me and my wardrobe

I’d describe myself as a French Bohemian, a sophisticated rebel...

Fashion designer Claire Bromley tells CHRISTEN PEARS about her style

Barnard Castle-based knitwear designer the right frame of mind to search through all the rails and image consultant Claire Bromley is but you can get some incredible bargains. I also love H&M. It’s very much orientated towards design and usually the one delving into other people’s it’s also great value. wardrobes but here, she reveals her own, unique style Which celebrity’s style do you admire most and why? How would you describe your look? People think that because I’m an image coach I only Until about ten years ago, I was the sort of person look at what people wear but when I look at who used to wear Doc Martens and Alice bands. someone, I do it holistically. If I had to choose just Now I think I’d describe myself as a French one person, it would be Princess Caroline of Bohemian, a sophisticated rebel. Monaco. I think she’s an incredible woman. In terms of designers, I really admire Christian Lacroix. What’s your favourite item of clothing? I don’t have one particular item but I absolutely love (01833) 637325 or e-mail accessories, whether it’s odd earrings or men’s [email protected]. armbands, or even just funking up my hair. Once you’ve got your core look, you can update it every season with accessories.

What’s your worst fashion buy? A pair of red cowboy boots. My daughter screamed, TOP RIGHT: black three-quarter coat ‘No,’ at me but I just had to have them. I got them from Marks & Spencer; knitwear and home and never wore them and I later gave them gauntlets, Claire’s own label away. I suppose we’re all allowed to make the odd mistake. TOP CENTRE: combat pants from Ace in Leeds; top, Claire’s own label What’s the most you’ve ever spend on an item of clothing? TOP LEFT AND FAR RIGHT: fur I tend not to spend huge amounts but I went on a bustier, Vivienne Westwood from shopping trip to Edinburgh and I spotted a fur- Corniche in Edinburgh; boots from trimmed Vivienne Westwood bustier. It was £100 but Garage in Darlington; knitwear, it’s fabulous – money well spent. Claire’s own label Where do you shop? ABOVE: Claire in her office I love TK Maxx, it’s amazing. You have to go in with May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk 15

beauty IN ASSOCIATION WITH How to be beautiful The truth about treatments from Botox to make-up miracles Celebrity stylist Allison according to Tatler’s resident health and McKay has abandoned beauty expert, Kathleen the bright lights of Baird-Murray, is revealed London to return to her in her new book. native North-East. She ON BOTOX talks to CHRISTEN PEARS Despite assurances that Botox, Baird- Murray believes the possible effects on health are far from being well- documented. ‘‘Personally I wouldn’t take PEN a glossy magazine and, the risk. No wrinkle is worth it,’’ she says. although you’re probably not aware of it, chances are you’ll ON FACELIFTS find yourself looking at Allison A small amount of surgery can make a big McKay’s work. A leading hair difference. ‘‘One well-done, careful face- andO make-up artist, she has worked with all lift will not make you look like a freak. the big names, including Cosmopolitan, Becoming unrecognisable is usually the Elle, FHM, Marie Claire Cosmopolitan and result of multiple aggressive procedures Maxim, as well as a host of celebrity clients. via surgery, injections and implants to the Geri Halliwell, Caprice, David Jason and skin itself, performed frequently over a Jamie Oliver have all succumbed to her long period of time…’’ However, Baird- styling tongs and make-up brush. Murray warns that, before even It’s a long way from Newton Aycliffe considering surgery, your state of mind where Allison was brought up. She trained has to be rock solid and your expectations as a hairdresser in Darlington before entirely realistic. ‘‘You need to consider, succumbing to the bright lights of London. somewhere along the line, whether it is “It was only meant to be for a few weeks really the way you look that makes you but I ended up staying for 16 years,” she unhappy, as opposed to your miserable laughs. “Luckily, I found a job in a top West job, your weight, your health, your End salon straight away. The manager was husband, your childhood...’’ Malaysian and I had a strong North-East accent so we didn’t really understand each ON MAKE-UP other but he used to call me his country Learn to use a bumpkin, which I suppose was quite true.” blusher. You can She started out as a cutter and colour put it on your technician, but quickly moved up to the post cheeks, lips and eyes of art director, where she organised for a monochromatic editorial shoots, hair shows and seminars. browny-pink look, then From there, she joined Burlingtons, where Cover girl: Allison has worked as a stylist on the country’s top glossy magazines finish with a bit of gloss, she did a lot of session styling on their face powder and mascara. BLUSHER: behalf for fashion shows and magazine This is a modern look that Enhance shoots. looks great if you’re 16 or face While doing a shoot for Vivienne 60 collection, Westwood, she was approached by an agent. How To Be Beautiful, £12, from It was the start of a successful freelance Stylist to the stars The Thinking Woman’s M&S career that has taken her across the globe. Guide (Vermilion, £12.99) The part of her job she enjoys most is know a good model. They walk into the Here are a few top tips Allison has working with different people. studio as scruffy as anything and you think picked up from top session artists “When I first started session work, my they’re the stylist or the photographer’s Natural styles agent was pushing me towards magazines assistant. But then you do their hair and and models over the years STYLE queen Sarah Jessica Parker, like The Face and ID but that wasn’t for me. make-up and they get into the clothes and pictured, has used it, so why not Making someone up to look as if they’re on they’re like a completely different person. It After applying fake tan, rub over lightly with entrust your locks to the Joico range, cocaine doesn’t do anything for me. isn’t necessarily the way they look, it’s just 1 an old bobbly sock. It works as a great Four new styling and finishing products “Then I started working with magazines that the camera is able to catch something exfoliator and removes any built-up lotion that smell great as well as protecting like New Woman and Marie Claire and about them.” could result in smears against sun and heat damage. For this something just clicked. I liked the people Her career has brought her into contact season’s tousled natural styles, go for and the travelling has been brilliant. You with a number of actors and celebrities and Prevent eye shadow collecting by dusting Conversion Texture Spray, while shorter get a ticket for somewhere like Mexico and she finds it very different working with 2 the eye area with a translucent powder and layered styles will love Variation you don’t know anything about it other than them rather than professional models. first. Pliable Paste. For definition and shine you’ve got to do a shoot.” “A c t ors are used to working in front of a pick up Orientation Light Wax, or Transformation Moulding Putty for She moved to Darlington with her moving camera but get them in front of a To prevent golden toned highlights medium hold. All priced £9.95. Call husband and daughter last year and still camera and a lot of them feel really 3 turning a brassy yellow, try 01282 683 100 for stockists and although she still travels to London awkward. It’s quite surprising. Most of Shwarzkopf’s Bonacure Silver Reflex mail order. regularly for session work, she wants to them are very nice, though, although there Shampoo develop a new career in the North-East. are few who have a bit of an attitude. Julie THE latest skin peel to arrive in the UK She’s teamed up with Newcastle-based Goodyear came in with a huge entourage, Bright colours for the eyes are very is now available at Saks Hair & Beauty photographer Eric Murphy, and the pair smoking a cigarette, and expected everyone 4 “in” this season, but be careful not nationwide. The Cold Link Gel Peel is have set up a production company called to stop what they were doing.” to overdo it with “statement lips”. A the only peel that offers four different AMC Creative Productions, where Allison One of her favourites was the Fast Show’s sheer gloss with a hint of colour is options to clients. Careful assessment will do all the styling and Eric will take the Paul Whitehouse. “He was lovely, really enough. enables the specialist to choose a photographs. down-to-earth. He even gave me a lift home bespoke treatment for each individual She says: “I was becoming tired of life in after the shoot.” And lastly, if the spring weather is skin type, targeting specific problem London. You constantly feel like you’re a She’s also worked with the outspoken 5 still leaving you feeling a bit down, areas. hamster running round a wheel and not What Not to Wear presenters, Trinny and eat a chilli – it has been scientifically 1. Base peel: to resurface and boost getting anywhere. We wanted to get off that Susannah. “Because of what they’re like on proven to help depression. tired skin; 2. Macula peel: lifts hyper- treadmill. At first, I didn’t really know what the show, people assume they’re going to be pigmentation, repairs sun damage I wanted to do. I did a bit of freelance really rude in real life but they’re really and sun spots; 3. Acne peel: to hairstyling but I’m now really keen on the great fun. You would think they’d be so vain Allison will be writing a monthly improve acne scarring and live acne; production side of things. I have a lot of about their appearance, but they’re not like column for NE Magazine, giving 4. Plus peel: for lines and sun experience and there seems to be a gap in that at all. Once Susannah was about to go readers the benefit of her tips on damaged skin the market up here.” out in front of the camera and she had a bit make-up, hair and styling. Available at Collagenics clinics at Despite enjoying life at a slower pace, of hair sticking out. I went to straighten it Saks salons nationwide, which she’s not ready to give up session work yet. for her and she said: ‘For God’s sake, it also offer treatments such as She still gets a buzz from it. doesn’t matter,’ and went straight off to Botox and Collagen. From £290. “It’s so fascinating. Generally, you won’t film. That’s what they’re like.” 16 May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

beauty Beauty without tears... or too much expense

HO has the time to cleanse, If you work hard tone, moisturise, exfoliate, pluck, smooth and lovingly and play hard, nurture their body, day and you will probably night? For those of us who don’t, Anita Naik’s new find there aren’t Wbook, The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Beauty, has enough hours in come to the rescue. A beauty bible for women who want to look fabulous without having to the day to spend hours in the bathroom or spending squeeze in a their entire month’s salary on products, it will guide you through the world of facials, skincare routine. pampering and looking good. SHEREEN LOW The agony aunt, who has written articles on beauty and health for various teenage maga- talks to a beauty zines, says looking good doesn’t have to be a guru who prefers chore or an extravagant activity. ‘‘Being beauty-aware doesn’t have to mean a the lazy route to complete life overhaul,’’ she says. ‘‘And a trip beauty to your nearest beauty counter doesn’t have to end with you handing over your life savings. ‘‘Lazy beauty costs very little, is actually quite good fun and won’t take up your valu- es to cut down on your cleansing time, are She adds: ‘‘While you can get away with not able socialising time. Plus it has less to do Roc’s 3-in-1 cleanser, toner and moisturising buying extravagant moisturisers or profes- with home bikini waxes – it’s beauty, not tor- ANITA’S TOP FIVE TIPS wipes. Ideal for a quick clean before you head sional facials, there are two things you simply ture – and has more to do with spoiling your- Drink lots of water out for the night, a pack of 25 wipes costs £5.99 cannot get enough of. Make sure you get self; a pastime even the laziest girl can under- Exercise from Boots and Tesco and are also available in enough sleep and don’t drink too much alco- stand.’’ Use sunscreen liquid form (£7.55). hol, because it dehydrates your skin. Lack of Naik’s first suggestion is to start off taking Get lots of sleep Nivea Visage Cleansing Wipes (£4.45) are sleep will leave you with bags under your eyes a look at your face and skin. ‘‘The secret to Drink alcohol in moderation also very time-effective. They can be used to and dark circles. beautiful, healthy skin is an inside/outside remove eye make-up as well as everyday dirt ‘‘Above all, down-to-earth beauty is about job; roughly translated this means you need to and the cream formulation means they can be doing something that works for you. Some- do some internal work as well as external re- used by all skin types, including sensitive thing that makes you feel and look better – Naik suggests using one product to remove pair, “ she says. ‘‘Think of your face as a gor- skin. look rough and you’ll feel rough, look good both make-up and the day’s grime. And never geous dress: no matter how expensive and If you’re running out of time in the morn- and you’ll be steeped in a glow of self-confi- use bath soap or heavily perfumed soap on good it looks on the outside, it won’t hang ings, try Johnson’s Baby Softwash. Combining dence.’’ your face. ‘‘If your skin feels tight, your soap right unless the inside is put together proper- moisturiser with shower gel, it’ll leave your is too strong for your skin,’’ she explains. ly and the outside is ironed. skin moisturised and clean. It’s available in She insists that toning is not necessary for Cleansing, moisturising, toning and exfoli- three fragrances – original, fresh and calming. everyone. ‘‘Although many claim toners can ating are essential for good-looking skin but It’s priced at £2.39 – call 0845 60 20 333 for G The Lazy shrink your pores and even close them, the Naik advises that there is a danger of overdo- stockists. Girl’s Guide truth is they can’t. In fact, in some cases, the ing it. For the person who has very little time for To Beauty by wrong toner can actually make your pores ‘‘The number one complaint beauty thera- beautifying themselves, Naik makes five easy- Anita Naik look bigger.’’ pists have about their clients is that most to-do recommendations. (Piatkus) Cold water can have pretty much the same over-cleanse. While it’s good news to take off ‘‘Drink plenty of water, do lots of exercise effect as toner, so splash some on instead. your make-up and wash your face everyday, and use sunscreen,’’ she says. Naik adds: ‘‘You have to be assertive. Don’t be- attempting to sandblast your pores in pursuit ‘‘These three cover a multitude of general lieve sales people who insist you have to tone of cleanliness is a little excessive. Girls who problems from hydrating your skin, keeping as part of a cleansing routine. If your skin cleanse, wash, scrub, tone and moisturise your hair and skin healthy, raising your ener- looks fine without it, don’t be suckered into daily are not only stripping the skin of natur- gy levels and to some extent, keep you looking buying a product just because you are told to.’’ al oils but also emptying their purses for no youthful. good reason.’’ An innovative product to try, which promis- May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk 17 slimmimg

Are you stuck VIETNAMESE TABLE with extra weight that SALAD with herbs, vegetables and noodles refuses to (Serves 4) shift. All is not SALAD 2 teaspoons white rice vinegar lost. Rick 2 teaspoons sugar Gallop tells Half teaspoon sea salt 2 large carrots in matchstick strips LAURA MAY About 20cm cucumber, halved about his GI lengthways 60g beanthread noodles (optional) plan 4 little gem lettuces or 1 iceberg lettuce, leaves separated 6 spring onions, shredded A handful of beansprouts, trimmed A large bunch of coriander A large bunch of mint, leaves only A bunch of Asian basil – not sweet basil, leaves only (optional) NUOC CHAM DIPPING SAUCE HE GI Diet looks at medium GI and can be eaten 2 garlic cloves, crushed first glance like every occasionally. Green foods, such 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped other food fad as fruit and vegetables, low-fat 1 tablespoon brown sugar jostling for space in yoghurt and cottage cheese, fish Juice of half lime an over-crowded and chicken are low and the 4 tablespoons fish sauce market-place and good news is you can eat as 1 small red or green chilli, sliced, to Tslimmers might be forgiven for much of them as you like. ‘‘If serve greeting it with scepticism. you can follow traffic lights, you Take a second look, however, can follow this,’’ says Gallop. METHOD and you will find some Most weight-loss plans can Put the vinegar, sugar and salt in a bowl, significant differences. There only be sustained in the short- add 250ml water and the strips of carrot, are no big food groups to avoid, term and as soon as you return stir well and set aside for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Drain. Finely slice the cucumber halves diagonally into half-moons. If using noodles, bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, add the noodles and stir to separate. Boil for 2 minutes, then drain and How to eat and still transfer to a bowl of iced water until ready to use. To make the Nuoc Cham, mash the garlic, chilli and sugar with a mortar and pestle to form a paste. Stir in the lime juice, fish sauce and 4 tablespoons of water. Taste lose weight and add extra water if preferred and put into a small dipping bowl. Add the sliced chilli. Arrange the lettuce leaves in the middle of a no complicated formulae, no to your old eating habits, the Gallop says: ‘‘Most diets are Heart and Stroke Foundation large serving platter, then put piles of calorie counting. Instead, you weight piles back on. bad for your health because they means that slimmers can be sure drained carrot, cucumber, spring onions, choose freely from a lengthy list The GI diet is different, either preclude a food or that they are doing the best for beansprouts and herbs around the outside. of ordinary foods, no sea kelp or explains Gallop: ‘‘I didn’t really encourage you to eat more of their hearts as well as their Drain the noodles, if using, and then put in organic rice cakes here. Add a want to call it a diet – it should foods that have known negative waistlines. And because the diet a separate bowl. bit of common sense dietary be thought of more as a new way impacts. People don’t realise focuses on controlling blood To eat, take a lettuce leaf, add your choice advice about portions and of eating. Teachers have there is a price to pay.’’ sugar levels, it can help in the of other ingredients, then roll up. Dip in the exercise and you have an contacted me and said ‘this The GI diet encourages a full management of diabetes and Nuoc Cham and eat. effective diet which is easy to should be taught as part of the and balanced diet that is as even prevent the onset of diet- G Salads by Elsa Petersen-Schepelern stick to. national curriculum, I wish I’d effective in promoting good related type two diabetes. (Ryland, Peters and Small, £8.99) Rick Gallop, the diet’s inventor known this before’.’’ health as weight loss. Gallop If losing weight without and the book’s author, came up Because the amount of food recommends that dieters stay feeling hungry or damaging with the plan during his time as you eat is not limited to child- away from processed foods and your health is not enough to HEALTHY SNACKS president of the Heart and sized servings, you avoid the saturated fats and up their persuade you, then how does Natural yoghurt with honey or Stroke Foundation of Ontario. hunger pangs and feelings of consumption of fruits and increased energy sound? maple syrup and fresh fruit. He had access to the best health deprivation that sound the death vegetables. Gallop says: ‘‘When you fall off Carrot sticks with a dip Gallop’s background with the the wagon with this diet you will 7 advice available and yet could knell for so many other diets. Cut up assorted fruits not find a diet that worked. After notice it because you won’t feel Dried fruits with nuts and seeds with a number of failed attempts he LIFE COACH at all well. After six months on honey roasted cashew nuts and sun came across the glycaemic the plan I went out for a pizza flower seeds. index, which lists the rate at lunch and soon afterwards I felt Pitta bread, split, filled with salad or which carbohydrates break DESIRE: FUEL FOR enough energy to do it. You’ll terrible and very tired. My taramasalata have enough willpower to go down and release glucose into YOUR JOURNEY system just wasn’t used to all A bowl of home-made soup or fresh the blood stream. He has found that extra mile, to keep going that sugar. I have found that WHAT drives most things in life? soup from a carton with fresh bread that by eating foods that break even when the going gets people who try the diet get more Usually a desire for something. Mini mozzarella cheese with cherry down slowly, dieters could lose tough, which it will sometimes. excited about their increased When I work with people in my tomatoes and vinaigrette If there’s something you’ve energy than the weight loss.’’ weight without going hungry. life coaching practice, I often ‘‘A Chinese meal is full of very been trying hard to change but Gallop practises what he ask, “How much do you want to it still eludes you, then check Ditch the scales high GI foods,” he says. “You eat preaches and takes real pleasure make changes?” Changing your motivation, how much the rice and noodles and then in the success others have had IF you are trying to slim down get rid of your anything takes energy. I like to desire is really there? Start off half an hour later you are with his diet. He says: ‘‘I have weighing scales and grab a tape measure. think of desire as the fuel for with a full tank, then you’ve got hungry again. You get into a had a feeling that I have done Scales won’t give you an accurate idea of change. Without fuel you won’t a good chance of getting there. cycle where you are always more to change people’s eating whether your weight loss plan is working, go very far. Juliette Lee but measuring yourself will. If you have looking for your next meal.’’ What I’m really asking people habits since I published this diet been sensible and are following an exercise Simplicity is the key to is how much desire do you than in 15 years at the Heart and G Juliette is plan as well as eating healthily, you will be success with the GI plan. Foods have? What is really motivating Stroke Foundation. That alone is available at converting fat to muscle. Muscle weighs are broken down into three you? If you deeply desire to very gratifying.’’ www.sunflower more so your actual weight won’t colour-coded groups. Red foods change something in your life coaching.com G necessarily decrease. are high GI and should be then it’s highly likely you’ll have (01833) 621438 The Gi Diet by Rick Gallop avoided while yellow foods are (Virgin Books, £9.99) 18 May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

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Before you blow Directional Footwear & Accessories For hundreds on a DVD recorder, NIGEL BURTON says those who dare to be different you should consider your options very carefully 35 Blackwellgate, Darlington Tel/Fax: 01325 461118 www.rubber-sole.com O YOU remember Video 2000? It was the excellent compatibility with DVD players. a of something home recording format that was Philips fired the first shots in a price war late taste supposed to take over from VHS and last year. Competition to grab market share has a little bit different DBetamax 20 years ago and revolutionise seen the cost of recorders more than halve in the way we watched TV. less than six months. Discs are getting cheaper. The V2000 system seemed to have it all. It Championed by Philips. relax boasted superior pictures, stereo sound and eight hours recording on double-sided tapes. Despite this, DVD Recorders are set to be this and let us take the Unfortunately it arrived in the middle of a year’s “must have” gadget and by Christmas the strain on your big day bitter format war being fought between VHS and price will have fallen far enough to make them Beta. Without an established user base, the almost mass market. So what to do? Ironically, the answer may lie We can cater for wedding parties system sank without trace. People who had ranging in size from intimate bought V2000 machines were forced to scrap with the company that lost the most during the through to feast them. Twenty years later it seems as though video war: Sony. Having learnt the hard way history is about to repeat itself. about backing a losing format, Sony is set to For information and reservations It seemed as though the electronics industry hedge its bets on DVD recording. please contact us on had learnt harsh lessons from the video war. The The Japanese giant unveiled a multi-format launch of DVD six years ago was a perfect recorder at the Consumer Electronics Show in 01609 778337 example of how to do it. Before a single disc was Los Angeles recently capable of using both DVD- Elders Bar - Northallerton pressed all the major electronics manufacturers RW and DVD+RW discs. Only poor old DVD RAM sat down and agreed on a standard. A few early missed out. squabbles were sorted out and the format Sony reckons a family can buy its machine launched to massive acclaim. confident that they won’t lose out whichever When those first movie discs trickled into format emerges the winner. Provided, of course, ESTWOO stores members of the DVD Forum boldly that DVD-RAM doesn’t emerge victorious. W D predicted that a recordable medium wouldn’t be Proponents of DVD recording reckon there is far behind. Unfortunately, it took a further four room in the market for all three, just as video Timber & Fencing years – and a massive spat – before the first DVD cameras have evolved into Compact-VHS, 8mm Tel: 01325 378202 recorders appeared and when they did it was only and DV tapes. www.westwoodtimber.co.uk to spark another format war. Just as it was in I’m not so certain. The beauty of VHS is its 1982, prospective purchasers are faced with three backwards compatibility. You can buy a film options. In no particular order, they are: confident in the knowledge that it will play when • Custom-made Sheds, Play you return home. If you want to lend a home Huts & Summerhouses DVD-RAM taped programme to a pal, you need have no • Private & Domestic ORIGINAL choice for data storage by the DVD worries. Recordable DVD isn’t like that – at best Fencing supplied and fixed Forum, DVD RAM discs are enclosed in a plastic you have a 90 per cent chance a disc will work on caddy for extra protection. Probably the best for another machine – and, until it is, I think many • Panels, Trellis, Posts & home video editing, DVD-RAM has serious people will be reluctant to give up on tape. Rails compatibility issues with DVD players. The clincher, as always, will be price. DVD-R Championed by: Panasonic, JVC and Samsung. discs are now cheaper than video tapes (from • Hardwood Railway upwards of 50p a disc) which makes them a Sleepers in stock DVD-R/RW tempting proposition, especially compared to • Large selection of Profile RAM discs that still cost at least £15 a throw. NOW endorsed by the DVD Forum. Compatibility But Philips isn’t going to give up without a Posts with DVD players is generally good and DVD-R fight and the cost of +R discs are falling all the • We also supply Hardwood write once media is now very cheap. time. Logs Championed by: Pioneer. Even gadget fanatics don’t like to think they are throwing money away. Unless you must DVD+R/RW replace that ailing VCR, the sensible thing is We are situated just past the Croft Motor Racing Circuit, down West Lane, at Dalton on Tees AN unauthorised system developed by Philips. probably to wait another six months before you Shares a lot in common with DVD-RW and has take the plunge. May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk 19

Britain food might be famous for EATING OUT fish and chips but RISH INTERNATIONAL Moroccan RESTAURANT, YORK lamb tagine ranks UNCHTIME in York, where fast food alongside Lancashire restaurants and wine bars/bistros can L be found on every street corner. hotpot as one of the Then, tucked away in Fossgate, just across nation’s favourite the road from Marks & Spencer, is Rish International Restaurant where lunch or a dishes. Celebrity chef pre-theatre meal won’t cost you a fortune Antony Worrall and offers something different. The art deco exterior gives way to a Thompson has been restaurant whose contemporary interior on a hunt to discover aims to mirror the food, “a truly international fusion of English essentials all our favourites, from with European and Oriental tastes”. comfort food classics Roughly translated, I suppose this means to the top ten holiday there’s a bit of everything and something for everyone on the menu. treats, he tells LESLEY Rish, is the Arabic word for feathers, and RICHARDSON is surname of owners Sam and Maria Abu Rish. Among the feathers in their restaurant’s cap are the title of York’s best tourist-related employers and a chef who Paella: a taste of Spain – the was named Yorkshire chef of the year. Brits’ favourite holiday treat The place was busy, but not full, with a mix of business people and casual diners. Service was swift, polite and pleasant. The daytime menu provides a tasty appetiser for the evening menu, which is inevitably much longer and features dishes The Brit awards: our all-time different in detail if not style. WHAT’S ON THE LUNCH MENU To start: deep fried mushrooms stuffed favourite dishes with herbed goats’ cheese, apricot and spring onion chutney; smoked trout and Parma ham salad with garlic croutons and RITAIN might be Comfort foods are close to the 4 large tomatoes, peeled and leave to rest in a warm place wasabi dressing; broccoli and Stilton soup. famous for fish and nation’s heart too: ‘‘Tiramisu is 18 small clams, cleaned for 10 minutes. Main courses: steamed timbale of salmon chips but the nation’s popular because it’s similar to 12 raw jumbo prawns, shells Meanwhile, heat the and plaice with ginger, coriander, potato tastebuds are being trifle which is almost a nursery, intact remaining oil in a separate large salad and Asian pesto; slow roasted belly tantalised by far more children’s food,’’ says Worrall 450g/1lb squid in 1in dice frying pan. Quickly tip in the pork with sage puy lentils, pak choi and Bexotic and exciting dishes than Thompson. 5 tbsp chopped fresh flatleaf prawns and stir-fry for a minute mustard sauce. the traditional British fare. Gone are the days of fad foods parsley, to garnish or two, then scatter the prawns Desserts: pear and rhubarb crumble with Moroccan lamb tagine and hot or fashionable adaptations of salt and freshly ground pepper over the paella. Add the squid to vanilla custard; lavender parfait with plum chicken fajitas rank alongside traditional recipes. The poll the pan and stir-fry for one compote and orange tuilles; chocolate the more traditional shepherd’s revealed that Brits have a taste Heat the stock and saffron in a minute or so until just tender, marquise and passion fruit sauce; coconut pie and Lancashire hotpot as the for classic, unadulterated pan to boiling point. Heat half then scatter the squid over the rice pudding with papaya and lime. nation’s favourite foods, recipes whether it be bread-and- the oil in a paella dish or large, paella, discarding the garlic. The cost: Two courses for £12, three according to a poll. butter pudding or bouillabaisse. heavy-based saute pan. Add the Garnish with the parsley and courses for £15. The lunch and pre-theatre TV chef Antony Worrall And the bad reputation of chorizo and pancetta and fry for serve immediately straight from menu is available from 12.2pm and from Thompson teamed up with British food is no longer a few minutes until crisp and the paella dish. 6-7pm (except Saturday evening). Radio Times and Good Food warranted either. Thompson lightly golden, then transfer to a Magazine to compile a list of the says: ‘‘The perception that we plate and set aside. Add the TOP 10 BEST-OF-BRITAIN DISHES OUR CHOICE nation’s favourite foods. The just eat fish and chips is chicken pieces to the pan and fry 1. Steak and Kidney Pudding We both opted for the deep fried public voted for their favourite outdated. British cuisine is one for a few minutes on each side 2. Lancashire Hotpot mushrooms for starters. The hot, crispy Best of British, Classic and of the most adventurous in the until golden; remove and set 3. Beef in stout with dumplings balls contained juicy mushrooms with Holiday dishes and the top ten of world. For sheer comfort value aside with the chorizo and 4. Faggots with Onion Gravy. centres of gooey, melting cheese. The each are included in The Top 100 nothing can beat good British pancetta. 5. Bacon and apricot and spring onion chutney made an Recipes From The Food & Drink food, cooked well.’’ Add half the remaining olive Pease Pudding unusual spicy with a hint of sweetness TV Series. Judging by the nation’s oil to the pan. Add the finely 6. Bread-and- accompaniment. ‘‘A lot of the dishes voted most favourite recipes it seems soggy chopped garlic, the onion and Butter Pudding My wife, who does not eat meat, chose popular, like moussaka and cabbage and over-cooked beef is red pepper and continue to cook 7. Toad in the the steamed timbale of salmon and plaice. paella, are quite tricky to cook an image long past its sell-by- for another few minutes until Hole She thought the dish pleasant but not but taste amazing,’’ says Worrall date. the vegetables have softened but 8. Treacle Sponge outstanding. I chose the hoi sin marinated Thompson. Steak and kidney not coloured, stirring 9. Roast Loin of Pork with Apple chicken. The chicken itself was perfectly pudding, which he calls ‘‘one of occasionally. Sauce PAELLA (serves 6-8) cooked, though a few more vegetables the great all-time treats on a Add the thyme to the pan with 10. Rack of Lamb with a Pistachio 1.2 litres/2 pints fresh chicken would not have gone amiss. chilly evening’’, topped the Best the chilli flakes and rice and stir Crust stock (from a carton is fine) My wife decided she was too full for of British section as the dish for about two minutes or until ½ tsp saffron strands, soaked in dessert. I settled for the coconut rice closest to the nation’s heart, all the grains of rice are nicely TOP 10 HOLIDAY DISHES a little warm water pudding with papaya and lime. The waiter harking back to family dinners coated and glossy. Stir in the 1. Paella About 120ml/4fl oz olive oil brought an extra spoon in case my wife of wholesome home-cooked food. paprika, then pour in the wine 2. Bouillabaisse 175g/6oz chorizo, sliced wanted to share the dish, which was Curry is notably absent from and allow it to bubble down a 3. Hot Chicken Chilli Fajitas 100g/4oz pancetta, diced deliciously creamy and coconutty, a mixture the Holiday list despite its long- little, stirring. Pour in the hot 4. Moussaka 8 skinless, boneless chicken enlivened by the pieces of papaya on the standing popularity that saw chicken stock, add the cooked 5. Moroccan Lamb Tagine thighs, halved top. Alas, I could not detect a hint of lime. chicken tikka masala at one chorizo, pancetta and chicken 6. Salad Nicoise 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped We had a bottle of red wine (£11.50) time crowned the national dish. thighs and cook for about five 7. Tiramisu 1 large Spanish onion, diced with our meal and finished with coffee, Paella topped the poll instead minutes, stirring occasionally. 8. Chicken Kiev 1 red pepper, seeded and diced served with two very scrummy chocolates. and Thompson has a handy 1 tsp fresh soft thyme leaves Seed and dice the tomatoes, 9. Boeuf Bourgignonne 10. Gravadlax with Sweet Mustard cooking tip: ‘‘Fry the prawns ½ tsp dried red chilli flakes fold them in with the peas and THE COST and squid right at the end so season to taste. Put in the clams and Dill Sauce 600 ml/1 pint Spanish short-grain The cost of the meal for two, with wine and they don’t get overcooked and with the edges that will open rice (calasparra) coffee, came to £42.40. rubbery.’’ facing outwards and continue to The Top 100 Recipes From The 1 tsp paprika Rish, 7 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA. Chilli is a big factor in British cook gently for another 10-15 Food & Drink TV Series by Antony 120ml/¼fl oz dry white wine (01904) 622688. cuisine with the nation minutes or until the rice is just Worrall Thompson (BBC 100g/4oz podded fresh or frozen STEVE PRATT salivating over spicy foods. peas tender. Remove from the hob Worldwide, £12.99)

22 May, 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

YOUR STARS by JUNE BAKER-HOWARD

Aries to understand that it is a the good things in life. you to take the initiative glitters is not gold' is the Capricorn mid month, when the (March 20- time for new beginnings Friends, lovers, business to try and make good quote for this month (December 22- cosmic tensions are April 19) and resolves, and for contacts and colleagues things happen for because a total eclipse of January 19) liable to bring some Although it making the most of all dominate your yourself, rather than the Moon in Scorpio, on You have a disruption. There may mean opportunities. horoscope, indicating waiting for others to the 16th, plus a great deal going for you is no doubt that your having to change the that there is some wave a magic retrograde Mercury, the planetary wise so it's chart improves as the habits of many years, Gemini (May serious socialising to do. wand or hand things to planet of conversation, well worth asking month progresses, so there is no doubt that a 21-June 20) you on a plate. The in direct opposition to whenever you seek a play for time when new set of rules is Due to the Leo (July 23- planetary emphasis is on your birth sign, warns favour or have any kind appropriate. needed in a very retrograde August 22) travel, distant horizons you to proceed with of request to make. personal corner of your motion of The journey of and expansion rather caution in all things. If However, endeavour to Pisces life. Once you have set Mercury, your planetary the Sun, over than contraction, so possible, avoid making obtain firm guarantees if (February 19- these, they will have ruler, the pattern could the top angle think big. important commitments you conduct important March 19) implications for the way be one of delays, of your chart, urges you until the 20th is business prior to the The you spend your money, cancellations and to promote yourself and Libra safely behind you. 20th because the adverse emphasis in your chart as well as your time. misunderstandings until at the same time protect (September 23- position of Mercury, is on communication Fortunately, the scene is the 20th. Later in the what you have October 22) Sagittarius could add a touch of but, sadly, an afflicted set for you to be month, the picture established already. Out of a (November 22- vagueness to written and Mercury means that compensated for any brightens considerably Someone you meet in the situation that December 21) verbal agreements, as until the 20th, the sense of loss or missing and the arrival of the process is likely to be the appears to be Work and love well as travel messages and out that you have had Sun in your birth sign, source of a useful surrounded by all are under the planetary arrangements. information you receive recently. also on the 20th, should reference, introduction manner of question spotlight, and in an will not always be boost your confidence or opportunity. marks, and which if ideal world you would Aquarius reliable, so it is vital to Taurus (April and sense of purpose. On a personal level, the pursued, would involve now be working with (January 20- be extremely analytical, 20-May 20) Most importantly, mood could become having to compromise someone you love and February 18) if not sceptical at times. The total someone or something is distant or strained initially, something of you would also love You could end It could also take a eclipse of the about to make it possible unless you make loved real value is due to your work. If these up bemused, bothered while to appreciate the Moon at the partnership for you to free yourself ones feel needed. emerge. Much will be and bewildered unless criteria do not apply, it potential of one angle of your chart, on from a long period of Luckily, your revealed after the you can stay completely is worth giving some particular offer or the 16th, is unlikely to anxiety or uncertainty. fortunes improve as the 20th, when you benefit focused on your main thought as to how this suggestion. pass without incident. month of June from a flurry of objectives. The militant could be achieved. As the forceful planet Therefore, expect to Cancer (June approaches. supportive planetary planet Mars is However, do not expect Mars become involved in at 21-July 22) activity, which rapid results in marching through your least one loaded This has the Virgo (August will allow more than one birth sign stirring you is passing across the everything that you do conversation, which will makings of 23-September thing to fall into place in up to put your world to most sensitive angle of because there is a either bring you closer to being a very merry May! 22) the way desired. rights. However, as if to your chart, you must planetary brake on an emotional or business There is a strong social Do your best to confuse matters, several guard against being some of your actions, as partner, or act as a theme in your chart and be enterprising and Scorpio other planets urge you to your own worst well as on the channels wedge to widen the the planets also indicate imaginative, and ready (October 23- take a more passive role enemy by turning down gap between the two of that it's your turn to be to explore all November 21) of communication and wait until you have an offer you could do you. The main thing is on the receiving end of possibilities. It will pay 'All that generally. seen what comes to pass with.

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