Tag: lifestyle

The Dolls House: Our Autumn/Winter Fashion Tips

By on 19th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

October can be a tricky month for fashion, but these tips from The Dolls House Fashion Emporium ought to make things a little easier…

Second-guessing the good old British weather is not an easy task when Autumn comes around, but on the plus side, it does provide us with a gorgeous colour palette to work with.

Bang on trend right now is berry, a rich dark maroon which oozes warmth. It’s the colour to be seen in this #AW, meaning there’s no shortage of it on the high street, from suede boots and leather satchels, to strappy sandals and oversized fedoras.

 

So, how can you add berry to your current wardrobe, you ask?

Whether it’s a little or a lot, there’s something for everyone. Have a look online, read a few blogs, and browse boards on Pinterest for outfits and style inspiration. You’ll be full of ideas! New colour and you’re not quite sure? Try a dark nail varnish or a slick of berry lippy to update your style.

If you fancy a new makeup look to match your new autumn outfit, check out Youtube for some seasonal beauty tutorials. These vloggers try out everything from shop own brands like No.7 to high end must-haves like Mac and Charlotte Tilbury. Be warned, though. Youtube is addictive!

If you’re planning cocktails with the girls or a meal out with the other half, take a look at the new arrivals landing at The Dolls House Fashion Emporium, where you’ll find an array of Autumn/Winter essentials, including the Brooklyn Berry Shirt Dress and Scarlett, a fitted cut out jumpsuit.

 

Brooklyn is a perfect day to night outfit, offering a versatile option when it comes to chilly days by either teaming with tights and boots, or throwing on heels and a leather jacket.

Scarlett offers a glamorous but trendy option for your night out. True to size, this cut out berry jumpsuit gives the wow factor when styled with strappy heels and a clutch.

If buying a new on-trend outfit isn’t exciting enough, wait until you hear about the Dress Exchange. New to The Dolls House, the dress exchange allows you to buy a dress, wear it out, then return it and receive up to 50% off your next purchase! You never have to be seen in the same dress twice, and you can look fab this weekend and next, without spending a fortune… it’s genius!

Looking for more great fashion, info and competitions? Check out The Dolls House website, and make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram! Got something to ask? Email hello@thedollshouseuk.co.uk.

Dr Twist: Reviving Traditional Sepia Portrait Photography

By on 13th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

Charles Twist and Caed Parker are bringing classic portraiture back to life with their traditional, hand-crafted approach to photography. Read on for their story in their own words…

 

Started by photographers Charles Twist and Caed Parker in 2014, Dr Twist’s Photographarium offers the experience of traditional photography, creating beautiful and timeless, sepia portraits.

Our big plate cameras are fitted with historical lenses, some as old as the 1850s, and are perfectly complemented by a Victorian developing process which delivers real sepia prints. The resulting images have a quality and charm that is not easily mimicked by any modern methods, and along with the physical feel of the print (like a vinyl record over an mp3), the photographs possess a unique presence and character.

The experience transports you to another world. Sitting for a plate camera is a luxury to be enjoyed slowly, and is a process that involves both the photographer and the sitter. This interaction translates in to a portrait that is both warm and truthful.

We bring with us an assortment of vintage props and accessories. Some are genuinely old, while some are quality, modern counterparts. The costumes add great depth to the portraits. Plus, they’re great fun!

A common misconception is that the sitter must remain still for long periods. In reality, while composing the picture can take a few minutes, you only have to stay steady for half a second. We’ve even photographed children and animals with great success.

 

The plates are processed on site in our specially constructed darkroom. Small and self-contained, it is the modern equivalent of the erstwhile developing carts which would have been used a hundred years ago, allowing the studio experience to travel to your home (or the beach!). Ours is designed so that the whole process is on view. You can look in and see your plate go from a blank sheet of paper to a one-off sepia portrait in the space of a few minutes.

Witnessing this in our modern digital world conjures up a by-gone age when things happened slowly and deliberately. It is enthralling and educational in equal measure.

Each print is totally unique. The piece of paper which is processed in our darkroom-on-wheels is the self-same sheet that is exposed in camera and later handed to the sitter. There are no other copies, no negatives, and (of course) no digital files. The portrait is as unique as an original pencil drawing – quite a rare occurrence in photography, and one that gives the portrait very strong, personal value.

Quite apart from that, nobody else offers this service in this country (maybe even in the world), making it even more special!

 

We’re available for private sittings to create stunning sepia portraits of your family, your children, your pets, your home, your friends. It may be for a special occasion – a birthday, a wedding, a christening, an anniversary, a Christmas party – or simply because you like to know that your portrait has been created with love and care in the traditional, hand-crafted way. A unique print makes a perfect memento of an important day.

With Christmas coming up, a studio session would create original entertainment at your party, at home, at the pub or at the office. Each guest would sit for a portrait that they could take away on the day. A unique sepia portrait is a great gift which tells your family, friends and colleagues how much you value their companionship.

A sepia portrait of the children or the family is also a brilliantly original Christmas present for the grandparents. In this circumstance, we encourage people to be photographed without our props and accessories, simply because the prints are so beautiful and charming in themselves. Pet photography is also a favourite. Our portraits reveal your furry friends at their best!

We’re also hired by businesses and event companies to entertain on their special occasions – a launch, an important visit, a conference, an office party, a festival. Our portraits are impressively presented in card mounts which we can personalise with your company logo.

 

Dr Twist’s Photographarium is ideal for a range of periods from the 1880s to the 1940s, and for a range of styles, such as Victorian and Art Deco, to Steampunk. We can modulate our setup to adapt itself to your circumstances. We can even prepare your very own painted backdrop!

Would you like your own unique sepia portrait? You can find more details on Dr Twist’s website, follow them on Facebook, or email them at info@drtwists.com.

Want to discuss your portrait further? Call 07975 945 884 for Charles, or 07738 740 160 for Caed.

Dr Twist’s Photographarium
30-32 Marske Road
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
TS12 1QG

All images are copyright of Dr Twist’s Photographarium, except DrTwist_Festival.jpg which is copyright of Tracy Kidd. This image shows Charles Twist (left) and Caed Parker (right).

The images may only be used with our permission.

5 Essential Tips For Healthy Eating

By on 12th October 2015in Food & Drink, Lifestyle, What's New?

When it comes to health and beauty, the old cliché is true: you are what you eat.

Developing a lifestyle and diet that encourages fitness is crucial to long term health and wellness, but breaking old habits can be challenging. To make a lasting change to your lifestyle, try following these five simple tips.

 

1. Eat More Vegetables

Let’s start off with a really obvious one, but for a less obvious reason.

Vegetables are always recommended because they’re healthy, but they’re also really great at keeping you full. If you’re feeling satiated, you won’t be reaching for snacks. You might want to add a few oils and sauces for flavour, but remember that the best diet is one filled with steamed and fresh veg… without artificial flavouring.

2. Don’t Overdo It On The Fruit

Nobody’s going to argue that fruit is another great addition to a healthy diet, but it’s easy to have too much. Fruit provide a good amount of natural sugar and fibre, but too much can push your carbohydrate intake through the roof.

Instead, stick to your five a day, and pair it with a few almonds, unsalted nuts, or viable source of lean protein.

3. Throw Protein Into The Mix

If your diet is leaving you feeling hungry, and you’re becoming prone to trips to the fridge, there’s a good chance that your diet is protein deficient.

Protein promotes increased satiety, and a serving of lean protein on the side of your meal can have you feeling full for much longer.

4. Avoid Protein Bars

This might seem to contradict the previous point, but beware of the protein bar that promises increased nutrition. A quick look at the ingredients will show you that most protein bars are packed full of preservatives, saturated fats, and simple carbohydrates (rather than the complex carbohydrates your body really needs).

A few bars here and there won’t hurt, but don’t make them a cornerstone of your diet.

5. Drink More Water

This final tip is another obvious one, yet goes completely ignored by so many people. Water is an essential fuel for the body, and is an essential part of any diet.

A glass of water before each meal can aid the digestive process and keep you from overeating. And besides, it helps to keep the skin young and hydrated, and who doesn’t want that?

Vintageous Rags: Outfit Of The Week #1

By on 10th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

Grace Stringer, owner of Middlesbrough’s hottest vintage and retro boutique, Vintageous Rags, shares this week’s favourite outfit…

 

Everyone needs a little black dress, and especially for Autumn and Winter.

It’s a safety net for us girls. Super easy to glam up, but never over the top. This week’s dress (UK12 £16) is especially great, because not only can you jazz it up, but you can also use it for layering. Plus, sleeves are definitely a bonus when it’s chilly!

Here I’ve added a splash of colour to the outfit by using a head scarf (£4), 80’s belt (M £12), and an evening handbag (£12) to brighten it up. You can do whatever you like with it though… with an LBD, anything goes!

You can find this outfit in our Baker Street store, Middlesbrough, or you can shop online at www.vintageousrags.com. See you soon!

Follow Vintageous Rags on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

5 Things To Look For At Antique Fairs

By on 9th October 2015in Lifestyle, What's New?

Antique fairs, car-boot sales, charity shops… you never know what you might find.

There are the bargains and the retro gems, and the cheap and the kitsch. Whatever may be hiding out there, here are five items to keep your eye out for…

 

1. Old Glass

Old glass is a lot more valuable (and interesting) than you might think. Pre-World War Two glass is particularly sought after, and items from 1700-1800 can be worth a small fortune.

The market value of glass fluctuates, but keep your eyes peeled for maker’s marks and stamps to indicate era and origin.

2. Furniture

Furniture that looks old and used might be unattractive to some, but it’s always worth a closer look. The patina of time and grime could be an indication of quality and value.

You see, a piece manufactured by a famous maker that has been reupholstered or refurbished is actually (in most cases) worth less than one that has beeb left in its original condition. The good news, though, is that this means the real gems often go unnoticed…

3. Branded Jewellery

Veteran antiquers have likely seen somebody sell what they thought was a piece of costume jewellery for pennies, only to find that the piece in fact genuine and worth far more. It isn’t uncommon.

Don’t dismiss trinkets with low price tags, and always inspect the maker’s mark. You never know what its true value might be.

 

4. Cameras

There’s no denying the revival that analogue photography has enjoyed over the last few years, and sadly antique camera prices have sky-rocketed since. There are still deals to be found, though.

Always inspect old cameras thoroughly. Mechanisms wear out and break over time, and it’s not unusual to invest more than you planned for on a costly refurbishment.

5. Oddities

There are collectors for everything, and particularly for strange or unusual items. Nothing looks finer above a mantlepiece than one-of-a-kind pottery or unreleased film posters.

Look out for pieces with connections to famous or well-known figures. Collectors will pay top money for top provenance.

North East Walks: God’s Bridge

By on 8th October 2015in Lifestyle, Places To Go, What's New?

Gary Richardson, Darlington-based freelance photographer and writer, details the North East’s best walks. This month, he’s visiting God’s Bridge…

 

Route Info:

7.5 miles/12 Km with 630 feet/190m of ascent
Maps: 1:25K OS Outdoor Leisure 31 or 1:50K OS Landranger 92
Start: Bowes village. Grid ref: NY995135 …. Post Code: DL2 9HU
Parking: small parking area opposite the village hall.
Where to Eat and Drink: The Ancient Unicorn Inn, Bowes village. 01833 628321

Route Map

An interesting walk around through the River Greta valley, which before the local government reorganisation in 1974 was part of North Yorkshire, but now is part of County Durham.

The walk makes use of the two sections of the ‘Bowes Loop’ on the Pennine Way. The first half, over the bleak remote heather covered Bowes Moor, is in stark contrast to the return leg which follows, for most of the way, the wild flower meadows along the banks of the River Greta.

The walk starts in Bowes village, located a few miles south of Barnard Castle, alongside the busy A66 trans Pennine road.

 

 

From village hall car park head west straight along main street through village. Just after passing Dotheboys Hall, which features in Charles Dickens novel Nicholas Nickleby, turn right with the road to cross the A66 and climb up to Clint Top. There are good views over the Greta valley from here.

Continue along road passing through remains of an old military storage site, where the foundations of many bunkers can still be seen. There are plenty of warnings signs advising of unexploded bombs and poisonous gas. Don’t worry! It’s years since this site was used, and as long as you stay on the road, there will be no danger.

After about 1.5 miles you will reach the isolated farm of West Stoney Keld (A).

 

Here go through gate in stone wall, and then leave Pennine Way by turning left and take rough vehicle track heading SW towards Ravock, at first following the wall on the left. Where this track makes a sharp right turn, go straight ahead to follow a faint path through heather which is waymarked with posts and cairns, to reach a boundary stone (B).

Even though there is a faint path, in poor weather/visibility this section of the walk could require the use of map and compass.

 

 

Keep on across the heather moor and after about a mile another wall is reached. Turn right to follow it west to reach the other branch of the Bowes Loop on the Pennine Way, close to the farm buildings at Pasture End. Turn left and follow the track downhill towards the busy A66.

Luckily there’s no need to risk your life having to cross this, on reaching the fence beside the road, go to the right to find an underpass. Go through this and go left over the fields, following the track downhill to God’s Bridge (C).

This is a natural limestone bridge over the River Greta. The river bed is usually dry, as it runs underground, as is common with lots of rivers and streams in limestone areas.

Leave God’s Bridge by going through gate in wall to find a new graded track through the fields (a permissive path not shown on OS map). This takes you through the meadows along banks of river, past East Mellwaters to footbridge over Sleightholme Beck at West Charity (D).

 

After crossing bridge, go left across the field to reach a track. Go right along this and pass through yard of the farm. The track then turns left and heads through fields towards Lady Myres. Pass through farm and continue on track to reach a finger post. Turn left and head across field to reach footbridge over River Greta.

Cross this and climb to Swinholme where a lane is joined heading back towards Bowes. There are good views of the castle from here. Upon reaching a stile over the fence on the right you have a choice of routes. Either follow Pennine Way over the fields to Bowes Castle and back to the village, or follow the stream (right) downhill through the field to reach River Greta again.

Turn left and take the path downstream to reach the lovely waterfall of Mill Force. From there take the path heading diagonally uphill across field to walled lane, and follow it uphill to reach lane close to church and castle. Turn right and follow this lane back to car park.

For more of Gary’s work, visit www.garyrichardson.me.

7 Ways To Get (And Stay) Motivated

By on 7th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

Andy Knowles, MD of Jak Inc, shares the advice that keeps him going…

Sometimes we all need a bit of extra motivation.

Whether it’s with a new diet, business venture, or just getting out of bed in the morning, it doesn’t always come easy, so the next time you need to top up your tank, think of these helpful tips…

1. Get Serious

Stop fooling around. Time, as they say, is getting on, so take action now. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to take the first step to reaching your goals and aspirations… so why not now?

2. Know Your Limiting Step

What’s stopping you? What’s the one skill area that holds you back? Ask for honest feedback from people you can trust. What can you improve in areas of your life and work?

3. Get Around The Right People

To stay motivated you need to avoid the negative people, and surround yourself instead with the positive ones. Those who are already achieving their goals are the people who can inspire you.

4. Take Care Of Yourself

A good diet and exercise does more than keep your weight down. A healthy body is a healthy mind, and isn’t something you should be putting off until New Year.

5. Appreciate Yourself

If you see yourself as being the best at what you do, the results can be amazing. Before you even start your journey, first believe that you can do it.

6. Talk Nicely To Yourself

Tell yourself I am the best in my field, I can do this, and I love my work. It won’t sound big-headed or boastful. You’re just vocalising what you want to achieve.

7. Get Going

Move fast! A sense of urgency is a great way to separate yourself from the rest of the pack. Most people are aware of what they should do, but only a few actually follow up and take action, so make every minute count.

For more of Andy’s advice, you can visit the Jak Inc Blog, or follow Jak Inc on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Recipe: Moroccan Spiced Chicken With Yoghurt, Chickpeas And Roasted Carrots

By on 6th October 2015in Food & Drink, Lifestyle, What's New?

Master Chef winner (and In & Around contributor) shares his recipe for a great family dish…

This is a fantastic family dish that makes a nice change from traditional roast chicken. I recommend placing the halved, juiced lemon in the chicken cavity before cooking.
After cooking, while your chicken is resting, pop the pitta bread in the oven to warm. Enjoy!

 

– 1 whole large chicken (1.6kg approx)
– 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
– 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon hot chilli powder or finely chopped red chilli
– 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
– fresh coriander, chopped
– 1 tin of chickpeas (about 400g), drained
– salt and ground black pepper
– juice of 1 lemon
– 1 500ml tub of natural yoghurt
– 1 tablespoon of clear honey
– a bunch of baby carrots, scrubbed, tops left on
– 1 whole bulb of garlic, broken into cloves
– olive oil
– 6 wholemeal pitta bread

With a pestle and mortar, grind (or blend in a food processor) the cumin seeds and coriander seeds with the chilli powder, garlic, fresh coriander, and a handful of chickpeas until you have a paste. Season this with salt and black pepper. Add the lemon juice and yoghurt.

Use half of this flavoured yoghurt to coat and cover the chicken all over. Add the honey to the other half of the flavoured yoghurt and put it in the fridge. Cover the chicken and leave to marinate overnight if possible (but for at least an hour).

Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6. Place the carrots in a roasting tray with the remaining chickpeas, then sprinkle with the ground cumin, salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss together to coat.

Place the marinated chicken in a roasting tray and put in the oven with the tray of vegetables on the shelf below. Cook for an hour and 20 minutes, tossing the carrots halfway through (chicken needs to cook for 20 minutes per 450g/1lb). Remove the chicken from the roasting tin and set aside to rest.

Serve with the carrots, warm pitta bread and flavoured yoghurt on the side.

Have you made this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Your Recommendation: CBT Tests With Ace Motorcycle Training

By on 6th October 2015in Have Your Say, Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

Andy Knowles waxes lyrical about passing his Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) with Ace Motorcycle Training.

 

Passing my CBT is something I’ve always wanted to do, because I’ve always had a passion for Vespas. I just loved the idea of riding to the coast, taking in the scenery, grabbing a coffee, and socialising with other scooter riders who share the passion.

I’d previously dealt with Jimmy Rimmer and his company at Ace Motorcycle Training,
so booked in my CBT last year. They were extremely professional from the start, and the customer service I received on the telephone was extremely polite, talking me through everything I should expect on the one-day training course.

On the day of my test, my instructor explained all of the necessary safety information, including riding position, the correct helmets to purchase, protective clothing, and even choosing the right bike.

When it came to the practical side of things, the instructor took me through bike safety checks and maintenance advice, and then we took position and began doing some riding around Ace’s own circuit.

After lunch we took the bikes onto the public roads, and rode for about an hour. We were linked up to the instructor through radios so we could take instructions, meaning there was never a breakdown in communication.

I must admit that I was quite apprehensive before going onto the public roads, but the instructor’s knowledge and expertise helped ease my nerves. His advice was ongoing throughout.

At the end of the day, I was extremely pleased to be told I had passed, and was awarded my certificate. A fantastic end to a great day!

I went on to purchase a 2006 Vespa PX 125 in black, and I take it out most weekends. I find it very relaxing and love the freedom it gives me.

 

If you’re thinking about riding a scooter (or even something bigger), I’d highly recommend Ace Motorcycle Training. They have centres in Durham and Billingham, and the instructors are highly knowledgable in both.

Thanks, Ace!

Have you had a great experience with a North East business? Want to make your own recommendation?

Email online@inandaroundmag.co.uk and tell us all about it!

10 Essential Tips For Selling Your Home

By on 6th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

When it comes to selling your home, small details make a big difference in encouraging people back up the path for a second viewing. Thinking of selling yours? Here are ten tops tips for attracting buyers, courtesy of Estate Agents Brannen & Partners…

 

1. First Impressions

Stand outside your property. How would you rate it? Would it appeal to you as a buyer? Does it need repainting, the garden need tidying, and the path weeding? Initial impressions can stay with a potential buyer long after they’ve viewed a property, so the presentation of the outside is just as important as the inside.

2. A Room With A Purpose

In the current market, a property needs to clearly justify its value if a buyer is to offer anywhere near the asking price. Without expensive renovations or building works, one of the most straightforward ways to validate the asking price is to appraise each room as if it has a price tag attached to it. Some rooms have a much higher value than others, and ‘dual-use’ rooms in particular often don’t appeal.

A dining room may seem charming if doubling up as a playroom, but buyers attribute more value to a dining room than a child’s play area, so try and keep the toys elsewhere. If a spare upstairs room has become a home office, turn it back into a simple bedroom. Buyers rate the number of bedrooms very highly!

3. Let The Air In

Musty-smelling rooms are off-putting and make people want to get out before they’ve even noticed the stunning ceiling rose. Don’t forget to air rarely used rooms… and teenagers’ bedrooms!

4. Lighten Up

If you have a dark room or hallway, make sure all the lights are on. Table or floor standing lights can be particularly effective without emphasising the lack of natural light.

5. Don’t Forget Your Keys

Buyers will be entering through the front door, but they’ll want to see all areas of the property, including outside spaces and garages, so remember to keep all keys with you. A good viewing should be efficient, simple and friendly. If vendors are rushing around the house frantically searching for keys, the viewing can quickly seem disorganised and muddled, sentiments which can easily be applied to the house itself and put the buyer off.

6. Smell Of Success

You shouldn’t underestimate the power of the sense of smell and how it affects our other senses. A home that smells fresh and clean is more important than baking bread or brewing coffee.

7. Window Dressing

People are always drawn towards windows, so make them a real focal point. Apart from ensuring the glass is sparkling (well worth paying a window cleaner), clear junk off window sills and keep curtains pulled well back to make rooms seem lighter and bigger.

 

8. Floor Space

The tidier the better! It’s particularly important to take everything off the floor, as carpet clutter is the quickest way to make a room look smaller.

9. The Pets Have To Go

Remember that not everyone loves your pets as much as you do. Dishes of pet food in the kitchen, especially in warm weather, are a complete turn-off, as are little accidents left on the lawn. Try and take dogs out for walks during viewings, as barking and scratching at doors can be off-putting to someone visiting. Try and remove hair and smells as best you can.

10. Leave People To Browse

Viewers don’t want to be pounced on by owners and over-loaded with information. Allow people to look around the property and ask if they have any specific questions they would like answering.

Getting the basics right will often help make the property more sellable and achieve the best possible price. Don’t worry about spending a lot of money on a property prior to sale, as there’s no guarantee you’ll recoup the outlay, or that it’ll be to any potential buyer’s tastes. Instead, do all the little finishing off bits. Touching up paintwork and neutralising walls from bold colours can often be more cost and time effective, without the hassle.

Looking to buy or sell? You can visit www.brannen-partners.co.uk for more information, or call 0191 2578484 to speak to an advisor personally.

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