< Previous40 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHAIR & BEAUTYMore and more of us are also lookingcloser at what goes into the products weuse and natural products are becomingincreasingly popular. So what should youlook out for? As Kay Lawson from SunCloud Therapy points out, “It’s often saidthat we should avoid Parabens and SLSs,but what’s the problem?“Parabens are a group of cheapantimicrobial chemical preservatives thatare found in many toiletries and make-up. They’re added to kill bacteria,prevent the growth of yeasts and mould,and to prolong the shelf life of products.Look at your creams, lotions andconditioners and they’ll often appearnear of the end of the ingredients list –either as parabens or as ethyl, butyl,methyl, isobutyl or propyl.“Our bodies can’t physically breakparabens down. We can expel somethrough urination and research hasshown females have higher levels ofmethylparabens and propylparabens intheir urine than males. As females westore them and the Breast Cancer Fundsays that parabens are endocrinedisruptors and measurable concentrationsof six different parabens have beenidentified from breast tumour. “A different study showed that an evenhigher concentration of n-propylparabenwere found in the axilla quadrant of thebreast, the area nearest to the armpit,while a British study in 2013 showedsixty females with breast cancer hadparabens in the diseased tissue. The NHSstill states the link is unproven.“Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is anothercheap chemical that is a foaming agent,and exactly the same product is used todegrease our car engines. In the sameway as it dissolves the grease on our cars,Sodium Lauryl Sulphate also dissolves andstrips the oils on your skin.“If you suffer with eczema or any otherdry skin conditions, you will see animprovement in your skin just byavoiding SLS. If you look at your foamingproducts, such as shower gels, shampoos,bubble baths, hand soaps and facialThenaturalselectionThe natural, bohemian look hasbeen a key trend on the catwalksin recent years and it wouldseem at first glance to be anextremely welcome one. Thelaidback, subtle look wouldappear to offer the chance to putaway the straighteners and avoidextended sessions in front of themirror. Yet for many of us, theidea of heading off to a specialevent without the use of hairstraighteners and with blemishesuncovered can be a nightmare. Itcan certainly take a bit of effortto look so effortless!40-41_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:35 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY41HAIR & BEAUTYPassionate, therapeutic and charming, I will enrich your Sun Cloud experience by deliveringcomplementary treatments for you to savour and enjoy.Sun Cloud Therapy is the place to come when you need to spend some time on yourself. For yourself.Call Kay on 01522 888688 or 07919 141561Email: kay@suncloudtherapy.co.ukwww.suncloudtherapy.co.ukSun CloudTherapywashes, you’ll find SLS is usually thesecond highest ingredient after water.“Many advertisers of products nowhighlight that they are SLS or parabenfree, but usually, you only find one ofthese ingredients in each type of product.If you see a foaming agent with bigletters on the front saying it’s parabenfree, the chances are it always has been.A familiar lotion has begun to promoteon the label that it is paraben free, but infact it’s always been the case, and onlynow do they consider it worthmentioning. Indeed, I dug out a bottlefrom 2005 from the back of a cupboard –and despite not containing parabens, theparaben free sign was nowhere to beseen. In summary, you’ll find SLS inwashes, and parabens in creamy lotionsand makeup.“So what are the alternatives? Mostcompanies decide to use parabens andSLSs because they’re far cheaper than thealternatives. They also extend the shelflife of product, often to a year or two,therefore increasing profit and limitingcosts as fewer have to be rejected. Theobvious solution is to choose a productthat is made in small batch size so youknow they’re fresh and don’t needextended shelf life. The products I offerare free from these additives andfragrances. I use Lincolnshire honey andbeeswax along with essential oils andflower waters. The other ingredients areas natural as possible.”Natural ingredients and minerals suchas these can have a great impact andhelp emphasise the natural approach. Inmakeup, for example, with pure milledminerals, there’s no oil to block thepores, no talc to make those fine linesfeel like craters and no fragrance – butinstead makeup that is lightweight,healing and breathable. What’s perhapsthe most impressive aspect is that youcan exercise in mineral makeup, and evensleep in it without regretting it the nextday. You can also still use your favouritemoisturiser but by applying mineralfoundation you get added sunprotection.It’s no surprise more and more of usare looking towards natural products thatensure we both look good, and feelgreat.40-41_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:35 Page 2HEALTH & WELLBEINGresults”. Let’s get this straight, if you are following a diet or programto lose X pounds in Z weeks before you go on holiday then this isnot going to lead to some lifelong health and fitness.Maybe in the past finding time to juggle work, family life and otherhobbies has been your excuse for failing to take your health into yourown hands. Don’t worry, time is the number one excuse we hear againand again. There are 24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week, 8736hours in a year. An average of only 30 minutes of exercise per day,210 minutes per week, 182 hours per year is the equivalent of just 2%of your time. With the right knowledge and time management youcan achieve your fitness goals in just 2% of your time.What we know about weight loss is similar to what we knowabout all physical fitness adaptations: that it happens because of amultitude of small, consistent changes over time, not because we’vesuddenly hit upon the latest miracle diet. CrossFit works because itisn’t merely a means to end, an hours slog at the gym to burn offthe days calories, but a look at the bigger picture, which ourmembers embrace as part of a healthy and active lifestyle. Keepingour members motivated to come to the gym has never been aproblem because the results speak for themselves. In fact whenholiday season does come around and our members are ready toshow off their beach bodies they are just as likely to be searching outa local CrossFit gym (there’s plenty of them) such is their desire tocontinue training! New year,new you?Another New Year, another set of resolutions, but how is thisyear going to be any different from the past? Whether your resolution is to get fit, find a new job or to sortout your finances, no matter what it is, your chances of beingsuccessful are almost entirely down to you. If you want to besuccessful in losing weight, getting fit or achieving thatwashboard stomach then firstly you need to know that there isno “magic pill” to success. Maybe you’ve found yourself in thepast saying “I’ve tried every diet and nothing has worked for me”or “I tried so and so fitness programme but I never saw anyWorld Class Fitness in 100 words as defined by CrossFit • Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, littlestarch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will supportexercise but not body fat.• Practice and train major lifts: deadlift, clean, squat, presses,C&J, and snatch. Similarly, master the basics of gymnastics: pull-ups, dips, rope climb, push-ups, sit-ups, presses to handstands,pirouettes, flips, splits, and holds. Bike, run, swim, row, etc, hardand fast.• Five or six days per week mix these elements in as manycombinations and patterns as creativity will allow. Routine is theenemy. Keep workouts short and intense.• Regularly learn and play new sports!Don’t be scared off by some of the scary sounding jargon -everything we do is suitable for absolutely every level of fitness!42-43_Layout 1 15/12/2014 08:46 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY43HEALTH & FITNESSFancy giving CrossFit a go? They inviteanyone to come for a look round or to try afree taster session by visiting the gymMonday to Friday, or contacting the team viaFacebook, email hello@crossfitwitham.co.ukor by calling 07725 124535. For moreinformation see www.crossfitwitham.co.uk5 Reasons To Start YourResolution Before January 1st5. Avoid the rush.When January 1st hits, gyms across the country will beinundated with droves of new members all turning overa new leaf. If you don’t like fighting for equipment thenget yourself started before.4. Undivided attention.This time of year is always the slowest for gyms acrossthe country as people begin to wind down in time forChristmas. Join now and chances are you will get yourcoaches undivided attention and support while it’s quiet.3. Limit the damage.By beginning to get yourself into shape now you’ll belimiting the damage you inflict on your body over thefestive period. Adopting a healthier attitude now willalso make you less likely to binge as much as you won’twant to undo all of that hard work.2. Momentum.If you are serious about making a real change in theNew Year the more hours you have under your belt bythat time the easier its going to be.1. Why not?Because you can. Seize the day, stop making excusesand the rest will take care of itself.New year,new shoesPam Coulton of the Burton Waters Clinicexplains why before taking to the treadmill tolose those excess Christmas pounds, it might bebeneficial to check your footwear and your footfunctionIt’s now commonplace for specialist sports footwear retailers toprovide advice to runners, and this is important whether you planto jog or train for a marathon. The foot plays a huge part inabsorbing the shock as we run. For many runners, however, thefoot is not able to handle this process without assistance. This canpotentially be provided by the placing of an insole into thetrainer.An insole, or to be more technical a ‘functional foot orthosis’, isan in-shoe medical device that is designed to work with your footto manage the forces placed upon it during weight bearingactivity, in order to promote ‘normal’ foot function. Put moresimply, they work to correct discrepancies in the foot and the wayit works to keep you upright, and generally moving forward.Insoles can be purchased off the shelf from a variety of sources,including high street retailers and sports shops. These can, ofcourse, provide a limited amount of support or comfort. However,if you have any kind of issue with the way your feet support you,it is far more advisable from a clinical perspective to have insolesmade specifically to meet your unique requirements.Contact the Burton Waters Clinic on 01522 520362 to arrangea free consultation with a qualified and experienced orthotist.Make sure that once you’ve resolved to get fitter, your feet won’tlet you down!Appointments now available with an Orthopaedic Consultant.BURTON WATERS CLINICDo you suffer from...Foot Pain?Knee Pain?Back Pain?Orthotic intervention helps to reduce pain, slow the progression of a deformity or prevent injury.Orthotic treatment is not just for professional athletes or people with complex medical conditionsBook your assessment with a qualified and experienced Orthotist.6 & 7 The Landings | Burton Waters | Lincoln | LN1 2TUCALL 01522 520 362 /07946 598 133info@quaysorthotics.co.uk | www.quaysorthotics.co.uk42-43_Layout 1 15/12/2014 08:46 Page 244 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSOCIAL SCENEWe have facilities to suit for your every need!For large events we have a choice of function rooms, which can accommodate up to 200 people, with a comprehensive programme tosatisfy everyone’s needs. However, small gatherings may prefer the luxury of our private reception and dining facilities. Hemswell Courtoffers level ground floor access with additional facilities for the disabled. Car parking is available for up to 150 cars.lFree WiFi l5*AA Accommodation lMembers of Select Lincolnshire HEMSWELL COURTHemswell Court Limited, Lancaster Green, Hemswell Cliff, Lincolnshire DN21 5TQTel:01427 668508 Email: functions@hemswellcourt.com Web:www.hemswellcourt.comLeicester Tigers rugby legends Martin Corry,George Chuter, Louis Deacon, Leon Lloyd and HarryThacker joined rugby fans from across the countryfor an exclusive black tie dinner at Hemswell Court.The aim was to raise money for the Affinity Trustcharity and to celebrate the career of Leicester propMarcos Ayerza who is celebrating benefit year.Organiser and Proprietor Tim Downing says, “Itwas a fantastic night raising a record £15,000 for anincredibly worthy charity - while enjoying hearingsome good stories from the greats of rugby.”Scrum down at Hemswell CourtPHOTOS: ANGIE COOPER44_Layout 1 11/12/2014 13:46 Page 1Our county continues to punch well above its weight in culinaryterms and you can find fabulous Lincolnshire produce not just onlocal menus but elsewhere in the UK, and around the world.Many other examples of top Lincolnshire produce could beseen at the recent Food & Gift Fair at the LincolnshireShowground which this year boasted a record attendance of overseven thousand. Visitors flocked to see Lincolnshire’s own GreatBritish Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle, who did a live cookingdemonstration where she expertly made mince pies.As the new year arrives it may well be that you’re looking tolose weight, but this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy top localproduce. Our friends at Weight Watchers have provided afantastic recipe that could be the star of your New Yearcelebrations!No matter where you go over the party season, Lincolnshireproduce will probably be the star of the show!LINCOLNSHIRETODAY45FOOD & DININGExotic Thai Restaurant205 High Street, ScunthorpeTel: 01724 843204Exotic Thai Restaurant is a testament to traditional Thaicuisine. The only Thai restaurant in Scunthorpe, Exotic Thaican accommodate up to seventy guests for a deliciouschoice of authentic starters, main courses and an impressiveselection of fish dishes along with a choice of tasty desserts.The Exotic Thai prides itself on authentic Thai cuisine with friendly service, giving a truetaste of the east.PictureYour VenueThe Mint LeafA46 Lincoln Road, NewarkTel: 01636 646994 www.mintleafuk.co.ukThe Mint Leaf, located just off the A46, is a fine example of stylishpan-Asian cuisine. Cuisine from the Indian subcontinent is served withpanache. With the best tastes of India combined with a hint of the Orientand elements of the West, it’s a must-visit dining experience.Comfortable catering for both large and small parties, The Mint Leafis accessible from across Lincolnshire.First for fine foodIt’s pretty certain that you’ve enjoyed some fabulous Lincolnshire produce over the festive season –whether it’s been on your own Christmas menu or you’ve sampled it at one of the region’s top venuesThe recent Food & Gift Fair at the LincolnshireShowground boasted a record attendanceRoast lamb withredcurrant glaze950g leg or half leg of lamb on the bone, trimmed ofall visible fat1 garlic clove, sliced thinly 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly2 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 tsp Dijon mustard900g new potatoes, halved if large480g frozen peasPreheat the oven to gas mark5/190°C/fan 170°C. Pierce theleg all over with the tip of asharp knife and insert the slicesof garlic into the holes. Seasonwell and roast for 30 minutesper 450g – this joint shouldtake just over an hour.Combine the redcurrantjelly, mint and mustard.Fifteen minutes before thelamb has finished roasting,baste it carefully with theredcurrant marinade. Return it to the oven for theremainder of the cooking time, then allow it to stand for15 minutes before carving.Meanwhile, cook the new potatoes until tender andsteam the peas. Thinly slice the lamb and serve with thevegetables.45_Layout 1 11/12/2014 15:12 Page 1Craft Bar & Kitchen is one of Lincoln’s mostpopular destinations – somewhere people like tomeet friends, enjoy live music, or relax after a busyday’s shopping or sightseeing. The warm andfriendly atmosphere and chic design is doubtlesspart of the appeal, but people make a beeline tothe venue for its fine food as well.Craft’s huge popularity means they’re currentlydoing around 1500 covers a week, whichbrings its own requirements, as does theinformal setting – but Craft is also able to caterfor formal dining as well with bespoke menusavailable for special events.FOOD & DININGThe Craft offine foodThe Craft offine foodCraft Bar & Kitchen onLincoln’s High Street pairsits fantastic atmosphere withfabulous food. We met theteam at Craft to find out whyso many visitors to the citypay a visit.Craft Bar & Kitchen is in High Street, Lincoln,and for more information, call 01522 522533or visit www.craftlincoln.co.uk.46-47_Layout 1 11/12/2014 15:22 Page 1FOOD & DININGBy the time you read this, Craft’s new menu will be on offer,with the emphasis on hearty cuisine. Head chef Mark says, “It’scomfort food, really, but with a modern twist. We’ve designedthe menu so it’s fast-paced and we can serve quickly, but withoutcompromising on flavour.“We’ve looked around the area and there’s a lot of repetitionon the menus so we hope we’re able to stand out from thecrowd and that people will tell their friends. In fact a lot of thingsyou see now in the other venues around Lincoln – like burritosand hot dogs – were first seen here in Craft.“We’re also doing it all fresh – for example, we’re now workingon a gourmet hot dog, and we’ll change that on a regular basis.It’s not going to be a stagnant menu, and we source locally aswell – the meat comes from Doncasters butchers.”General manager Caroline says, “In the Craft coffee lounge wehave a fantastic £3 coffee and cake deal, and the cakes are locallysourced and made especially for us.”Craft’s new food menu is a mix of European and internationalcuisine, introducing gnocchi, bruschetta, terrine and varioustapas dishes. They will be offering four tapas dishes & a bottle ofhouse wine for £20 on Friday evenings. As Caroline points outtoo, “In the evenings the Craft restaurant transforms into abustling cocktail bar & hosts live acoustic acts, as well as Lincoln’sbest commercial & house DJs”.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY47Smokedsalmon gratinHead chef Mark opens his recipe book to present acreamy, smoky sauce with new potatoes, wiltedspinach and pieces of smoked salmon, bound inpresto cream sauce, topped with a mozzarella &cheddar crust.For the homemade pesto, blend chopped basil, parmesan, pinenuts, olive oil and garlic.Add fresh pesto to a pan, sauté off.Add white wine, reduce down by a third, add double creamand reduce by a half.Add wilted spinach and cooked new potatoesAdd the smoked salmon pieces and bind all the ingredientstogetherPlace the ingredients into an oven proof dish, top with thecheese blend and gratinate under the grill for five minutesuntil goldenRemove from the oven, serve hot and enjoy!46-47_Layout 1 11/12/2014 15:22 Page 248 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - VENUESMaybe you’ve been fortunate enoughto receive an engagement ring in yourChristmas stocking, or been inspired bythe weddings in the festive soaps. Eitherway, if the big question has been askedover the festive season, 2015 could wellbe a real year to remember.Planning your wedding can be almostas much fun as the big day itself.Whereas it used to be that every weddingran very much along the same lines,these days there are so many venues tochoose from and so many different waysyou can stamp your own personality onproceedings. Take inspiration fromanywhere and everywhere you can findLincolnshire’s topwedding venues andspecialists can helpput your big ideasinto practiceMakingyour dreamsa realityMakingyour dreamsa reality48-56_Layout 1 16/12/2014 10:19 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY49WEDDINGS - VENUESand make use of the wide range ofbrilliant venues across Lincolnshire.The traditional approach is there if youwant it, and certainly many aspects ofthe ceremony are moving and poignantand aren’t things you’d like to change.This may be especially the case if youhave a number of older guests attendingwho may well appreciate the traditionalaspects more than most.There are plenty of opportunities todeviate from the norm, however. Thesedays people are often getting marriedlater in life and have usually livedtogether for a couple of years. Thatmeans you may see the wedding assimply an excuse to get together yourfamily and friends for a huge celebrationwith the actual formalities taking on amuch smaller part of proceedings. Indeedif the venue you’ve got your heart set onisn’t licenced for weddings, you mayeven take the opportunity to simply do50 ÁPHOTO BY CYMBELINE48-56_Layout 1 16/12/2014 12:44 Page 2Next >