< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY © stock.adobe.com/Alena Summer is the season when hair takes on a life of its own. Humidity, heat, saltwater, and sun all influence how it sits and moves, prompting many to rethink their styles for both practicality and effortless beauty. This year, summer hair is about celebrating natural texture, playing with accessories, and embracing low- maintenance styles that can handle long days outdoors, sudden swims, and the inevitable effects of heat. One of the strongest trends this summer is the wet-look slicked-back bun. It has become a staple on both catwalks and city streets for good reason. It keeps hair trends Summer From slicked-back buns to undone waves and playful accessories, this summer’s hair trends are all about low- maintenance styles that look chic while keeping your hair healthy under the sun. HAIR & BEAUTY hair off the face, looks deliberately styled, and requires minimal effort. The trick is to work a conditioning treatment or leave-in mask through damp hair before slicking it back with a wide- tooth comb. This keeps flyaways at bay and deeply hydrates strands, acting as a treatment throughout the day while giving that glassy, mirror- shine finish. Beachy waves never really go out of style, but this summer they are softer and LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 31 HAIR & BEAUTY protectant sprays are becoming as essential as SPF for skin, guarding against colour fade and dryness. Many people are incorporating wide-brimmed hats into their looks, both for style and protection, and hats themselves have become part of the summer hair story. Bucket hats, straw hats, and canvas caps are being styled deliberately with braids peeking out or loose waves spilling from underneath, making them part of the overall aesthetic rather than an afterthought. Hair colour trends this summer remain soft and sun-kissed. Expensive brunettes, where rich brown tones are enhanced with subtle highlights, continue to dominate, giving depth and dimension without dramatic contrasts. Blondes are moving towards golden, buttery hues rather than cooler platinum, aligning with the warmth of the season. Meanwhile, copper tones remain popular, especially for those looking for a colour refresh that feels vibrant yet natural in the sun. Another emerging trend is hair glossing treatments, which add a layer of shine and slight tint to the hair without fully colouring it. These treatments are perfect for summer, as they enhance natural colour, reduce frizz, and give hair that fresh-from-the-salon gleam with minimal upkeep. Braids themselves remain a core part of summer styling. Classic three-strand braids, fishtail braids, and rope braids are all versatile, working well for beach days to keep hair neat or for evenings to create an intricate look without needing heat tools. Combining multiple small braids into loose waves adds texture and interest, while half-up braided crowns continue to be popular for festivals and garden parties. Overall, the approach to hair this summer is relaxed yet intentional. Styles are chosen not just for how they look but for how they protect hair health in the heat and humidity. Treatments and styling merge, with leave-in conditioners used as sleek styling creams, and protective styles like braids and buns doubling as fashion statements. more lived-in, achieved without heat tools. Braiding damp hair before bed and releasing it in the morning gives an easy wave that feels natural. Salt sprays continue to be a staple for adding body and grit, but many hairdressers now recommend using lightweight texture sprays infused with moisturising ingredients to avoid crisp or crunchy ends. Curtain bangs remain a popular choice for those looking to change their look without committing to a full fringe. These bangs frame the face softly, blending into the rest of the hair and growing out easily. They work particularly well with summer’s loose styles, adding interest around the face even when hair is tied back. Many choose to style curtain bangs with a slight flick using a round brush or to let them air dry for a more tousled finish. Short hair is seeing a surge in popularity as well this summer, especially textured crops and blunt bobs. The classic bob is getting a modern update with sharper lines and a chin-skimming length, often styled tucked behind the ears for a sleek yet relaxed feel. For those who prefer a bit more edge, the shaggy crop is back, full of choppy layers and texture that enhances natural movement and creates an effortlessly cool vibe. These styles thrive on minimal styling, needing only a dab of texturising cream or pomade to bring out their shape. Long hair isn’t being left behind. The ‘mermaid length’ trend continues, with hair reaching mid- back or longer, worn with soft waves or natural texture. This style pairs beautifully with the summer aesthetic of flowing dresses and sandals. Many with long hair are skipping daily heat styling altogether, opting instead for protective braids, loose ponytails, or messy buns that maintain the health of their lengths while still looking styled. Hair accessories are having a moment, adding personality to simple styles. Silk scarves tied around ponytails or woven into braids bring a pop of colour and pattern, while claw clips continue to be the go-to for quick updos. This summer’s clips are larger, often in pastel or marble finishes, and are used to twist hair into chic half-up styles or secure full buns with minimal fuss. Protecting hair from the sun is another priority woven into this year’s styling trends. UV-32 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HEALTH AND FITNESS D uring the pandemic, people turned their homes into miniature gyms. Living rooms became yoga studios, kitchens became weight training spaces, and bedrooms transformed into cardio zones. But something else quietly took hold in this period of lockdown isolation: the rise of gamified fitness. For those unmotivated by standard workouts, the idea of exercising within a game or virtual world was an unexpected gift. Fast forward to today, gyms are back, classes are thriving, and many home workout routines have been abandoned. Yet gamified fitness is not disappearing. In fact, it is getting better, stronger, and more sophisticated than ever before. At first, gamified fitness felt like a novelty. People strapped on headsets to box virtual opponents, pedalled away on smart bikes while competing against strangers across the world, or jogged through fantasy lands on their phones. Fitness levels up with gaming tech Gamified fitness boomed during lockdown and is now evolving into a powerful blend of play and training, with tech companies refining immersive workouts that keep people moving, motivated, and coming back for more. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 33 HEALTH AND FITNESS © stock.adobe.com/Autism in Focus The games were fun, though graphics and gameplay were often clunky. Now, developers and tech giants have had time to refine these experiences, combining physical movement with immersive visuals and interactive features that keep users engaged for longer. The surge in interest during lockdown showed companies that gamified fitness is not just a quirky niche. It is a powerful behavioural tool. Humans are naturally drawn to play, competition, and rewards. Applying these elements to fitness makes exercise less of a chore and more of an adventure. The market has become more competitive, weeding out low-quality apps and devices in favour of those with meaningful impact. The survivors are companies investing in realistic graphics, seamless tracking, and social integration to keep people coming back day after day. 34 ÁTechnology is a major driver behind these advances. Virtual reality headsets are becoming lighter, wireless, and more affordable, making them practical for home fitness. Augmented reality overlays are allowing people to transform familiar spaces into digital playgrounds without needing bulky equipment. Some devices now track micro-movements with precision, giving instant feedback to adjust posture, intensity, or technique. This is not just good for gaming enjoyment; it also reduces injury risk and improves performance outcomes, bridging the gap between fun and effective training. Large tech companies are entering the market with confidence. Meta has been aggressively developing its VR fitness offerings, building partnerships with game developers and fitness experts to create products that feel both entertaining and credible. Their focus is on making fitness social, encouraging friends to work out together in virtual gyms or dance studios, regardless of where they live. The aim is to tap into the power of community motivation, which has always been one of the strongest predictors of fitness adherence. Meanwhile, traditional gaming companies are exploring fitness crossovers too. They recognise that their expertise in engaging gameplay can transfer to health, a sector that benefits greatly from long-term user loyalty. Critics once argued that gamified fitness might keep people glued to screens without offering genuine physical benefits. But the industry has worked hard to prove otherwise. Studies now suggest that high-quality gamified workouts can match, and sometimes exceed, traditional exercise in terms of cardiovascular output, muscular engagement, and calorie expenditure. More importantly, participants often rate these experiences as more enjoyable, leading to better consistency over time. Accessibility has improved too. Early gamified fitness required expensive equipment or subscriptions. Now, entry- level options exist for most smartphones, and public gyms are beginning to offer VR-based classes as part of membership 34 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HEALTH AND FITNESSpackages. This lowers the barrier for people curious about trying it without committing to home setups. For individuals who find traditional exercise intimidating, gamified fitness offers a judgement-free environment where they can build confidence before stepping into a studio or class. Another major evolution is the diversification of activities available. Previously, options were largely limited to boxing, cycling, or basic dance workouts. Today, there are games for strength training, Pilates, tai chi, mindfulness sessions, and even adventure-based obstacle courses that blend problem solving with physical agility. This variety ensures that people with different tastes and fitness goals can find something engaging. There remains a cautionary note. As with all technology, moderation is key. Over-reliance on screens for fitness could reduce time spent in natural environments, which hold unique mental health benefits. It is also important that people understand the difference between gamified fun and evidence-based training to avoid injury or imbalance. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 35 HEALTH AND FITNESS © stock.adobe.com/Framestock Why should I choose a Transitions ® lens? Are you struggling with squinting on bright and sunny days? Can outdoor light bother you even on cloudy days? Does harsh indoor lighting affect your eyes? Are your eyes taking a few seconds to adjust when you come back inside on a bright day? Are you tired of constantly switching between your glasses and sunglasses? These are just some of the reasons a Transitions® lens would be perfect for you. Whether you require a prescription lens or not, they are becoming a popular choice for everyone. Offering a spectacular colour palette and providing HD vision at the speed of your life... Transitions® GEN STM is the latest standard lens from Essilor, but it is anything but standard! Fully clear indoors and darkens in seconds outdoors, they adapt amazingly fast to all light conditions providing optimal responsiveness. Blocking 100% UVA & UVB rays, and filtering blue-violet light indoors and outdoors giving your eyes full protection. Now available in 8 colours... Amber, amethyst, brown, emerald, graphite green, grey, ruby & sapphire. Which means you can have fun creating a unique pairing for your glasses by selecting both frame and lens colour choices. Transitions® XTRActiveTM New Generation lenses offer all the same benefits but are better for those who are very light sensitive, frequently exposed to bright light and want to wear them whilst driving. They are darkest in hot temperatures, in the car and when fully reacted they offer a true sunglass depth of tint. Available in 3 standard colours – brown, graphite green & grey, or 4 mirrored style colours – blue, gold, green & silver, for added wow factor! Transitions® XTRActiveTM Polarized lenses go that one step further combining the benefits of light intelligent lenses and dynamic polarisation. They are best for those who are frequently exposed to bright light and reflective glare. Available in grey only. Charlie Holland and Neil James For further information visit hollandjames.co.uk/transitions, call 01652 408200 or pop into the store in Brigg to speak with Charlie or Neil directly.36 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING RECIPES Rapid Chicken breast with oriental A rich and creamy meal with a warming yet delicate depth of spice. Serves 2 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Allergens: Dairy, egg (in noodles), sesame What to do: 1. Cook the chicken: In a pan, heat 1 tbsp oil with 20g butter over medium heat. Pan-fry the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside. 2. Prepare the sauce: In the same pan, add the finely chopped stem ginger, lemon slices, and a pinch of chili flakes. Fry for a couple of minutes until fragrant. 3. Add liquids: Pour in the coconut milk, honey, and soy sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. 4. Simmer with chicken: Add the chicken breasts back into the pan. Let the sauce simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavours meld together. 5. Prepare noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil, finely chopped coriander, spring onion, and toasted sesame seeds. 6. Serve: Plate the chicken with sauce over the noodles and enjoy. When you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen, having a rapid recipe to hand is a blessing. Here are some meals that are healthy, will be enjoyed by the whole family, and can be on the table within the hour! stem ginger sauce You’ll need: * 2 chicken breasts * 2 Opies Stem Ginger Balls, finely chopped * 3 Opies Lemon Slices, finely chopped * 1 tbsp honey * 200ml coconut milk * Pinch of chili flakes * 1 tbsp soy sauce * 1 tbsp oil * 20g butter * Noodles, for serving * Sesame oil, coriander (finely chopped), spring onion (finely chopped), and toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 37 Rich beef stir fry with pickled walnuts Jam-packed with flavour and colour, this dish can hit the table in 20 minutes! Serves 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Allergens: gluten, nuts, soya, sulphur dioxide You’ll need: * 1 tbsp vegetable oil * 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced * 1 tsp minced garlic in oil * 400g lean rump steak, cut into thin strips * 250g pak choi, washed and roughly sliced * 100g tenderstem broccoli * 75g Opies Pickled Walnuts, drained and sliced and reserved liquid * 2 tbsp Teriyaki sauce * 1 small red chilli, sliced What to do: 1. In a large, non-stick wok, heat the oil and fry the onion and garlic together for a minute. 2. Add the steak strips and cook until brown on all sides, leaving the centre still pink, remove and keep warm. 3. Add the pak choi, broccoli and Opies Pickled Walnuts to the pan, pour over Teriyaki sauce and 2 tbsp of saved walnut liquid. 4. Cook on a high heat for 2 minutes, toss frequently. 5. Add the steak strips back to the pan and serve immediately scattered with fresh chilli slices. Hints and tips: Use pre-cut stir-fry strips of steak to save time and a bag of ready chopped vegetable stir- fry mix.To promote your services call Angie Cooper on 01472 310302 or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk Click’em Inn Swinhope, Nr Binbrook, Market Rasen, LN8 6BS Tel: 01472 398253 Web: www.clickem-inn.co.uk The Click’em Inn is a family-owned freehouse, established for over 30 years in its current incarnation. Steeped in history, the inn is open 6 days a week, Tuesday- Sunday, offering a wide choice of drinks, including six real ales available at any time, with a regularly changing selection of personally recommended guest ales. The Kitchen is open Tuesday-Sunday for evening dining, plus lunchtimes Friday-Sunday. The menu varies from day-to-day with the chef’s specials, alongside regular meals. 38 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Sweet & sour ginger chicken Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes You’ll need: * 500g Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces * 2 tbsp Cornflour * 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil * 1 onion, chopped * 1 red bell pepper, chopped * 1 green bell pepper, chopped * 1 carrot, sliced * 200g Pineapple Chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice) * 2 tablespoons Opies Stem Ginger syrup * 2 Opies Stem Ginger, finely chopped * 2 tbsp Soy Sauce * 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar * 1 tbsp Tomato Ketchup * 1 tbsp Honey * 1 tbsp Cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) * Salt and pepper, to taste * Cooked rice, to serve What to do: 1. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornflour until evenly coated. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over a medium-high heat. 3. Add the coated chicken pieces to the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside. 4. In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. 5. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and sliced carrot to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. 6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. 7. Add the drained pineapple chunks to the pan and stir to combine. 8. In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, Opies Stem Ginger syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, tomato ketchup and honey. 9. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the pan and stir in the chopped ginger. 10. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce and bring to a simmer. 11. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. 12. Pour the cornflour mixture into the pan, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. 13. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 14. Serve hot over cooked rice. A quick classic, ideal for sneaking extra veggies into the kids’ dinner or using up what’s in the fridge.FOOD & DINING LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 39 Salmon with lemon, caper & dill butter Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Allergens: Fish, dairy You’ll need: For the Butter: * 125g unsalted butter, softened * 2 tsp Opies Capers, finely chopped * 10g fresh dill, chopped * 5g fresh parsley, chopped * 1 tsp sea salt * 2 Opies Lemon Slices, finely chopped + juice of 1 slice For the Salmon: * 2 salmon steaks (approx. 200g each) * Olive oil, for drizzling * Salt and black pepper, to season For the Crisps: * 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (use a mandolin for even slices) * Vegetable oil, for frying To serve: * Beetroot & feta salad What to do: 1. Prepare the lemon, caper & dill butter: Combine softened butter, chopped capers, lemon slices and juice, dill, parsley, and sea salt in a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Transfer to a small dish, cover, and refrigerate to firm up while preparing the other elements. 2. Cook the salmon: Preheat a chargrill pan over high heat. Pat the salmon steaks dry, then season with salt and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Grill the salmon for 4–5 minutes on each side until cooked through and lightly charred. Cover loosely with foil and set aside to rest. 3. Prepare the crisps: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 140°C. Fry the potato slices in batches for about 2 minutes until softened but not browned. Remove and drain on kitchen paper. Increase the oil temperature to 180°C and fry the potatoes again until golden and crisp. Drain and season with salt. 4. Assemble & serve: Plate the grilled salmon steaks with a dollop of the lemon, caper, and dill butter on top to melt over the fish. Serve with the homemade crisps and a fresh beetroot & feta salad on the side. Stimulate all your senses with succulent salmon alongside a trio of flavours from dill, caper and lemon. Recipes courtesy of www.bennettopie.com / @opiesfoodsNext >