< PreviousCompleting your outfit An accessory or two is key to an effective ensemble. Cotton Traders A few well-chosen accessories can take an outfit to the next level, as Cotton Traders shows here. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 31 FASHION Fable England With chocolate brown and burnt caramel tones paired with an acorn print, this Fable England scarf offers subtle cottagecore style. Dune London With a chic kitten heel, these ankle boots from Dune London will elevate your cold-weather footwear. Marc Cain This waist belt from Marc Cain, embellished with shiny pearls and sparkling rhinestones, will add that certain something to any outfit, quickly transforming simple looks. Oliver Bonas In a playful bow shape this clutch bag from Oliver Bonas, made from soft chocolate brown velvet, is the ideal accessory to complement Christmas party outfits. The British Craft House With gold and silver wire crochet hoops, these unique earrings from Dawn Gear Jewellery, available at The British Craft House, are sure to make a statement. V&A With a strikingly simple design of a velvet ribbon and freshwater pearl pendant, this necklace from Margaux Studios, available from V&A, exudes a classic, romantic air. FACE A FACE Brighten up your look with these flashy frames from FACE A FACE. Find this pair, or one similar, at O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg or http://obriensopticians.co.uk/ DITA These golden glasses from DITA, with a rimless lens design, offer the perfect blend of minimalism and luxury. Head down to O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg or visit http://obriensopticians.co.uk/ for your own pair. A breath of fresh air As the crisp, cool weather of December blows in, here are some new items of menswear to don. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 33 FASHION Top: Barbour Simple and smart, this wool coat from Barbour offers timeless appeal, layered over a classic crew neck sweater. Above: Cotton Traders For those not committed to flashy Christmas jumpers, fairisle knits provide the perfect feel of fashionable festive warmth, such as this cardigan from Cotton Traders. Right: Joe Browns In a washed navy cord, this waistcoat and blazer pair from Joe Browns will help your smart casual looks stand out this season. Opposite: Lakeland Leather With a rich, deep brown, velvety finish, this jacket from Lakeland Leather elevates an everyday staple exceptionally. 34 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HAIR & BEAUTY O nion shampoo might sound like the punchline to a beauty joke, but it’s the latest ingredient turning heads in hair care. Long used in home remedies for everything from hair fall to scalp health, onion extract has found its way into glossy bottles and high-end salons. What was once a kitchen- cupboard hack whispered about in DIY circles is now being taken seriously by The surprising rise of onion shampoo Once a kitchen remedy whispered about in beauty forums, onion shampoo has become hair care’s newest obsession. Here’s why this sulphur-rich staple is being hailed as the secret to stronger, healthier roots. beauty editors and trichologists alike. The reason is simple: people are looking beyond shine and scent, and towards formulas that actively support scalp health and long-term growth. The rise of onion shampoo is part of a bigger shift in how we view hair care. For years, the focus was on the hair shaft (the bit we see and style) but now the attention has moved upwards, to the scalp. Think of it as skin care for your head: exfoliation, hydration, and microbiome balance are the new buzzwords. In this context, the sulphur- rich onion has emerged as a surprising hero. It’s packed with antioxidants, antimicrobial compounds and nutrients that support the scalp environment, making it more resilient and better equipped to grow stronger hair. Early studies on onion juice and hair growth date back to the early 2000s, when small-scale trials suggested it could stimulate regrowth in certain types of hair loss. The results were promising but not miraculous. Participants who applied onion juice directly to the scalp twice a day saw some improvement, while others noticed healthier roots and less breakage over time. Those findings have since been softened by a dose of realism: rubbing raw onion on your head is hardly practical, and the strong smell lingers far longer than anyone would like. The latest wave of shampoos seeks to sidestep that issue by harnessing onion extract in milder, more user-friendly ways. What’s most interesting isn’t just the ingredient itself but what it represents. Beauty consumers are increasingly ingredient-literate, scanning labels and researching actives before they buy. Onion shampoo fits that mindset perfectly. It promises something © stock.adobe.com/goodskinLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 35 HAIR & BEAUTY functional, backed by logic rather than luxury. It’s less about the promise of instant transformation and more about building long-term scalp resilience. For those suffering from thinning hair, post- partum shedding or seasonal scalp stress, the idea of using something natural yet potent holds obvious appeal. Of course, there are caveats. Experts point out that while onion extract contains sulphur compounds linked to keratin production (the protein that gives hair its strength) a rinse-off shampoo can only do so much. Most formulas don’t stay on the scalp long enough to deliver dramatic changes, and many of the benefits seen in studies involved direct, leave-on application of concentrated juice. Still, consistency matters. Even brief contact can help if the product is paired with gentle massaging, improved circulation, and an overall healthier routine. The result might not be a miraculous regrowth story, but a calmer scalp, reduced breakage, and glossier strands. The allure of onion shampoo also taps into a broader beauty trend: returning to simple, functional ingredients that our grandmothers might have sworn by. Just as rice water and castor oil have re- emerged in modern formulations, onion extract carries a similar nostalgic charm, blending tradition with science. What used to be dismissed as folk wisdom is now being reassessed under the lens of dermatology. Beauty brands and more importantly, beauty writers are treating the ingredient seriously not because it’s trendy, but because it aligns with a new wellness-driven ethos that prizes healthy roots over superficial fixes. Social media has played a huge role in this revival. TikTok videos boasting glossy “before and after” results have racked up millions of views, while beauty forums are flooded with DIY success stories. The curiosity is infectious: people who once rolled their eyes at the idea of onion in a beauty routine are now curious enough to try it. That curiosity reflects a growing openness to re-evaluating what works and a desire to move away from the over-fragranced, silicone-heavy formulas of the past. If you’re tempted to try onion shampoo, the key is to manage expectations. It’s not a miracle in a bottle, and it won’t reverse hereditary hair loss. What it can do is create a healthier environment for hair to grow, improve scalp comfort, and restore some of the natural balance stripped away by harsh styling habits and environmental stressors. The beauty of it is that it supports the long game. And yes, the smell. It’s the first question everyone asks. Thankfully, cosmetic chemistry has come a long way since the early DIY days. Modern formulations are surprisingly pleasant, using refined extracts that preserve the beneficial compounds while eliminating that tell-tale kitchen scent. The result is something that feels surprisingly luxurious, a far cry from the pungent home mixtures that first inspired the craze. What onion shampoo really represents is a shift in mindset. Beauty is becoming less about masking and more about maintenance. Consumers want products that feel purposeful, that respect biology rather than override it. The interest in scalp-first care shows that hair wellness is being reframed as part of overall health, not vanity. And that’s perhaps why onion shampoo has become such a talking point: it symbolises the meeting point between old wisdom and new science, where simplicity becomes sophistication. In the end, whether or not onion shampoo lives up to its hype may matter less than the conversation it’s sparked. It’s made people think more deeply about what’s actually happening beneath the surface and that awareness alone is valuable. Because hair, at its healthiest, isn’t about chasing miracles. It’s about understanding the quiet systems that sustain it, and giving them what they need to do their best work. © stock.adobe.com/Vitalii© stock.adobe.com/skumer How to stay fit when winter (and mince pies) get in the way As the cold sets in and festive temptations pile up, staying fit isn’t about strict routines or guilt. It’s about small, steady choices that keep your body moving and your mood up through winter. How to stay fit when winter (and mince pies) get in the way LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 37 HEALTH AND FITNESS T he cold settles in early across Lincolnshire. By half past four, it’s dark. The sofa starts looking suspiciously like a gym membership you’ve already paid for. And yet, this is the season when staying active matters most, for our energy, mood, and immune system. The trick isn’t to power through the chill, but to adapt to it. Winter fitness isn’t about running faster or eating cleaner, but it’s about finding small, steady ways to move, eat, and recover well enough to emerge in January still feeling human. The first shift is mental. Stop thinking of exercise as punishment for festive eating and see it as protection against the slump that cold weather brings. Research from Public Health England shows that even light movement, like ten minutes of brisk walking, housework, or cycling to the shops, helps counter the fatigue and low mood linked to shorter days. Instead of setting unrealistic gym goals, anchor your activity around your existing day. Walk during lunch. Take stairs instead of lifts. Shovel the drive yourself. Those microbursts of effort keep blood sugar steady and prevent the stiffness that winter hours at a desk can cause. At the same time, the change of season calls for a rethink of what movement looks like. Outdoor runners can shift their focus from performance to consistency, swapping long routes for quick loops near home, or heading to local parks like Boultham or Hartsholme for a 20-minute walk before work. If the weather turns, Lincoln’s leisure centres and community gyms offer a warm reprieve. Swimming is especially effective in winter, improving circulation without straining joints that ache in the cold. And for those who prefer staying in, a quick home workout (squats, press-ups, stretches) before a shower is enough to keep muscles active. Ten focused minutes a day beats two hours of regret come January. Then there’s the food question with the minefield of buffets, rich dinners, and the steady parade of “just one more” desserts. Restriction rarely works at Christmas. What does work is rhythm. Balance heavier meals with lighter ones and give your body time to digest before eating again. Start the day with protein, such as eggs, yoghurt, oats, to stabilise appetite, and sip water or herbal tea between festive drinks. Alcohol and sugar are dehydrating, which can make you sluggish and crave more. Hydration sounds dull, but it’s the simplest way to protect your energy through December’s chaos. One overlooked tool for winter health is daylight. Low light affects serotonin, the hormone linked to mood and motivation, which partly explains why hibernation feels so appealing. Getting outside within an hour of waking, even for five minutes, helps reset your body clock. If mornings are impossible, make a habit of stepping outside on lunch breaks, letting your eyes take in natural light rather than phone screens. Sleep often slips when schedules fill with parties and late nights, but recovery is the backbone of any health routine. Poor sleep affects appetite hormones, making you hungrier and less likely to exercise. Aim to keep a steady bedtime for most of the week, even when celebrations creep in. A warm shower and a cool bedroom help signal rest. If you struggle to wind down, limit screens for half an hour before bed and switch to a book or podcast instead. The body performs best when it has a rhythm, even in December. Mental health, too, benefits from these small routines. Studies show that physical activity can reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and winter fatigue. Movement increases dopamine and serotonin, both linked to better mood. But beyond biology, it’s about momentum: proving to yourself that you can keep going, even when conditions aren’t perfect. That confidence carries into the rest of life, work, relationships, self-care. Staying fit in winter isn’t a vanity project; it’s emotional resilience training. Finally, remember that fitness is broader than exercise. It’s in the choices that help you feel alive rather than heavy. Meet friends for a walk instead of another dinner. Cook one healthy meal you actually enjoy, then make enough for leftovers. Take your dog on a slightly longer route. Swap one sugary drink for sparkling water and lemon. These aren’t grand resolutions; they’re decisions that stack up quietly, like stepping stones through the season. By January, when everyone else is scrambling for quick fixes, you won’t need to start over. You’ll already have a rhythm. Winter will have done its work, slowing you down just enough to notice what keeps you well. Because staying fit this time of year is about choosing balance over extremes. A little movement, a little discipline, and a lot of compassion for yourself, that’s the kind of fitness that lasts longer than any new year’s promise. © stock.adobe.com/ Анастасия Макевич38 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING Ham, vegetable & cheese frittata Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes You’ll need: * 6 large eggs * 100ml milk * 150g cooked ham, diced * 175g – 200g leftover vegetables * 6 Opies Mini Silverskin Onions, drained and chopped * 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated * 1 tbsp olive oil * Salt and freshly ground black pepper * Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish What to do: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F. 2. Chop the leftover veg to bite size pieces. 3. Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof frying pan over medium heat. Add the vegetables and chopped Opies Mini Silverskin Onions. Cook for a couple of minutes to heat through and add colour to the vegetables. 4. In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in diced ham and grated cheese. 5. Pour the egg mixture over the cooked vegetables in the pan. Stir gently to combine. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the edges start to set. 6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the frittata is fully set and golden on top. 7. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, garnish with extra silverskin onions, fresh parsley or chives, then slice and serve warm. the gift that keeps on giving Christmas leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving. Lincolnshire Today shares some recipes to turn the towers of turkey, veggies and chocolates into something the whole family will enjoy. Christmas leftovers This light and fluffy frittata is loaded with leftovers and packed with flavour. FOOD & DINING LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 39 This tasty lunch or early supper dish will use up an array of Christmas leftovers. What to do: 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C. 2. To make the sauce, melt the butter over a medium heat then add the onions and gently cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and golden brown. 3. Stir the flour into the onions and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and whisk in the stock a little at a time, followed by the cream, until it is all incorporated and a smooth sauce is achieved. 4. Return to the heat, bring the sauce to a simmer, continue to stir and cook until the sauce has thickened. Add the pepper, nutmeg and salt to taste. 5. Stir the leftover turkey and vegetables into the sauce and heat for a couple of minutes. 6. Transfer to a roasting dish and set aside. 7. Make the topping by combining the breadcrumbs, herbs, lemon zest and cheese. Sprinkle over the top with the silverskin onions and pickled walnut slices. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Hints and tips: Serve with crusty bread, salad and additional veggies. Swap with chicken instead of turkey. This dish is suitable for freezing (if the meat was cooked fresh and not pre-frozen). Serves 6 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes You’ll need: * 85g butter * 3 medium onions, finely chopped * 60g plain flour * 750ml vegetable or chicken stock * 300ml double cream * 1 1/2 tsp black pepper * 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg * 600g cooked turkey, roughly chopped * 250g cooked brussels sprouts, halved * 600g mixed cooked leftover vegetables, e.g. any combination of leeks, carrots, peas, broccoli etc. * 1/4 jar Opies Mini Silverskin Onions * 1/4 jar Opies Pickled Walnuts, sliced * Salt to taste * 110g white breadcrumbs * 3 tbsp mixed herbs, chopped, e.g. combination of thyme, parsley, sage * Zest of 1/2 lemon * 70g mature cheddar cheese, grated vegetable gratin Turkey, ham &Next >