Category Archives: Life & Style

Aston Martin launches in India

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Aston Martin has officially opened the doors to its first dealership in India today, bringing the British marquee’s luxury sports cars to the city of Mumbai.

This important move in the luxury manufacturer’s expansion plans further strengthens the company’s representation in this growing region, bringing the Aston Martin brand to India for the first time.

Aston Martin will commence its presence in India with a new dedicated facility in Mumbai in partnership with Performance Cars (a division of Infinity Cars Pvt. Ltd.), who have enjoyed a strong reputation in the Indian luxury car market for several years.

Aston Martin’s Chief Commercial Officer, Michael van der Sande said, “India represents a new opportunity for us and as part of our programme of growing the reach of the global Aston Martin dealership network this expansion brings our brand to a different audience in a new market.

“Our decision to bring the Aston Martin brand to India is driven by a strong level of interest and enthusiasm from potential customers in an emerging luxury market. We have taken our time to find the right advocates for Aston Martin and I am confident that we have selected strong partners with whom we look forward to starting a successful relationship.”

On his part Performance Cars, Managing Director, Mr. Lalit Choudary said, “Partnering Aston Martin offers us an unique opportunity to bring one of the world’s iconic brands to one of the world’s most discerning and fast growing markets. We are confident about the brand’s success in India given the range of models, the comfortable ride quality the cars offer on our roads and the exclusivity they accord.”

The Aston Martin dealership in Mumbai is located at Kemp’s Corner at the junction of the ultra-premium Peddar and Altamount Roads and will offer customers a premium boutique environment wherein they can custom specify the cars to their exacting needs. The after-sales facility in nearby Worli is a first of its kind dedicated, air conditioned workshop in the high luxury segment. The showroom and after-sales facilities have been specially designed to follow the international design elements that have timelessly identified the elegance of the Aston Martin brand worldwide.

Aston Martin customers and enthusiasts will be able to view and test-drive selected models from the entire range of V8 Vantage Coupe, V8 Vantage Roadster, V12 Vantage, DB9 Coupe, DB9 Volante, DBS Coupe, DBS Volante and the four-door sports car; Rapide. These models will also be joined by the recently launched V8 Vantage S and the new Virage.

The opening of the Aston Martin Mumbai showroom strengthens the company’s global dealership network to a total of 134 dealers in 42 countries. As part of the company’s ongoing expansion plans Aston Martin has recently entered into Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Taiwan and Turkey whilst seeking continued growth in new markets as well as emerging markets including China and the Middle East.

Royal Wedding highlights those hidden calories as summer wedding season gets underway

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The wedding season is well and truly upon us with the nuptials of William and Kate providing a dramatic start for 2011.

But while most of us will see the pounds flying from our wallets with outfits and presents we often overlook the pounds that we pile on during the celebrations.

Fitness First Personal Trainer of the Year Katie Ford said that weddings can see us eat up to 5,000 calories in one day – and that’s without the excesses of a hen or stag do and a large fry up following the wedding day.

“As summer and the wedding season approaches it’s easy forget how many calories we can actually consume over the course of a day,’’ said Katie.

She says that with Champagne at 90 calories a glass, a few canapés at 200 calories each, a three course celebration meal at 1,000 calories and a single piece of wedding cake 650 calories you are already at around 2,500 calories.

“Add to this wine, beer, breakfast before the ceremony and a tasty evening buffet and you can easily consume 5,000 calories,’’ said Katie.

“It is difficult to avoid those extra calories and so we still need to exercise in order to keep in shape and not totally abandon our fitness routines.’’

Katie suggests a number of short workouts which are perfect for burning those extra calories, all of which can either be done at home, outdoors or in the gym. “You can fit these in around any kind of summer celebration where the calorie count is high from a wedding to birthday parties or BBQ.’’

Katie’s wedding workout recommendations
· One glass of Champagne = 90kcal
Try 10 minutes on the cross trainer or power walking up hill
· Glass of red wine = 135 kcal
Try 20 minutes of a group exercise class or video – for example Get Fit with Mel B group exercise class or Video Game
· 1 pint of beer = 225kcals
Try 30 minutes of a Body Attack class
· One/two canapes = 291kcal
Try 30 minutes of running or jogging, either on the treadmill or in a park
· Slice of wedding cake = 650 calories
A Zumba class can easily burn off 650 calories – and you can have fun at the same time.
· Half pork pie = 245kcals
Try 30 minutes of an RPM/Group Cycling class or an hour’s bike ride
· Wedding meal with wine = 1,000 calories
Complete all of the above classes and exercises.

Pictured – Katie Ford – Fitness First Personal Trainer of the Year

Meet the Spencers: How to manage the in-laws on your (Royal) wedding day

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Meet the Spencers: How to manage the in-laws on your (Royal) wedding day

There are just nine days to go until HRH Prince William of Wales ties the knot with Catherine Middleton, and no doubt pre-wedding jitters have well and truly set in.

But while most couples concern themselves with button-holes and buffets in the run up to the wedding, Wills and Kate have bigger problems afoot. The in-laws.

As the silver is polished, and the flowers are arranged, the happy couple will no doubt be contemplating the one part of the day they can’t control: their relatives. Will Uncle Gary create a spectacle when he flies in from La Maison de Bang Bang? And what’s cousin Amelia planning for her biggest public appearance since that incident at McDonald’s Cape Town?

Luckily for Wills and Kate, thecoupleconnection.net – an online DIY relationship support service, which helps couples deal with issues ranging from in-laws to infidelity and offers free marriage preparation materials – is on hand with some top tips for reeling in the rellies on their big day.

1. You can say what you like about your own family, but tread carefully when it comes to your partner’s. If Uncle Gaz chats up one of the Spencer girls on the edge of the dance floor, you’d do well to blooming button it, Wills.

2. Think through your seating plan carefully. Do you really want Earl Spencer on a table full of single girls? Would Lady Kitty and Chelsy Davy collude to turn a state occasion into a raucous night at Mahiki? Consider who you’d rather keep apart.

3. Have autonomy over your day. Wills and Kate know that ensuring you make the final decisions gives pushy grandmas less room for manoeuvre. Instead give relatives specific tasks that will make them feel valued without allowing them to interfere in other areas.

4. If you’re going to invite the black sheep of the family, take the pressure of yourself and insist your partner invites at least one oddball from their side, too.

5. Introduce the in-laws beforehand. If you think one side might be frosty, arrange a pre-wedding outing that will help break down barriers. Wine tasting usually works.

If all this fails, stuff them all and just elope.

Fortunately for the Royal couple, 29 April is likely to run smoothly. William and Kate undertook marriage preparation in the months leading up to the wedding and have most likely already discussed how to deal with any family issues that might arise.

For those that don’t have the Archbishop of Canterbury on speed dial, it’s now possible to prepare for the big day by working through thecoupleconnection.net’s “making a commitment” articles, which help address issues that may arise throughout a marriage – all in a space and time convenient to them, and without the need to sign up for more formal marriage preparation classes.

Styled & Frocked on the King's Road

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BBC children’s television presenter Cerrie Burnell will be appearing at the Styled and Frocked fashion event at JuJu Nightclub, Kings Road on Thursday 28th April.

The Tree of Hope Children’s Charity has joined forces with the campaigning Models of Diversity for a unique Fashion Event to help raise funds for children’s specialist medical treatment and therapy in the UK.

One of the few visibly disabled people working on television, Cerrie’s appointment as presenter on BBC’s children’s channel CBeebies sparked complaints from a minority of parents. Subsequently Cerrie has spent much time campaigning to raise awareness on disability and the prejudice that surrounds it.

Cerrie has said ”I am delighted to have the opportunity to lend my support to a fashion event which will be celebrating models of all different ages, colours, sizes and abilities.” Adding ”It will be great evening and I am so pleased to be helping rasie raise support and awareness for the Tree of Hope Children’s Charity and the brilliant work they so.”

Guest List also includes:

Catherine Balavage

Chelsey Baker

Liz Brewer

Ben Duncan

Ian Carmichael and Tony Pappas

Leee John

Cindy Jackson

The event will be hosted by Sally Farmiloe-Neville

With the guidance and approval of medical practitioners in our health care services, The Tree of Hope Children’s Charity will fund grants for medical treatment and therapy within the private sector of medicine in the UK. We will also fund surgery and treatment by medical specialists abroad, where the specific knowledge and facilities are available, in order to treat UK children as quickly as possible. Please visit http://www.treeofhope.org.uk/ for more information (Reg. No:1043092).

Models of Diversity is a London-based non-profit organization, whose mission is to change the face of fashion and modelling. They have had great visibility in the press with their impressive campaigning, celebrity endorsements and most recently, their models have been used in popular television programmes on Channel 4 in 2011.

Lee Chapman and Leslie Ash, are hoping to attend the Fashion Show, stating: “We are both delighted that we are able to help the Tree of Hope Children’s Charity by hosting this Fashion Show at JuJu.”

Special guest entertainment including the Teakshow comedy duo. the crooning of Don Wilson and Lipstick Bandits Burlesque and a catwalk show featuring the clothes of up and coming Bo Carter, Hoss Intropia and Toni Pickles of Get Waisted.

Multi Award Winning Bar, JuJu is the hottest addition to the nightlife scene on World Famous King’s Road in Chelsea. Located in the heart of Chelsea, JuJu has won multiple awards since opening. In 2009, it was awarded Best New Bar and in 2010 it was awarded Outstanding Mixology by the London Club and Bar Awards. Not surprising, given that JuJu serves the finest cocktails mixed by some of London’s best bartenders including their in-house mixologist. JuJu also offers an eclectic combination of Pan Asian tapas food from all over the world.

28th April
6pm – Late
JuJu
316 – 318 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UH, London
Tickets £20 (including a fabulous goody bag)

You can buy them here:

http://styledandfrockedjuju.eventbrite.com

http://www.treeofhope.org.uk

Make a Donation here: http://www.justgiving.com/treeofhope/Donate

WOMEN IN MALE-DOMINATED TRADES: KENT FEMALE ELECTRICIAN

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Electrician Charlotte Riddle.

Currently there are more men working in industries such as building, plumbing like Shower regrouting perth and electrical engineering than women, but this is a changing trend says Checkatrade, which helps people avoid cowboy builders by providing a free transparent and impartial directory of vetted tradespeople and service providers across the UK.

According to a recent survey conducted by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), 63% of 16-24 year old women polled said they are more interested in learning a skilled trade rather than a profession, because a trade stays with them for life. When asked which trade they would like to learn, the results were as follows:

1. Electrician (35%)
2. Carpenter (21%)
3. Plumber (20%)
4. Builder (10%)
5. Farrier (6%)

Becoming a bricky was the least popular choice, accounting for just 1% of the votes.

Kevin Byrne, Managing Director at Checkatrade, is delighted: “It is great to see more women opting for hands-on careers. It means the number of independent female traders registering with Checkatrade will rise over the coming years, especially with university fees set to increase again. This is positive news for the future growth of our business.”

Qualified electrician Charlotte Riddle registered with Checkatrade after setting up her own business two years ago. She previously worked in credit control before spending some time as a driving instructor. After a spell renovating houses in France, Charlotte moved back to the UK and decided to follow in her electrician father’s footsteps.

“My father is a huge source of inspiration and actively encouraged me to retrain”, explains Charlotte. I found it challenging because there was a lot to learn, plus I was pregnant and had a full-time job to maintain. It was hard work but I obtained City & Guilds qualifications in ‘electrical installations’ and ‘inspecting/testing electrical equipment’, plus a level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).”

After qualifying as an electrician Charlotte became Part P registered to comply with building regulations and went into partnership with her father. She is now responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining electrical systems in homes and commercial premises. Specific duties include:

· Installing and repairing lighting fixtures and connections
· Checking and replacing consumer units; replacing controls, switches, and other components as necessary
· Installing and repairing wiring systems in houses
· Changing circuit breakers
· Performing electrical safety checks
· Studying electrical blueprints, manuals and files for reference
· Maintaining records and completing paperwork

Charlotte’s business, Connected Domestic Electricians, has a wide client base and is prospering despite economic conditions. Easter is a popular time for home renovations, which makes it a busy time for Charlotte.

Commenting on the electrical trade’s gender balance, Charlotte observes: “I think one of the main reasons we see few female electricians is a lack of awareness. We need to inform young women that careers in electrical engineering are accessible, highly rewarding and not restricted to men so there is no need for apprehension.

She jokes: “Many people booking an electrician think it will be a man coming to call. Indeed, some take me for the receptionist when I answer the office phone and ask what time ‘he’, the electrician, will be arriving. This is not sexism, just natural assumptions people make because the trade is so male-dominated. However, these old-fashioned attitudes need to change.”

Electricians often have to lift floorboards, chase out walls or move heavy furniture to reach electrical components. This means working in the trade can be physically demanding.

“It can be exhausting sometimes,” admits Charlotte. “Luckily I have my father on board to help out. We work as a team to get jobs done on time, within budget. Newly qualified electricians looking to start their own businesses should consider partnership rather than going it alone. They can’t teach you everything at college, much of what you learn is on-the-job. My father’s experience is invaluable to the future success of Connected Domestic Electricians.”

Charlotte is delighted to be a part of Checkatrade. She comments; “Interfering with a domestic, industrial or commercial electrical system is extremely dangerous unless you are properly qualified. Rogue electricians risk lives for financial gain. It’s a disgraceful practice and we want to do whatever we can to minimise its effect on households and businesses.

“My father and I are proud of our company, and strive to achieve only the highest standards of safety and quality. Being part of Checkatrade means people can monitor and review our work – so far the feedback has been extremely positive, so it’s good for business too.”

Kevin Byrne founded Checkatrade in 1998, when a tornado devastated his hometown of Selsey and cowboy builders scrambled to rip off people trying to rebuild their homes.

For more information on Checkatrade visit: www.checkatrade.com

For more information on Connected Domestic Electricians visit: www.connected-electric.co.uk

Just Enough For The Real World Charity Performances

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In Association With

The Helen Bamber Foundation

www.justenoughfortherealworld.com

“Sex trafficking is a hugely important subject, and I believe we need as much art as we can get to help people understand what’s going on. It’s all the little efforts that produce a shift in consciousness. What’s more, to do nothing is unthinkable.”- Emma Thompson

“Sometimes all it takes is one person to make a difference”– Helen Bamber

Music Producers and Writers, Phil Knight and Rob Clydesdale have worked tirelessly with their team of musicians in creating the forthcoming second series of charity performances in association with Emma Thompson’s ‘Helen Bamber Foundation’. Repeated due to popular demand, the three live theatre shows will take place on the 5th, 6th and 7th May following the band’s release of their first single ‘The Sky Is Always Mine’ on 9th May.

‘The Sky Is Always Mine’ features vocalist Desi Valentine whose credits include playing the lead in the West End version of Fame and as backing singer for artists such as Elton John and Liza Minnelli. The single will be released on the 9th of May following the three live theatre shows. The theatre shows incorporate the full selection of songs from the charity album ‘Just Enough For The Real World’, featuring eleven up and coming singers including the daughter of TV Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, Christina Novelli, to Desi Valentine and even a full marching band.

In 2008, Phil Knight from Waltham Forest was invited by actress Emma Thompson to view an educational exhibition in Trafalgar Square called ‘Journey’. Journey told the story of an Eastern European girl, Elena, who was trafficked to the UK and subsequently forced to service up to fifty men a day; she was further subjected to physical torture. The Authorities eventually caught up with the trafficking circle, which thankfully led to Elena’s release. The Helen Bamber Foundation, whose chair person is Emma Thompson, provided solace and helped Elena turn her life around so that she may now live the normal life she always dreamed of.

This was to change Phil’s life forever. He felt such anger for Elena’s story that he could no longer simply sit back and ignore such terrible human rights violations. But without having a human rights background he could only act in the arena he knew…………..music.

By 2009, Phil wanted to raise awareness of the Helen Bamber Foundation in order to help an unquantifiable number of women and children who are subjects of trafficking every year. The Drum For Life project involved Phil drumming for four and a half days, non-stop, in Leicester Square, to over 1800 songs and subsequently demonstrating self-torture. Sleep deprivation made him hallucinate; the motive behind the project made him cry, but remembering the story of Elena gave him the encouragement to complete the project and raise over £4,000 for the cause. By November 2009, producer Rob Clydesdale from Hertfordshire and Phil joined forces to discuss the making of an album for the benefit of the Foundation. They called it ‘Just Enough For The Real World’.

“This is great music by great writer-performers who were inspired by great suffering. Weirdly, it is full of humour and hope and breathes life into its listeners, not sadness. Joyful and timely, it reminds us what ARTISTS can do when they’re in the right place at the right time”- Emma Thompson

“Baroness Benjamin: More and more people are being inspired by documentaries, films and newspaper articles to become proactive, such as the young musician whom I heard about just recently, who saw the documentary “The Journey” and recorded a CD to tell the story of young women sold into sex slavery and continually moved across borders. He did so because he felt compelled to do something to raise awareness. I believe that, in order to engage more people like him, we should encourage the media to search out stories that highlight the evil trade in human beings” – Baroness Benjamin

“Absolutely Fantastic” – Jamie Theakston

‘If this CD and all the hard work behind it can help save just one life, it will all have been worth it,’ Phil Knight.

ENJOY THE SUN SAFELY THIS WEEKEND ADVISES CANCER RESEARCH UK

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AS Britain looks forward to the first ‘BBQ weekend’ of the year, Cancer Research UK is advising people, particularly those with fair skin, to enjoy the sun safely, be SunSmart and take steps to avoid getting sunburn.

Temperature predictions for the weekend are expected to remain unseasonably warm for April, with parts of Britain hotter than the Mediterranean.

Caroline Cerny, SunSmart campaign manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “A sunny weekend is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the weather, particularly as some sun is good for us. However, before heading out to relax in the garden, taking a trip to the beach, or even just walking about town, think about your skin and the steps you can take to cut your chances of getting sunburn.

“Enjoy the sun safely – relax in the shade, cover up with hats and loose clothing, and use at least factor 15 sunscreen with a four or five star rating to protect your skin from sunburn. As well as being painful and unattractive, sunburn is a sign of skin damage that can increase your risk of skin cancer.”

Now in its ninth year, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign is encouraging people to enjoy the sun safely and avoid sunburn by offering advice on how best to protect against too much ultraviolet radiation (UV) which as well as being the major cause of skin cancer, also leads to premature ageing of the skin. Sunburn is a sign the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged and even though the redness will fade, the damage could remain and lead to serious problems in later life, including the most dangerous form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.

To find out more on how to enjoy the sun safely, skin cancer and what to look out for, visit Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart website at www.sunsmart.org.uk.