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MagazineJune /july 2012

GOOD FORTUNE

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Happiness is here. Thanks to the Jubilympics, the illusion of warm weather and a few extra days off work - everyone seems to be smiling. Even me. And I hate the sun (parting with opaque tights and flashing pasty pins to an unprepared world is never a good thing). But this is the time, I tell myself, I’ll have lots of fun, wear yellow, fill the house with fresh flowers and jet off to cool places just for the hell of it.This edition of Good Fortune magazine is packed with events, bargain buys and business advice. So, go on, make the most of the long, warmer days. Celebrate being British. But most of all - be filled with joy. And don’t forget to tweet me @PFray your fun plans for summer. Penny x

Welcome

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Contents:

Page 3: News Page 4: Father’s Day Gift GuidePage 6: Bargain BridePage 8: Athletica HairPage 10: Celebrity InterviewPage 12: Jubilee JoyPage 14: Cup Cake RecipePage 15: What’s OnPage 16: Party PeoplePage 17: TarotscopePage 18: Pets at WorkPage 19: Networking ProfilePage 20: Business SuccessPage 22: Next Edition

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The ReporterGet the lowdown on what’s hot & happening now

Trending: the toolsWe’re not talking about drills and hammers here but one of Hollywood’s most hyped self help book.

Many of Britain’s most famous festivals may not be happening this year - but who needs the mud and the mayhem of Glastonbury when you can have music in a medieval castle?Yup, Warwick Castle’s Summer Sounds is set to become one of the season’s most spectacular events. Britain’s ultimate castle will be hosting an amazing array of artists, including The Voice’s Jesse J, The Military Wives and the World Famous Royal Philharmonic for the weekend of July 13-14. There will be dramatic fireworks and an aerobatic display by an original World War 2 Spitfire.We can’t wait to sport our festival gear, pack a picnic and set off to a picturesque site that stretches back almost 1,100 years.

History finally rocks. For information log on to http://www.warwick-castle.com/concerts?banner_id=37

Need to feel good this summer? Sometimes all you really need is to get back in touch with nature. Better yet, have Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm in Wirral bring it to you.Join the animals for a fun filled family day at the Bidston based farm. There’s lots to do, see and hear. Entry and parking is free, plus there’s a picnic area and easy access to 100 acres of woodland. For more information go to www.tamoshanterfarm.org.uk

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Presents For PapaHe’s top of the pops. Make sure he knows it on June 17 with a chart topping gift, says Penny Fray.

Lasso Rope Wine Bottle

Holder, £20.99, Hirst & Hirst

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Roberts Vintage Digital Radio, £120, Cotswold Trading

Retro book from Vintage Seekers

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Budget BrideThe average British wedding costs more than £20,000 but getting married needn’t break the bank if you’re willing to think outside the box, says Penny Fray.

1. BUY A DESIGNER DRESS ON THE HIGH STREETIt was supposed to be the one final chance to spend as much of your parents’ money as possible. Or not. Thanks to the recession, frittering away thousands of pounds on a designer frock for a day now seems a little foolish - especially since many of the hottest names in fashion have launched affordable bridal gowns on the high street. Head to Topshop this month and you’ll find Richard Nicholl’s wedding wonders, while Redoute has bagged an exclusive collection from Delphine Manivet - the woman behind Lily Allen’s breathtaking lace number. This elegant little frock from the French designer (pictured left) is beautifully tailored and sufficiently versatile to be worn again after the big day. And the price? A very reasonable £179. Alternatively, TK Maxx offers really fashion forward gowns at incredible prices.

2. THE PACKAGE DEALGetting hitched with your sanity and bank balance more or less intact can be a tall order. So, if you’re poor on time, patience, money and guests, it’s worth considering a package deal. Some hotels offer off the peg weddings with event planners for less than a grand. Old English Inns, for example, propose a three course meal with wine, some bubbly to toast the occasion and an evening disco for up to 50 people for £999. Travelodge and Premier Inn also have some great offers. If you have a specific venue in mind, it’s worth asking about occasion deals and off peak discounts.

3. PROJECT WEDDING If you’re not a perfectionist and unlikely to morph into Bridezilla at any point - why not turn your wedding into a co-operative affair? Instead of a gift register, draw up an activity list and invite talented guests to get involved in everything from flower arranging and chauffeuring to the catering and photography. Delegating will save you a fortune, besides it’s a nice way for loved ones to feel involved. If nothing else, at least your wedding will be memorable because of the personal input.

4. BUDGET HONEYMOON You could skip the wedding and have an awesome holiday - or - you could ask your wedding party to contribute to your honeymoon fund. Alternatively, if you want something really memorable without spending oodles of money, why not sign up for a charitable expedition or a working holiday?

READER TIPS...“For my wedding I bought my dress from eBay and sourced bridesmaid dresses through pre-loved websites. Then, I found a brilliant seamstress to alter the dresses to my specification. The flowers were bought from Asda and I made my own table displays, buying vases from Ikea. For a more vintage or village fete theme, you could make your own bunting to decorate the room from old bedding. You just need to think creatively. I like the idea of making a photo booth with a stand alone camera and a dressing up box. It’ll provide hours of fun for guests.” Jane Vo-Hughes, 30, North Wales.

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Peak PerformanceWhen it comes to hair, tap into this summer’s athletic vibe.

The British summer means warmer weather, longer days and one of the most prestigious events in the sporting calendar - the Olympics.Torch fever is raging and everything’s emblazoned with the red, white and blue of the Union Jack. Yes, we’re proud to be patriotic but we’re also digging the whole going for gold thing.Metallic make-up. Tick. Striving for perfection. Double tick. No wonder we’re loving Sassoon’s latest collection. The aptly named Athletica look is all about hair working at peak performance. It’s sporty yet sophisticated and presents a modern take on the classic Olympian brand.“We’ve taken the most recognisable and iconic symbols of the Olympics, such as the interlocking circles, and used the shapes as the foundation for the cutting and sectioning techniques,” explains

Mark Heyes, Sassoon’s International Creative Director. “The colour palette was inspired by the victors’ medals of gold, silver and bronze. Perhaps the most important influence, though, is the idea of physicality - the human form in motion.”While the styles are precise, they have a certain fluidity that’s surprisingly easy to maintain - perfect for high achievers on the go.“We wanted to concentrate on cuts that work with athletic movement,” Hayes affirms. “Clearly defined cuts and colours that are easy to care for and work with today’s demanding lifestyle.”So, forget about long, tumbling tresses and high maintenance extensions. This summer, it’s all about rounded lengths and neat graduations. Simply add fresh, dewy skin, defined eyebrows and nude lips - and you’re good to go.

Tried & TestedPlump & Shine Lip Glosses, £19.95, www.beautydirect.comLong lasting shine with perfectly plump lips in three popular pink shades. Verdict:This gloss and volumiser in one certainly offered visibly plumper lips. The candy colour was surprisingly subtle and the gloss lasted longer than expected. But I didn’t feel any tingling sensation on application and was less than impressed by the packaging. It didn’t look very luxurious considering its £20 price tag.Rating: 7.5/10

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The Life AquaticOlympic swimmer Keri-Anne Payne is the new face of Max Factor. The Stockport athlete shares some of her top health and beauty tips.

It’s now a real countdown to London 2012, I imagine you’re feeling a complete mix of emotions? It’s all very exciting. I also can’t believe that I’ll get to participate in the Olympic Games when they’re in the UK. All my friends and family are very excited for me too.

What does your typical day of training involve? I train pretty intensively: most mornings I’m in the pool from 6-8am and then it’s a cardio session in the gym for an hour. I go home for lunch before heading back to the pool for another two hour session. I get Wednesday and Saturday afternoons off. Sunday is my total off-duty day.

Do you have any good luck rituals before you swim?I’m not very superstitious at all. In fact, I’m very forgetful so if I had a lucky charm, I’d probably just leave it at home!

How do you maintain a healthy complexion with so much swimming?When you’re in and out of the pool a good moisturiser is a total must, and for me it's Olay Total Effects. I use their Day Moisturiser as it’s nice and creamy and feels great on my skin. I also exfoliate three times a week.

What are your top tips for going from a pared back pool look to a little bit of night time glam?For me, it's all about enhancing my eyes. So poolside glamour is kept simple with a slick of False Lash Effect waterproof mascara. If I'm going out then I love creating a cool smoky eye

look with eye-liner and volumising mascara. Oh, and I always go for lip gloss. Since becoming a face of Max Factor, make-up artists have given me lots of great tips so I will be trying new looks on nights out.

What are your five favourite beauty products and why?Dior Nail Polish in Blue Label – I love dark nail polishes and this deep blue is my current favourite. I have to keep my nails short to avoid scratching other swimmers in the pool, but I still like to paint my fingers and toes so they look nice.Max Factor False Lash Effect Gold in black – this mascara is my absolute ‘fave’. I would never go for false lashes so I love how it instantly plumps my lashes for a false lash look - when I'm wearing it I'm often surprised they’re my own lashes.Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Scrub – this smells so fresh and leaves my skin feeling pampered and gorgeous.Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner – I reach for this twice a week to keep my hair soft, shiny and conditioned.Oral-B Triumph 5000 with SmartGuide. I can’t use anything else but that along with Pro-Expert now after learning about the amazing things they do.

Who is your beauty/style icon?It has to be Angelina Jolie, she’s a natural beauty and I have to say that I'm envious of her gorgeous full lips.

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Jubilee JoyCelebrate all things royal, red, white and blue this bank holiday weekend, says Penny Fray.

London Framed Print, £29.99, from The Contemporary Home

Union Jack Queen Anne Chair £295,from madewithlovedesigns.co.uk

Bunting Window Stickers, £5.19, Purlfrost

Teacup & Saucer, £8, from shoponyourdoorstep.com

London Transport Bookends£18, from hirstandhirst.co.uk

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Ingredients

• 8oz of unsalted butter• 8oz of caster sugar• 8oz of self raising flour • 4 large eggs • 1 tsp of vanilla essenceFor the topping

•6oz of unsalted butter•12oz of icing sugar•Strawberries or iced decorations

Method

• Beat together the butter, sugar and vanilla essence in a bowl until fabulous and fluffy.

• Gradually add the eggs. Keep beating the mixture.

• Fold in the flour. If the mixture seems dry, add 4-5tsp of milk.

• Spoon the mixture into your paper cases.• Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes or until risen and golden.

• Leave to cool.• To make the icing butter, beat the softened butter and icing sugar until well mixed.

• When the cupcakes are cool, pipe on the mixture.

• Decorate with fruit, edible flowers or cake decoration balls - whatever takes your fancy. Personally, I’ll be using little British flags.

• Place on a cake stand.

Royal Cup CakeCelebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with these small, yet perfectly formed, treats.

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Little Black Food BookFew things can beat freshly baked bread with lashings of butter on the pleasure barometer. That’s why I’m loving Lidl’s new in-store bakery. Okay, so it’s not quite an artisan boulangerie but its aromatic treats are still pretty impressive. I recently bought a large Tiger loaf fresh from the oven for just 59p. Amazing!

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Film I usually avoid men who sport tights and steel ‘moobs’ but an exception will have to be made for fellow ‘Welshie’ Christian Bale. Why? Because he’s back on the big screen as Batman. The Dark Night Rises is out on July 20.

Event Let’s Go Fly A Kite...We know you want an excuse to sing that Disney ditty - and where better than The Wirral Kite Festival in New Brighton on June 9-10.

Museum Someone wise once said that football is like life - it requires perseverance, dedication and a respect for authority. Learn more about the great game at Manchester’s new National Football Museum. It opens to the public on July 6.

Music You’re smart, sophisticated and desperate to wear your new floral frock from Erdem. So, let me introduce you to the Opera Gala at Plas Brondanw, where you can listen to world class performers in a picturesque garden on June 23. See www.portmeirion-village.com for details.

Theatre Watch the world premiere of Frank McGuinness’ new play - The Matchbox at the Liverpool Playhouse from June 14 - July 7.

Book Thanks to the Queen, Katherine and Downton Abbey, some of us have become rather partial to a bit of posh. So, ‘hoorah’ for Frances Osborne’s new book - Park Lane - an ‘upstairs, downstairs’ style romp, out on June 7.

What’s On

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It was a star-studded bash when VIP’s including Kelly Osbourne, Bear Grylls and Katherine Jenkins joined host Piers Morgan at the Champneys launch party in Hollywood.Celebrities attended the Champneys-sponsored BritWeek Gala in LA at the Beverly Wiltshire Four Seasons Hotel, where Kelly left a lasting impression in the VIP area, dressed in an Anthony Franco dress, Judith Leiber clutch and Chanel heels.

Closer to home, thousands of people packed into various Liverpool locations to see The Little Girl Giant and her dog Xolo embark on their three day Sea Odyssey. Each of the huge puppets moved by a means of a system of ropes operated by the French theatre company Royal De Luxe. The public art extravaganza was devised to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic - and it was amazing.

Party PeopleOur pick of the best celebrity strewn events.

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Clockwise:Kelly and Katherine at the Champneys bash in LA. The Little Girl Giant’s dog in Liverpool. Piers with Jerry at Champneys.

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Aries (March 21-April 19)Dissatisfaction with a business project is indicated by the reversed seven of pentacles. Don’t pull the plug just yet.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)Your wit and new found confidence will help you make useful connections this July, says the ace of swords.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)Stop clinging to the old and move forward with your life, especially at work. Change can bring many blessings in her wake.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)The ten of swords indicates that you are being mistreated in some way. It’s time to remove yourself from the situation.

Leo (July 23-August 22)You long to be unshackled from your dreary existence, says the tower card. Unfortunately, the price of freedom is hefty.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)You’ll regret hurting someone you love this month, says the three of swords. The word ‘sorry’ no longer cuts it.

Libra (September 23-October 22)Your future course seems clear, says the ace of swords. So, what’s stopping you from taking the initiative at work?

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Your emotional cup runneth over this month. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, says the five of cups.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)It’s time to put your needs ahead of others, says the hanged man. Self nurturing is the theme for early summer.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)A friend’s lack of commitment to a mutual project is starting to bother you, says reversed queen of pentacles. Talk to them.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)Past lessons will help you navigate choppy waters at work, says the nine of pentacles.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)Friends are eager to help you with a new enterprise, says the two of wands. Don’t let pride stand in the way of success.

TarotscopeYour forecast for June and July from The House of Good Fortune.

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For bespoke readings and astro charts, email psychic@thehouseofgoodfortune.co.uk

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To say you could use some stress relief would be putting it mildly. Between the chronic teeth grinding and listening to your colleague’s insatiable need to discuss who’s getting the chop next, you’re a wreck. Thank heavens for man’s best friend. At last, science agrees with what we all know to be true - having an office dog can improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Recent research, measuring stress at a company where employees could bring their pet to work, found that they not only

helped ease stress but they also added to employee performance and satisfaction.*“You have no choice but to take al fresco breaks and look at the lighter side to life when you have a pooch at work,” says journalist Penny Fray. “And they offer loads of unconditional love and loyalty when things go wrong. Of course, there will be times when you have to confiscate the squeaky toy or be driven insane.”So, there’s no excuses on Take Your Dog To Work Day - your pooch is good for business (and cheaper than a staff away day).

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SS Heal BoyHaving an office pooch can reduce stress, so there’s no excuse for leaving your furry friend at home on Take Your Dog To Work Day (June 22).

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE...

There was a time when all a dog had to do was demand treats and play ball in the park with her nanny. Since the recession, however, I’ve had to earn my keep. I’m now the ultimate news hound for this magazine and forced to do PR stunts for my Mummy’s business.Of course, I’m sleeping with a couple of editors and obviously, there’s a book deal in the pipeline. But I won’t settle for less than a box of Bonio. After all, I’m prepared to dig up all the dirt.Some say I’m a bitch but I know that it’s a dog eat dog world out there. That’s why you have to show some teeth when licking doesn’t work. As far as I’m concerned it’s not the devil who wears Prada - it’s this pooch.

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My biog in brief: I am a PR and Media Studies graduate, currently focusing on digital marketing at Culture PR.

The three words that best describe me are: Enthusiastic, hard working and organised.

Why I do what I do: People in PR are either stereotyped as spin doctors or champagne swilling socialites. But this isn’t always the case. For me, it’s about

changing perceptions and making a difference. After all, more than half of what you read, see and hear in the media, has been generated by PR. I think that’s pretty inspiring!

Work philosophy: I’m thrilled to be gaining experience in a boutique agency that mirrors my own beliefs of working hard and working honestly.

Career highlights: My journey’s just begun, so every new experience seems exciting.

Best business quote: “Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration.”

I’d like to connect with new start-ups as well as established businesses who want to get noticed without spending ‘silly’ money on PR and marketing. All accounts are handled by experienced field specialists, whom I’ll be assisting.

You can contact me at emily@culturepr.co.uk or info@culturepr.co.uk

ConnectedNetwork from your desk. In every issue we’ll introduce you to a new business contact. This month, it’s Emily Thompson, a junior consultant for Culture PR in Wirral.G

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Want free publicity? Fancy appearing on this page? E-mail your details and image to editorial@thehouseofgoodfortune.co.uk

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Going For GoldPenny Fray discovers how you too can become a business winner in tough times.

Forget the Olympics, running a business can sometimes feel like the toughest challenge on earth. It requires strength, skill, stamina and a determination to succeed - even when the odds are stacked against you.Of course, there is no ‘one size fits all’ formula to getting ahead, after all, success means different things to different people. For one business it could be about making that first million but for another it may be about helping others. The key is to decide what success means to you. Armed with that knowledge you can start achieving your goals.We asked a panel of businesses and experts to reveal some of the keys that helped them unlock their potential to win.

Nina Dar is one of this year’s most influential business women. Nina, who set up Cheeky Monkey Business Solutions in 2004, and has worked all over the world for companies such as PZ Cussons and Unilever.She was named Business Insider’s 42 under 42, and has just written 99 Steps That Will Transform Your Business. Here, she gives her top tips to survive and thrive in tough times.

Look after yourself first. You are no good to anyone if you can't be at the top of your game. It’s hard to find time to be inspired when you are normally the one doing the inspiring but see it as one of your business goals. In tough times businesses need to innovate to grow, to innovate you need to be creative and sometimes that creativity needs a ‘something’ to spark your imagination. Lift your head up and take time to look at what’s going on around you.

Don’t forget to enjoy what you do and why you do it. It can be easy to get stuck in all the doom and gloom we hear (and sometimes) experience every day. Fight back.We love a crisis, and when handled in the right way it brings people together. That ‘do or die’ approach takes people back to basics, removes the small issues we focus on and gets us to get stuck into the things that really need to be done. Have fun with this and rally the team. You don’t know what magic will appear.

Focus. Know what you do well and focus on being the best in class. What you do well may not just be the core product or service you produce and deliver. You might deliver great customer service, innovation, relationship management or marketing. Understand what it is and build on that reputation.

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David Ormerod Hearing Centres Ltd in Llandudno, worked With Investors In People to achieve recession beating growth. Here, MD Julie Booth explains how going for gold can help:

Investors in People was conceived and implemented at a time of recession, when the idea of investing in human capital was a novelty. Now, 20 years later, it is the cornerstone of industry. David Ormerod Hearing Centres Ltd in Llandudno, recently achieved Gold in IIP - a goal which helped them focus more closely on staff development, strategy and engagement.“Our business has developed and grown markedly over the years,” says Julie. “At the centre of that has been the knowledge that we provide highly trained, motivated people to deliver the best service possible. Having achieved double digit growth annually for the last six years, Investors in People has helped us create a management framework built for success.”Here are some of their top tips on boosting profit and efficiency through investing in people:

Creating a vision with your people will build enthusiasm, shared responsibility and common purpose. It’ll help align their activities and effort with the company’s goals.Good leadership also involves focusing on your managers. Make your expectations of them clear and provide them with all the training and development they need. Engage your employees. Empowering and motivating your people by ensuring they have a strong voice is key here. You should build dialogue so that information flows around the company and all communication becomes a two-way process. This will allow people the chance to give feedback, raise concerns and make suggestions.Foster ambition and pride. If people are proud to be a part of a company they will usually be happy. And if they are happy at work, they will externalise this wellbeing and drive performance in themselves and others, creating yet another virtuous circle which starts and ends with efficiency and profitability.

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