< PreviousA new season of menswearLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 41 FASHION Opposite: Fat Face Whether out picking your Christmas tree or for a wintery walk, wrapping up warm can still be stylish, as Fat Face shows here by layering up a check shirt, colourful fairisle crew jumper, timeless canvass jacket and beanie. Top left: Threadbare When jumpers are abound this season, why not opt for a cardigan instead? This navy fairisle shawl neck knitted option from Threadbare is sure to do the trick. Left: Dune London If heading to a snazzy soiree this month, don’t forget to choose some dapper footwear. Here Dune London finishes off a dashing suit with some smart leather boots. Above: Crew Clothing Offering a smart casual look, Crew Clothing beautifully matches a check shirt and blue chinos, completing the ensemble with a unique woven belt and jumper tied around the shoulders for that little extra visual oomph. 42 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HAIR & BEAUTY Looking great at Christmas is no easy feat, especially if you have any big parties or events to attend. Here are our tips. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 43 HAIR & BEAUTY © stock.adobe.com/Kien A s the scent of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air, the holiday season approaches. It’s that magical time of the year when our calendars fill with festive gatherings, and every moment becomes an opportunity to celebrate the joy of Christmas. Whether you’re donning your favourite cozy sweater for a family dinner, glamming up for an office party, or stepping out for a glamorous soirée, one thing remains constant: the desire to look and feel your best. From achieving that timeless red lip and smoky eye to mastering the art of holiday hair, we have your ultimate beauty roadmap. Join us on this journey as we explore the secrets of pre-party prep, the allure of glitter and sparkle, and those perfect finishing touches. Before you embark on your journey to holiday beauty, it’s essential to create the perfect base. The colder temperatures of winter months, combined with dry air conditioning, can take a toll on your skin. To achieve that flawless holiday glow, start by pampering your skin with a little extra care. Begin your prep by exfoliating your skin to slough off dead cells, revealing a fresh, radiant complexion. Opt for a gentle exfoliator to avoid causing redness and remember to focus on areas that tend to get dry, like the elbows and knees. Combat and prevent any further dryness and flakiness this by investing in a high-quality moisturizer to keep your skin supple and well-hydrated. Consider using a heavier, cream-based moisturizer for this season. Apply this 20 minutes prior to makeup. Likewise, your hair deserves some extra love during this season too. Consider using a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask the night prior to your event. Apply the treatment from mid-length to the ends and leave it on as long as possible for the best efficacy. Now that your skin is prepped and ready, it’s time to focus on the crowning glory of your holiday look - your hair. Updos exude sophistication and charm. Classic chignons, braided buns, or intricate twists can be perfect choices for formal Christmas gatherings. They not only keep your hair out of the way but also allow your makeup and accessories to take centre stage. For something a little more intricate, why not try a classic Hollywood wave? Starting with clean hair, section out your fringe (front section) using a fine comb. Starting from the ear, curl this front section around the barrel of your curlers horizontally rather than vertically. This will create that classic “z” wave. Continue round the head in the same way, curling in the same direction and in sections for more polish. Creating the perfect festive makeup look requires careful planning and a little artistry. The most timeless holiday makeup look combines a classic red lip with smoky eyes. This can initially look daunting to apply, but with practice, can become your go-to party look. Whilst a red lip is timeless year-round, it is important to avoid a shade which washes you out. Start by selecting a red lipstick that complements your skin tone. If you have a warm undertone, opt for a red with orange or coral undertones. For cool undertones, look for a red with blue or pink undertones. Invest in a lip liner of the same colour. This will give a more polished finish and prevent the lipstick from smudging or feathering. To further enhance precision, apply using a lip brush, and before applying foundation. In the event of any mistakes, you can wipe it off without damaging your other makeup. After applying the first coat, blot your lips with a tissue and then reapply. This will enhance the lipstick’s longevity. A classic smoky eye adds depth and allure to your holiday look and sets your eyes twinkling like Christmas lights. Contrary to popular belief, a smoky eye can be achieved using any colour combination, if there are a range of light and dark colours. If greys and blacks aren’t your thing, try lighter shades such as browns and mauves. Begin with the lightest eyeshadow and apply it all over your lid. Then, gradually add darker shades to the crease, outer corners, and along the lash line (in that order). The key to a smoky eye is impeccable blending. Use a blending brush to soften the edges of the eyeshadows, creating a seamless transition from light to dark. Enhance your eye makeup by using metallic or glitter eyeshadows. Apply them to your lids or inner corners for an instant festive pop. To keep the glitter in place, use an eyeshadow primer and a makeup setting spray. Finish with several coats of mascara to make your eyes pop, ensuring to curl them beforehand. Highlighters are perfect for cheating a radiant glow when your skin has taken a battering. Finish your party look with a glossy highlighter, applied to the high points of your face – the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow. Remember, the key to using glitter and sparkle effectively is moderation. A little goes a long way, and you want to achieve a sophisticated shimmer rather than an overwhelming sparkle. Don’t leave your beauty preparation to the last minute. Experiment with different makeup and hair looks in advance. This practice will help you refine your skills and ensure that everything comes together seamlessly. Despite your best efforts, last-minute beauty emergencies can still happen. Carry a small, pointed cotton swab or Q-tip for smudge emergencies. Gently swipe away any smudges or excess product, then touch up with a bit of concealer or powder. Always have your chosen lipstick shade and a mirror on hand for touch-ups throughout the night. A quick reapplication can freshen up your look instantly. With your pre-party prep, makeup, and hair styling in place, you’re now ready to dazzle at those Christmas parties with grace and glamour. Your journey into the world of holiday beauty is complete. Go forth and celebrate the magic of the season, looking and feeling your absolute best. 44 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY F or many of us, it’s a challenging time to stick to our diets, especially if we’ve been working hard all year to achieve our health and fitness goals. However, there is good news: you can enjoy the holiday festivities and stay on track with your diet. In this article, we will explore strategies to help you maintain your dietary commitment while savouring every moment of the Christmas party season. The first step in ensuring you stay on your diet during the holiday season is to plan ahead. Just like you plan your outfit for the party, plan your food choices as well. Start by researching the party menu or asking the host about the dishes that will be served. Once you have an idea of the offerings, you can decide what to eat and what to avoid. If you’re unsure, consider reaching out to the host and sharing your dietary restrictions or preferences. If you’re concerned that the party won’t have diet-friendly options, © stock.adobe.com/ Марина Жукова consider bringing a dish of your own. This way, you can be sure there’s something you can enjoy without breaking your diet. Opt for a delicious and healthy dish that you can share with others, so you’re not the only one benefiting from your culinary creation. It is important to discuss this with the host beforehand, to avoid the risk of offence. If you do choose to make your own food, you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health during the holiday season. Explore healthy alternatives to traditional holiday treats. For instance, replace high-calorie eggnog with a homemade almond milk eggnog. Swap sugary desserts with fruit platters or yogurt parfaits. There are numerous creative and delicious ways to enjoy the festive season while staying true to your diet. It is important to consider your diary for the entire holiday season, rather than approaching it per event. Decide how many parties or gatherings you’ll attend and choose in advance which ones you’ll allow yourself to indulge a little more. For the rest, stick to your diet plan. Having a strategy in place can help you make informed decisions and stay on track. One of the most effective strategies for staying on your diet during Christmas parties is practicing mindful eating by being more aware than usual of what you have. Portion control is key when navigating holiday parties while staying on your diet. Instead of loading your plate with a bit of everything, focus on smaller portions of your favourite dishes. This way, you can sample the treats without overindulging. Remind yourself that you can always go back for seconds if you’re still hungry. Make thoughtful choices when filling your plate. Select lean proteins, veggies, and salads over calorie-laden items. Look for grilled or roasted options instead of fried foods. Be cautious of sauces and dressings, which can add unnecessary calories. This is not to say that you can’t have these things, The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and celebration. It’s also a season filled with tempting treats, extravagant feasts, and endless parties. That can make sticking to our diets difficult! LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 45 HEALTH & FITNESS © stock.adobe.com/Gatot just simply less of them. It’s easy to overindulge when you’re confronted with a table heaving with festive goodies. To prevent this, savour each bite, chew slowly, and pay attention to your body’s hunger cues. By doing this, you’ll be more in tune with your body and less likely to overeat. It’s especially common to find nibbles such as crisps and nuts scattered around. These are easy to graze on mindlessly, thus filling up on empty calories, so be mindful of your snacking. If you want to enjoy these snacks, take a small portion, and then step away from the bowl. Engaging in conversation or dancing can help divert your attention from snacking. Staying hydrated is essential, especially during the holiday season when we tend to imbibe in an excess of alcohol. It is common to mistake thirst for hunger, so drinking enough water can help control your appetite and prevent overeating. Carry a reusable water bottle with you at the party and take sips between bites to help control your portions. If you do want to indulge in an alcoholic beverage, once again, mindful consumption is key. Sugary cocktails and large glasses of high calorie wine can quickly derail your diet. It is always advisable to drink in moderation, but alternating alcoholic beverages with water will avoid excessive calorie consumption, keep up your hydration levels, and prevent a headache the next day. Engaging in conversation and participating in activities at the party can be a great way to prevent overeating. See the occasion as an opportunity to connect on a new level with your friends, family, or colleagues. Going with this mindset, rather than the aim of indulging, will keep your mind off what you can or cannot have, and will create new experiences to treasure long past the season. When you’re actively socializing or dancing, you’re less likely to focus on the food. So, put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the festivities. Lastly, remember that no one is perfect. If you slip up and indulge a bit more than planned at a party, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s natural to have and allow yourself occasional indulgences during the holiday season. What is essential is getting back on track with your diet afterward and not letting one slip-up lead to a downward spiral. Staying on your diet while enjoying Christmas parties is achievable with the right mindset, preparation, and mindful choices. Remember that the holiday season is about celebrating with loved ones and creating cherished memories. With these strategies in mind, you can indulge in the festivities without feeling guilty about your dietary goals. By planning ahead, practicing mindful eating, and making selective choices, you can make it through the holiday season with your health and wellness intact. So, this Christmas, feast festively and stay on track with your diet. Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!46 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING favourites It wouldn’t be Christmas without a delectable spread on the table. We’ve gathered up a few of our favourites to help make this festive season memorable for the whole family. © stock.adobe.com/ Natasha Breen Unctuous eggnog Method: 1) Place the vanilla seeds in a large bowl. Add egg yolks and sugar syrup, beat with an electric whisk until pale. 2) Add cream, milk and brandy, and beat until combined. Strain into a punch bowl. 3) Clean the beaters, then beat the egg whites in a clean bowl to soft peaks. Fold a third of the whipped egg whites into the milk and cream, then add the remaining whipped egg whites. Gently fold in until the eggnog is fluffy and smooth. 4) Chill until ready to serve. Serve with plenty of ice. Note: The eggnog will keep covered in the fridge for up to a day. Ingredients: 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped out 4 eggs, separated 100ml sugar syrup 100ml double cream 500ml whole milk 100-150ml brandy Ice Festive Sip the spirit of Christmas with this classic eggnog recipe. It’s simply to die for. Keep it boozy, or replace the brandy with more milk so the whole family can enjoy.FOOD & DINING LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 47 Brilliant vegan nut roast Vegans don’t need to miss out during the Christmas dinner with this delectable alternative to the traditional turkey. Packed with protein and flavour, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Ingredients: 2 medium parsnips 11/2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing) 2 onions, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 14 sage leaves, chopped (plus extra to garnish) 250g mixed nuts 2 x 400g tins green lentils, rinsed and drained 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 5 tbsp smooth cranberry sauce Method: 1) Peel and trim the parsnips and cut lengthways into 5mm-thick slices. Add to a pan of salted boiling water and cook for 4 minutes. Drain and set aside. 2) Add olive oil to a frying pan over a medium heat and fry onions for 5 minutes. Add garlic and chopped sage with salt and pepper and fry for a further 2 minutes. 3) Add the nuts to a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Add the lentils and pulse again until you have a chunky texture. 4) Transfer nut mixture to the frying pan with the Dijon mustard and 3 tablespoons of cranberry sauce. Stir to combine and then remove from the heat. Adjust seasoning to taste. 5) Preheat oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6. Grease and line the base and sides of a 900g loaf tin with baking paper. 6) Trim parsnip slices so they fit across the loaf tin and lay them in the base. Pack the mixture into the loaf tin and level the top. Cover with greased foil. 7) Bake for 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and rest in tin for 10-15 minutes. 8) Heat 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce with 1 tablespoon of water to create a glaze. Turn the nut roast out and brush the glaze over the top before serving. Garnish with extra sage. © stock.adobe.com/ beataaldridge48 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 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. FOOD & DINING Orange glazed gammon Method: 1) Place gammon in a large, deep pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, then remove from the heat and drain. 2) Return gammon to the pan and pour in enough cold water to cover completely. 3) Push two cloves into each onion half and add to the pan with the bay leaves. Cover with a lid and bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for three hours, adding more hot water as necessary. 4) Preheat the oven to 180C/360F/Gas 4. 5) Remove gammon from the pan and place in a roasting tin. Remove skin, leaving a thin layer of fat. Score the gammon in a diamond pattern with the tip of a sharp knife. Stud the centre of each diamond with a clove. 6) For the glaze, mix together all of the glaze ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Spoon evenly over the gammon. 7) Roast the gammon in the oven for 45 minutes, basting frequently with the glaze and pan juices. 8) Set aside to rest, then carve into thick slices to serve hot or cold. Once you try this sumptuous orange glazed gammon, you’ll never go back to any other kind again. Ingredients For the gammon 6kg/13lb 31/2oz gammon joint water, to cover 8 cloves, plus extra for studding the gammon 2 onions, peeled & halved 4 large bay leaves For the glaze 120g/4oz soft brown sugar 3 oranges, zest of three & juice of two 3 tbsp clear honey 3 heaped tbsp orange marmalade 3 tbsp wholegrain mustard © stock.adobe.com/ Brent HofackerFOOD & DINING LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 49 Classic roast turkey with super Method: 1) Heat the oil in a frying pan, add onion and soften over a low heat for 5 minutes. Remove to a large bowl and set aside to cool. Add the remaining ingredients and season. With clean hands scrunch together until well mixed. Preheat oven to gas 6, 200°C/fan 180°C. 2) Fill turkey neck cavity with the stuffing and secure the skin underneath with cocktail sticks. Place in a big roasting tin and spread the softened butter over the breasts and legs. Season well. 3) Roast for 30 minutes, then turn the oven down to gas 4, 180°C/fan160°C and cook for the remainder of the time as specified on the packet, until the juices run clear when you pierce the turkey with a sharp knife where the thigh meets the body. 4) Once cooked, remove to a warm serving platter and cover in foil to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Note: If the skin looks like it might burn, cover loosely with foil. Done well, it’s hard to beat a traditional turkey at Christmas. Following this tried and tested recipe, you’ll have perfect turkey every time. Ingredients 1tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 270g (9oz) Cumberland sausages 50g fresh breadcrumbs 60g (2oz) dried cranberries 100g cooked and peeled chestnuts, chopped large handful flat-leaf parsley, leaves chopped 1 egg, lightly whisked For the turkey 4.5kg (9lb) turkey, giblets removed 50g unsalted butter, softened © stock.adobe.com/ Magdalena Bujak sausage meat stuffingNext >