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Art and soul. Meet global art sensation Pedro Sousa Louro.

Steven chats over coffee with art sensation Pedro Sousa Louro

Pedro Sousa Louro is one of the most talked-about LGBTQ artists at the moment. The Portuguese born painter is exciting the art world with his blend of styles and fresh take on painting.

Educated at the Chelsea College of Arts in London, Pedro’s work caught the attention of many at the prestigious Kunstmesse art fair in Germany last year.  He is also among the headliners at the START art show this autumn at the Saatchi Gallery. Our very own art connoisseur, Steven Smith, catches up with him at his studio in Wimbledon. 


Do you remember the first painting you ever did and what made you want to become an artist?

I was fascinated by Greek and Roman statues, especially the beauty of the naked form and the stillness from an early age. It caused quite a stir when my first drawing at school was a statue, and some teachers were not impressed, though others thought it was great. Of course, my style at the time was hardly refined, and to some eyes, it may have looked like mischief-making. 

Either way, art captured my imagination from an early age and creating images was something that excited me. So, becoming an artist was something that has always been at the forefront of my life.

Who in the art world influences you?

Francis Bacon and Picasso, as well as Dame Rachel Whiteread and Robert Rauschenberg. Art is always a personal thing, and these artists really speak to me. When I am looking at their work, it moves me and inspires me to create.

What training did you do to become an artist?

I graduated with an Arts degree from the Chelsea College of Arts in 1998. Two decades later, I graduated from the Kensington and Chelsea Art College in Abstract Expressionism and Abstract Vision. 

Your work has been shown all over Europe, and you are appearing later this year at START in the Saatchi Gallery London. Can you tell us a little about START and do your audiences differ from country to country?

It is my first time exhibiting at the Saatchi Gallery and START Art Fair in London. The timing could not be better. It is an honour to be a part of this prestigious event and a chance to network with new artists as well as established ones. The fair is a global gathering of artists and gives new talent a chance to show their work. 

Last year my work was shown at the fifth Kunstmesse art fair in Leipzig, Germany. I do not think that the audiences differ. In every show that I have been a part of, people have been enthusiastic and inspiring. 

https://www.startkx.com/exhibitions/

What advice would you give to a young artist starting out?

It is not easy at all to be an artist seeking recognition, especially in these modern ages, where social media platforms are making a colossal and gigantic difference in the careers of artists. I’m one of them! I want to be recognised by the public and by the established art scene. I want my artwork and my abstract visual language on our new modern living expressionism to be taken seriously as another important artist legacy and statement. The advice is only one. Don’t stop working even in times when it seems you aren’t going anywhere. If we don’t stop working, we’ll arrive somewhere, and that is inevitable. If you don’t stop creating you will arrive somewhere – a good place or a not-so-good place – but you’ll arrive somewhere!

How do you think COVID has affected the arts and LGBTQ community in general?

I have seen artists, where I have my studio, for instance, leaving their studios because they cannot afford the rent or because they have lost their other jobs, the direct income support of their lives. It is unfortunately sad, but on the other side, I have seen so many artists making sales over the internet and on social media platforms. Some of them did exceptionally well. 

Do you think that with apps like Grindr and Scruff being so popular, romance is dying?

Inevitably, yes. The technology of these sex and social apps on our phones completely eradicate so many vital personal elements of each one of us. From educational factors to responsible factors and so on, this new way of interaction between us has changed so profoundly that romance has become an old-fashioned item, not even vintage!     

Some of our best British artists have been LGBTQ, from Francis Bacon, David Hockney to sculptress Maggie Hambling. How much does your sexuality influence your artwork?

I have heard so many different views and opinions about my work being too connected with my sexuality. There are people from galleries from the art world itself, saying that it is 100% related to and influenced by my sexuality. I just let them talk and say what they want. 

I would say between 50% to 70% is undoubtedly associated with my sexuality. But there are quite significant elements which come from my art studies and the art research that I attach to my creativity.

How does your family feel about your work?

My parents still live in Portugal. My dad is the silent type, and my mum is vocal about her love of my art. They are both proud. My sister lives in Oxford, and she is a huge fan, I am hoping she will be at START. I am one of six children, and we are all proud of one another.

What would you like to see happening in the art world in the future?

I would like to see myself happening more, actually. I would like to see myself coming out as a more established artist, flourishing and gaining recognition worldwide. Yes, it’s all about me! Well, why not? 

QUICKFIRE ROUND

Your favourite restaurant in London?

Right now, Sexy Fish in Mayfair. Amazing Asiatic food.

The one thing you find to be a turn off in others?

Their selfish, cynical side that makes them think they can always get away without doing the work. 

The most romantic place in London?

I think London is a very romantic city, but for me, Chelsea Embankment is a more private environment. It is so romantic. 

What is one thing you would change about London if you were the mayor for a day?

As Mayor of London for just one day, I think I would want to make all galleries and transport free .

What is your favourite film?

Well, I used to have a favourite film, The Bridges of Madison County with Meryl Streep, but now I have so many. So, now anything with Cate Blanchett for me is a good movie. She is my new obsession! 

www.pedrosousalouro.co.uk

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Columns Culture Lifestyle People

Steven’s Viewz 

Screenshot
Picture Terry Scott

A column that does not hold back.

My viewz and not of 2Shades brought to you bi -monthly a column that does not hold back

“Where to pee or not to pee, is that really a question?”

Trans. Trans, dear God has there ever been a topic that will have you cancelled simply for not agreeing and get so many hot under the collar? 

Now let us get this straight and to help the right-wing God squad: if your apparent higher power allowed a child to be born with bone cancer or deformed, is there not a chance he popped one or two in the wrong body too?  

For me, if a man or woman feels they have been born in the wrong body and have undergone two years of therapy and gender reassignment, as far as I am concerned, they are now the sex of their choice.

People who have had gender-affirming surgery have been in my life since I was 16. The Famous Julia / George dropped coffee all over my Fiorucci white jump suit at “Scandals” night club when she ran the coffee shop there. Strangely we became friends. From April Ashley to Tallulah, famous sex changes have been in the news. Many have played under the radar and of course with some there was the odd whisper, but all for most part got on with their new lives. Wonderful India Willoughby, whom I admire, campaigns for 

https://www.amazon.com/Just-Julia-Story-Extraordinary-Woman/dp/1852834811

rights and (just as important) educates. She is always approachable

if I have a question of anyone else for that matter on the topic .

The lovely India Willoughby https://x.com/IndiaWilloughby?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Transvestites who enjoy popping a frock on are not in that transgender category, however.

Nor is drag. Drag has been around since time began and in the theatrical sense it is a performance. So many people seem to be labelling drag artists as trans which, for the most part, they are not. Men that suddenly announce they are trans and pop on a frock, an acrylic wig and some false nails are not women.

Sure, some might be starting a journey towards being a woman. Others never will make that trip and must appreciate it is a dream and not expect rights as a woman.

Tim Curry in the incredible The Rocky Horror show is a sweet Transvestite not to be confused with gender reassignment https://rockyhorror.co.uk

Much as mixed toilets have been in many venues for years, the right for a woman or, when it comes to it, a man to go the toilet that is used by their own sex should be enforced. What many forget is some women are coping with trauma, having been raped or abused badly by men. They will find the idea of sharing a bathroom (where they are in a vulnerable state) with anyone with a penis utterly terrifying. Simply put, if you have a penis stay out of the ladies loo. 

What is bizarre to me and many of the trans is this “Dead Life”, i.e. if you are now identify as woman, your prior life is “Dead Life” and you can suddenly create a whole past as girl. One (who we all know) 

described how she slept with a variety of celebrities as a beautiful young girl – the issue here is she was a 17-year-old spotty boy at the time she claims it happened. It is just a lie, a “Fantasy Life” that to my mind is closer to criminal fraud. 

I certainly would have been trans back in my school years. I used to pray that I would wake as a girl because being a boy was pure misery for me. Today I love being a man, in fact after about 14 that desire to be a girl eventually passed. For many it does not, and they have my 

empathy and support to be who they want to be after a certain age.

Forcing kids into boxes i.e. boys like football and action and 

girls like Barbie and cooking is one of the unhealthiest things I can think of.  It is responsible for so many mental health issues in those kids who do not fit into society’s false expectations. But please do not let kids undergo surgery till they are fully matured and can decide if it is still what they really want.

Personally there would be no way I would even want a child of mine to have a piercing or tattoo until they were in their late teens. There are support groups such as Mermaids that help young people who feel they are struggling with gender

https://mermaidsuk.org.uk

Finally, practise what you preach. A lovely trans woman who I respected and addressed as a woman (even though they had not had surgery, or any work done), berated me for not eating what I was given at a dinner table (I do not eat red meat or pork).

 “In my day you ate what you were given!” she chastised me. 

Thank God for you it is not “your days” as you would be running for the hills dressed as woman. The problem is, if we expect people to accept us for who we are, it has to be reciprocal, not one-sided. 

Colin Farrell – a real man of action

As if we could not love Colin Farrell enough already, the actor and his son James have melted our hearts this month. Colin has been talking about his 20-year-old son James who lives with Angel Syndrome. 

 “I want the world to be kind to James. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.” 

The actor told People Magazine in the US. 

https://people.com

Angelman syndrome is genetic disorder that mainly affects the nervous system. Symptoms include a small head and a specific facial appearance, severe intellectual disability, developmental disability, limited to no functional speech, balance and movement problems, seizures, and sleep problems.

Farrell has started a foundation in honour of his son in the US. The Colin Farrell Foundation will provide support for adult children who have an intellectual disability through advocacy, education and innovative programs.

As for the foundation, for years Farrell has wanted to do something in the realm of providing greater opportunities for families who have a child with special needs, to receive the support that they deserve and the assistance in all areas of life.

“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farrell says. “All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and often is left behind.” 

This is mirrored in the UK. Last year Dr Anna Kennedy OBE petitioned Number 10 Downing Street to help those living with autism to be aided after the age of 24 where government aid stops. “Who will look after my sons when I am gone?” is a question Anna has raised along with many parents of children with special needs.

Dr Anna Kennedy OBE and me delivering a petition to Number 10 downing street picture Terry Scott ,

Colin and Anna are real heroes and we need more of the likes of these two in this world. 

Home
Home

Toxic Come Dancing 

Yet more bad news for the BBC as their top-rated show “Strictly Come Dancing” comes under fire for apparent bullying as previous contestants have been complaining.

Oh do get a grip. You go into a reality show and you are really expecting it to be plain sailing? 

These people complaining of bad treatment have agents and a 

right to walk out at any time. Stop, enough already. Do not go into a 

show like “Strictly” or “I’m a Celebrity” and expect back rubs and hugs.

Dance is a highly disciplined practice and anyone who has properly 

trained at the ballet or dance school will tell you it is not for the faint 

hearted.

To conclude .

When your bear friend has been taking Ozempic and asks if 

you have noticed any visible side effects on them…

End .

email Steven at spman@btinternet.com

agent https://www.comptonmanagement.com/?p=739

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Health and Fitness Lifestyle People

Michael Edde celebrity Barber

Michael The Barber best kept secret
Mike Edde with one of the many celebrity clients Eammon Holmes

When it comes to woman’s hair if you need a brand new hair style it really is worth paying top dollar to get the best attention and idea’s to create a new you.

But often with a trim round the bottom you can get the same result with out robbing the bank at your local salon just do not expect a cappuccino , five minute head rub at the back wash and latest recommendations to the top spots in town you would get in the really high-end Salons. 

However, when it comes to men’s hair, I gave up years ago getting my friends to cut my locks. It took too long and they never really did what I wanted except for the brilliant Martyne Fletcher who used to tend the late Joanne Rivers.

I gravitated to going to Sassoon’s who really never once  made me happy and other high end Salon often leaving  feeling  robbed at £50 -£80 for a trim.  One day I  was just about to give up when saw a man in the gym who’s hair I liked so following my own advise   I asked where he had it cut. “Mike the Barbers ” he replied. A local men’s shop that I had seen but would never dream of trusting my blond do to a shop a barbers.

I actually stood outside for three or four minutes  to get up the nerve to go in, before asking for Mike, a dashing bubbly local legend in Earl’s Court. For sure there was not cappuccino in sight and no head rub, in fact unless you request it they do not wash your hair, as I more than often had to take the brush off the stylists in the high end salons and dry it myself so it was no loss to me.

Mike in his shop in Earl’s Court is legendary

Unlike many Sassoon people I noticed they where experts with razor’s and thinning scissors. I told Mike what i wanted and he asked if  I would like the harsh line softened a bit, it had always bugged me that  they could not soften it. Always ended up with a server wedge or fire fly. With in 15 minutes for the first time in years I loved my hair and did not need to grow a bit back or wish it had been cut shorter.

Mike tend the locks of actor Nick Nevern https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2339680/

Even better it was £11, I get it cut  every two weeks now to  keep it neat and I go with out worrying it will be yet another disappointment . Mike has been doing my hair for six years and every fella I recommend goes again and again and one or two short hair ladies love him too. You never know who you will bump into Wayne Sleep might just come pirouetting by or one of the many celeb clients that know the secret.

Now colouring is another thing only to go high-end.

Michael’s Barbers 

54 Kenway road 

Earl’s Court 

London SW50RA

0207 370 6983

http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/directory/1183/16564.php

Categories
Health and Fitness Lifestyle People

Paging Dr. Giles Gyer’s to know his Top 8 Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

Doctor Giles Gyer 8 top tips for looking after your body To 2Shades

 www.omttraining.co.uk 

Doctor Giles Gyer is a British trained specialist musculoskeletal Osteopath who has worked within health and fitness for over 12 years; he combines a variety of articulation and manipulation techniques alongside a variety of rehabilitation exercises within his treatments, and works with patients from office workers to professional strength and international sports athletes at his central London clinic.

Giles is a senior lecturer at www.omttraining.co.uk and teaches grade 5 / HVT Spinal Manipulation, Osteopathic Articulation and Manual Therapy techniques throughout UK and internationally to professional therapists from all over Europe, he has lectured at national conferences and has lecturered and run MasterClass training events for groups such as the NHS, MK Dons FC and Liverpool Football Club physiotherapy department.

Giles has authored two books within manual therapy, first a specialist book on dry needling and secondly on spinal articulation techniques.

Eight tips for looking after your body.

We are now in an age where more people are desk bound for most of the week, working long hours, glued to their iphones, laptops with a blur of thumbs as they swipe left and right and tap away, and with all this inactivity, increased postural problems, fast paced lifestyle, it can have an impact on health and well being. 

Staying fit and healthy is everyone’s top priority. But, because of our busy work schedules and poor lifestyle choices, we often make it the biggest challenge of our lives. If you’re here to overcome this barrier, the first thing you have to understand that the path to being healthy and fit is an ongoing process and includes many elements. However, it’s not something that is impossible to achieve. With a little focus on nutrition, being a bit health-conscious and doing a few exercises each day, you can easily win this challenge. 

Here is how you can do this.

1.   Adopt a Healthy Eating Style

The key to a healthy lifestyle is adopting a well-balanced diet that has all the nutrients for the optimal functioning of your body. According to NHS, a balanced diet means eating a wide range of foods in the right proportions, so that you can maintain a healthy body weight. However, it is also important that you are making realistic changes to your diet; otherwise, you won’t be able to stick with it. Use these tips to make the right changes:

·      Get as many low calorie, nutrient dense, and antioxidant rich foods into your diet as possible. These include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fibre, milk, nuts, and lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, egg, tofu and beans.

·      Drink plenty of water, as it keeps your body hydrated.

·      Cut back on unhealthy foods and replace them with healthier alternatives. 

·      Eat less or avoid foods that are highly processed and contain unhealthy ingredients, such as saturated fats, hidden sugars, salts and artificial sweeteners. 

·      Try avoiding red meat or eat it only once in a week. 

·      Skip milk if you’re lactose intolerant. 

·      Try cooking meals at your home.

·      Do not overeat and enjoy balanced meals at regular intervals. 

·      Do not skip breakfast, as it helps maintain a stable blood sugar level.

2.   Take Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements are not essential for everyone. If you are already following a balanced diet, you do not need them. You can get all the nutrients you need from you diet. However, some people may need to take supplements. 

According UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), supplements are advised to the following groups of people:

·      Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you are suggested to eat folate rich foods and a daily supplement containing 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. This recommendation is applicable until the week 12 of pregnancy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also advised to take 10mcg of vitamin D per day.

·      Older adults. With age, our bodies become less effective in absorbing certain nutrients from our daily diets. These include calcium, potassium, folic acid, omega-3, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Therefore, if you are over age 50, you are advised to take a supplement containing these nutrients.

·      Children below the age of 5. If your child is not a good eater, the FSA suggests that he/she may need to take a supplement containing vitamins A, D and C. However, this advice is not applicable for those who eat a wide range of foods and have a good appetite.   

·      People who are vegetarian or eat no meat or fish. People in this group often lack nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, from animal sources. If you are in this category, you are advised to take a supplement containing these elements.

·      People who do not receive sufficient sunlight. Insufficient exposure to sunlight causes vitamin D deficiency. If you rarely get outdoors or spend most of your time indoors, you may need to take an additional 10mcg of vitamin D per day. 

twww.osteon.co.uk

3.   Exercise Regularly

I really do believe “Movement is medicine” and consistent regular exercise is essential for being healthy and fit, as it prevents fat gain, improves muscle strength and tone, helps with the cardiovascular system, and more importantly helps to improve mood and boosts energy. It also helps combat against a number of diseases and conditions that can be caused through inactivity or dietary issues, the NHS states that a lack of exercise can contribute significantly to issues such as, 

·      Coronary heart disease 

·      High blood pressure

·      Stroke 

·      Metabolic syndrome (including obesity and abnormal blood cholesterol levels) 

·      Type 2 diabetes

Therefore, you should get rid of all the excuses for not exercising regularly and try making it a daily habit. No matter you have only 20 minutes form your hectic daily schedules, you should do it. 

However, if you are really unable to manage time for an actual workout, you can use these simple tips to keep yourself physically active:

·      Practice light yoga or stretching moves while watching TV or talking on the phone. 

·      Take regular breaks from your work and go for a short walk. 

·      Make fidgeting a habit while you work.

·      Use the stairs instead of the lift.

·      Walk or run to the nearby shops instead of driving.

·      Take your kids or dog for a walk.

·      Get off one bus or tube stop early and walk to your destination.

·      Go out for a 10-minute walk before breakfast and after dinner.

4.   Get Your Health Checkups

Regular health checkups are required, even if you are healthy and fit, because these tests help you find risk factors and problems before they start. Ultimately, this helps you to get better treatment, and in the end “prevention is better than cure”, when you are diagnosed early with a disease. So visit your doctor for routine health exams and tests to make sure you are not susceptible to any diseases and everything is fine and normal. 

Depending on your age, ethnicity, lifestyle choices, physical activity, family medical history and smoking status, your doctor will suggest which exams and screenings you need. Although these advices vary from person to person, there are some common exams and tests that are often performed during a routine health checkup. These include:

·      Total blood count (TBC) and urine tests

·      Hearing and vision tests

·      Tests for cholesterol level and blood pressure 

·      Measurement of body mass index (BMI)

·      Risk assessment for diabetes (if high blood pressure or high cholesterol is already present)

·      Screening for colorectal cancer (if there is a family history or age is over 50)

·      Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

·      Screening for breast and cervical cancer

·      Screening for prostate cancer

·      Checking of immunisation schedules 

5.   Monitor Your Weight

It’s always a good practice to track your progress regularly, because this will help you to keep yourself motivated about your goals. However, do not check your weight excessively, as this may cause the opposite. So try checking your weight only once in a day. 

In addition, there are many weight loss apps are now available on both Android and iOS. Check the reviews of these apps, and download the most suitable one according to your needs, so that you can track your food, connect with like-minded people and stay focused on your goals.

6.   Get Enough Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep has a profound effect on your life. It benefits your health both physically and mentally. Studies suggest that getting enough sleep can strengthen memories, improve mood, enhance cognitive functions, boost sex drive and improve overall quality of life. In fact, adequate sleep allows your body the time it needs to repair and rejuvenate. 

On the other hand, insufficient sleep is linked to a number of health problems, including lower testosterone levels, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, poor cognitive functions, chronic pain and obesity. So if you are not getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep a night, this can adversely affect your health, mood, motor skills, weight and even sex life. 

7.   Do Not Ignore Pain

Pain is a common condition that needs no further description. We all know what it is and how it affects our overall quality of life. What you need to know that pain is usually caused by an underlying disease or injury. In fact, it is you body’s red alert, a mechanism of telling you that something is wrong. So even if your pain is mild, do not ignore or get used to it. 

Pain is not inevitable; it is actually a condition that can be treated. However, if you do not want to go for the conventional treatments, you can also manage it without taking any painkillers or NSAIDs. There are a number of drug-free alternative treatments, such as osteopathy, available today that can effectively help manage your pain, injury or other issues and get you back fighting fit.

Doctor Giles Gyer on a resent trip to China -Shanghai with leading personal trainer friend and client Denise Couprie www.osteon.co.uk

8.   Visit an Osteopath 

Osteopathy is a whole body approach to help your nervous, circulatory and immune systems. Although it is still considered as an alternative medicine, it is by far one of the most effective ways of identifying, treating and preventing health problems related to musculoskeletal issues. Also, osteopathy is a more natural approach than conventional medicine, because it doesn’t use drugs or surgical procedures.

Osteopaths focus on restoring the normal function and stability of the musculoskeletal framework, so that the body can heal by itself. In doing so, they use a variety of drug-free, non-invasive techniques to relieve muscle tension, increase joint mobility and encourage blood flow to tissues. These techniques include:

·      Spinal manipulation  / High-velocity thrusts

·      Medical Acupuncture / Dry Needling

·      Message techniques

·      Stretching 

·      Joint Articulation

·      Exercise Rehabilitation 

Therefore, if you are struggling with persistent pain due to an injury or other issue, you should visit a registered osteopath. An osteopath can not only help detect and treat your problem but also give you advice on self-help, posture, stretching and other activities, in order to aid your recovery.

Giles Gyer Bsc (Hons) Osteopathy

Registered Osteopath

Author and Lecturer in Manual Therapy 

www.osteon.co.uk

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Anna Skydives!

Anna tells us all about her dive
Home

https://ukparachuting.co.uk.

Millions of people donate financially each year to charities.

However, many do not have the means to reach into their pockets and help. There are other ways to help from volunteering to raising funds by doing sponsored events like walking, cycling and even jumping from a plane. 2 Shades talks to someone who did exactly that, our columnist Dr Anna Kennedy OBE. 

1. Anna, what on earth made you want to do a sky jump?

To be honest it was the last thing on my bucket list. We were brainstorming ways to raise funds for my charity Anna Kennedy online. One of our Patrons Steven Smith mentioned he had sky jumped out of a plane to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer charity a few years back. 

Three of the team, Steven, Aston Avery and Lisa Robins, decided they would all jump to help raise awareness. Quickly I made it clear that my contribution was to wave firmly on the ground. My fear of heights was too great to even think about doing it. Steven kept teasing me “You’re always getting others to do things outside their comfort zone, and they thank you for it”, and “Lead by example”. Thanks Steven I thought!

Dream team dive for Anna Kennedy on line

A few months ago, I spoke to Marie Hanson MBE (one of our Autism Hero Award judges) who had just jumped out of a plane and loved it so much that she was considering another challenge. Marie also had a fear of heights and said, “Go on Anna, you can do it!” So, I did! 

Alway supportive @spman631dbbf47d on hand to give his advice

2 Tell us about the location where you did the jump?

We travelled to Peterborough to “UK Parachuting” at Sibson Airfield https://ukparachuting.co.uk. It is about fifteen twenty minutes from Peterborough station and they really looked after us.

There is a great café, and they advise you not to jump on an empty stomach. Steven was gutted as new rules meant that if your over 100kg the insurance won’t cover you for the dive. He was 4kg over and was not allowed to jump. Our wonderful AKO volunteer Stacey Moore took his place what a hero she only came out to wave at us and was not allowed to jump.

K PARACHUTING PETERBOROUGH

3. Did you think about changing your mind in the lead up to the jump?

Steven travelled up with me and was making me laugh. It helped as I was not thinking about the jump. In the lead up, getting sponsorship occupied my mind and it was exciting as funds came in, so it took my mind off the fact that I was going to be hurling towards the ground to raise the money. 

4. Was there training involved?

It was professional. After a weigh-in and registration there was a bit of a wait and time to grab a coffee. Then there was a class with the lead instructor who was clear and concise, so he kept you at your ease. They were not going to let you fly unless you had understood the whole process.

Just before you got on the plane, they went over any questions and were just brilliant and made it fun too.

5. Were you scared getting on the plane and taking off?

It would be a lie if I said, “No!”

Just prior there were a herd of elephants doing a Zumba class in my tummy. For sure the egg sandwich from the café though delicious seemed like a very bad idea. But the team spirit and the instructors once we got on the plane made me feel calm and excited. 

6. What was the jump like? 

The first few seconds of the jump and free fall were a little scary. Imagine being in a tumble drier that is also a freezer. Kind of “What have I done?!”

Once those few seconds were over, I thought ‘Anna get a grip’, then I began to enjoy the whole experience and the beauty of the environment. It was exhilarating. 

7. Were you relieved when you landed?

A little but so happy too that I had enjoyed the experience and immediately gave a short speech about the charity and our work. 

8. What did your family and friends say about you doing the jump? 

My son Patrick was worried and asked for reassurance I was not going to die or have a heart attack. I said we were in the safe hands of professional people who have been supporting the public for years who wanted to experience the skydive.

9. Would you do it again and how much did your raise?

Yes, I would love to do it again now I know what to expect! We were all so grateful to raise £3700. If you sponsored us, we really do appreciate it. We are only a small charity and every £1 counts. 

10. How do people donate?

Online at www.annakennedyonline.com

Ever supportive Dawn Avery was on hand to lend a hand and support everyone .

Help sponsor us by contacting press Steven Smith spman@btinternet.com or lisa.robins@annakennedyonline.com

01895 540187

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Culture Lifestyle

2Shades Big Night Out

Some of the team try “The Rising “ SE1 for a night out.
https://www.therisingse1.com

“What, a night out on a Saturday in London? Is that not just for tourists?!” This was my reaction when the 2Shades team suggested we let our hair down and party.

You can only get me out on a Saturday if it is a friend’s birthday, a wedding or some special occasion. The very idea of pushing through the crowds that descend on Soho and the likes fills me with dread.  Favouring house parties or enjoying a few select friends over for dinner would be my choice at the weekend. 

“Do not worry, leave it with me”, said 2Shades writer therapist Michael Power. “I will find somewhere different. Maybe drag brunch or somewhere new”.  Telling him I had nothing to wear elicited the reaction, “Shut up!” 

The 2Shades team at The Rising.

A few days later the 2Shades WhatsApp message with the venue flashed up. “The Rising” SE1. OK, that is Elephant and Castle. Sure, I go to Southwark Play House https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk and it is not far from the tube. But let me be honest, it is not somewhere where (wrongly or rightly) partying springs to mind.  

However, the web page looked interesting, you’re allowed to bring your dog (so ten points on that!) and they advertise cabaret. Mike rarely gets it wrong, liking to do his homework on everything from holidays to special occasions.

It was the first official 2Shades night out. The Rising is a five-minute walk (even in heels) from Elephant and Castle Tube, or 15 minutes bus ride from Canda Water. The bus stops right across the road by the Express Tesco’s and the Rising is almost opposite on Harper Road.

We should have of checked we where not wearing the same T-Shirts

Upon arrival it was hard to believe my eyes. Not just how stunning Adishiri, 2Shades Queen and Editor, and Mike were looking, but the vibe of The Rising. There was kind of a New York Village, Fort Lauderdale feel to it. Lots of outdoor seating and a friendly atmosphere.

A huge star was the wonderful security guard on hand, George. He is fully trained and unlike many gay venues when you’re greeted by someone who is as cold as the “ice bucket challenge”, George is gay, and blended a warm but no-nonsense approach to taking care of everyone.

@adishrichengappa
@spman631dbbf47d

Despite the football being on (this added a bit of camp to the evening), immediately we started to relax and enjoy ourselves. The bar staff are eclectic and very friendly and provide a great array of wines and beers plus some lethal cocktails and shots. There is no food, but you are welcome to order in or bring your own and they will provide cutlery. 

@adishrichengappa with Ella Gant Drag Royalty

No sooner than the football was over, it seemed half the crowd emptied out. It filled back up over the course of the evening.  Football was replaced by live entertainment in the form of Drag Queen super star Ella Gant. Now Ella is a star performer you would pay to see. The Rising had laid her on for free.

Ella apologised at the start of the show she had not been well; her voice was not at its vocal best. Well, what a show Ella put on! She had us singing and dancing along for over and hour and if that was her voice when she was not at her finest, we all can’t wait to go back and see her full strength as we had an evening to remember

Drag Queen Ella Gant

The Rising might just be the best LGBTQQA bar we have been to in a while; it is really diverse and exciting, and you do not have to fight through the West End to get to it. It is just perfect for a group of friends to enjoy or even go on your own. Please try The Rising and see for yourself.

The Rising.

The Rising https://www.therisingse1.com

98 Harper Road

London

SE1 6AQ

020 3885 0990

hello@TheRisingSE1.com

Categories
Lifestyle

Anti-ageing with Mr. J Prakash

To be honest, the feeling that I was getting old kept crossing my mind, despite people telling me how good I looked for 63 .
It is no compensation for feeling 80 inside though.
https://professionalcosmeticsurgery.co.uk chatting to Mr Jeya Prakash

For the last five years I have been feeling tired, sluggish and just not myself.

Often in the afternoon, despite a hectic schedule, the need to lie down would be almost overwhelming. Flu-like symptoms with abdominal pains are a regular occurrence in my life.

My G.P. put it all down to having had glandular fever in my early thirties, and told me it was something I just had to live with.

Whilst in India, I met Doctor Prakash, who suggested a visit to his Harley Street clinic to undertake his anti ageing treatment would help. Both of us having such busy schedules, however, it was almost a year before I found myself sitting in stylish office.

The first thing he suggested was that I had some blood work done to check my hormone levels and look at various other health areas. Having had more blood tests than I care to remember – all of which pointed to my glandular fever – I was a little sceptical and the prospect of yet another test did not thrill me. But there was nothing to it and it only took a few minutes.

A week later I was back for the first of my results. Mr Prakash has a kindly air about him but I could see he seemed a little concerned. ” My goodness,” he said, “you are so stressed out. I have never seen a result like it.” I immediately came out in a cold sweat, fearing I had only weeks to live!

But to my relief – and on only my second visit Mr Prakash – he had got to the root of my problem. I had Adrenal Fatigue, brought on by not coping with stress. My cortisone level, which drives the stress gland and protects the body against its ill-effects, was one of the lowest he had ever seen. Despite my sunny disposition, and determinedly looking on the bright side, I was slowly collapsing under the weight of stress inside.

Mr Prakash prescribed Adrenplus – 300, a mix of vitamins and Adrenal supplement, and said I should take one a day. He also advised me on a new diet and suggested I do more resistance exercise. But his Meditation and yoga would help with this, and help me learn to relax.  “You have been too busy looking after everyone else, Steven, it’s time to look after your body,” he told me.

https://professionalcosmeticsurgery.co.uk the team at the clinic.

He went on to explain that my body was like a kettle, but there was no putting vitamin supplements or medication in if the sides of the kettle were not well and truly sealed, as everything would just fall out. The sides on my kettle were wide open because of stress and only relaxation and breathing would help me seal it.

Five days later, I’ve been doing meditation tapes, taking my supplements and following my diet (BELOW ) . I am a long way from feeling like I did in my twenties but, just three days into Dr Prakash’s regime, I’ve found that, for the first time in years, I’ve not felt the need to take an afternoon nap.

Breakfast

Tea – green tea or ginger and lemon tea. Make your own with fresh lemon and peeled ginger

Omelette made with the whites of four eggs. Add vegetables of choice. Cook in a small amount of olive oil (no butter)

Fruit – a cup of fruit such as blueberry, pomegranate, coconut, grapefruit. Avoid high-sugar oranges, tangerines and strawberries.

Alternate with organic full fat yoghurt. Avoid low or zero fat yoghurt.

Snack

An hour or so later, have a snack, such as a handful of almonds, macadamia or cashew nuts, pomegranate, coconut shavings or blueberries.

Lunch

Tuna salad or chicken breast salad. If the tuna is tinned, make sure it is in spring water rather than oil. For the salad, spinach, watercress, spring onions, beetroot and celery. Use lemon as dressing or a tablespoon of Udo’s oil.

Snack

The afternoon snack can be the same as the morning. If you have worked out, have a protein drink with added water rather than milk, unless it is almond milk, or blueberry blended in almond milk.


Dinner

Chicken or turkey breast with a small portion of brown rice; steamed broccoli with added ginger if desired, or lightly stir fried vegetables. 

It is important not to eat after seven in the evening but if you want you can have some cherries before sleep with a small cup of warm almond milk.

Drink at least a litre of water a day.

Contact the clinic at https://professionalcosmeticsurgery.co.uk

Categories
Lifestyle

The Fab 4 summer musts – “If we get any sun” .

If you’re lucky enough to be travelling to sunnier climes this summer, you need to find room in your Louis Vuitton luggage for these great holiday beauty products.

Dr. PAWPAW

https://www.drpawpaw.com a must!

Everyone has gone barking mad about one product this year: Dr. PAWPAW. Every top make-up artist I know has this little beauty in their make-up bag, including ‘make-up artist to royalty’ Ginna Bogle. Celebrities are begging for this latest must-have.

It is not only cruelty-free and vegan, it has the most amazing products from a lip-balm to moisturiser to shampoo; never is this not in my daily bag let alone my holiday bag.

Dryness frequently raises it head when the sun beats down, so these products are powered by a trio of ingredients: pawpaw (papaya) to nourish, aloe vera to soothe and olive oil to moisturise.

These iconic products make you look and feel good, AND benefit your skin. It honestly does what some expensive brands do. Try Dr.PAWPAW and it will have you wagging your tail!

https://drpawpaw.com

Watermans

Watermans

The award-winning shampoo is a must for anyone’s summer bag. And if your hair is starting to thin, this should be your first port of call. My agent used it after a course of chemo and her hair is bouncing back. This powerful formula is infused with the ultimate

blend of biotin, rosemary, caffeine, niacinamide, argan oil, allantoin, and lupin protein, specifically designed to promote healthy hair growth and maximize your hair’s full potential.

Say goodbye to lifeless, thin hair and hello to a head full of volume and shine. Experience the ultimate nourishment for your locks with each wash and feel confident with every strand.

Everyone will notice your hair shine at the pool.

https://watermanshair.com

P20 Sun Care

https://www.p20.co.uk

My goodness! This is a game changer for those of us with fair skin. I first noticed what a lovely tan a red headed friend of mine had, “Use P20”, she said. It was hard to believe, but you apply it an hour before you take off to the beach and it shields you for the day.

P20 gives you a range of sunscreens that offer you the highest and best in sun protection.

The main difference is their ingredients. Mineral sun protection contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide whilst chemical sun protection includes organic and more active ingredients.

Apple Air Tag

https://www.apple.com/uk/airtag/

Okay. It’s not a beauty product but it’s a lifesaver!

I do not know about you, but as my luggage goes off, I always get that sinking feeling. Will it be there when I arrive? Or worse, will someone take my suitcase as indeed once happened to me.

It can make for bad start your holiday. With an “Apple Air Tag”, this problem ceases to be as you can keep track of your luggage.

In addition, this versatile item can keep track of those items that matter most from keys to your wallet. It is always a disaster when you lose one of those on holiday. If your Air Tag is nearby, your iPhone can lead you straight to it using Precision Finding.

You’ll see the distance to your Air Tag and which direction to head in, all thanks to Ultra-Wideb and technology (compatible with select iPhone models).

Categories
Lifestyle

Best foot forward! Meet the Queen of Feet

With all this talk about Lily Allen’s perfect feet Steven Smith decided to chat to an expert on maintaining or achieving those ultimate tootsies.
The foot Queen of London. , brings you perfect feet https://www.beauchampfootcare.com


When it comes to our feet, many of us take them for granted and are rather neglectful. From my personal experience, thirty years of standing on my tippy toes to style people’s hair caused my toes to rebel, and suddenly one problem after another began to emerge. 

It started with an unpleasant ingrowing toenail, and moved on to developing Plantar Fasciitis. I am no stranger to pedicures. Still, if I were not being treated at the hands of an expert, treatment could become a torture rather than an enjoyable experience. I realised that just having my toenails cut and filed was not doing the trick, and in fact, was leading to health issues.

Many of my pals and those in the know raved about a woman they called “The Foot Queen”, Fiona Patterson, who was based at Beauchamp Foot Care. 

Fiona trained under the renowned Dr Scholl in Islington, obtaining her degree in Podiatry at Durham University in 2010. Additionally. she also undertook her degree in anaesthesia at Dublin University. Fiona has worked at Beauchamp Foot Care for 24 years, along with her three partners.

Fiona is a fantastically camp but no-nonsense lady who really fills you with confidence. I personally hate anything to do with my feet and so I spent the first two minutes apologising for how neglected they were. Fiona just nodded, however, reassuring me that they were just fine, and she would get them back to their original glory. I quickly felt relaxed and at ease, and as she expertly worked on my feet, I felt like I was being lifted into the air. I got chatting to the Foot Queen and tried to prize out some gossip about which famous people have wiggled their toes at her. 

Let’s find out more from the women herself.

What inspired you to start treating people’s feet?

I decided to do podiatry as I knew I liked treating people and I’m not squeamish. 

Results fell into place. It all kind of came naturally to me, to be really honest. 

How did you train?

I trained at the London School of Chiropody (as it was then) and then obtained my BSc degree from Durham. 

What are the most common foot problems?

I would put them in this order:

Callouses

Nail problems – there are a plethora of those!

Corns

Verrucae, athlete’s foot, and other conditions.  

How can we best care for our feet between visits to the clinic?

I would advise that before washing them, you file them, and after washing them, thoroughly dry them, not forgetting in between the toes. Hardly anyone does this. Keep nails straight and short (ish). Cream them every day too. Any problems should be seen by a podiatrist. 

Some of Fiona’s awards and qualifications .

What would you suggest athletes, who are more prone to sweating, use to look after their feet?

For athletes, see above re drying, especially between toes. If you have any signs of a fungal infection (itching, maceration of the skin, little blisters), see a podiatrist. Do not spend all day in your trainers. Take them off when you can. 

How do you treat ingrowing toenails?

Ingrown toenails are usually self-inflicted. Be careful how you cut them. I treat them in two ways. If it’s a one-off event, a conservative treatment is required – carefully cutting the offending spike out. 

If they’re recurrent, nail surgery is required under local anaesthetic. Sounds traumatic but isn’t, and well worth it for pain-free toes. 

Who are your average clients at the clinic?

I’d say the average age are people in their fifties. We have tended the feet of pop royalty, actors, and the odd client you might want to curtsy for (shall we say).  

How do you care for your shoes to make sure your feet are healthy? 

You must make sure your shoes fit. Take into consideration the length, width and also the depth of the toe box. Loose shoes are nearly as bad as tight ones, so don’t keep your favourite ones if you are slipping in them. 

Are my feet ready for only fans like lily’s?

Steven!!!! I am not even justifying that with a reply .

You also perform pedicures at the clinic. What is the most popular nail-polish colour?

We use Essie products in the clinic, and I’d say two colours. Wicked, a deep plum colour. It’s been around for years. Also, Ballet Slippers.

Quick-fire round

Favourite place in London?

Favourite place in London is Greenwich. Really nice vibe.

The one thing you would change in London.

I’d get rid of the bike lanes that seem to have popped up everywhere. 

The one thing that would turn you off a person.

Can I say two things? Noisy eaters and ill-mannered people are a put off for me. 

Your favourite film?

My favourite film is Phantom Thread with Daniel Day-Lewis. 

What do you most love about your job?

The sense of satisfaction when a patient leaves me pain free

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uXlft9e7Ww&t=2s

Chiropody Services:

41 Beauchamp Place
Knightsbridge
London SW3 1NX

To book an appointment for chiropody services, call
020 7225 0794

Categories
Lifestyle

Looking good for Pride

Meet the woman with the magic touch: Iryna O’Kelly ! Iryna is not just a skincare expert; she is an aesthetic artist.
Unusually, along with her degree in medicine, Iryna also has a degree in fine art. She views her clients as a blank canvas on which she creates a totally natural look that will never reveal the secret that any work has been done.
https://aestheticartclinic.co.uk/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3jPZQl6UnJznQp-TsMMGfSYTR46znBeLzfnfZ7ESXISdWZ-88VtHQl45Q_aem_mw0t7JzEH6HV1N8GSPJzWQ

It’s this unique and individually tailored approach to anti-ageing skin treatments that has the who’s who of London clamouring to see her.

Steven Smith chats to her and gets her top five beauty tips.

1. What would you say was the most important beauty tip you would maybe pass on to your daughter?

Inner beauty is important. Surround yourself with positive people and a strong core of family and friends. Just look at happy people—they have a sparkle in their eyes. If you go looking for trouble or drama, it will always find you, and it will show in your looks too. 

2. Your aesthetic treatments are varied, but you are a huge proponent of PRP that uses the client’s own blood. Can you tell us a little about it?

PRP can be used to treat everything from skin rejuvenation, hair loss, arthritis, injuries, and it will help enhance fillers.

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma; it’s a substance that’s thought to promote healing when injected. Plasma is a component of your blood that contains special “factors,” or proteins, that help your blood to clot. It also contains proteins that support cell growth. Researchers have produced PRP by isolating plasma from blood and concentrating it.

Blood is taken from the client, and then it is placed in a machine called the Camlab Clinical Centrifuge. It is spun around at 300-4500 miles per hour, and the blood is separated, leaving the clear plasma. It is also a good indication as to how your health is: the clearer it is, the better your health.

The PRP is then injected into the area needed. Most of my clients have it for hair loss or many into the face area. The results are often instant, giving them a fresher look, and it gets better over the next few weeks. It is also a very natural look. 

3. What would you suggest is the most overrated bit of advice on the market? 

Make sure you moisturise your skin; use a sunblock instead. Too much moisturiser can leave skin looking tired, so use a factor 20 sunscreen in the morning; you’ll see a difference quite quickly. 

Iryna O’Kelly with client Alex Ried after prp. https://aestheticartclinic.co.uk/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3jPZQl6UnJznQp-TsMMGfSYTR46znBeLzfnfZ7ESXISdWZ-88VtHQl45Q_aem_mw0t7JzEH6HV1N8GSPJzWQ

4. You have been in the news for your mesotherapy treatments for hands. Do you still use this method, or has something new come on the market for ageing hands?

I still use mesotherapy, but more in combination with stem cells and fillers. It gives an amazing long-lasting result. 

5. There is a lot of buzz around stem cell therapy these days. Is it something you would recommend? 

I am a huge supporter of stem cell therapies and believe that they are the future of aesthetics. Stem cell treatment aesthetics involves the injection of stem cells into the skin, through IV, or applied to the skin after laser or micro-needling procedures. The injection contains stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, hyaluronic acid, exosomes, and other cellular products which are involved in the body’s regenerative functions. Stem cells are there the future of aesthetics.

Fans of Iryna include EatEnders actress Nicola Duffett and beauty expert Steven Smith , Danielle Carly Mason .

1. Favourite beauty product on the market? 

Hyaluronic acid.

2. Your favourite place in London? 

Marylebone High Street.

3. The best way to relax? 

I love to go running. 

4. Favourite restaurant? 

The Ivy in Guildford. https://theivyguildford.com/menus

5. Japanese or Chinese food? 

Lebanese. 

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