Valentine’s Hair Inspiration

Mark McCarthy, owner of local salon MARKDAVID, on Valentine’s date night hairstyles and how to create them at home:

HOLLYWOOD WAVES – for romantic dinners out what better hairstyle than big, voluminous, Hollywood waves.

This is a fantastic and very popular hair choice for those who want to make an effort on their date nights, where they can come into the salon to receive a bouncy blow-dry or pin curls to help achieve the look.

I always like creating this look with pin curls to achieve curls with maximum bounce and volume. I also love pairing this style with a deep side parting, which as well as adding further volume and height to the style, also adds to the glamour of the look.

Before blow-drying and then styling with curling tong and pinning into place, I always mist some volumising spray to give the hair added volume and lift and finish with a hairspray to give the curls hold and a light shine.


CRIMPS – crimped hair and loose waves have made a major comeback for 2022 and for Valentine’s this is a great way to style your hair and experiment with a look out with the ordinary hair ups and curls.

Hair crimping instantly gives the hair drama and volume and is the perfect look if you want to make a lasting impression! If your hair is naturally straight, this is a great way to add texture and to update your hairstyle for date night.

Always use a heat defence spray prior to crimping your hair and once complete, finish by spritizing some texture spray through the finished look for further texture and hold for a more edgy look.

If you prefer a polished appearance, a shine spray, which will give your waves softness and a beautiful shine. If you don’t have crimpers on hand, sleep overnight with braids to create a similar look!


LOW SLEEK BUN – If you prefer a hair up, a topknot or low sleek bun are perfect choices for Valentine’s and look incredibly elegant and chic.

Decide on your bun style and ensure to use a hair serum such to sleek your hair off of the face and get rid of any frizz and flyaways before creating the bun. I love teaming a low with a bun to give the look added drama.

Firstly create your ponytail at the name of the neck and then create your braid (take your serum again and distribute a small amount through your mid lengths and ends before creating your braid for manageability and shine).

Once the braid is complete, gently pull at some sections of the braid to give it volume and then wrap it around the base of your ponytail to create your bun.

Can You Dig It? Lemmings 30th Anniversary documentary streaming from tomorrow

A new documentary that shines a light on the iconic video game Lemmings will premiere for free on YouTube tomorrow (Monday, February 14th) at 12pm and subsequently be available for free on-demand, following on from its gala screening at Dundee Contemporary Arts theatre in December.

WATCH THE FULL FILM: https://youtu.be/RbAVNKdk9gA 

Lemmings, which celebrated it’s 30th birthday in 2021, is part of the Britsoft establishment. Originally developed by DMA Design in Dundee (which went on to create the Grand Theft Auto franchise), it was first published for the Commodore Amiga by Liverpool-based Psygnosis on February 14th 1991 and has made its way to many other platforms since, including Sony’s PlayStation and, most recently, mobile.

The documentary, Lemmings: Can You Dig It?, was filmed remotely during the pandemic and celebrates this icon of Scottish and UK games culture by speaking to the people behind its original success, while investigating its legacy in gameplay and taking a look at how it inspired some of the world’s biggest games franchises ever since.

Among the DMA team members, games industry execs, media and superfans featured in the documentary are:- Adrian Powell (original Lemmings cover artist), Alyson Conway (sculpture artist), Brian ‘Biscuit’ Watson, (ex-DMA), Chris Scullion (journalist), Chris van der Kuyl (Chroma Ventures & Kingsway Club alumni), Eli Mouawad (streamer), Enrique Hervas (Exient), Gary Penn (ex-DMA & journalist, now Denki), Gary Timmons (ex-DMA), Gary Whitta (screen writer & journalist), Ian Hetherington (ex-Psygnosis), Jake Montanarini (Norwich University of the Arts), James Roadley-Battin (Exient), Kish Hirani (BAME In Games, ex-PlayStation), Larry Bundy Jr (TV presenter, YouTuber), Mike Dailly (ex-DMA), Nia Wearn (Deep Silver), Nick Gorse (Coventry University), Paul Farley (ex-DMA), Peter Molyneux (games industry legend, 22 Cans), Robin Gray (Gayming Magazine), Russell Kay (ex-DMA), Ryan Locke (Abertay University), Silvio Micalef (Exient), Steve Hammond (ex-DMA), Tim Wright (ex-DMA), Trista Bytes (superfan, YouTuber) and more.

The film was commissioned by Lemmings publisher Exient and is directed by leading video game film producer Richard Wilcox of That Video Company.

WATCH THE FULL FILM: https://youtu.be/RbAVNKdk9gA 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be making Lemmings: Can You Dig It? available on general release,” said Jamie Wotton, Creative Marketing Manager at Exient.

“It has been an absolute joy to watch the Lemmings story unfold through hundreds of hours of interview footage with the original DMA Design development team, video game industry execs and fans.

“The film celebrates everything that made the original game so special, including the city of Dundee in which it was made. And it celebrates the important place these little critters still have in popular culture.” 

Exient is an independent publisher of games on mobile devices based in the UK and Malta, committed to bringing world renowned IP to the free-to-play mobile space. Our unique, self-funded approach makes us both a great place to work and a great company to partner with.

For more information, visit https://www.exient.com

Healthy Tip – Love your heart this Valentine’s

Valentine’s Day is almost here! If you’re thinking of going for the easy option with a trip to the pub this February 14th, the love of your life may be a little downhearted.

Make a promise to think about your heart this Valentine’s Day with just a few healthier choices that can also be romantic too. Here are a few tips from us:

Massage

  • A relaxing spa day or couples massage is always a romantic option for Valentine’s Day. Massage has shown to improve blood flow and has shown promise as an adjunctive treatment for prehypertension and hypertension. Not to mention massage has shown to reduce stress levels and improve quality of life.

A Cheeky Dance

  • Dancing with someone special on your arm is sure to get your heart pumping, whether it’s a disco down at your local club or a spontaneous TikTok in the living room. A good boogie lifts your mood, makes you smile and gets the cheeks flushed. So, dim down the lights, set the tone and get your groove on.

Weekend Away

  • February is officially the last of the winter months so get out there and make the most of the fresh crisp air. Many parts of the UK have a frosty dusting on the rolling hills of the beautiful British countryside. Strap up your hiking boots, grab your partner’s hand and take your hearts to new heights.

Serve Oysters

  • Oysters have a historical reputation for being eaten in romantic situations. Though scientific evidence cannot prove eating them will improve your sex drive, it is known that oysters contain all 9 essential amino acids; they’re rich in protein, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.

The love of your life might be priceless to you, but remember your heart is priceless too.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:
https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/

Beware romance fraud this Valentine’s

POLICE are urging you to look out for friends and family this Valentine’s Day to help them stay safe from romance fraud.

Criminals go to great lengths to use fake profiles in an attempt to build seemingly genuine relationships, before appealing to your compassionate side to ask for money.

Your friend or family member may be involved in a romance scam if they express very strong emotions and commitment to someone they have only just met.

Another sign may be if they have sent, or are planning to send, money to someone they have not met face-to-face.

If you think someone you know has fallen for a romance scam they should contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.

Prime Minister: “Levelling Up is our mission and we’re getting on with the job of delivering it”

Johnson attempts to deflect attention from the Downing Street parties scandal – and he’s heading to Edinburgh

Next week the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, will get out of Westminster to see how the government is delivering on the people’s priorities across the country.

Taking the message directly to people on the ground, he will emphasise that under his new No10 operation there will be a laser-focus on levelling up, clearing the covid backlogs and improving living standards across the UK.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I’m getting out of London this week and taking a simple message with me – this government is getting on with the job of uniting and levelling up the country.

“Access to good healthcare, a good education, skilled work, reliable transport – none of this should depend on where you live. We’re changing the rules of the game to put fairness back at the heart of the system and focusing on the priorities that really matter to people. This is our mission and we’re getting on with delivering it.”

Starting the week in Scotland, he will visit a manufacturing site to meet with some of their 800 highly skilled workers and discuss how they’re using advanced technology to revolutionise their manufacturing processes.

He will also see some of the projects contributing to the UK’s world leading research and development sector, which were funded under the UK and Scottish Government’s 2018 Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Deal.

As part of the Levelling Up White Paper, the government committed to increase domestic public investment in R&D by at least 40% outside of the Greater South East.

Recognising the importance of supporting young people into the workplace and delivering his vision of a high skill, high wage, high productivity economy, the Prime Minister will also use the trip to meet with apprentices who are developing a range of skills from Cyber to mechanical and electrical engineering.

Following the publication of the electives recovery plan earlier this week, the Prime Minister will travel to the North West (of England – Ed.) to see how an oncology centre is tackling the covid backlogs by using technology and developing new ways of working.

The recovery plan sets out how the NHS will address unprecedented waiting lists caused by the pandemic, while redesigning how services are delivered to improve care for the long term. It includes more community diagnostic centres, surgical hubs and ways to give patients greater control over their own health and care, rapidly increasing capacity while reducing wait times.

Regular paracetamol use ‘linked to raised blood pressure’

Long-term paracetamol use could increase the risk of heart disease and strokes in people with high blood pressure, a study suggests.

Patients who have a long-term prescription for the painkiller, usually used for the treatment of chronic pain, should opt for the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, researchers say.

The University of Edinburgh study, published in the scientific journal Circulation, is the first large randomised clinical trial to address this question and complements earlier work in observational studies.

Paracetamol was often suggested as a safer alternative to another class of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are known to increase blood pressure and risk of heart disease.

Professor David Webb, Principal Investigator and Chair of Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Edinburgh, said: “We would recommend that clinicians start with a low dose of paracetamol, and increase the dose in stages, going no higher than needed to control pain.

“Given the substantial rises in blood pressure seen in some of our patients, there may be a benefit for clinicians to keep a closer eye on blood pressure in people with high blood pressure who newly start paracetamol for chronic pain.”

In the latest study, 110 patients with a history of high blood pressure were prescribed one gram of paracetamol four times a day – a routinely prescribed dose in patients with chronic pain – or a matched placebo for two weeks. All patients received both treatments, with the order randomised and blinded.

Those prescribed paracetamol saw a significant increase in their blood pressure, compared with those taking the placebo.

This rise was similar to that seen with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , and might be expected to increase the risk of heart disease or stroke by around 20 per cent, experts say.

The research team says the findings should lead to a review of long-term paracetamol prescriptions to patients – particularly those with high blood pressure, or those at particular risk of heart disease or stroke.

Professor James Dear, Chair of Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Edinburgh, said: “This study clearly shows that paracetamol – the world’s most used drug – increases blood pressure, one of the most important risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.

“Doctors and patients together should consider the risks versus the benefits of long-term paracetamol prescription, especially in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.”

Dr Iain MacIntyre, Lead Investigator and Consultant in Clinical Pharmacology and Nephrology at NHS Lothian, added: “This is not about short-term use of paracetamol for headaches or fever, which is, of course, fine – but it does indicate a newly discovered risk for people who take it regularly over the longer term, usually for chronic pain.”

Find Your Perfect Match at IOLLA this Valentine’s Day

Scottish eyewear brand IOLLA are ensuring Valentine’s Day will set your heart aflutter this year, collaborating with one of the country’s most-loved florists Mud Urban Flowers to offer customers the perfect match; stylish eyewear and beautiful blooms. 

With every purchase on Valentine’s Day, customers will receive an orange rose. Every rose will be individually wrapped with peach tissue, craft paper and tied with a satin ribbon. Roses will be available in showrooms including; Glasgow city centre, Finnieston and Edinburgh St James Quarter. The complimentary rose will be the perfect way to brighten up your own Valentine’s Day, or even gift to a loved one. 

Taking place in-store for one day only on Monday 14th February, IOLLA’s friendly team are determined to help customers find their perfect match this Valentine’s Day, pairing them up with a stylish range of sunglasses, glasses and modern accessories with a special treat from MUD included with any purchase. 

The Glasgow based eyewear retailer have also unveiled their newest styles including the ‘Wilson’, available in two of IOLLA’s most popular colours: Khaki Green and Medium Havana with more new styles set to be unveiled over the next few weeks. 

IOLLA, which means sight in Gaelic, create a friendly and inviting atmosphere in their four showrooms across the country, ensuring customers love the look they walk away with. Pairing up with MUD, the brands are brightening up the purchasing process this Valentine’s Day, no matter what kind of stylish eyewear you set your sights on. 

Delivering everything from fresh flowers, bespoke bouquets, daily designs and dried flowers across Scotland, Mud Urban Flowers are an Instagram sensation, delighting customers and followers with their custom designs. Their ever expanding portfolio means no two designs are the same with on-trend, seasonal blooms available to order for special occasions, a treat to yourself or you can subscribe to regular deliveries.

Chloe Milligan, Mud Urban Flowers Founder said, “Valentine’s Day is one of our favourite days of the year here at MUD. It’s all about sharing the love whether that’s with yourself, a friend, a family member or a loved one.

“When fellow Scottish brand IOLLA came to us with the idea of gifting their customers a little something extra special this Valentine’s Day, we instantly said yes.

“We also loved the twist on the traditional red rose, switching to an orange rose is fresh, fun and very IOLLA. We hope you love the idea as much as us and treat yourself or a friend to a pair of glasses and an IOLLA orange rose this Valentine’s Day!”

Kirsty Humpherson, Marketing Manager at IOLLA said: “We love creating new experiences for customers in our showrooms and this Valentine’s Day seemed like the perfect opportunity to pair up two of our favourite things – stylish eyewear and beautiful blooms!

“Whether it’s our handmade frames or sophisticated sunglasses, we make it our mission to find our customers’ perfect match and can’t wait to gift them a little something extra this Valentine’s Day.”

Single stemmed orange roses will be available on a first come first serve basis to guests at IOLLA’s showrooms, on any off-the-shelf purchases including their range of stand out sunglasses, contemporary cases and modern accessories. Subject to availability. 

IOLLA launched in 2015, introducing a better way to buy eyewear with their offering of complete prescription glasses and sunglasses for £75. Their mission is to help people look and feel great, empowering glasses wearers to build an eyewear wardrobe thanks to their diverse range of unique frame designs and affordable price point.

For more information and to keep up to date with all things IOLLA check out their website and follow them on Instagram:

www.iolla.com

https://www.instagram.com/iolla/

Celebrate Galentine’s Day with a Rabbie’s Tour

Rabbie’s Get Out & Help Out Scheme offers a 20 per cent discount on all UK and Ireland tours departing in February

Who says Valentine’s Day has to fit the same boring routine, who even says you have to bring your romantic partner along?! Book a weekend away with friends and upgrade the predictable Valentine’s obligations to a memorable ‘Galentine’s Day’. Plus, this February enjoy 20 per cent off all Rabbie’s UK and Ireland tours.

Rabbie’s boozy breaks take guests to state-of-the-art award-winning distilleries to learn how delicious whiskies and gins are created. These trips are perfect for groups, but you don’t need a special excuse to book! Other popular days out include visits to cosy Cotswold villages and charming coastal communities. Great group days out include:

Bombay Sapphire Gin & Winchester

Laverstoke Distillery, home of world-famous Bombay Sapphire Gin, is an old paper mill which combines Victorian and ultra-modern architecture to create a suitably stunning place to learn about and sample award-winning gin.

Bombay Sapphire has been recognised for its ethically minded production, not to mention its delicious taste. On a tour of the distillery, guests learn about the history of the wonderous drink and the hard work that goes into creating its beautiful botanical flavour.

After the tour and sampling session, guests are encouraged to visit The Mill Café, serving delicious local produce, and the Mill Bar, a glamorous spot to enjoy a cocktail alongside the River Test.

Guests on this tour will also visit the beautiful city of Winchester. Dive into the history of England’s ancient capital by exploring its glorious cathedral, ancient mill, cute cafes and plentiful museums.

Prices for this one-day tour departing from London start from £56 per person based on February and March 2022 departures.

Loch Lomond, Cruise & Whisky

Scotland takes its Whisky seriously, it’s the country’s national drink and takes skill and patience to create.

This tour departing from Glasgow mixes Whisky with Scotland’s other famous speciality, breath-taking views. The first stop is the southern shore of Loch Lomond, where a one-hour long boat cruise offers dramatic sights of castles and surrounding mountains.

The cruise visits Inchmurrin Island, the largest of Loch Lomond’s 33 islands and home to the ancient remains of Lennox Castle, a hiding spot once used by Robert the Bruce. Be sure to visit the picturesque village of Luss, complete with quaint cottages.

Return to Glasgow to visit to the renowned Clydeside Whisky Distillery. Proud to bring distilling back to the city, this state-of-the-art site can be found at the historic Queen’s Dock. Learn the secrets of Scotland’s national drink from an expert guide before visiting the tasting room; knowledge of the traditional methods makes the taste of single malt even more special.

Take some time to explore Glasgow’s vibrant bars and music venues to make this a Valentine’s to remember. Prices for this one-day tour start at £35 per person based on February and March 2022 departures.

Oxford & Traditional Cotswold Villages

After visiting Oxford’s historical colleges and delightful cafes, get ready for a whirlwind exploration of some the most quaint and beautiful villages in England. Begin at the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ – Burford.

A small market town which boasts enormous character and depth. Take time to visit the many independent shopping outlets on its famous steep high street, if you’re feeling peckish there’s plenty of spots for a traditional afternoon tea.

Make the short journey to Bibury, dubbed the prettiest village in England by William Morris, to stroll its charming streets and fairy-tale-like Arlington Row before embarking on the comfortable journey back to London.

Prices for the one-day tour start from £62 per person based on February and March 2022 departures.

As with all Rabbie’s tours, guests are transported in luxury 16-person mini-coaches and treated to the stories and services of a friendly-driver guide. The mini-coaches mean Rabbie’s tours can reach the smaller, independent destinations, ensuring your trips supports local communities and independent businesses.

Destinations in the UK and Ireland have seen reduced visitor numbers for the past two winters. To help make 2022 the winter of recovery, Rabbie’s is running a Get Out to Help Out Scheme, offering 20 per cent off trips departing in February.

Simply use the GETOUT20 discount code when booking at www.rabbies.com.

Five signs that your cat loves you

Cats can’t express love with a thoughtful greetings card or box of chocolates but learning to read a few tell-tale pointers can reveal how they really feel about you.

This Valentine’s Day, Cats Protection is sharing five behavioural signs that your cats loves and trusts you, as well as some tips for keeping them happy, healthy and safe.

If your cat displays any of these behaviours, it’s likely you’ve found a very content soulmate:

1. Slow blinking

If your cat slow blinks at you, it’s a big deal. It’s their way of signalling that they trust you enough to close their eyes in your presence. The best response is to slow blink back, letting them know the affection is mutual.

2. Showing their tummy

A cat’s tummy is a vulnerable area and most cats don’t like to be touched there. If your cat rolls over and shows their tummy, it’s a loving greeting and sign of trust. The temptation to stroke their tummy could result in a warning scratch. A better response would be a nice chin rub or tickle behind their ears as a sure way to generate affectionate purrs of appreciation.

3. Head bumps

Head bumps are the cat equivalent of a hug. When a cat rubs their head or cheek on you, they’re transferring some of their own scent, marking you as someone who is familiar and can be trusted. You might see them doing this to objects in your home too, which is marking their territory as safe and familiar.

4. Kneading

Kneading or ‘making biscuits’ is a behaviour cats perform as kittens to stimulate the flow of milk from their mum. Many cats continue doing it into adulthood and it’s thought they do this simply because it feels good and is a sign of contentment. If your cat starts kneading you, it likely means they’re happy and comfortable on your lap. If you can withstand their claws, that’s an extra sign that you love them too.

5. Tail pointing up

Cats can communicate a lot with just their tail. If it’s low and swishing from side-to-side, they’re feeling worried or indecisive. If their tail is puffed up, then it’s likely they’re scared or feeling stressed. But if your cat comes towards you with their tail pointing up, they are happy to see you and the best response is to let them sniff your hand and give them a fuss to show you’re happy to see them too.

Learning to read your cat’s body language is a great way to help you understand when they’re happy or when they’re stressed and want to be alone.

Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager, said: “While there are behaviours that are true for most cats as well as a few things that should be avoided, each cat is an individual. Getting to know your cat is one of the most fulfilling things about becoming a cat owner.

“Take your time, take their lead. Ask your cat to show you how they like to be treated. Some cats take longer than others to build a relationship, so don’t be too disappointed if you don’t become best friends straight away.”

Sharing special moments can be beneficial for you and your cat and there are simple ways to show them you care.

Cats love boxes. Anyone who has ever owned a cat knows how cats will squeeze into the smallest cardboard cartons. As solitary creatures by nature, having somewhere safe to snooze is important, especially if it is up high so they can keep an eye on their surroundings. Try filling a box with a blanket to make it even more cosy and place it in a warm, quiet corner.

Playing with your cat will release their feel-good hormones called endorphins and help to burn off excess energy. As natural hunters driven by the thrill of the chase, not hunger, cats love to stalk and pounce. Just 10 minutes a day will keep them happy, healthy and your best friend.

For more information visit Cats Protection’s online guide to cat behaviour.

2022: Make a Splash for RLSS UK

Now that January has been and gone you might be thinking of those new year’s resolutions you made last month and are yet to make a start on. Was taking on a new challenge one of them? How about raising money for charity?

If so, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) can help with their Make a Splash challenge. The challenge gives you the change to clock up miles in water-based activities including swimming, open water swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up-paddleboarding.

RLSS UK is a national charity and the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding training across the UK and Ireland and fundraising and donations can enhance communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on and around water, safely, because every life is worth saving.

Make a Splash challenges you to be the best version of yourself, both physically and mentally, as well as giving you the opportunity to smash some personal goals whilst helping everyone across the UK enjoy water safely.

Charity Director of the Royal Life Saving Society UK, Lee Heard, commented “The Make a Splash challenge is completely flexible in location and timescale so you can complete the challenge when it works for you in a way that suits your strengths. You can choose to swim, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and RLSS UK will offer full support throughout your challenge to keep you motivated.

“Make a Splash is available in a variety of distances: 10km, 25km, 50km, and 100km so you can take your pick on a distance to suit you. Entering the challenge means you will receive a swim hat along with a booklet full of tips and support to ensure you have everything you need to complete the challenge and succeed.

“When you complete the challenge, you’ll also receive a medal and certificate so you can celebrate your success.

“We also have a wealth of water safety advice to ensure that you stay safe during your challenge.

“Not only will you be completing a fantastic challenge, but you will be raising funds for charity help us to ensure that everyone can enjoy water safely can continue to be shared widely.

“At the start of each month, you can share your fundraising total and be added to the leaderboard and if you are crowned top fundraiser, you will win a prize at the end of the year.”

To find out more and to sign up to your Make a Splash challenge visit:

www.rlss.org.uk/make-a-splash and kickstart your fundraising.