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.
It may not be the Valentine’s Day we expected, but lockdown lovers and sassy singletons can still indulge from the comfort of their own home with Aldi’s Specialbuy Scottish Oysters.
On sale from today (11th February), there’s no need to shell out for the romantic delicacy, because love struck Aldi customers can pick up a pack of six fresh Scottish Oysters for just £2.99 (360g).
They do say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach and at these everyday amazing prices, there really is no reason to be shellfish this Valentine’s Day.
The oysters are being supplied to Aldi specially for Valentine’s Day by a co-operative of small-scale shellfish farmers based on the West Coast of Scotland, who belong to the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group.
Grown in mesh bags that are laid on low trestles on the shore at the low tide mark, the oysters grow naturally by feeding from the nutrient-rich tidal flows of Scotland’s seas. As the oysters grow, they are checked daily by the farmers and regularly sorted by hand to ensure optimum quality.
Derek Sharp, Commercial Manager at Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group, said: “With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is great to see Aldi support our small-scale farmers, who work collaboratively to provide the best quality oysters.
“Our oyster farms are Friend of the Sea certified, which demonstrates the use of responsible management systems, sustainability of production, social accountability and full traceability. Aldi customers can be confident that they are buying top quality produce.”
Although typically associated with all things romance, oysters also boast a wealth of health benefits. Rich in both vitamins and minerals, they are a fantastic source of Omega-3, meaning that it won’t just be your other half looking after your heart this Valentine’s Day.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said:“Oysters are known to be a delicacy, and we are really pleased to be working with the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group to give our customers a taste of luxury, at excellent value, this Valentine’s Day.
“This is another step forward in our championing of top-tier Scottish produce, and a chance for customers to celebrate their love in style. Aldi’s oysters will make the perfect appetiser for a special Valentine’s feast at home.”
Aldi’s fresh Scottish oysters are available from all UK stores from today (11th February) while stocks last. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.
‘A day in the life’ of an oyster farmer
Gordon Turnbull, Isle of Mull Oysters Ltd
“An oyster farmer’s schedule depends on the tide and my days are dictated by the moon. Typically, I’ll arrive at my oyster shed on the Isle of Mull around 7am to sort and grade the oysters from the previous day.
“I’ll wait for the tide to go out which reveals our trestle tables, home to between three and four million oysters at any one time.
“Then its go, go, go. The oysters that aren’t ready for market are returned to the shore. We’re really working against the tide as we only have a short window, between two and three hours, when our trestle tables are visible above the water.
When the tide comes back in we can take a short break and then its all go again a few hours later in the afternoon.
“This is my typical day during spring tide, which occurs twice each lunar month, during full or new moons when the average tidal ranges are slightly larger. A typical spring tide lasts for about seven to 10 days and during this time, we work seven days a week.
“Neap tides occur twice a month as well: when the sun and moon are at right angles to the Earth. When this happens, the tide does not go out far enough for us to access our trestle tables, so it’s a time for the oysters to relax and concentrate on growing, and I can get on with paperwork and general maintenance on the farm.
“It takes an oyster three to four years before it is ready for market, so there is a lot of checking and sorting involved in the job. It’s important that as the oysters grow, they are rearranged so that they live next to ones of similar size: this helps the oysters get sufficient nutrients from the sea and allows them to grow at an optimum rate.
“The conditions at the moment are perfect for harvesting oysters. High pressure is great because it makes the tide go out more, and that combined with clear, cold days is just ideal. Oysters tend to triple in size between June and October, so we spend the winter months sorting and harvesting, and the summer months sorting and carrying out the husbandry that creates the best possible oyster.
“Being part of the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group has been so important in helping me to grow my business, particularly over the past year. The work they do on behalf of us is just terrific, and it allows us to put all our focus on growing the best tasting oysters.”
Don’t know how to shuck?
Ideally you need an oyster shucking knife, but any other type of stout, short-bladed knife will do.
Wrap a tea towel over one hand and use it to hold the oyster firmly, the flattened side facing upwards.
In the other hand, place the tip of the shucking knife at the base of the hinge (sharp end of the oyster), twist the knife using pressure, then lever the knife upwards, or twist it to prise the hinge open.
Slide the knife right along and under the top shell to release the oyster and remove the top shell.
Try and hold the oyster level so as not to spill any tasty juices (especially if you are eating raw).
Use the knife to cut along the bottom shell to make sure the oyster is free and clear of that shell too.
Serve the oysters as soon as possible after opening. They can be enjoyed as they are, or with a simple squirt of lemon juice. Many people enjoy with a sprinkle of tabasco sauce.
Grilled Oysters with Butter
By Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group
Serves 2 people
Ingredients
6 whole live oysters
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 tablespoons of unsalted Scottish butter, softened
Squeeze of lemon juice
Cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon of parsley, chopped very finely
Method
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 4 minutes
Ready in: 14 minutes
In a bowl, mix together all of the sauce ingredients until well combined.
To keep the oysters upright, use piles of rock salt or rice if you don’t have any salt.
Divide the butter mixture between the shell and place under the grill for 2-4 minutes.
Recognising that around 40% of people in the UK are either sick of Valentine’s Day or don’t celebrate it because they’re single, a leading Scottish tourism business has revealed a risqué Sin in the City tour that offers the perfect remedy and delves into a hidden history that no other tour covers.
The special edition adults-only walking tour of Edinburgh, delivered by the award-winning storytellers at five star Mercat Tours, will explore the lanes that hid Scotland’s historical capital city’s darker establishments. Those on the tour will hear intimate secrets about some of the most iconic Scots, such as Mary Queen of Scots, and the city’s naughtiest residents, including the famous Scottish biographer and diarist James Boswell (who had a thing for bark!)
Speaking about the new tour, Lauren Ni Maoilmhichil, a tour guide at Mercat Tours said: “For some Valentine’s day is a tough reminder that they’re single or their marriage or relationship has broken down.
“Others are simply sick of Valentine’s Day and prefer to spend it with their friends instead. Indeed in recent years there has been a move towards a global Galetines trend, celebrating friendships among women.
“We invite all of those people to join us and break with slushy Valentine’s traditions on our new tour for an evening of sordid stories and hearty laughs as we keep the true risqué tales of Edinburgh’s most rampant historical residents alive. It’s the perfect Galentine’s or alternative Valentine’s night out.”
For the last 30 minutes of the tour, participants can curl up in the cosy Megget’s Cellar for candlelit storytelling and a complimentary glass of fizz.
Dates: Friday 14 February 9.15pm and Saturday 15 February 6.15pm
Come dine with celebrity chef TONY SINGH and TV presenter GAIL PORTER this Valentine’s Day
In support of two wonderful charities – Pulse of the Place and Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) The Soldiers’ Charity”
A top Edinburgh fundraising team has created a sizzling Curry & Ceilidh night to help send North Leith youth samba band, Pulse of The Place, to New York City Tartan Week this April, as well as supporting the fundraising efforts of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
The exciting Curry and Ceilidh, masterminded by celebrity chef Tony Singh MBE and Major Del Hamilton, Personnel Recovery Centre (PRC) Edinburgh aims to build on the work by Tania Pramschufer and Olya Arren of Hand Up Events who have been the driving force behind the NYC trip.
The 2020 vision for this year’s trip to the Big Apple is to provide young drummers with a new and exciting platform to perform at while joining the World Fair Trade Tartan Clan at the annual Tartan Week Parade.
Pulse of the Place has undertaken a serious fund-raising campaign to underpin their efforts over the past year and are making a the last hard effort to secure all the necessary funding. On hearing their plans, chef Tony Singh has drawn in huge support from the army Personnel Recovery Centre’s Edinburgh team to make the evening a “sought after” Valentine’s Day event at the exclusive Redford Barracks Garrison Sergeants’ Mess – this February the 14th.”
The evening will lift off with celebrity hosts Tony Singh showcasing his culinary skills and TV presenter Gail Porter adding her infectious fun touch to the exciting auction with a chance to bid for some luxury prizes, including:
*Three course dinner for six held exclusively in the Green Room, Edinburgh Castle Officers Mess;
*One o’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle for a family or a group of four people to have a memorable opportunity in getting a full insight into the One O’clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle. This will be followed by an exclusive lunch in the Castle Officers Mess.
*Dinner Bed & Breakfast for Two (Sun – Thurs) at Dunkeld House Hotel – one night stay in a double or twin guest bedroom with 3 course dinner and full Scottish breakfast as well as full use of the Estate Club.
Guests will also enjoy a performance from Pulse of the Place drummers and of course there will be all mighty Cheilidh taking place – compering for the ceilidh band “Drop of the Good Stuff” guaranteeing a full on fun night! Great beats and dancing the night away, Gail will talk the guests through the steps, meaning all levels are welcome to join.
Celebrity chef, Tony Singh MBE, said: “As soon as I heard about the fundraising plans to get the young drummers to New York – I thought I had to be able to help in some way.
“These are an incredible young group, who sometimes against the odds, come out playing, smiling and lifting people’s spirits. Gaining the backing of the wonderful army Personnel Recovery Centre team has been a real boost – and a really fun event to be involved in – especially as we will be fundraising for both charities.
So we are encouraging people to do something different on Valentine’s Day this year and join us at an incredaible location Redford Barracks for some great food and ceilidh on down! Singles, couples, friends, relatives, collegues – a night for everyone!”
Host of the evening TV presenter, author and journalist Gail Porter said: “I have been on stage with Pulse of the Place at the events organised by Hand Up Events a number of times now and they really do represent a truly professional and vibrant samba style with a Scottish twist.
“It will be an amazing sight and sound to see them march as part of the World Fair Trade Tartan Clan, in the Tartan Day Parade.”
Major Del Hamilton RLC, Officer Commanding, Personnel Recovery Centre Edinburghadded: “This is a terrific opportunity for us to showcase the hugely important work of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity which provides an incredibly important service to many soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are most in need.
“This fundraiser will help give us the ongoing funds and profile for our charity. In addition, it is a great collaboration and way to bring our skills and talents together to create a fun, one off event and give our backing to these young people. Our ceilidh band “Drop of the Good Stuff” and the ABF team are ready to make the night a memorable one.”
Event organiser & director,Tania Pramschufer, Hand Up Eventssaid: “We are just over the moon with the support we have been given by Major Del Hamilton and his Personal Recovery Centre team alongside Tony and Gail.
“It is a real honour to hold this fun event in the exclusive Redford Barracks Garrison Sergeants’ Mess and join efforts in support of Pulse of the Place and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Both charities, even though different in nature, have got positive impact and outlook, that we want to draw attention to and raise funds for!
“Pulse of the Place have participated in events organised by Hand Up Events and performed in the Scottish Parliament and at a number of concerts and events including the World Fair Trade Fiesta 2017; fashionABLE fashion shows; World Fair Trade Day 2019 at the Usher Hall alongside our very own Gail Porter and now aim to represent Scotland at the Tartan Day Parade 2020.”
All profits from the event will go to the two charities Pulse of the Place and the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. No fees have been paid to hosts or third parties.
Royal Mail is celebrating Valentine’s Day by reaching into the archives and revealing the intriguing history of sending love through the post
The historic cards, which can be viewed in an online gallery, feature striking designs of lace, fabric flowers and mechanical elements revealing a hidden message or scene
Visitors to the gallery can create their own Victorian puzzle purse card using our special template and step-by-step instructions, available here
The collection also includes ‘Vinegar Valentines’, a curious social phenomenon of sending offensive notes on Valentine’s Day.
Royal Mail is celebrating Valentine’s Day by reaching into the archives and revealing the intriguing history of sending love through the post.
Royal Mail is exploring the history of sending Valentine’s cards, while outlining how different generations of Brits have sought to make their missives more memorable over the years.
An online gallery, illustrated with beautiful examples of cards through the ages, reveals the intriguing history of Valentine’s Day cards. It also provides a step-by-step guide for site visitors to create a Victorian-style puzzle purse card, allowing them to make their own personalised tribute to a loved one.
The Victorian Puzzle Purse card
The tradition of sending Valentine’s cards first began in the late 18th Century. Many people crafted their own intricate cards that were gifts in themselves. The earliest surviving example of a handmade Valentine’s card dates from 1790, and is known as a puzzle purse or courtship envelope.
The elaborate design has to be unfolded in a particular way in order to reveal the hidden verses of poetry inside.
Puzzle Purse Valentine, c.1790. Image courtesy of The Postal Museum
Visitors to the gallery can create their own version of this unusual card with Royal Mail’s special puzzle purse template, available to download here,along with special instructions. You can also watch our playful stop-motion animation of the card being made here.
Intricate printed cards become popular
As Valentine’s cards grew in popularity, printed cards became increasingly fashionable. The example below was the first ever printed card to be published, by John Fairburn in 1797.
This delicate design includes hand-painted cupids, doves and flowers, as well as a lace effect produced by piercing the corners of the paper. However, the messages were a lot more formal and considerably less direct than today’s expressions of love. The handwritten message inside the card reads:
“As I have repeatedly requested you to come I think you must have some reason for not complying with my request, but as I have something particular to say to you I could wish you make it all agreeable to come on Sunday next without fail and in doing you will oblige your well wisher.”
First printed Valentine’s card, published in 1797 by John Fairburn. Image courtesy of York Museums Trust
Valentine’s cards soared in popularity following the introduction of the Penny Post in 1840. This allowed standard letters to be sent anywhere in the UK for just a penny, and extended the practice of sending Valentine’s correspondence beyond the upper classes to the whole of society.
With increased demand came the widespread production of highly ornate cards. Many featured mechanical parts which worked to uncover a hidden message or scene. According to experts at The Postal Museum, some men would spend up to a month’s wages on a card, such as this example with gilt-embossed paper lace and fabric flowers.
‘Your love my happiness’ Valentine Card, c.1870. Image courtesy of The Postal Museum
A gold scrap at the bottom displays the message. The girl is printed using an early form of multicolour lithography and is surrounded by fabric and waxed flowers.
Vinegar Valentines
However, not all Valentine’s correspondence was so cordial. So-called ‘Vinegar Valentines’ were popular in the Victorian era as a means of insulting or making fun of the recipient.
These venomous cards generally came in the form of rude poems and offensive drawings. To add insult to injury, before the introduction of the Penny Post in 1840, the recipient had to pay the postage charge themselves.
A range of attributes could provide the basis for insults, including the recipient’s looks, temperament, profession or relationship. In this particular Vinegar Valentine, a man resembling a frog is about to kiss an unattractive woman. A rhyme at the bottom reads:
Madam I’ve found a Beau for you.
So perfect match’d, I’m sure he’ill do
For he like you does take delight
To make his form a very fright.
Design for a Vinegar Valentine, c.1790. Image courtesy of The Postal Museum
Many more intriguing examples of these historic cards can be found in Royal Mail’s online gallery.
Sending messages of love through the post is still an important part of Valentine’s Day today. According to the Greeting Card Association, £43.7 million worth of cards was sold in 2016.
Royal Mail Head of Public Affairs, David Gold, said: “It’s touching to see how over the years the Valentine’s card has cemented its role as the primary way of expressing our love for one another on February 14. It’s clear that the personal touch of setting pen to paper has in no way diminished its appeal on Valentine’s Day over that time.
“Royal Mail is proud of the role it has played in the evolution of Valentine’s cards, supporting both a rich history of beautiful design as well as enabling massive social change.
“The puzzle purse card is a great idea for those wishing to send something unique this February.”
Discover the puzzle purse template and instructions here.
International filmmaker Terry Gilliam has revealed a ten metre-long illuminated neon quotation from Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote in the heart of the Old Town ahead of Valentine’s Day:Continue reading The things we do for love …
Firefighters are urging the public to make sure they don’t risk tragedy if they plan to turn up the heat on Valentine’s Day …
With people throughout Scotland set to enjoy a romantic evening with someone special, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is reminding everyone how they can prevent distraction leading to disaster.
Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, the SFRS director of prevention and protection, said: “Many people will be marking Valentine’s Day with a romantic meal at home so it’s important that they aren’t leaving themselves and their loved ones at needless risk from fire.
“Kitchens are the most common starting point of house fires and someone getting distracted while they’re cooking is a very common cause.
“It only takes a moment for a fire to start and if you’re not concentrating then cooking even the simplest meal can lead to a serious incident.
“The chance of a fire happening dramatically increases if a person tries to cook while they’re under the influence of alcohol – we all need to accept these things just don’t mix.”
People should never walk away from a cooker while the grill or hob is on.
As householders look to set a romantic atmosphere SFRS is also making clear that even the small flame from a candle can lead to a home, or lives, being lost to fire.
ACO Ramsay added: “Candles are very popular decorations but they’re also a significant fire risk and anyone using them needs to make sure they do so safely.
“It’s vital lit candles aren’t left unattended or placed where they could be accidentally knocked over or set fire to things like furniture, curtains or clothing.
“The fact is fires tend to start when our attention stops. Understanding the hazards and choosing to take a few very easy steps to address them really does save lives.”
Where fires do start, early warning is crucial if people are to get to safety, with working smoke alarms known to save lives, prevent injuries and minimize damage to property.
Householders can also install heat alarms in kitchens as these devices will detect a fire early without being activated by smoke produced from cooking.
PEOPLE in Scotland are being reminded to take some time to think of their health this Valentine’s Day …
As people’s thoughts turn to celebrating love and romance (Eh? – Ed), Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service is urging people to take some simple steps to avoid passing on any unwanted gifts on February 14th.
Professor George Crooks, NHS 24 Medical Director, said: “Many people mark Valentine’s Day by exchanging cards with their loved ones. Make sure the only thing you share with your partner this Valentine’s Day are these type of romantic moments and not a cold sore or other infection.
“If you have a cold sore, it is important to avoid kissing until they have completely healed and always wash your hands before or after touching the affected area. The online health library at NHS inform also includes helpful advice and tips about preventing halitosis or bad breath. Practising good hand hygiene will also ensure that you don’t pass on any unwanted germs to your loved one.
“You could also give your partner the gift of stopping smoking this Valentine’s Day. As well as preventing bad breath, there are many benefits to quitting, from lowering the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases to saving money which you could use to buy flowers or chocolates for that someone special in your life.
“Take some time to think about your health this Valentine’s Day and remember there is a wealth of health advice and information available at your fingertips at www.nhsinform.co.uk”
