LIFESTYLE – Page 16 – Freak Deluxe

HOW BINGO BECAME COOL!

Bingo has suffered over the years with a reputation that perhaps isn’t as cool as it could be. The image of groups of older people going down to the local bingo hall still sticks in many peoples’ minds as the prevailing image of a game that has never entirely disappeared.

Bingo’s enduring popularity

Bingo halls cropped up throughout the UK in the 50s and 60s and gave people – the clientele were mostly female – a place to go and play their game, socialise with their friends, meet new people and have the chance of winning.

As the game is simple and easy to pick up, it’s perhaps been more popular with those who don’t want to become entrenched in more complicated gambling games, and is easily accessible for everyone to have a go at.

Bingo halls were extremely popular and a common sight in many towns and cities for years. Their popularity took rather a nosedive as the reputation of bingo became predominantly working class and other forms of entertainment became cheaper and more accessible.

The bingo revival

Chains like Mecca Bingo managed to corner the market of the surviving bingo aficionados, offering as they do, the chance for people to come together and socialise while they play. However, you could argue that bingo is a more solitary pursuit when taken seriously. Anyone who has been in a bingo hall will be familiar with the hushed silence that goes along with the number calling, and the sheer concentration needed to keep up with multiple games.

The fact is bingo is a very enjoyable game to play – it’s simple yet holds your concentration and can become pretty addictive. Its social aspect is also behind its recent online revival with lots of companies now offering sophisticated bingo games online, along with special bonuses and the chance to chat with friends.

Bingo moves online

With its shift online with companies like Coral Bingo (www.coral.co.uk/bingo) offering a seamless way to play bingo, chat with friends and win excellent prizes, it’s not surprising the game has become cool again. More and more people are discovering the joy of online bingo and the core demographic has shifted to the younger generation.

No longer the preserve of older players, bingo is now popular with people in their 20s and 30s, and with online bingo sites becoming ever more sophisticated, even younger. The ability to play bingo on handheld devices like tablets and smartphones is obviously part of the appeal – it’s an easy game to dip in and out of, and the seamless integration of web and mobile apps make this simple and fast for players.

FITNESS FIRST COMBATS BLUE MONDAY WITH RED MONDAY

Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve never heard of Blue Monday before, apparently it dates back to 2005 when UK psychologist Cliff Arnall created a formula to calculate the most miserable day of the year. Lack of sunshine, holiday debt, failed New Year’s resolutions and minimal motivational levels result in being depressed and less active. *Shrugs* Perhaps this might be true for most of us.

Well Fitness First is launching Red Monday in a bid to turn this negative day into a positive one. On Monday 20th January 2014 Fitness First will host complimentary classes for members and non members to boost the nation’s mood on the UK’s most depressing day of the year. Bringing positivity to the day by turning things red – the colour of motivation, passion and energy.

The UK’s best loved Olympian and fitness enthusiast, Victoria Pendleton, will be visiting the Tottenham Court Road club to meet and encourage gym goers. Victoria will be on hand to impart advice on all things fitness – from Spin to sit-ups, treadmill to training as well as diet and well being.

Victoria says “Fitness First are leaders in expert fitness and something accessible for everyone like Red Monday is such a positive initiative. Fitness makes you feel more positive and happy about yourself so I am proud to support Red Monday. I really want to help get the nation fit and active so it’s great that Fitness First are opening their doors for a day for anyone to join in for free. My tip for exercise is to change what you are doing often, think of the benefits to your mind and body, and have loads of fun doing it!’

We’ll be there, will you?

FROM EMPTY SPACE TO STYLISH BEDROOM

Creating a stately household environment is of paramount importance to any homeowner who wishes to stamp their own authority and reside in a home that provides the quality of life they desire. From the wall of floor and wall decoration to choice of furniture and décor, each choice should not only be suitable for the respective rooms they are placed in, but also reflect the owner’s personality and fashionable taste. As a household ultimate reflects its owner, it is important for you to create a warm, welcoming home that you and prospective guests can enjoy being in.

Every residential property is built with a various number of rooms which can be utilised to provide the basic home-orientated functions and offer additional space. Although external buildings, such as a garage and tool shed, are ideal storage facilities, certain household may offer a stylish bedroom/spare room which provide great potential to improve the profile and overall look of a home.

The Problem with Spare Rooms

Spare rooms are often created by moving into a property with more rooms than you require, or by the departure of children move onto pastures new as young adults to start their own life. While they may appear to be empty space with little use, spare rooms open up a world of opportunities which not only contribute to the overall outlook of a property, but also provide an additional function which may increase the quality of life you enjoy. The fundamental problem with having space at your disposal is the immediate urge to utilise it to decrease clutter in other rooms, and create a storage room for boxes and other items you may need to put away somewhere safe. This can be useful for having items at hand if and when you require them, but it can lead to a considerable build-up of clutter that looks untidy and non-presentable to prospective guests who may be less than impressed. Furthermore, it can take away from the quality of décor chosen for the room as floor space and overall room space is overpowered with boxes.

Benefits of Guest Rooms

Instead of leaving a spare room unused or filling it with clutter, creating a guest room can have considerable benefits for you and your household as a whole. Creating a fashionable room which aesthetical qualities is instantly welcoming for any friend or family member you welcome to stay in your home. It effectively prevents the awkwardness of asking someone to sleep on the couch or floor as a lovely, warm room with a comfortable bed is available. There are 1000’s of guest beds available at bedstar, each providing an element of design qualities and comfort that allow guests to enjoy a relaxing night’s sleep without any aches or pains. Integrating good quality flooring and wall decoration can contribute towards creating a relaxing environment and a room that is perfect for any guest to stay in. The element of quality can be further increased by purchasing lovely ornaments and décor that either incorporate a running theme throughout a guest room, or simply accompany other features to create a multi-functional space that adds to the value of a property.

12 TIPS TO GET TO SLEEP FAST

Isn’t it the worst thing when you have to get up bright and early the next morning, but when you go to bed you can’t get to sleep no matter how hard you try? If you’ve been partying as hard as us over the party season chances are your sleep pattern will be well and truly f***ed. Obviously there’s the old “make sure you sleep and wake at the same time” and “exercise during the day” “get yourself into a routine” regular stuff; we know all of that already, and when you want to get to sleep right now godammit, that information doesn’t help.

Here are 12 tips to get to sleep fast, we’ll have you catching some zzz’s in no time.

1. Soak It Off

Take a hot shower/bath before bed, this raises your skins temperature which then quickly drops when you get out – mimicking the actions of the brain that trigger body cooling hormones when it’s time for bed. Add a couple of drops of lavender oil to your bath, and/or moisturise your wet skin with some olive oil scented with a few drops of lavender or camomile oil.

2. Streeehhhh-tch!

Just saying it like that has me yawning – stretch every part of your body starting from your toes up. Lie on your back and focus on each individual body part consciously tensing and relaxing that body part until you’ve reached your head. Start by curling your toes for a count of seven, then relax; next wind your ankles for the same count, then relax. You get the gist.

3. Lavender

A couple of drops of Lavender essential oil will naturally help to relax you. You can throw a couple of drops on a cloth and place it in your pillowcase, you could also use a diffuser. Oooor you could get your partner to give you a relaxing massage with some of that previously mentioned olive/lavender oil mix.

4. Calming Camomile

Have a cup of warm Camomile tea before bed.

5. Switch Off

Refrain from switching the TV back on, looking on Tumblr/Instagram/Facebook, leave the phone/iPad alone, keep the lights off (dim at most). These things mimic the intensity of sunlight and fool the body into thinking it’s nowhere near time for bed.

6. Chill Out

Keep your room cool (not cold, trying to get to sleep in a cold room is not the one), this lowers your core body temperature which initiates sleepiness. I’ve read that 65˚F/18˚C is the best place to start.

7. Music

If you feel like the silence is deafening, throw on some chill out music at a low level – not too low that you have to struggle to hear but not high enough for it to keep you awake. Avoid music that you want to sing/hum along to.

8. Mask It

If you can’t help but look around the room wide eyed in a never ending train of thought, try wearing a sleep mask to keep those peepers closed and block out any light sources.

9. Profilin’

Sleep on your side, this reduces your chance of snoring. Which in turn reduces the chances of you waking yourself up once you’ve finally dozed off.

10. Daydream

Think of something very calming such as a picturesque waterfall, gazing into the clouds. Imagine doing something that you and a loved one both love doing. Imagine your ideal sleeping conditions (maybe on a bed of the softest feathers, or on a bed of clouds).

11. Breathe

Lying on your back do some deep breathing exercises to relax the body and initiate sleep. Breathe in through the nose for four counts, hold for two, then out through the mouth for four counts. Repeat as necessary.

12. Climax

If all else fails, actually this might be something you want to try first – climax. Whether you’re doing it yourself, or you’re getting it on with your lover – take it all the way there and orgasm. Research using PET (positron emission tomography) scans have shown that in order for a person to reach orgasm, a primary requirement is to let go of “all fear and anxiety”. Doing so also tends to be relaxing and brings on the tendency to snooze. Do it!!!

The key to this is to make relaxation your goal rather than sleep itself. Once you’ve mastered these tips to get to sleep fast, the only sleepless nights you’ll be having will be when you’re pounding it out on the dance floor til 7am!

LIFESTYLE: DALSTON CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Dalston Christmas Market takes place this Sunday 1st December in Dalston Square and the surrounding streets. This is a new one-day event from City Showcase Markets, organisers of the annual Soho Flea Market (“the most glamorous flea market in the UK” says Cosmo) which attracted over 15,000 people in 2013 (championed by Harpers, Elle, Time Out, Metro, Stylist and many more).

A breath of fresh air, Dalston Christmas Market offers a vibrant, innovative alternative to more traditional ‘German style’ Christmas markets and will feature artisans, artists, fashion and jewellery designers, furniture makers, ceramicists, and card makers, as well as food and drink stalls. A live stage will host new music, comedy and performances by local school choirs.

Stalls will include:

– Reiko Kaneko, celebrated ceramicist whose products have featured in Elle, Maison Interior and beyond.

– Lucy Loves This – hand-pulled screen printed bags, fashion and beyond featuring words and illustrations inspired by food, London, travel, and music.

– Cecily Vessey – city and landmark inspired ceramics, textiles and stationary products that can be found in the Tate Modern, National Theatre and The Shard (The View).

– Franchini & Friends – fine meats (including the ultimate beef sandwich) acclaimed by food critics and bloggers alike and enjoyed everywhere from Stoke Newington to Selfridges.

– Pugs Might Fly – seasonal pug-themed decorations championed by Sunday Times Style, Stylist and Cosmopolitan.

– Storm in a Teacup – unique jewellery from the brand recently featured in Telegraph’s ‘The Trendy 20’.

– Eightbear – illustrated cards, prints and books for children and adults.

– Catherine Tough – ethically produced, contemporary high quality knitted and handcrafted gifts and interior accessories.

– Sabine Gerth – environmentally sound leather accessories and gifts made with high quality Italian leather off cuts.

– Sugar&Style – unique and original clothing, bags and accessories.

– Jess Russell Flint – Silk scarves, makeup bags, greeting cards, and limited edition prints.

– The Populist -. Limited edition photographic prints from Hackney-based photographers.

– Delight London – necklaces and accessories.

– Chubba Art & Design – includes food-serving platters crafted from up-cycled old skateboards.

– What The Dickens – street food traders who combine Victorian tailoring and iconic English fayre such as kedgeree with musical performance.

– Anna Mae’s Mac & Cheese – Southern American street food.

– Studio Roam – cashmere baby blankets, scarves, hats and dressing gowns.

– Home Slice – tableware, lampshades, cushions depicting traditional East End shop fronts.

– Fee Fee La Fou – curiosities and confectionary from Dalston.

DCM is in support of Hackney Winter Night Shelter, a local charity that provides shelter for homeless people during the winter.

“Following the continued and growing success of Soho Flea Market, we decided to broaden out our reach with an event that could easily combine cutting edge design with a vibrant local community in one of London’s emerging creative hotbeds.” Nanette Rigg, Founding Director of City Showcase

Products from Soho Flea Market stallholders including Red Dot award-winning Rokos design; fabulous leather bags by N’Damus, and beautiful home accessories from etoile Home and Yorke Design can now also be purchased from the webshop on the City Showcase: Markets website, www.cityshowcasemarkets.com.

Sunday December 1st 2013; 11am – 7pm; Dalston Square, London E8